Well I've came to the conclusion that my dream of a 350z might take a little longer than I thought haha...sooo I've been thinking alot lately about an intermediate car inbetween my focus and any hope of a 350z. So I've been looking alot at MKIV Golf GTI's and Jettas GLS's. Maybe just the thought of a stock turbo and lots of aftermarket potential is what is leading me towards these two. Well I would love to stay with another focus, but they just dont have what I'm lookin for power wise. So any input on these cars...good and bad? If you vote for something else, tell me what that something else would be, and keep it within the same price range as a 2003-2004 VW, im lookin to spend no more than 12-14k.

bump

Jetta.

And the stupid slow comment was rude.
I'm sure the focus doesn't want you either.

:P

hahahahahaha

You could try to find a 300zx fairlady edition. Thos should be reasonabley priced and you can use the money you saved to replace some of the internals to make up for the high mileage...

I was gonna do that but I needed a car with a warranty.

yeah a 300zx would be nice but that would be more of a project car, too many miles for me to want to mess with now, i want something reliable, relatively cheap, and has more power potential than my focus while remaining a daily driver

Go with a used SVT Focus for like 10K and throw a Procharger on that for 4k, Talk about a 350Z killer! And dont worry about the engine, the stock SVT internals can easily handle that power. The only thing you will have to change later is the clutch and flywheel, but if you dont push it all the time and drive some what mature, the stock clutch combo will last you a while.

Stay Focus... better yet... Go SVT!

2002 Audi A4 1.8T

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=220458398&dealer_id=34687748&car_year=2002&model=A4&num_records=25&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&search_type=used&distance=100&make=AUDI&color=&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=49310&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=14000&cardist=100

Go with a used SVT Focus for like 10K and throw a Procharger on that for 4k, Talk about a 350Z killer! And dont worry about the engine, the stock SVT internals can easily handle that power. The only thing you will have to change later is the clutch and flywheel, but if you dont push it all the time and drive some what mature, the stock clutch combo will last you a while.

Stay Focus... better yet... Go SVT!

Not a bad plan at all; VWs are easy-mode for power modding, they're also apparently real easy to break. I'm not still settled on if that's an urban myth or not, but it seems like everybody I talk to with a VW has had maintenance issues of varying magnitudes.

In 12k-14k, I'd look for a 2003 EAP SVT and boost it. I tell you what man, stock SVT -> EAP is a pretty sizeable jump itself, and base Focus -> SVT is nothing to cough at either.

MKIV GTI = Fat and slow

MKIV Jetta = Lady's car

Your Focus = Weak

Used SVT = FTW

ford fusion, but it might be more than what you want to spend @ this point.

Not a bad plan at all; VWs are easy-mode for power modding, they're also apparently real easy to break. I'm not still settled on if that's an urban myth or not, but it seems like everybody I talk to with a VW has had maintenance issues of varying magnitudes.

In 12k-14k, I'd look for a 2003 EAP SVT and boost it. I tell you what man, stock SVT -> EAP is a pretty sizeable jump itself, and base Focus -> SVT is nothing to cough at either.

exactly the type of info i wanna hear! I would love to have an SVT but how hard is it to come by one with low miles for only 12k? And then its gonna be another 4k at least to boost it. If it can be done, then that is a huge option i would consider. Any other vw reliability info out there?

MKIV GTI = Fat and slow

MKIV Jetta = Lady's car

Your Focus = Weak

Used SVT = FTW

Do you have any experience or just talking out of your ass? cause i wouldnt say that the GTI is fat and slow...for one its a hatch...two it has 180hp (same as SVT) and three is already boosted...and i also wouldnt say that the focus sedan is any more "manly" than the jetta. granted i always see hot ass girls driving around campus in there little jettas mom and dad bought for em, so i guess theres some truth [cheers]

bump anyone else?

vw's....ewww...thoes cars were called "hitlers revenge" in my car club in utah. lol.....everyone has their poison...but i dont like thoes cars...the focus is a cool car, id find an svt or st.

vw's....ewww...thoes cars were called "hitlers revenge" in my car club in utah. lol.....everyone has their poison...but i dont like thoes cars...the focus is a cool car, id find an svt or st.

alot of mechanical problems? ive heard that a couple times now...reliability is huge for me, as well as probably everyone. I'll look into SVT's, i've always wanted one just can never find any for sale around here!

i know what you mean....i was lookin for an svt as well....but i wouldnt trade it for my st now that ive drove one....im being a little over opinionated on the vw's...but ive just never trusted them.

i know what you mean....i was lookin for an svt as well....but i wouldnt trade it for my st now that ive drove one....im being a little over opinionated on the vw's...but ive just never trusted them.

yea, its cool tho...i made this thread just to hear peoples opinion, its definitely making me think twice about vw's. I would also be interested in an ST but i highly doubt id be able to find one in my price range, them being so new and all.

