My mom needs a new car…something basic that will get her from point A to B and not be a gas guzzler. It’s imperative that the car last a while and require limited repairs. After using that $3K clean air rebate, I can get a 2008 Ford Focus for around $7K or a 2008 Toyota Corolla for around $11K. $4K is a big difference. Are Ford’s that bad (I have a Honda)? Has anyone had a good experience with one (not a truck)? Again, she needs something that will last a while with limited repairs…. Edit: I am trying to stay below $10,000, or in that range...and am leery of used cars.
Fords are not as bad as they seem, even tho Ford Focuses do seem to screw up alot, but a Toyota is easily more reliable than a Ford.
buy the ford and get a third party extended warranty. it should cover major problems and will certainly be cheaper than $4,000 Warranty Direct is a good option
I had a 98 toyota corolla - transmission didn't have problems until 120K my best friend had a 98 ford escort - transmission crapped out at 26K
I still drive my 1998 Mustang GT and have never had a major problem with it. We got my wife a new car, but I made the decision to just drive my car until it dies to not have another car payment. Now, I'm not so sure I won't be driving that car for another 10 years. Doh! http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2007088 Not sure about a Focus though.
Don't do it. The Focus sucks. Perhaps the suckiest car of the year. $4K is a big difference, but it's not going to be worth the hassle. You can spend extra money for a warranty, but warranties don't prevent your car from going to the shop, they only help to pay for it. You'd still be better off buying a used Corolla than buying a new Focus in my opinion.
Had a 95 Ranger for 140,000 miles. Only reason it stopped working is because it got totaled in an accident.
FORD = Found On Road Dead After having a 1987 FORD Escort GL blow its casket and a Pontiac 6000 break down, I will NEVER buy a UnitedStatesian car again.
Ford cars actually are much better than 10 years ago, the are nearly on par with Japanese cars. But ford still suffers from a terrible reputation from the days they were so focused on quality.
I own a 2002 Mustang gt and i have not had a problem at all, and I've abused from time to time. 70,000 + and I haven't had to take it to the mechanic ever. This is with a supercharger too. My sister bought a fusion and the quality of ford seems to be a lot better than before. I honestly can't see how a car can break down if you follow all of the maintenance.
Bought someone a 07 Toyota Corolla brand new. Has left her stranded twice within 3K miles. No problems since but it spent a week at the dealer for a new computer and other repairs. I'd say you are taking a gamble no matter the brand. 11K is brand new? We paid like 14K with taxes for an auto and a few options.
I own a 2001 Ford Escort and have been driving it since it had only 26k on it. Now it has 104k and the only repairs I have made are replacing the alternator (about a year ago), replacing the battery (not long after I bought it...I guess the generics are crap), and now replacing the gear shift (but that is because a screw came out connecting the handle and I never bothered to get another and is slowly bent and screwed up the inner workings of the thing when it wasn't aligned right. I have been very happy with my Ford.
The other thing to consider is resale value. A Honda and a Toyota holds it value really well. Well maintained/low mileage ones sell very quickly. Personally I would go with the Toyota especially since I have had two bad experiences with Ford. A rental Ford with 54 miles on it died on me. If a car with 54 miles on it is failing on you, something is seriously wrong.
i'm in the market for a new car, except i have no money. who wants to buy me a new mercedes? prefer the SLs.
Side note.... Ford Focus is assembled in either Wayne, Michigan or Hermosillo, Mexico. Toyota Corolla is assembled in either Fremont, California or Cambridge, Ontario, Canada source: link 1 link 2
