Ford Focus v VW Golf (used 3 years old)

OddballJamie

Johno100 wrote: »

Only if they go for the ST with the 2.0L Ecoboost engine, the standard models of the MK3 are either 1.6 or 1.0.

They still won't be able to get a 3 year old used Focus ST, they weren't released until summer 2012.

I also very much doubt they are when they've mention 105bhp.

GoldenShadow

I upgraded from my student run around car to a nicer one recently. Went for a Fiesta Titanium. I love the add ons the Titanium comes with and am very pleased with it. Looked at VWs but I don't much like the interiors (or exteriors actually). I just find them quite boring and not as reliable as they appear to be.

DoaM wrote: »

Nothing wrong with my Golf.

(2012 reg GT with 2.0L 140PS diesel engine)

My Mum's 08 2.0L TDI has had its fair share of issues. Head gasket cost over £1,000 a couple of years ago just to name one thing...

IamNotAllowedToUseMyName

Check out resale value of older models too. I was quite surprised at the guide price for our 13 year old Golf.

I know lots of happy old Golf owners, and a number of people who are happy new Golf owners. Anyone tends to be happy about their car when it works and unhappy if it doesn't.

Don't dismiss the 1.0 EcoBoost edition (if they are available in your price range). I know someone who loves his and his day job is testing for JLR.

scaredofdebt

The Ford is more reliable and cheaper to repair than the VW, but there's not that much between them.

Definitely avoid diesel at that mileage.

You should look for a fairly high specced model regardless, you pay a much smaller premium for this on a second hand car compared to new and it will make the depreciation slightly less in future. Having said that, the more toys the car has, the more things there are to go wrong, but that's mainly a concern if you're buying something French!

You've not mentioned your budget, Ford is cheaper.

square_bear

My budget is around £6500 - 7000.
I have bought cars from an auction in the past, but the rules have changed slightly as you can't sit in the car and view it beforehand only when it's literally about to go through the ring.

I hate buying and selling cars.

bigjl

harveybobbles wrote: »

1.6 petrol Focus will be awful on fuel compared to the 1.8 or 2.0 petrol.

Avoid diesel for that sort of mileage. Or just avoid diesel full stop, unless someone else is paying for repairs.

Golf will be like sitting inside a lump of coal.

Why would the 1.6 be worse?

The Focus is not a huge car.

Even a 2011 Galaxy can be had with a 1.6 petrol engine.

I did glance at the economy figures for the 2.0 Petrol and unless the info I was reading was wrong the 1.6 was more economical.

Though not a Focus they are still examples of similar cars with the same engines.

Not sure about the 1.8 but the 2.0 is available in the newer shape.

£7k will get a nice Zetec spec 1.6 Focus at a Car Supermarket.