03 Ford Focus vs. 03 Mazda 6?

Question

I can't decide between these two cars. My explanation might be kinda long but this is a big deal for me since either one of these will be my first car. I am a 19 year old college student btw.

Okay so the Ford Focus has 55,000 miles on it, power everything, and an automatic. It is a hatchback, which at first I didn't like the body style but after checking it out a couple days more at the dealership it has grown on me.
I went on Edmunds.com and there was about 235 reviews on this model. Most were good reviews and some were bad. For the negatives, most of the reviews said the Focus needs to improve on more horsepower, better transmission, and better tires (I guess they wear down or get misaligned).
When I did test drive the Focus it did start shaking at 65 mph+ so I assuming the tires are misaligned and hopefully they can be fixed.

The Mazda 6 on the other hand has 91,000 miles on it, power everything and some extras that the Ford doesn't have like a sunroof. But it's a manual, and I don't know how to drive a manual yet.
I did find that Edmunds.com had a bit of a higher rating for the Mazda 6 versus the Ford Focus. A lot more positives than negatives but there were still negative reviews. These negative reviews said that it needs more horsepower, better interior such as the fabric and speakers, better turning radius, better gas mileage, and less road noise.
I haven't been able to check out/test drive the Mazda 6 yet though.

The Ford Focus is listed for $5,500 and the Mazda 6 is listed for $6,000. Both seem to be good cars, and any car is going to have good and bad reviews no matter what.

As I mentioned before the Mazda 6 is a manual which I don't know how to drive yet. My parents do though so if I end up getting the car they can teach me. But it would be easier just to get the Focus and start driving right away.

I guess all in all what I'm looking for in a car is good gas mileage and reliability. It seems that the Ford Focus has better gas mileage, but sub par on the reliability. Yet the Mazda 6 has better reliability, but sub par on the gas mileage. Also, the Ford Focus has 55,000 miles on it versus the Mazda 6 which has 91,000.

I just need some personal insight on what would be a better choice for me in the long run. I'm open to any opinions and insights! If you drive either of these cars that would be really helpful! Thanks :)

Answer 1

From what you feel about the focus- Mazda 6.



They're two different types of cars- the mazda is a midsized sedan whille the focus is a compact/hatchback.



The Focus is an economy car, meaning that it was built pretty much to get from point a to point b- it has fold flat seats making it well suited for cargo, but a boring, and bumpy ride.



The mazda has a really sporty, fun ride but is more on gas, and insurance, and it has a bigger turning radius, but it feels more luxurious, sturdy, and looks better.



All i can tell you is to test drive both and see which one you feel better with- as for transmissions, you want to make sure you'll feel comfortable driving a stick before you go out and buy one- some people learn in an hour while other people take 3 months to get it down.



PS: Mazda is a division of ford, just a fun fact for people who say SCREW FORD GO JAPANESE.

Answer 2

03 Ford Focus

Answer 3

Both are very good, but very different vehicles. Given the huge difference in mileage, the Focus is likely to continue to be usable with far fewer maintenance costs than the Mazda.



The Focus is far more practical and will make the far greater economic sense, especially as your first vehicle. You can then bank the difference in savings toward the purchase of your very first "new" vehicle, or the vehicle you really want to own when you can afford it.



I hope this helps.

Answer 4

The 03 Mazda 6 gets my vote.



The Ford is crap.