Focus st3 mk2 and bmw 130i

[Woozor]

Hi guys new to the forum. And looking for a new car. Somewhere around the 6k mark

I’ve been thinking of either a focus st3 mk2 or a bmw 130i m sport although the bmw I can’t seem to find one.

Is this a good enough budget to pick up a example of one of those?

Anyone had experience with both cars feel free to share to some details on your experiences thanks.

[NickColl89]

Had experience with the ST, owned one for a year. Absolutly ruinous on fuel but made a nice noise and handeled well.

130i is obviously a different kettle of fish, straight 6 N/A and RWD. Totally different.

[Shiv_P]

Test drove both, bought the focus. Better engine noise IMO, better steering (I test drove a facelift 1 series with the electric steering) and more importantly for me without the stty stock suspension of the M-sport 1 series. I wanted a nicer "out of the box" experience and the 1 series suspension ruined that. However did still have a great engine and decent enough interior. With some money spent on a 130 it seems the suspension can be sorted.

[Woozor]

B0th same price range it seems is what I meant. What’s the best for reliability and maintenance of the two. Although there’s tons of focus for sale atm and no 130i....

[cerb4.5lee]

Both are quite similar for me and they are both more of a cruiser(both have heavy engines) than a hot hatch in the most true sense. I like both a lot and I'd probably just give the nod to the ST.

[cerb4.5lee]

Apart from the waterpump the N52 engine in the 130i is a very reliable unit(I had the same engine in a 330i for 4 years).

[ZX10R NIN]

The Focus is the sweeter steer & that 5pot is a peach you'll probably average around 27mpg the 130i is a very different car I'd also consider the R32 if you're considering the 130i.