Ford Focus or KIA Spectra

[Fishinguy40]

Any advice or comments about either vehicle? My daughter is looking to buy a used vehicle, 2005 or newer, and both of these are in her price range. She was also looking at the Cobalt but I did a search and found Airjer's comment about them being one of the five worst vehicles.

Airjer, you were right about the $200 for her Grand Prix that overheated. The junkyard is coming out this week to get it.

[Scott K]

I would have to say the Focus is by far the superior car between those two.

[bucketmouth64]

I second the Focus. I rented one and was impressed with the roominess and the get up and go. Plus I am biased with American made cars. They are "cheaper to fix", foreign parts could get expensive.

[CJH]

Get the Focus.

[Jeremy airjer W]

The focus can have issues with the rear coils, T-stat housing, coolant pipe, and rear tire wear. Other than they aren't to bad.

Either one would be a good choice.

Plus I am biased with American made cars. They are "cheaper to fix", foreign parts could get expensive.

Myth, IMO. The aftermarket has done an amazing job keeping up with the known failed parts of most vehicles whether import or domestic. Factor in the frequency of down time and frequency of repairs and its a wash between the two.

[Big Buck Buster]

In the past couple of years I have noticed that OEM parts can be the same price if not less expensive than aftermarket. Pays to shop around, and don't be afraid to check with the dealer for price on parts. I was amazed.

[Fishinguy40]

Thanks for all the input guys.

[zamboni]

Guy I work with has a newer Cobalt and the engines been shucked already, so yeah, stayin away from one of those is a wise move.

Have you looked at a Hyundai Elantra? I had one, but once baby #3 came along we got a (gulp) mini-van. The Elantra was very nice, and that was a 98, they are even nicer now.

[zamboni]

BTW- Focus of the 2 listed

[NCLaker]

The focus can have issues with the rear coils, ...

Just curious ... Do all Ford sedan's have eventual issues with rear coil springs. I have owned a Taurus & Sable and both eventually ended up with broken springs. See a lot of these models that ride real low on the back tires, so assume they have the same problem.

[PierBridge]

Yes Laker...Chinese steel that Ford uses is [PoorWordUsage].

[Jeremy airjer W]

Just curious ... Do all Ford sedan's have eventual issues with rear coil springs.

No, they have issues with front coils as well!