Mk1 Focus 1.6 or Mk6 Fiesta 1.6

[UncappedTag]

What would you go for.

I'm set on either max budget of £3.5k and do not necessarily need the space of a Focus (used to have an ST170 a few years back) I also owned a MK6 1.4 Fiesta when they first came out in 2002. Great car and up until recently have been driving the ex's 1.25 MK6 Fiesta too.

I've put down a refundable deposit on a 2002 Fiesta 1.6 Ghia up for £4k with 43k on the clock that over the phone have negociated down to £3.5k pending approval. This is with a Ford dealers, as finding anything private has become tiresome and wastes too much of my time.

As regards toys both the Focus and Fiesta come with the same kit, but what would you go for? Obviously the Focus for similar year and mileage appear to come in more expensive which is why I've got my heart set on this Fiesta.

[Ricky_M]

Focus is a better drive and a nicer place to be IMO.

[RB26DETT]

Id go for the Focus personnally.

But if your happy wirh a Fiesta then go for it.

[UncappedTag]

I take it both engines are identical being the Zetec-SE?

[RB26DETT]

Can I suggest a Puma if you want to stay in the Ford family.

Should pick up a late 1.6 minter for less than your 3.5k

[UncappedTag]

RB26DETT said:

Can I suggest a Puma if you want to stay in the Ford family.

Should pick up a late 1.6 minter for less than your 3.5k

I looked at a 1.7 Puma as part of my quest on the private market. Unfortunately it was a shed like a lot of others I saw. Peoples preconceptions on 'good' condition usually equals 'poor'

I also want to buy through a dealers to get the piece of mind of a three month warranty etc

I contemplated a 1.8 Mondeo too as a chain belt of the Duratec HE attracted me, but then insurance and running costs go up.

I will see what the Fiesta is like on Saturday, as I know of a 1.6 Focus at another dealers but with 70k miles on it priced at £3.5k.

Thank you for the replies

[Simbu]

I own a mk1 Focus and have driven mk6 Fiestas as courtesy cars. The Focus feels more planted on the road (is obviously heavier) and the steering has more weight to it in my opinion. Depends on what the majority of your driving will involve. If it's mostly urban driving then i'd say the Fiesta as its easier to maneuver, park and might well be better geared for slower speeds(?) If however its fast A roads, dual carriageways or motorways then the Focus will be a nicer place to be at higher speeds.

[The Wookie]

I'd take the Focus personally. Having had one for 8 years whenever I stepped into a Fiesta it felt very tinny in comparison. Better ride and handling on the Focus too.

[rallycross]

Focus definitely.

Drives better, ie handles much better, nicer on motorways as well.

Also much better value for money (can get you a nice 03/04 1.6 for that budget), Fiesta being the most popular small Ford commands higher values than Focus.

The Mk6 Fiesta lost the driving pleasure offered up by the previous fiesta's.

Only downside of Focus is driving position too high up but same applied to the mk6 Fiesta as well.

[anonymous-user]

Focus definitly. I had a mk6 fiesta courtesy car when my 1.6 focus was in for some work, they dont compare to the focus.

The fiesta is very cramped inside, feels quite cheap and is crap on the motorway.

[Silverbullet767]

Focus for me too, by far the better of the two, the focus is very easy to drive too.

[The Milfman]

Looks like I'm going to be in the minority here but having driven both a fair bit I would take the Fiesta, much prefer it's looks & interior and think it drives well too.

[damci]

I would say Focus too. I had a MK6 Fiesta on loan whilst my Puma was in for its cambelt change and felt the steering was a little vague and it didn’t handle as well as the Focus does. I prefer the interior of the Fiesta though.