edit: ive also been considering doing a tranny swap. Ive heard $1400 somewhere to get a kit from focusalvage i think. But then you gotta look at all the work involved. My dad is pretty mechanically inclined, but I dont want to have this thing sitting in the garage for a long time either. Paying someone else to do it would be a rediculous amount of money i would think. I will end up having this car for a while if i dont find anything else, so is it worth it? still not sure on that one...

hahaha...well im also very big on keeping and repairing..with your aging focus means possible performance replacment parts...so, whats cheaper?..buying a new car(monthly payments)...or finding some deals on new parts?....youll propably be driving down the road in the near future and pass somthing that catches your eye in some car dealership, pull in to check it out and then drive away in it...thats how ive gotten most of my cars. lol

As far as reliability, VW's are about as reliable as any American car. A guy at my work just had to rebuild his entire motor (about 6K in a VW) in his Turbo Passat, because it skipped timing at 112k mi.

You should be able to find a reasonably priced ST or SVT if you keep your eyes open. A friend of mine just bought an 06 ST for 13,000+tax/etc and it had 11k miles on it. VW's arent a bad alternative, but Im personally no fan of the interior on the MKIV's, the seat have short leg overhang, rear seat room is incredibly cramped, styling is "eh", but then again, thats my opinion. Buy what you like, and if a Jetta/Golf is what you want, then get that, even if it might mean some problems down the road (I bought a used 00' Focus because I wanted one to replace my totalled 01' ZX3, despite their numerous recalls and other such issues in the first year).

Fusion?

again thanks guys for all the great info...damn thats pretty cheap for an ST isnt it??? anyways i mean our focus isnt what you would call bulletproof (it is american made lol), so comparing it to a vw...i have no idea which is better, or if they're the same. I just know theres always been a huge cult like following for vw's in general and i kinda see why. The euro hatch or euro look in general just appeals to me, hence why i got the focus. just pissed i didnt jump the gun and wait for a manual instead of auto. I'm sure when vw's break down its probably more expensive to fix for the same problem in a domestic. alot easier to find a domestic dealership too. I just keep coming to the dillema of keeping this car and maybe swap out the tranny for a manual to do some more modding and drive the piss out of it till it dies. Or if i'll just be any further ahead if i just bought a different car? but if anyone has first hand experience with vw's and has had lots of problems, no problems, or just as much as any other car, then feel free to add your 2 cents. peace...i have a stupid ass exam tomorrow at 8...

eh i dont like the fusion that much and there isnt a whole lot of aftermarket out there for them is there?

been searching auto trader for an SVT and these are the best ive found so far...
1.http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=216272660&dealer_id=71248&car_year=2004&search_type=both&num_records=&keywordsfyc=&transmission=Manual&distance=200&make3=&address=48823&advanced=&default_sort=priceDESC&certified=&model3=&model2=&max_mileage=&max_price=13000&sort_type=make_modelASC&min_price=1&body_code=4&end_year=2008&color=&keywordsrep=&start_year=2002&drive=&color3=&color2=&engine=&body_style=HATCH&doors=&style_flag=2&fuel=&cardist=47
2.http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=220135675&dealer_id=603456&car_year=2002&search_type=both&num_records=&keywordsfyc=&transmission=Manual&make3=&distance=200&address=48823&advanced=&certified=&default_sort=priceDESC&model3=&model2=&max_mileage=&max_price=13000&sort_type=make_modelASC&min_price=1&first_record=26&body_code=4&end_year=2008&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=2002&color3=&drive=&color2=&pager.offset=25&engine=&body_style=HATCH&fuel=&style_flag=2&doors=&cardist=200
good deal?

dude...that aint bad at all...very pimp.

yea i really like the first one...just wish i had the money and time to do this right now, but it would have to wait until after my internship in delaware

Potential Solution:
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117734

Not sure what the poster is looking for, it might be a bit over your target, and you'd need to fly in and drive home - but I imagine it might be worth while.

Let's see, the VW's made in Germany seem to have fewer problems than the ones made in Mexico and Latin America (vin starts with 3 and 9 on these cars). When buying a VW, only buy one with a VIN that starts with W. (unless you're buying an 80's vintage Rabbit - that VIN will start with 1 - built in PA).

Frankly, a Mexican made VW seems to have similar reliability to a Mexican made Focus. So, the only real difference between the two is pretention and a couple thousand dollars. I'd find another SVT or get one of the bargain basement 07's. With the rebates and Ford's mad dash to get rid of them, you can easily get a nicely eqipped 07 zx3 SE for around $12-$14k, an S for even less (though an S with manual and AC is the same as a bare bones SE that includes more features). That's what I did.

