Reliable Hatchback for £2k – Toyota Corolla vs. Ford Focus
Discussion
Hi there,
I am looking to purchase a second-hand hatchback and have a budget of £2,000.
My main priority is reliability and low running costs (fuel, insurance, tax, maintenance costs).
I have narrowed my search down to a Ford Focus 2.0 TDCI and a Toyota Corolla 2.0 D-4D T2 (see example adds below).
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Based on my priorities of reliability and low running costs, which would be the car that you recommend?
Any other advice or guidance you might be able to provide would be most appreciated.
Many thanks,
Ed
I am looking to purchase a second-hand hatchback and have a budget of £2,000.
My main priority is reliability and low running costs (fuel, insurance, tax, maintenance costs).
I have narrowed my search down to a Ford Focus 2.0 TDCI and a Toyota Corolla 2.0 D-4D T2 (see example adds below).
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Based on my priorities of reliability and low running costs, which would be the car that you recommend?
Any other advice or guidance you might be able to provide would be most appreciated.
Many thanks,
Ed
Hi,
I own a 2007 Corolla, 1.4 D4D and it is really a good car, I own it since last year and we traveled together 24 000 km and nothing break down, except some minor things (price about 10 Euros,) due to bad road quality in my country. The consumption is about 5 - 7 liters / 100 km.
The handling of the Focus might be better, so if you are driving fast, you should consider test drive both of them.
I own a 2007 Corolla, 1.4 D4D and it is really a good car, I own it since last year and we traveled together 24 000 km and nothing break down, except some minor things (price about 10 Euros,) due to bad road quality in my country. The consumption is about 5 - 7 liters / 100 km.
The handling of the Focus might be better, so if you are driving fast, you should consider test drive both of them.
How many miles a year are you doing?
If under 10,000, have you considered a petrol model? It's probably less likely to go wrong than either of the diesel cars you've mentioned, and they're cheaper to buy. You'll have to spend a lot in petrol to make the more expensive diesel versions worth your money, unless you get a very good deal.
Agree about D4D Toyota engines having issues, but Ford TDCi's aren't renowned pillars of reliability either.
My advice would be to spend £1500-1700 on a petrol Toyota Corolla.
If under 10,000, have you considered a petrol model? It's probably less likely to go wrong than either of the diesel cars you've mentioned, and they're cheaper to buy. You'll have to spend a lot in petrol to make the more expensive diesel versions worth your money, unless you get a very good deal.
Agree about D4D Toyota engines having issues, but Ford TDCi's aren't renowned pillars of reliability either.
My advice would be to spend £1500-1700 on a petrol Toyota Corolla.
Thank you so much for all your help.
Given the comments above, I think it is probably best to change my approach and consider a petrol.
Is there a notable difference in reliability between a Ford Focus 1.6 and a Toyota Corolla 1.6? Just keen to choose the most reliable one. There seem to a be a number of both models on sale with circa 80/90k miles for under £2k.
Many thanks,
Given the comments above, I think it is probably best to change my approach and consider a petrol.
Is there a notable difference in reliability between a Ford Focus 1.6 and a Toyota Corolla 1.6? Just keen to choose the most reliable one. There seem to a be a number of both models on sale with circa 80/90k miles for under £2k.
Many thanks,
Personally I'd choose a 1.6 petrol focus, but that's perhaps my biased opinion based on owning one in the past, and having no experience of the Toyota.
The 1.6 petrol engine will go on for years (ours did over 150k miles and was still fine when we got rid). If anything goes wrong it will be dirt cheap to fix, there's loads around so no problem finding spares, and loads of internet forums which will be able to give you advice.
The 1.6 petrol engine will go on for years (ours did over 150k miles and was still fine when we got rid). If anything goes wrong it will be dirt cheap to fix, there's loads around so no problem finding spares, and loads of internet forums which will be able to give you advice.
Both cars are good so base it on which has got the best history etc, then things like spec come into play too.
Focus Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Corolla T3
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you're going to go for a reliable 1.6 petrol then I'd recommend one of these:
Collezione
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Turismo
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Lusso
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Despite their reputation these are very reliable, plus you get a newer car for your budget.
Have a read of this thread:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Focus Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Corolla T3
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you're going to go for a reliable 1.6 petrol then I'd recommend one of these:
Collezione
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Turismo
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Lusso
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Despite their reputation these are very reliable, plus you get a newer car for your budget.
Have a read of this thread:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Walk away, WV59LDE
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
In summary:
- 2 knackered tyres, + knackered spare
- damaged tank strap
- mileage shows as 83k vs advert 67k
- it's either been off the road for the last 15 months, or driven without an mot
And that's not mentioning the substantial list of previous failures.
I guess if you know your way around a car and have decent mechanical knowledge you could go have a proper look and see if the repairs have been done properly, but if not then find something else. Loads to choose from.
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
In summary:
- 2 knackered tyres, + knackered spare
- damaged tank strap
- mileage shows as 83k vs advert 67k
- it's either been off the road for the last 15 months, or driven without an mot
And that's not mentioning the substantial list of previous failures.
I guess if you know your way around a car and have decent mechanical knowledge you could go have a proper look and see if the repairs have been done properly, but if not then find something else. Loads to choose from.
Zetec-S said:
Walk away, WV59LDE
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
In summary:
- 2 knackered tyres, + knackered spare
- damaged tank strap
- mileage shows as 83k vs advert 67k
- it's either been off the road for the last 15 months, or driven without an mot
And that's not mentioning the substantial list of previous failures.
I guess if you know your way around a car and have decent mechanical knowledge you could go have a proper look and see if the repairs have been done properly, but if not then find something else. Loads to choose from.
Either the owner lives next door to a wheel nut collector, or they are really careless. And if they let brake pads get below the limit, it shows as slap dash approach to servicing.https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
In summary:
- 2 knackered tyres, + knackered spare
- damaged tank strap
- mileage shows as 83k vs advert 67k
- it's either been off the road for the last 15 months, or driven without an mot
And that's not mentioning the substantial list of previous failures.
I guess if you know your way around a car and have decent mechanical knowledge you could go have a proper look and see if the repairs have been done properly, but if not then find something else. Loads to choose from.
Ian
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