the ghia, tho
! previous owner? 2001? leasing company? so that 1 previous owner for three years, and the current owner? a two owner car?
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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Zetec looks expensive regardless.
From what you've said though there seems to be absolutely no reason to consider the Zetec other than marginally lower mileage. It's in poorer condition, more expensive, lower spec and older. Or am I missing something?
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Are they both 5 door hatchbacks or are they saloons - and hence worth less?
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The Ghia because it'll ride nicer than the Zetec, less harsh.
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But the Zetecis the more sporty of the two.
However, to be serious, the choice of Focus models is almost limitless - why have to choose between two when there are literally thousands of others to consider?
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
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Thank you so much everyone! It's really helped me trust my instincts.
The Zetec is 1.6, Ghia 1.8. One major diff is the Zetec is local to me (Gloucesterhire) and the Ghia near my parents (Devon). Plus I think the guy wants to shift the Ghia - it was £4250, he'd reduced it to £3995, and I got him to knock it down to £3850. It's a small place in the middle of nowhere really.
The only real reason for wavering is that my other half has seen the Zetec but not the Ghia so it would just be my word that it's worth it, hence me wanting some more views!
Thank you all again.
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I WOULD BUY FIRSTLY ON CONDITION ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE.
However I would add that all other things being equal and given a choice of a 1.6 or a 1.8, I'd go for the 1.6 - it's a different engine, nearly as quick as the 1.8 but noticeably more economical.
However, unless you're doing a big mileage, in which case I'd keep looking, I'd still rather have a straight, well priced 1.8 over an iffy 1.6.
Also, £400 off a £4,250 car isn't bad but there might be a few more quid - it's not an exceptionally large haggling discount either.
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Forgot to add - the reason I've got to choose is because I've GOT to have a car for work next week and a limited amount of time to look. Have been surprised how few Focus's in my price bracket locally, so ended up looking near mum and dads.
Both hatchbacks.
Was concerned that the Ghia would be heavier on fuel (heavier car plus 1.8 engine), plus I'd have to pay for the CD to be fitted - so kind of works out the same price.
Daisy
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The Ghia's the one with the CD isn't it? Sounds like a better bet all round - better interior you say so maybe looked after better generally. There shouldn't be rust "inside" on a Focus so maybe you should avoid the Zetec.
The Ghia should be on'y very slightly heavier than the Zetec, and with the same body the 1.8 will be livlier than the 1.6 with very little penalty in fuel consumption.
Good luck!
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Even better, if you have the time, woudl be a Zetec with the 1.8 TDCI engine.
But, even so, having to get a car in a time span is not the best way to buy one.
Cheap enough to hire one for a short period rather than buy now, regret later.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
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If you can get the train down to London:
www.cargiant.co.uk/cars/search3.asp?Id=292379
It's a year or more newer than the others, has the more economical engine and a better specification, including ABS (which the earlier cars won't have). At £600 more, but including a CD player, and assuming that it's clean and the history is all there, it's probably better value.
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I prefer the Ghia seats ~ much more comfortable than the Zetec seats.
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L\'escargot.
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So the Ghia is a 1.8 therefore I guess from what you say the Zetec must be a 1.6?
Good choice, the Focus is great to drive with a superb reputation.
Re rust on the inside, have you seen it? Where on the car is it? it might indicate repaired acc damage.
Go for the Ghia, better spec and better condition, the 1.8 is more gutsy and unless driven really hard will be comparable on economy. It is true that the 1.6 is a sweeter, crisper engine however it needs to be reved to perform well where as the 1.8 is more torquey.
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I agree with everything that cheddar says on this one.
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L\'escargot.
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Right of these two and on basis of apparent condition and history, 1.8 Ghia is the way to go. The engine is pretty good, but do beware the fact the Ghia's chrome boot-strip is a known rust-trap on the Focus. That said the toys (and seats) are nice to have. Better than the Zetec, which I found numb-syndrome after a couple of hours and they do lack all the toys of the Ghia - like the natty computer...
That said, the 1.8 engine does drink fuel, reports of low-30's aren't to be ignored (a friend had one doing 28mpg, bought a TDCi not long after) -especially in this fuel-crazed age. The 1.6 isn't particularly slower, it feels outrightly powerful, but will happily do 0-60mph in 2nd gear, thanks to it's revvy engine. I picked the 1.6 for it's lower running costs, and the power deficit over the 1.8 is only truly noticeable uphill, where the torque of the 1.8 comes into play.
I'd give some consideration to finding a 1.6 Ghia, if I were in your position, but that said, if you can afford to run it, there sounds very little wrong with the 1.8 Ghia you've found.
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So how come the LX comes with CD player as standard but the Zetec doesn't then - I'd go for the zetec cause the Wood dash puts off anyone under 30 !!
Plus I prefer the Alloys on the Zetec.
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I'd go for the zetec cause the Wood dash puts off anyone under 30 !!
I wouldn't let a little thing like the finish of the dash influence my choice.
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L\'escargot.
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As a 1.8 Ghia owner, I say get the Ghia. It IS thirstier than the 1.6, but much better to drive on the motorway. Incidentally, as a 2001 model is it a post facelift car ie: are the front indicators inside the headlights or in the bumpers? If the latter, it may explain why he is keen to shift it (though I prefer the earlier version anyway!
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Incidentally, as a 2001 model is it a post facelift car ie: are the front indicators inside the headlights or in the bumpers? >>
Good point, I reckon the facelift cars look more contemporary.
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And when I bought mine I realised that the interior update and the equipment increase was very welcome!
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Just wanted to say big thank you to everyone who took the trouble to respond. In the end I decided to go for the Ghia and am picking it up tomorrow. Managed to get the guy to knock a bit more off, plus throw in the mats as well. Much as I would have liked to take more time, am also about to move house so want this sorted before then, plus really can't afford rental fees on top of buying. If it turns out to be a dog, then I shall be back on here asking for more advice on what to go for instead!
Cheers to you all!
Daisy
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Good choice!!!
Hope you enjoy it.
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Miseed most of this thread over last few days so i'll give my view in a nutshell.
I'd have the Ghia over the Zetec too so I think you have made a wise choice.
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