Astra Or Focus ?

[80quattro]

Not very PH I know, but my old man is after either an Astra or a Focus, petrol powered, circa 2009/10 vintage, around £8-9k with low miles.... And there's bloody loads of them out there.

Reason why I'm posting here, is because I'm into old German tat, I know bugger all about modern mass produced Euroboxes. Would there be a consensus which of the two is a better overall car ? I haven't seen too many new shape Astras around, whilst Focii seem ever present.

[fjord]

Personally speaking (and i've only ever driven diesel versions of both, albeit over many miles), the Focus is the most uncomfortable, back breaking, horribly designed seating positioned car ever.

I don't know why, obviously many people dont notice it, but for me, it's a killer, and I have no idea why.

Not even crappy poverty versions, the Zetec no less.

Might be worth consideration if nothing else.

[radiodanno]

I owned both, and at the same time.

I came to the conclusion there was nothing the Astra did that the Focus didn't do better. Comfort, refinement, handling, ease of servicing etc...

[lee_erm]

I find mine pretty damn comfy, you could argue you sit a tad high that's all

fjord said:

Personally speaking (and i've only ever driven diesel versions of both, albeit over many miles), the Focus is the most uncomfortable, back breaking, horribly designed seating positioned car ever.

I don't know why, obviously many people dont notice it, but for me, it's a killer, and I have no idea why.

Not even crappy poverty versions, the Zetec no less.

Might be worth consideration if nothing else.

[BOBTEE]

Focus, every time!

[JulianHJ]

Focus.

[thebigmacmoomin]

BOBTEE said:

Focus, every time!

Same here

[Toaster Pilot]

Focus was the default answer when we were comparing the MK1 Focus to the MK4 Astra - now they run a lot closer and I suggest you drive both.

[anonymous-user]

If it's the Mk6 Astra then that's what I'd go for, pretty good car. The older Mk5 was generally pretty rubbish.

[GenePoolReject13]

Focus! They are simply the better car, the Astra is by no means a bad car and would serve its purpose well but the Focus would be a joy to own and drive as well as being a competent family car. The ford will also hold it's value better.

[bomma220]

Focus; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNlkeHXUTjE

And that wasn't even a genuine ST! (1.6 ecotec)

[80quattro]

Pops is going to look at a 10/10 Focus 1.8 Zetec S this afternoon. Despite my protestations, its a private seller, and looks rather chavvy for a 74 year old gent.

[Mr2Mike]

80quattro said:

Pops is going to look at a 10/10 Focus 1.8 Zetec S this afternoon. Despite my protestations, its a private seller, and looks rather chavvy for a 74 year old gent.

Do you mean it's been modified in a tasteless manner, or is it a standard car? They don't look at all "chavvy" to me, all power to your old man for avoiding a poverty spec LX in beige

[80quattro]

Mr2Mike said:

80quattro said:

Pops is going to look at a 10/10 Focus 1.8 Zetec S this afternoon. Despite my protestations, its a private seller, and looks rather chavvy for a 74 year old gent.

Do you mean it's been modified in a tasteless manner, or is it a standard car? They don't look at all "chavvy" to me, all power to your old man for avoiding a poverty spec LX in beige

Standard car, here is a pic of it. More 24 year old than 74 year old, IMHO !

EFA: He bought it earlier today.

[Mr2Mike]

So stick a massive sub in the boot, and slam it to the ground next?

I think I know what you mean, you are more likely to see a younger driver in one, but nothing wrong with an older gent driving it. My dad is 70 and drives an MG ZS

[Condi]

Nothing wrong with what he's bought. They are fantastic cars.

[Chlamydia]

I'm almost 50 and I drive a Focus ST. I love it!

[radiodanno]

FIL IS 60 and spanks about in an Impreza STI type UK. More power to him.

No gold wheels fortunately...

[Ali Chappussy]

Put a PistonHeads sticker on it and he's sorted!

[80quattro]

Chlamydia said:

I'm almost 50 and I drive a Focus ST. I love it!

My Dad is old enough to be your Dad, and he wears two hearing aids !

I'm 40, and it definitely is not a car for me, just a bit too Pimp My Ride.

Maybe I'll see him parked up at his local drive thru soon, with Radio 4 cranked up.