Looking to buy... and some hlep

RowanH · 04-06-2006, 04:06 PM

Hi there, nice forums you have setup here. My mother is looking into purchasing a new car (sedan) within the next few months (waiting for the end of the financial year) and has been tossing up between a 2003 Ford Focus, and a 2003 Holden Vectra. She is looking to spend under 15, closer to 12 if possible.

Are the models between 02-04 drastically different? She has been looking at the 03 models, but is the 04 really worth the extra $$?

Have any of you previously owned a vectra, how do they stack up to the focus, pro's/cons to each car? I am very keen on the Focus and trying to sway her in that direction but I just need some facts to back up my arguement

:

I understand that the GHIA is the top optioned model, but are the lesser optioned cars better value for money? Anything else I should know? Key features to each model, wbsites? Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks for your time,
Rowan.

Zetec20 · 04-06-2006, 04:19 PM

drive.com.au

murcod · 04-06-2006, 09:25 PM

Is the Vectra the current runout shape, ZB I think? They get excellent write ups and are based on the same platform as the Saab 9-3. If it's the old model J series Vectra then forget it, they have lots of issues from what I've read!!!

silverfocusstar · 05-06-2006, 05:11 PM

just remember the current vectra has been discontinued by holden [bleh!] and it only means one thing...bad resale!

i have had a 2004 focus and it was an excellent drive. the 2002 to 2004 are pretty much the same shape, spec and trims. the biggest difference is from 2005 onward. the only complaint i had about the previous gen focus was that the engines were a bit sluggish on the base models. i had a 04 SR. it looked the goods, but felt rather drab on take off. compared to my CL LS its got nothing. otherwise most 2002 to 2004 focus' cars are made in spain. so true european build can be assured.

RowanH · 07-06-2006, 05:08 PM

Thanks for the info guys, really apprecaite it.

silverfocusstar · 08-06-2006, 04:36 AM

but if you can go for an LS i have seen some dealers running out current stock of LS focus[es] from $18,990...thats a very good price for the current model!