Holy shit is this for real?
1.http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=218183072&dealer_id=59629589&car_year=2004&num_records=&model=FOCUS&make2=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=4&search_type=both&distance=200&color3=&color2=&first_record=26&make=FORD&color=&min_price=6000&body_style=HATCH&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=48823&advanced=&end_year=2004&pager.offset=25&transmission=&doors=&max_price=13000&cardist=81
found some more svt's, are these good prices?
1.http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=219419571&dealer_id=1363446&car_year=2003&model=FOCUS&num_records=&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=4&fuel=&search_type=both&distance=200&color3=&color2=&make=FORD&color=&min_price=6000&body_style=HATCH&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=48823&advanced=&end_year=2004&doors=&transmission=&max_price=13000&cardist=189
2.http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=217619507&dealer_id=617734&car_year=2003&search_type=both&num_records=&make=FORD&keywordsfyc=&transmission=&distance=200&model=FOCUS&address=48823&make2=&advanced=&default_sort=priceDESC&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=13000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=6000&first_record=26&body_code=4&end_year=2004&color=&keywordsrep=&start_year=1981&drive=&color3=&color2=&pager.offset=25&engine=&body_style=HATCH&doors=&style_flag=2&fuel=&cardist=200
3.http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=215758692&dealer_id=579669&car_year=2004&search_type=both&num_records=&make=FORD&keywordsfyc=&transmission=&distance=200&model=FOCUS&address=48823&make2=&advanced=&default_sort=priceDESC&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=13000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=6000&first_record=26&body_code=4&end_year=2004&color=&keywordsrep=&start_year=1981&drive=&color3=&color2=&pager.offset=25&engine=&body_style=HATCH&doors=&style_flag=2&fuel=&cardist=135
...and this Roush, arent they just a zx3 with body kit and no power adders?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=220449621&dealer_id=73160&car_year=2004&search_type=both&num_records=&make=FORD&keywordsfyc=&transmission=&distance=200&model=FOCUS&address=48823&make2=&advanced=&default_sort=priceDESC&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=13000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=6000&first_record=26&body_code=4&end_year=2004&color=&keywordsrep=&start_year=1981&drive=&color3=&color2=&pager.offset=25&engine=&body_style=HATCH&doors=&style_flag=2&fuel=&cardist=58

edit: i just found teh sex...but kinda high miles
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=220506084&dealer_id=575130&car_year=2004&num_records=&model=FOCUS&make2=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=4&search_type=both&distance=200&color3=&color2=&first_record=26&make=FORD&color=&min_price=6000&body_style=HATCH&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=48823&advanced=&end_year=2004&pager.offset=25&transmission=&doors=&max_price=13000&cardist=87

I actually found a shit load more of these...can anyone convince me the SVT is way better than the VW's cause it looks like the VW would be easier and cheaper to get more hp, but they come with reliability problems...am i wrong?

ohhh man...i cant believe you just said that bro.lol......SVT.

^^^ haha i know, i just am not THAT familiar with the SVT as far as how much it would take to upgrade it performance wise compared to lets say a GTI

well, your in the right forum for svt owners to see your posts....after the last three posts im sure they'll be bombarding this thread because you compared an svt to a vw.......uh oh.LOL

haha good! no but after seeing how many SVT's i could actually find within a reasonable distance from me I'm really forgetting i even thought about a VW, ive wanted an SVT for so long, but just thought it would be out of my reach to own

i love my st...but if i had found an svt first....well thats what i would be driving now...who wouldnt want a car thats model sig. stands for "special vehicle team"...thats hot.

I'd go for that orange euro one in the very last link...the one for 12k But i will say that the price/year/mileage does make the car seem way too good to be true.

But regarding reliability...with the SVTF it's really up to luck on how reliable it is. I've read about many people complaining on how many problems their car has had (whether stock or modified) and other times there are people that have had no major problems whatsoever. The SVT IMO is just as reliable as any other car in it's class.

that first link is a black euro package with a procharger and 35k miles...they only want 13,000 for it, too good to be true?

Lol, actually i didn't see the other links...but now that i did I'm noticing that the SVTs are going for a lot less then i expected. Especially for all of those lower mileage ones. So i'd say go for any one of those...

The procharged one i'm a bit iffy about...i'm not too keen on the idea of buying a used car with an aftermarket turbo already installed. If it's been modified to that extent you can be sure that the car has been beat on and w/o knowing the specifics of the install/tuning then you can't be sure that it was a "quality" job. I'd stick with one that is nearly stock...that way when you mod it you know what kind of job has been done.

go SVT turbo it, done. cya everyone else.

hmmmm...you svt boys are capable of the supercharger(bastards)...why go turbo?....im not quite sold on turbos...if they ever equipt us duratecs with a supercharger ill buy it.

well ive been doing some more research and I realized that focussalvage is only 3 hrs away from me when i move out to delaware on my internship. Do you guys think it would be worth it to swap out my tranny? Or am I better off saving for the SVT? I'm trying to figure out how much money i would spend in each situation. If i went with getting the SVT, I could sell my current car for at least 5-6 grand i would think. It only has 55k miles on it. then i would only have to come up with 8 grand more to get the SVT. Decisions....

I always wanted a screaming yellow 5 door EAP svt focus. For some reason, that particular combo seems really over the top, making it perfect. Since I can't get one new, I'll wait for either the focus ST to come to the U.S. or a Volvo C30.