HCFX2013

I've spent many miles in multiple Rangers for work, and I can say that the F-150 is a much better truck. More power, more space, better interior, same/better on fuel...the list goes on.

My family has a 2012 Focus. The trans has been fine so far, however it's only got 10k miles on it. I don't anticipate it being fine for long.

schnurks

Thank you all for your input. It's exactly what I was looking for!

I went to the dealership today to service the focus for the dct issues once more (they might just do a software reset, who knows). In the meantime I took a test drive in an XLT both highway and city. It was great - really comfy truck, good power, dead quiet inside when stopped and it handled and accelerated a lot better than my father's Escape.

I told him I was interested in the STX 4x2 supercab. So it boiled down to 250$ biweekly 4% interest for 72 months including rebates AND absolving the negative equity on the trade-in. I get 9,000$ in Ford rebates + 1,000$ Costco member and Plan X for my job.

What do you guys think? Some aspects are negotiable - I'd like winter tires for one. Should I be looking into different options?

zx12-iowa

Stx is the best value there is on these trucks. I say go for it. You will have no regrets and the resale will be good too...

wolfy53

Never negotiate on monthly payments. For sure do the out the door price. that would include all the dealer fee's taxes, etc. Then when you get them down on that go after your trade in price. Work the entire deal. Go to 2-3 dealers and do the same thing. Get them bidding.

Example. I traded in our 2008 tsx for my wifes maxima. Dealers best trade in price was $13,000 Best price... yeah right. By the time I was done with them I traded that same car in for $24,500 This was 4-5 years ago. Over 10K they tried to cheat me out of. Its a game. You must play it!

Chad81

OP definitely go with the F150, you won't regret it. Modern full size pickup trucks have better fuel economy than compact/mid-size trucks. The full size pickup has so many more advantages than a compact, that little 3.7L engine in the F150 is a night and day difference in terms of technology and power than the 4.0L.

schnurks

"Its ironic that you are sitting in this situation because my wife actually owns a 2013 Ford Focus SE and while it is most of the times it is ok to drive, the clutch issue is terribly annoying, especially when it is cold outside. Has it gotten any better for you??"

No it hasn't. Picked up my car yesterday getting serviced for the transmission. They didn't change anything. The transmission wasn't "bad enough" to get replaced. Warranty issues I guess. I chugged out with it right in the dealers parking lot before heading home.

Right now I'm debating the switch very seriously.

The only thing that's got me worried is gas consumption. Will stop and go traffic one way to work greatly hinder MPG or will it be 1-2 difference. I want the 3.7L V6 obviously - and some of you get pretty acceptable mileage with it for a truck. I'm just looking at a worst case scenario.

The dealer mentioned that some offers such as Ford rebates and Costco would "change" at the start of next month. Sort of feels pressured but I guess I can always ask them to match them if I don't make my mind up this week.

I asked about the STX 4x2. I'm interested in the 201A group package (fogs, rear window, rad upgrade etc) and the appearance package for bigger wheels (might hinder MPG) and the grille.

So my question goes back to MPG. Should I return to the dealer and ask for another test drive. Maybe lengthier and my choice of roads/highway to really determine what I think of the fuel efficiency?

Thanks again for the input guys, really appreciated. It's quite a big decision for me.

Adam013085

I don't think you will get a feel for fuel efficiency on a test drive, you can't judge that based on the few miles driven on test drives. People on this forum are very knowledgeable and will help out. City driving will lower your MPG some. If you are looking strictly for MPG and need a weekend truck why not buy an older truck and drive it on the weekends and a good MPG car during the week? You sound like you do quite a bit of weekly driving.

schnurks

It's not strictly for MPGs - I know they will be higher than my focus (which gets aorund 26 atm). I'm spending about 200$ a month right now on gas. So I'd expect to spend another 100$ if I switch (if my calculations are right).

There's also the fact that I'll have more flexibility and utility with the bed - and that comes with the lower MPGs. I won't switch to having two cars simply because my driveway won't take it - even less so in the winter, and I'm trying to distance myself from the dreaded DCT. It's a known issue that plagues the Focus and I'm just so tired of paying the price of a new car for something that sounds like a pile of scrap and shifts like I'm learning to drive stick.

I absolutely loved the truck driving it - but being budget minded on the side means I'm now stressing about the fuel cost. Having looked up and down forums settles me down a bit concerning the fuel efficiency but for some reason it's hardwired into my brain that a truck will cost me upwards of 500$ in gas per month.

I won't be going to the dealership today anyway - have to work. That's another factor too. Seeing how much is negotiable on the truck.

Adam013085

Hopefully they don't make you take a bath on your 13 focus. I could see that happening since those cars are a dime a dozen. Good luck keep us posted... Also I would look at a credit union or something for financing 4% is really high for a new vehicle.

rbrais

I loved my Ranger (Super Cab) and had it for 10 years. 4x4 with 5-speed stick and 4.0. Got between 17 and 18 mpg. An auto will probably get slightly less.


Once I got used to my F-150, I wouldn't want to go back due to the lack of space in the cabin, but it was all I was used to. Going to a Ranger from a Focus, you shouldn't mind the Ranger's cabin. I can't fit in a regular cab ranger because my legs are too long. The super cab allows you to slide the seat back a little more.


My 5.4 F-150 ('02) was getting 14 mpg before I modified it. My boss's '13 5.0 gets between 14 & 15 mpg.