Hi,

I need a new car. I drove an '06 mustang GT but it was recently totaled. I drive a lot and wanted something more fuel effecient anyway (about 400 miles per week).

I recently travled to Scotland and got to drive a rented focus diesel for a few days and really enjoyed that car. I understand that the US version is totally different but it still piqued my interest in the Focus.

My local Ford dealer has a 4 door SE with manual tranny that they're asking about $14,500 after rebates. It is black which I like but has the stamped wheels. I don't care about the stereo or sync (which is the low end one) since I like to put aftermarket ones in.

My questions:

Is $14,500 about right for the price? I am eligible for the x-plan, would this knock that price down further? Will the car hold up well to this much driving (mostly highway)? Is 35 mpg a realistic number for highway driving? Is the manual worth the price and mpg savings over the automatic (I actually prefer manuals from a driving standpoint). I wish I could find one in leather but finding one with leather and a manual is probably like finding a needle in a haystack.

Is the SE trim package OK from a performance/safety standpoint, or am I missing out on some things that would come standard on an SES or SEL. I know this is an econo-car but I'd still like it to be nice.

Thanks in advance.

seems reasonable to me, in my opinion definitely go manual..especially if you're the kind of person that likes some feedback and a more involved driving experience. I have heard that people do better than 35 mpg, but at the very least I would say expect 35 mpg hwy

as far as the fuel economy stand point, i was reading the other day about a guy on here that is getting 47mpg with his 08 with a manual, its all how you drive it.

i would say go for it, the price sounds good, from a performance standpoint on the trim levels, all come with the same engine, drivetrain suspension, ect. you arnt missing anything there

for the other levels of trim ist mostly interior stuff, and maybe some exterior styling, not sure on the exterior, i dont know too much about the 08-09 focus.

the focus holds up very well, i have an 04 that that car has been through a lot, and she still runs and looks great.

idk how soon you plan on buying, but if you were to wait around a year, we are getting the euro focus in the US sometime late next year, just something to think about, idk how bad you need/want a new car.

and [welcome] to ff.com [wave]

Thanks for the replies and the welcome[cheers]

Unfortunately I can't wait for the 2010's, I am renting a car right now until I get the insurance check for my totaled my mustang, after that I'll have to find something ASAP since I need something to get to work in. The check should be enough to buy the focus, reupholster in leather and buy some better wheels if I decide to.

Any advantages to the coupe over the sedan, or is it just a different look?

Thanks for the replies and the welcome[cheers]

Unfortunately I can't wait for the 2010's, I am renting a car right now until I get the insurance check for my totaled my mustang, after that I'll have to find something ASAP since I need something to get to work in. The check should be enough to buy the focus, reupholster in leather and buy some better wheels if I decide to.

Any advantages to the coupe over the sedan, or is it just a different look?

A focus SE sedan with the 5 spd transmission is a great buy for many reasons. Usually getting a manual involes buying a stripped down S model, and the SE is very nicely equipped. Don't waste your money on the SES model, unless you want to spend 17, 18k for a compact car with a fancy audio system. The 4 door is also a bit more practical than the coupe, althought not quite as sporty looking. I say go for it.