My wife & I are very close to purchasing a new vehicle for her to drive.
The deal in the works is the following vehicle:

2003 Ford Focus ZX5 Premium, with the following options:
* Leather bucket seats
* 4-Speed Automatic
* CDx6
* Side Impact Airbags
* Advance Trac
* Perimter Alarm
* Power Moonroof

MSRP is $28,275 Canadian

She wants this car, and wants me to order it tomorrow.
This is where you guys come in...

Today while I was at the Ford dealer, I happened to look at the new Mustangs, and I got thinking perhaps the Mustang is a better vehicle overall.

Here are the details of the Mustang:

2003 Mustang Coupe

* 3.8L V6
* Leather seats
* 4-Speed Auto
* Handling Package
* Interior Upgrade Package
* Pony Package

MSRP = $28,110

I'm using MSRP for an even comparison, but so far i've negotiated a price of $23,200

So, basically both cars are the same price, but I am thinking the Mustang is a better car overall. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's my initial reaction.

We took the Focus out for a test-drive, and I found it very small.
However, my wife quite likes it, so that will be the deciding factor.

Which car do you guys think is a better vehicle, and why?
Which will stand up longer, and result in fewer problems.

As much as I like the Mustang, the rear wheel drive concerns me because our winters are pretty bad, but it does come with traction control. I was thinking in winter weather, the Focus would be a better choice.

Anyhow, sorry for the babble, I just want to explore all options before I make the deal.

Thanks in advance
Habibi

I will show her the replies so she can read some opinions.

 

*I don't like FWD cars
*FWD is better in snow
*FWD is harder to work on
*The Mustang looks better
*I like the Mustang better
*You like the Mustang better
but most important...
*SHE likes the Focus better, its gonna be HER car.

Get the Focus, than after the '95 Mustangs come out, trade the Focus.

 

Can't help ya man.
I'm making my wife frive her Windstar for 15 years.
She's only half way there.

 

Iam sure with your winters the Focus will be the better choice, and besides your wife wants the Focus and its her car

But to throw another option out there, go to a Ford SVT dealer and look at the SVT Focus, you'll be surprised at how much car you get for the money and its a blast to drive in the summer time.

I wish I knew what the MSRP is in Canadian dollars

 

I have to agree with these guys if your wife wants the Focus over the Mustang then I'd go with the Focus.

 

Well if she really want's a Focus try to get the SVT . Just think, she might be able to beat your truck without adding a fart-can.

If you don't get the SVT your going to have to do a lot explaining about how stickers, stereos, spoilers and fart pipes don't make the car faster.

If you do get the Mustang . Get it with a V8. The GTs are a nice ride. The Cobra would be my choice. All that power and independant rear suspension, sweeeet. Stay away from the Saleens. Ford won't warranty them for alot of things and Saleen takes it's sweet time about fixing problems. Sorry Saleen owners.

 

Habbi

The Focus isn't a bad car, I drove one while my 97 was in the shop for a few days. It is a bit small, and a little cheesy, but handled very well and was quite peppy. The SVT is down right cool.

However, the Mustang will be a bit sportier and have a better build quality. The resale on it will be better too. If you're going to sell the car in 3 years or so, go with the Mustang. If you keep the car untill it dies, go with the Focus. Also considering the winter we've been having, the Mustang will prove to be a 3 season car.

Long story short: go with what the wife wants!

 

I dont know how things work in your house, but with my woman..."If she aint happy, nobody is happy." Those are words to live by my friend.

Get the Focus, not only does she like it but it will be much better in the wintertime. A RWD Mustang is not fun in snow or ice even with traction control. Traction control does not help when the rear end starts skidding out or when trying to drive through snow with a one wheel wonder. All the traction control does is cut back the power when it senses slipping, it cant make up for an open rear differential.

Plus the 3.8 V-6 that you are looking at in the Mustang is an outdated, underpowered, head gasket eating POS engine. I cant believe that Ford is still using it...especially in the Mustang! The 3.0 Duratec would be a better choice for Ford than the 3.8.

Also I have sat in a Mustang...and in a Focus. Im a big guy, 6'1" and 300 pounds and the Focus fit me better than the Mustang did.

 

MN4x4, you know when you walked onto the lot the Focus was saying,
"Oh, please buy a Mustang, please buy a Mustang..."

 

I cannot believe that I am going to say this, but you should probably go with the Focus.
Better mileage (I guess!)
Better in the snow.
You already have a nice truck.
Your wife wanted the Focus anyway, I say go for it!
It sounds like it is a nice car, and either way, you get a Ford!

 

LOL...that would be true. But I wasnt looking at buying either one. I have a friend with a 2000 Mustang GT and my fiancee's mom drives a Focus so I have ridden in both of them.

 

Just remember Habibi:

Anytime anything goes wrong with the Mustang...You're gonna hear about it...

Anytime anything goes wrong with the Focus...You're a genious...


You gotta remember "When Momma's Happy...Everybody's Happy...

When Momma's mad...Oh Hell ...we're all gonna get it!!!

JMO, Anthony

 

I guess the decision is up to your wife but if for example you are in the TO area, how much snow do you really get? Does your wife do alot of highway driving?

I would go for the mustang and winter tires. I like the focus but I think you get more out of the mustang. We have a mustang and yes there are certain days that it is a concern but if you slow down and take your time you will get home or to work. Also a good excuse for a snow day!
If you are not in the TO type area, just look at the weather here in Manitoba, could not be any worse

My aunt and uncle live outside Ottawa and they have a 03 caddy CTS and a 99 corvette and they make it everyday to work.

 

Fast Gator,

The MSRP for the SVT Focus ZX5 is $28,320.

 

Man thats a pretty steep price for a mustang or a focus!!
Have you looked into the toyota camry or the infiniti?? those are both nice cars and teh G35 sport coupe starts around 28,000
Hopefully by summer ill have a new Infiniti 6MT Sport Coupe!
JJ