Strange one... F30 330d or Focus ST

[sgtbash]

Hi Guys,

Need a car for work. Always liked my sportier/fast cars, though ive started doing a few miles for work (average 1k miles a month) and have been given an allowance.

Ive wittled it down to 2 very different cars

New F30 330d Msport Auto with pro nav and Harmon Kardon - test drive showed it to be comfortable, quiet, and to be honest, very fast.

&

New Focus ST3 with all the options

330D is £32k PCP £370 a month over 4 years 1.9%

Focus is £25k pcp £260 a month over 4 years 0%

What would you guys go for give my circumstances?

[tickedon]

Personally I wouldn't buy either of them now on a 4 year deal... both are about to be replaced with new models - Focus from July, 3 series next year.

If I had to pick now, the BMW.

[sgtbash]

tickedon said:

Personally I wouldn't buy either of them now on a 4 year deal... both are about to be replaced with new models - Focus from July, 3 series next year.

If I had to pick now, the BMW.

They are, but I assume thats why they are knocking near enough 10K from the list price of the BMW, and Ford are offering 0%.

But I see what you mean.

[cerb4.5lee]

I'd be happy in both, the 330d is Auto only which makes it lovely and relaxing but it can then lack a bit of engagement if you want it. Whereas the ST has a manual gearbox, so it makes it a more involving drive if and when you need it to be.

[ZX10R NIN]

Focus for me it's fun but still capable of just cruising along & comes with all the toys, it depends if you want a cruiser or hot hatch.

[Toed64]

That's an interesting car choice and very different from each other. Consequently, would you consider a fast petrol BMW hatchback that might provide you with an ownership experience somewhere between the two? You can get a new M140i from companies like Broadspeed for under £30,000.

[Cdaulby]

I would choose the focus. The 330d would be fun for about 5 min but I think you would keep looking forward to driving the focus in the right spec

[ScoobyChris]

I think either will serve you well.

The biggest thing I think you’ll notice is the Ford’s interior is a bit low rent (seats aside) compared to the BMW but it has a strong spec as standard and a heated screen. Engine is good too and is quiet and refined when cruising then howls nicely when you open it up which it encourages you to do a lot.

However, as a middleground choice, you might consider the M140i too. I chopped in my ST-3 for one and haven’t looked back. Always seems to be deals on them (check out Coast2Coast or TRL).

Chris

[bmwmatt24]

I have owned my F30 330d for around 8 or 9 months now. It's an excellent all round car and does everything very well. There is plenty of space for 4 people and a decent boot. The ZF8 auto box is utterly brilliant and the paddles are so quick, good fun when the time allows.

The interior is a very nice place to be, the seats are supportive and general ride is very comfy with all the creature comforts you'd want/need.

The only real change requied are some springs imo, i found the orginal suspension a bit floaty with too much body roll, I changed for a set of HR sport springs, which has resolved the problem.

I cannot give any advice on the Ford, as i've never driven or owned one, but i don't think you'll be upset with the BMW.

[sgtbash]

I sat in a 330d again today, and the interior is just a totally different level to the focus.

Everybody I speak to says BMW. But I just keep going back to how much money Ill save and how much fun I could have in the Ford! But then, I look at the build quality etc.

God knows.

[cerb4.5lee]

The bottom line is you will be happy with either of them, because they're both nice cars but in different ways.