Dodge Neon or Ford Focus, which one? (Now Mazda3 )

[metalmania]

UPDATE: Now considering Mazda3, need good dealer information in NYC/NJ area


I am considering to buy one for everyday commute. My budget is $16,000. Kbb price for 2004 Neon with 10,000 mileage is around $9,000. So I prefer to get a used one if the new car price is over my budget.
Neon or Focus, which is better?
Someone please recommend a reliable dodge or Ford dealer in NJ/NYC area.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Shawn]

why not buy something else?

 

[Medicine Bear]

In your price range. Toyota Matrix my friend. Toyota Matrix. It is a much better care than either the Focus or Neon.

 

[cjgallen]

Why Dodge or Ford?

 

[Tommunist]

Originally posted by: metalmania
I am considering to buy one for everyday commute. My budget is $16,000. Kbb price for 2004 Neon with 10,000 mileage is around $9,000. So I prefer to get a used one if the new car price is over my budget.
Neon or Focus, which is better?
Someone please recommend a reliable dodge or Ford dealer in NJ/NYC area.

Thanks a lot!

i'd take the focus over the neon i think.

 

[MikeMike]

Focus by a million.

although i really hated it when i sat in it, the Neon is even worse.

i prefered the cobalt to both of them, but i dont know what they run used.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Neither, Honda Civic

Should be able to get one stupid-cheap since the (uglier) 06s are coming soon

- M4H

 

[ElFenix]

the new focus is a lot nicer inside than the old one.

 

[Mr N8]

You have a $16,000 budget? Honda Civic LX w/ 5-speed, FTW.

Of those 2, the Focus is a MUCH better choice. Neons are certified pieces of garbage.

 

[Shyatic]

Get the Mazda3. You can get a demo pretty cheap and even opt for a hatch if you like those

Better than both cars you listed.

 

[Quixfire]

Between the two choices I would take the Focus over two Neons.

 

[Eli]

I'd get the Focus over the Neon, if I had to pick between the two.

 

[imported_Pablo]

focus.

 

[BAMAVOO]

Come on man, get a Hayabusa. Especially if it is your first bike.

 

[metalmania]

Thanks. I don't know how to drive manual trans car. shame...

Why choose from Neon and Dodge?
Because someone said American car is "harder" than Japanese car, more on the safe side. Don't blame me.

 

[Medicine Bear]

Originally posted by: metalmania
Thanks. I don't know how to drive manual trans car. shame...

Why choose from Neon and Dodge?
Because someone said American car is "harder" than Japanese car, more on the safe side. Don't blame me.

Huh? WTF? I'm the first to say "Buy American" but in some things the Japanese product is light years ahead of ours in quality. Automobiles are one of those things.

 

[thedarkwolf]

focus

 

[Shyatic]

That's about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. If you want the safest car in that price range, get the Mazda3. If you want the best handling car in that price range, get the Mazda3. If you want the most interior room, get the Mazda3. If you want the best looks, get the Mazda3.

Don't believe me? Check Edmunds latest "Economy Car" review. Guess who comes in #1?

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontaine....e.reviewslanding.featureroadtests..1g.*

 

[MikeMike]

Buy a Mazda 3 you can get them for under 16k used. and MUCH nicer than any car in its class. although that is subjective.

 

[habib89]

neither.. for $16k you can probably afford a used civic.. or even a new one if you try hard enough.. or a corrolla

 

[Mr N8]

Originally posted by: metalmania
Thanks. I don't know how to drive manual trans car. shame...

Why choose from Neon and Dodge?
Because someone said American car is "harder" than Japanese car, more on the safe side. Don't blame me.

Tell them to take a flying leap. Seriously, check out the ratings on the Civic and Elantra at NHTSA and you'll see that your source is full of shi'ite.

As for manual, I just bought a 5-speed Civic 2 1/2 weeks ago, and picked up the skill in a weekend. It's easy. I actually drove it home in rush hour traffic the day I bought it, and only stalled once when I was leaving a stoplight that's on a crazy hill.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: metalmania
Thanks. I don't know how to drive manual trans car. shame...

Why choose from Neon and Dodge?
Because someone said American car is "harder" than Japanese car, more on the safe side. Don't blame me.

That would be a loud, ringing NEGATIVE.

Why don't you do some of your own research?

After some quick googling;

The 2004 Focus is more safe than the 2004 Neon.

The 2004 Civic is more safe than both.

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: metalmania
Thanks. I don't know how to drive manual trans car. shame...

Why choose from Neon and Dodge?
Because someone said American car is "harder" than Japanese car, more on the safe side. Don't blame me.

If you're that worried about safety buy a German car. If you want reliability buy a Japanese car. If you don't care about either buy an American car.

 

[metalmania]

Thanks guys! Now I think Mazda3 is a better choice.

 

[MasterAndCommander]

ZX3 ftw!