I am ready to make a deal.... so Im leaning towards a Focus SE...I want automatic,phone,sirius(minimum) reabates are showing $2k on the 2012 models.... (I get Xplan pricing(is this a gimmick?) what would be good price this labor Day weekend? MJB[popcorn][strongman]
I've only heard a bunch of negatives about the Dart, but since I read it all in this forum, it should come as no surprise. You'd probably see just the opposite on a Dart forum.
The best service you could do for yourself is to go drive one. In the end, it all depends on what YOU like.
If you have ANY concerns about the Focus's auto transmission (or if you have no idea what I'm talking about), read through this forum about issues with the DCT. Some folks are having trouble, some folks claim they're having trouble, and some folks are thrilled with it.
The Dart is only available as a sedan, its also heavier than the Cruze and Focus. The 2.0L DOHC engine is still port injected and the standard automatic is a slush box. The manual does have 6 ratios rather than 5 but with semi long throws and a chintzy chromed plastic gear knob.
Its not quite as much fun to drive and since neither Chrysler nor Fiat/Alfa have done well with reliability historically even in Europe I can't reccomend it unless you have to have a traditional slushbox in this class of car.
thats a question you should ask a friend or family member or something... not a forum filled w/ Focus owners. lol. IMO, it all depends on which car has what features you need/want. at the end of the day regardless of what engine you choose, turbo or N/A... regardless automatic or manual, you end up with a car that should achieve 35+mpg.
Reason I posted wasnt to bash either---just all the reasons you guys like the Focus And why...(comparison on this forum was a mistake),,,,eekss [headbang][offtopic]
Meh, we really like to cover most cars anyway..... They both look nice, I think the dart looks a bit better interior wise but I know nothing else of it other than it should be considered "Le Dart" [hihi]
It replaces the Caliber, which replaced the Neon - having owned a Neon and having looked at the Caliber, it doesn't interest me at all with the poor reliability of its predecessors.
Also, I've heard that while the 1.4 Multiair is a great motor in the Fiat 500 Abarth, it just doesn't have it in the 2013 Dart. Honestly, read some reviews on it, but more importantly in my book, watch expert reviews on Youtube like Consumer Reports, Steve Hammes, Motorweek, Motor Trend, etc.
Seems to me that the majority of basically saying while the 1.4 is a good engine overall, it's no match for the Dart and has horrible turbo lag with the manual (I can't imagine it's any better in auto form). In conclusion, I looked at the Dart for a bit because of the cool looks, lots of customization, 6 speed manual, quiet and refined ride, and the great tech, but with CJD/Fiat's spotty reliability and requirement of premium gas in the 1.4, it just wasn't worth looking into more. If you're sold on a Dart, wait for the R/T with the 2.4L.
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