2003 Ford Focus ZX5 vs. 2004 Mazda 3 GS

[spastik]

Hi,

I'm looking into buying either a new or used car. In the used cars dept, I'm stuck between two cars. Here are more details on the two:

2003 Ford Focus ZX5 (50,000km)
Fully equipped (everything) : leather seats, sunroof, heated seats, power everything, remote start, remote locks, AC, large alloy wheels, 4 wheels ABS, fog lights, blabla.
Black exterior, beige leather.
2.0L, 4 speed Automatic...
** 4 years of warranty left (owner bought extended plan with Ford)

2004 Mazda 3 GS (????? km)
AC, alarm, alloy wheels, 4 wheels ABS, power everything, cruise control, fog lights, remote locks, blabla.
Red exterior, black interior. (I'm thinking it's not leather.)
2.3L, 5 speed Manual!
** Almost no warranty left.

So I drove both, I enjoyed the Mazda 3 much better (although the Focus wasn't that bad... just isn't a 3.) I was wonderring if, considering they are pretty much the same amount (13,000$ approx.), which one would be a better buy? Is the 4 years of warranty on the Focus a good enough deal (because the Mazda would definitly benefit of one too) to forget the 3? How are they driving in the winter (I would have winter tires...) How is fuel economy on both?

And, again in the same price range, would anyone recommend another (better or similar) car? [approx. 15,000$ max]

Thanks.

[Crash]

That is a bit of a puzzler. If you were talking new, then my vote would go to the Mazda straight away. After all, you said it yourself, it drives better. It is also, in my opinion, a much better looking vehicle.

That said, as you describe them, I personally would have to say that "the safe route is the Ford". Its got low miles, has plenty of warrenty left and they really aren't a bad vehicle. It sounds to me like you'd be getting worry-free motoring for the sake of giving up a small amount of driving pleasure.

Truefully, it's a hard question for anyone to answer for you, as it all depends on you and how you feel about having warrenties. It's a bit like Clint Eastwood once said "are you feeling lucky".

I won't put in the final P... word that he said as I'm sure that you're a smart man, or you wouldn't be on Auto123 getting other peoples opinions.

Whatever you choose in the end, I hope that it works out well for you.

[big_block]

I will pick the Mazda 3 anytime. The 3 is more reliable and you'll get better feelings behind the wheel than the Focus. The Focus is cheaper when you it but resale value is way more lower than 3. The 2.3L will beat the 2.0L of the Focus in any situations. The warranty worth about 1500$ but unless you pick a lemon car you should have to spend 1500$ on the 3 over the next 3-4 years.

Other car that you could look at:

Honda Civic Si 4-door 04.

[william78]

i have a civic 2003 sedan, it's around your range. If you're interest it contact me by e-mail loma_168@hotmail.com

[stodge]

The Focus isn't the safe route. I believe only 2005s and later are recommended on the forums I haunt. IMO Ford has questionable long term reliability. My question is, why buy an extended warranty with 4 years left and then sell the car? Seems dubious to me.

Have you checked out any Hyundai's? I don't know what your budget is.