Focus or Dart? That's the question.

"norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback" (norskracer98)
08/14/2014 at 21:12 • Filed to: None

So I've found a 2013 Focus SE hatch with the 5 speed for $14,490 that looks awfully clean with 65,000 on the clock. I also found a Dodge Dart of the same year for the same price. Only the Dart has an automatic. The Dart has just under 20,000 miles on it. I don't know which would be the better car to buy if I was to buy.

Opinions?

DISCUSSION (25)

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:14

DART.

Because reasons.

Nibby > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:15

Focus.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:16

thats a lot of miles on a 13 focus, its still so new

Gabor Vajda (@Gabor_V) > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:17

You always have to consider that the Dart is an Alfa in disguise.

Whether that's a pro or con, it's up to you.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:18

65,000 miles is a lot in 1-2 years.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
08/14/2014 at 21:20

Even if it was built in 2012 that's still a lot. Must've driven it a lot. And even if it was supposed to be 6,500 that seems low for a 2013.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:21

I was gonna ask if it was a rental, but then I realized no one rents out stick cars

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:22

From what I've been hearing about the Dart, I wouldn't buy it with other peoples money, much less my own. And the miles on the Focus seem a little high...maybe keep looking.

All Motor Is Best Motor > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:22

So it's got a lot of miles but it's new and you won't have to worry about age related issues, just wear related issues. I dunno, drive both and see which you like more. I'd say the Dart simply because that Focus has so many miles.

Garrett Davis > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:28

6,5000 miles is too much for the year. These are plentiful enough that you can find another with lower miles than that. No reason to stick with that one.

Corey CC97, MAZDA DPI IS STILL BAE JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV VISIT FLORIDA RACING LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:30

This would be a no brainer if the Focus didn't have so many miles on it. Usually only rental cars get that many miles that quickly, but there's no way that was a rental because manual. Maybe the previous owner regularly smuggled drugs across the border or something?

Orange Exige > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:31

I couldn't say from an objective point of view (I've driven neither and I'm not Consumer Reports) but I'd definitely go with the Focus.

That's a helluva lotta miles in 2 years or less but in the grand scheme of things is it really that many miles for a car? I wouldn't say so. Plus the Focus hatch is awesome (the sedan looks like blehhh) and has a 5-speed so good + good = good.

Crocket Bernet > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:45

Meh, I'd say focus but that car seems fishy so I give my stamp of approval to neither.

mazda616 > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 21:57

Pass on the Focus. 65,000 miles is a shit ton for a 2013. My 2008 Mazda only has 67,000.

RPM esq. > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 22:23

How in the world did someone put 65k miles on a 2013 car?! Yikes. I'd say take the lower miles on the Dart. Or wait for something to show up with a manual and lower miles...

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > RPM esq.
08/14/2014 at 22:25

The only thing I could think of is if they drove it around constantly or ran cross country like 5 times a year.

kevinw > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 22:41

Have the focus inspected. May also be lacking maint. Have plugs checked at least. That is a ton of miles. But the dart would still have a warranty at the dealer still. May be a better deal for the dart

Volvo 850 > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 22:52

Check the TrueCar price on a new Focus. Last time I checked a manual Focus S was around $14000 from TrueCar. In my one experience with TrueCar it was the easiest buying experience I've ever had, you get a great price with absolutely no negotiation.

Dsscats > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 23:02

It seems like there are a lot better options for the money. What are your requirenents?

KirkyV > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 23:03

Focus, in a second. I know they've historically not had quite as sterling a reputation in the US as they do here, but still, a manual Focus versus an auto Dart is about as easy a decision as you could ever hope to face.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Dsscats
08/14/2014 at 23:04

I was just looking to see what there was in terms of used Focuses near me.

To actually answer your question, a hatchback with a stick preferably American but European works too.

Dsscats > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 23:28

Why not Japanese?

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Dsscats
08/14/2014 at 23:38

I'd buy Japanese too, but I just prefer to buy American companies. I probably wouldn't buy a Toyota though.

Dsscats > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/14/2014 at 23:39

Subaru WRX wagon (2007 is the best IMHO), Mazdaspeed 3

ZugZug > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/15/2014 at 09:10

Dealerships near me are advertising almost $5k off sticker for new (zero miles, full warranty, discount financing available) focus hatchbacks. You could pick up a new Focus SE with a stick for about what they're asking for the used one you posted.