Should I?

"Boss2452stolemylunchmoney" (boss2452stolemylunchmoney) 09/20/2014 at 14:08 • Filed to: None

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2003 Svt Focus with 200k or an NA Spec Miata?

Looking for objective reasoning here... If I buy the Focus, it'll get stripped and caged almost immediately.

Let's pretend the amount of miles don't matter. I am mostly thinking about what would be a more fun track toy.

Conan > Boss2452stolemylunchmoney 09/20/2014 at 14:15

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They're both fun but that's a fair amount of miles on that Focus.

shop-teacher > Boss2452stolemylunchmoney 09/20/2014 at 14:41

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200k miles? I'd go with the Miata.

Boss2452stolemylunchmoney > Conan 09/20/2014 at 14:53

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Yeah, but what would be worse to maintain?

Boss2452stolemylunchmoney > shop-teacher 09/20/2014 at 14:53

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Any experience on issues with the Focus?

Conan > Boss2452stolemylunchmoney 09/20/2014 at 14:56

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I think it really depends on the condition/transmission of the Miata. Non rusted? It probably has the edge. If it's got rust and body issues, the Focus, even with the high miles, will likely be better.

Nibbles > Boss2452stolemylunchmoney 09/20/2014 at 14:58

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I had a 2000 ZX3 that went 186k on one clutch. The only issue I ever had with the thing was the plastic radiator tube exploded. Damn fine little car.

Conan > Boss2452stolemylunchmoney 09/20/2014 at 15:06

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From what I saw while I worked at a Ford Place: variable length intake port/VCT issues, questionable fuel mapping, lots of dead alternators, suspiciously early clutch replacement, problems with wheel bearings (particularly rear), power steering leaks, melting battery cables, and body welding issues (sometimes crazy early from tracked ones).

Simultaneously every owner seemed like they had a blast when they were working and I think they're an automotive good time that eventually came back with the FiST and FoST.

I'd be worried about the 200,000, but if it's a questionable Miata it might still be the better choice.

shop-teacher > Boss2452stolemylunchmoney 09/20/2014 at 15:49

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They're known to rust pretty badly. I've never owned one, so mechanically I know nothing about their issues.

Too many M's > Boss2452stolemylunchmoney 09/20/2014 at 16:26

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When it comes to FWD fun out of the cars the SVT Focus is second only to the R53 Cooper S. Only driven a '99 Miata (stock) and I'd still take the Focus. You can get lift off oversteer easy on a gutted one and for the price point probably find a newer example.