Budget Focus MK1 or Mondeo MK3
Discussion
Hi PHers,
My current Corsa has decided to end it's life at a very inopportune time, little git!
Due to current circumstances and health issues, I'm no longer in a position to squander as much cash as I'd like on a decent motor. This has left me trying to weigh up the best cheap reliable car I can get for the little funds I have (about £1200)
I don't really know a lot about cars. I just really used them as workhorses before. Reading around recently, I seen that an older (1999/2002) 1.8 zetec or ghia 2.0 litre Focus seems to be considered a reliable run a round.
I came across a couple of topics on PH that also seemed to indicate that the older Mondeo MK3 was also something to be seriously considered at my end of budget.
The car will just be to get me out of the house whilst I hopefully recover and get back on my legs. So I've got it down that a petrol's the way for me, especially if I considered a diesel and ended up with problems.
The only issue with the Mondeo that people seem to have a problem with, is rear frame bushes and swirl flaps. I'm not really seeing any consistent problems with the Focus.
They both appear to do about the same MPG, but the Mondeo comes with better toys, especially if you get the ghia or ghia X. The ghia X seems to be more commonly available on the 2.5, but the MPG suffers as a result.
Given the choice I'd probably prefer the Mondeo due to the better luxury aspect. So that's what I'm thinking on.
I know it's only £1200, but do you think it's reasonable to expect to get a semi decent Mondeo ghia 2000/2002 at this price?
Like I said I don't know to much about cars, and for this price the ones I'm seeing could probably be junk. Any advice on weather to stay clear at this budget, or any advice in general regarding these two cars would be highly appreciated.
Oh, I'm in Dundee, Scotland, so looks like I'd have to travel, but that wouldn't be a problem, as I've done it before.
My current Corsa has decided to end it's life at a very inopportune time, little git!
Due to current circumstances and health issues, I'm no longer in a position to squander as much cash as I'd like on a decent motor. This has left me trying to weigh up the best cheap reliable car I can get for the little funds I have (about £1200)
I don't really know a lot about cars. I just really used them as workhorses before. Reading around recently, I seen that an older (1999/2002) 1.8 zetec or ghia 2.0 litre Focus seems to be considered a reliable run a round.
I came across a couple of topics on PH that also seemed to indicate that the older Mondeo MK3 was also something to be seriously considered at my end of budget.
The car will just be to get me out of the house whilst I hopefully recover and get back on my legs. So I've got it down that a petrol's the way for me, especially if I considered a diesel and ended up with problems.
The only issue with the Mondeo that people seem to have a problem with, is rear frame bushes and swirl flaps. I'm not really seeing any consistent problems with the Focus.
They both appear to do about the same MPG, but the Mondeo comes with better toys, especially if you get the ghia or ghia X. The ghia X seems to be more commonly available on the 2.5, but the MPG suffers as a result.
Given the choice I'd probably prefer the Mondeo due to the better luxury aspect. So that's what I'm thinking on.
I know it's only £1200, but do you think it's reasonable to expect to get a semi decent Mondeo ghia 2000/2002 at this price?
Like I said I don't know to much about cars, and for this price the ones I'm seeing could probably be junk. Any advice on weather to stay clear at this budget, or any advice in general regarding these two cars would be highly appreciated.
Oh, I'm in Dundee, Scotland, so looks like I'd have to travel, but that wouldn't be a problem, as I've done it before.
Depends on the actual car, either would be fine. The rear subframe bushes, you'll hear it if you go over a speed bump, mine soldiered on knackered for about 8 months before I decided to get them fixed, it's not a showstopper but it will be an MOT fail.
Focus - meh, nothing I can say I know is a gotcha other than wear and tear bits.
I found in the 5 door version of each the Mondeo felt better, Focus was a bit too cramped and the door too small, which would make sense as it's a smaller car n'all
Focus - meh, nothing I can say I know is a gotcha other than wear and tear bits.
I found in the 5 door version of each the Mondeo felt better, Focus was a bit too cramped and the door too small, which would make sense as it's a smaller car n'all
I don't think Mk.3s suffer from the bumper problem? Nowhere near as much as the Mk.2 anyway. If you are not doing big mileage then petrol is certainly the one to go for. Either car is pretty much the top of it's market segment for driver involvement, and both reward being hustled around. Replacement suspension rubbers / lower arms don't cost much, either ford or pattern replacements.
On balance, I would go for the Mondeo. As you say, the Ghia / X have lots of toys for the money. The V6 ones are really nice, but do have a bit of a drink problem. As with all cars of this sort of age/price, buy on individual condition rather than on mileage. If it 'feels' wrong then leave it and find another.
On balance, I would go for the Mondeo. As you say, the Ghia / X have lots of toys for the money. The V6 ones are really nice, but do have a bit of a drink problem. As with all cars of this sort of age/price, buy on individual condition rather than on mileage. If it 'feels' wrong then leave it and find another.
Northernchimp said:
GTIR said:
Mondeo with an original intact rear bumper. 
Are there any theories on why all Mondeos of a certain age have tape on the bumpers?http://www.jack-frost.co.uk/mondeo_gaffer_tape.htm...
yeah I agree that it seems to be the MK 2 bumpers that appear to be the worst, must be made of chocolate.
I think I'll need to do as much checking as possible and rely upon trust from the seller regards buying. The majority of Mondeos I see are hundreds of miles away from me.
I've been fortunate before when buying at distance, once taking a flight to Gatwick for a 5 series, but better money was involved.
Would be gutted to get down south only to be looking at a weathered shed and be told "what you expect for a grand?" Thems the breaks I suppose when your spending pocket money though.
I think I'll need to do as much checking as possible and rely upon trust from the seller regards buying. The majority of Mondeos I see are hundreds of miles away from me.
I've been fortunate before when buying at distance, once taking a flight to Gatwick for a 5 series, but better money was involved.
Would be gutted to get down south only to be looking at a weathered shed and be told "what you expect for a grand?" Thems the breaks I suppose when your spending pocket money though.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff