99 Focus V Golf

NUTZZ

I'm in the process of buying a car, just a budget prices as I'm a student! So I'm looking at around €1500 to €2000. I'm stuck between a Golf and a Focus and I've found two I'm interested in, both similar enough specs. Which would the good folks on Boards recommend?

Focus;

1.4L
Hatchback
Manual
1999
136000 Miles / 218,870 Kms
5 dr
NCT: 07/2011
TAX: 02/2011
ABS Brakes, Air Conditioning, Airbags, All electrics, Alloys, Cd/Radio, Electric Windows, Ipod Compatible, Power Steering, Towbar, Rear Lexus sports lights


Golf:

1999
1.4,
Comfortline Hatchback
Manual,
130miles,
5 Door,
4 airbags,
ABS,4 electric windows,electric heated mirrors,cd player,Sports Rims,New Tyres,Alarm Fitted,18' alloys, nct 2/11,

Tefral

Having owned a 99 Focus hatch ill tell you:

Check that the window motors and regulators were changed to the warranty replacements in the call back. The 99 ones had a problem and your looking at the bones of 500 quid to fix if they go on ya and they havent been changed.

Other than that id pick the focus because of the cheapness of parts.

The only problem with the focus is that the 1.4 is dead. Its so underpowered its unreal.

Id hold out for a 1.6 focus if i could...

Ive seen more golfs show up at my front door with all sorts of electrical problems etc, but they are also a very good car.

If it was just between the choice of the two cars mentioned then id have to tell you go for the Golf

sean1141

1.4 petrol golfs are trouble. very bad enging and gearbox. unless you go for a diesel stay away from the golf

EPM

Try this.

1.6 will be a nicer drive, cheaper to fuel and its never and has a fresh test on it. Should be able to bargain them down a bit too.

Sounds a lot better than what you've mentioned OP. Lexus lights and stupidly big alloys for the car shout abused to me. Might be wrong but in the majority of cases I doubt I'd be far from the mark.

NUTZZ

Cheers for the advice guys, the only reason I was sticking with the 1.4 is for my insurance as I'm in my early 20's, and for the tax, there's a good bit of difference in €333 for the 1.4 and over €400 for the 1.6. Also power isn't a huge issue for me, I currently drive a 1.3 Starlet so I was looking for something with just a bit more punch

PaulKK

You might be surprised about insurance.

At 23 I got insurance on a 2L 150bhp rear wheel drive saloon for €650 fully comp.

I would ring and see before discounting larger engines.


A 1.4 golf or focus is not going to be any faster than a 1.3L starlet. Get a 1.6 at least. Its only €1.50 a week more in tax.

MetzgerMeister

NUTZZ wrote: »

Also power isn't a huge issue for me, I currently drive a 1.3 Starlet so I was looking for something with just a bit more punch

You won't get much more if any from a 1.4 Focus

Alanstrainor

Your starlet is a lot lighter than those cars though. So I wouldn't expect any boost in performance, quite the opposite. The difference in the cost of insurance between a 1.4 and 1.6 is minimal, i'm in my early twenties too and when i went looking for quotes during the summer i found there was no difference on most cars.

NUTZZ

einheisserschre wrote: »

You won't get much more if any from a 1.4 Focus

Thanks, it's not hugely important to me anyway! Just want something that makes me feel like I have a bit more presence on the motorway, instead of feeling like the wind will knock me off!

EPM

Well a 1.4 focus is dangerously underpowered at times to he honest. Has the same output as your starlet and is heavier. Just like the golf too. 1.6 will save you money to cover the tax as the 1.4 can guzzle quite a bit as it hasn't enough power for the body

NUTZZ

NUTZZ wrote: »

Cheers for the advice guys, the only reason I was sticking with the 1.4 is for my insurance as I'm in my early 20's, and for the tax, there's a good bit of difference in €333 for the 1.4 and over €400 for the 1.6. Also power isn't a huge issue for me, I currently drive a 1.3 Starlet so I was looking for something with just a bit more punch

1.3 Starlet would eat both the 1.4 Golf and Focus, both are dirt.

NUTZZ

RoverJames wrote: »

1.3 Starlet would eat both the 1.4 Golf and Focus, both are dirt.

A fellow Starlet owner? :pac:

NUTZZ

NUTZZ wrote: »

A fellow Starlet owner? :pac:

Nope (I had a Celica for 9 months though once upon a time)
If you want the car to feel more stable on the motorway but wider tyres on it, they make a big difference to a car's behaviour on the road.

NUTZZ

RoverJames wrote: »

Nope (I had a Celica for 9 months though once upon a time)
If you want the car to feel more stable on the motorway but wider tyres on it, they make a big difference to a car's behaviour on the road.

Cheers dude, I've been driving the Starlet for about 5 years now, and don't get me wrong it's great car, it will go forever, I'm just tired of the small car thing, Starlet's and Micra's. I want something with more presence, any windy day I can feel the car move or if i overtake a lorry on the motorway I get pushed to the side....it's not fun anymore!:mad:

PaulKK

If you want something that has more presence and stability on the motorway get a saloon with a decent sized engine in it.

Should be more comfortable too.

NUTZZ

PaulKK wrote: »

If you want something that has more presence and stability on the motorway get a saloon with a decent sized engine in it.

Should be more comfortable too.

I'm really set on a hatch though, just while I'm young, I figure I'll be driving saloons the majority of my driving life!

Diesel Seat Leon Golf without the premium price, diesel savings will cover the extra tax.

VinnyTGM

If your getting a Golf get the 1.6 petrol or any of the diesels, the 1.4's give trouble if they're abused, so unless you want to take a chance on one, get a 1.6 or a tdi, I'd assume the same for a Focus but I don't know much about them.

sean1141

look for a foucs saloon in 1.6.. brother had one.. nice car to drive.. consider a bora instead of a golf.. they usually sell for a small bit less.. hard to come by in 1.6 do.. price insurance on a 90bhp tdi. should be feck all more than a 1.6 petrol.. im guessing you have some no claims bonus and a full licence??

sean1141

as rover james said the leon is a golf only cheaper... and nicer too!! (i have to say that..i have one lol) i went from a 1.4 leon to a 1.9tdi bora. you will save the differance in tax over a 1.4 in about 10000miles.. servicing costs are pretty much the same..

nothing wrong with a saloon.. a bora is less troublesome than a golf...
it dosent have a rear wiper to break lol

VinnyTGM

sean1141 wrote: »

nothing wrong with a saloon.. a bora is less troublesome than a golf...
it dosent have a rear wiper to break lol

There the same car, how can one be less troublesome, apart from a rear wiper.

sean1141

it was a joke hense the ''lol'' at the end!!

NUTZZ

sean1141 wrote: »

nothing wrong with a saloon.. a bora is less troublesome than a golf...
it dosent have a rear wiper to break lol

I know there isn't anything wrong with a saloon, I would just much prefer a hatch!:P

sean1141

haha no bother.. mk4 golf/mk1 leon are a solid car on the road. i would opt for a tdi one over a 1.4/1.6 petrol.. it might be worth looking into insurance on one

NUTZZ

sean1141 wrote: »

haha no bother.. mk4 golf/mk1 leon are a solid car on the road. i would opt for a tdi one over a 1.4/1.6 petrol.. it might be worth looking into insurance on one

Yeh I've been looking at the 1.6 Golf's, hearing an awful lot about electronics and lot of other stuff failing quite frequently though....

sean1141

i have had 3 mk4 based cars over the 6 years and the only electrical fault i had was dodgey ignition switch on one. part was only 30 quid and i fitted it myself.. its mostle electric windows and door switches that give bother in the mk4s.. here is a buying guide one of the lads done up on vagdrivers.. mostly for the tdi but there is some usefull info in there
http://vagdrivers.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=33195

NUTZZ

sean1141 wrote: »

here is a buying guide one of the lads done up on vagdrivers.. mostly for the tdi but there is some usefull info in there
http://vagdrivers.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=33195

Cheers for that, it's very detailed!

sean1141

no probs..hope its some help to you!!! best of luck with whatever you buy!

benj

wife has a golf 1.4(01) and never a problem in 2 years, nice solid car to drive and probably safer than a focus in an accident, comfortable on long journeys and fairly economical,
I also drove a 01 focus hatch last year and thought it was very light and lots of road noise and overtaking was a no no because it was way underpowered in 1.4 compared to the golf,
make sure and get any car your buying checked out before you hand over your cash.

golfbgud

1.4 Golf is a troublesome car. My local motor factor told me not to buy one at the time (he actually suggested a Focus).

Having said all that, the Golf is a heavy and safer car so if you're going with one then make sure you get it checked out properly first......

benj

benj wrote: »

I also drove a 01 focus hatch last year and thought it was very light and lots of road noise and overtaking was a no no because it was way underpowered in 1.4 compared to the golf

Must have been fecked it twas underpowered compared to a 1.4 Golf.

sean1141

i drove a 03 seat leon for two years with no problems. i bought it as i knew the fellow who owned it from new.. it never wanted for anything and there was only 30k on it when i got it. there are a few different engine codes for the 1.4 afaik.. the last of the 1.4s were not ment to be as bad but these were fitted to late 02 plus cars. the ones fitted to 98-01 were the worst which are falling into the op's budget now...

if your buying a petrol buy a focus... if you want a golf/leon get a tdi!

benj

RoverJames wrote: »

Must have been fecked it twas underpowered compared to a 1.4 Golf.

maybe it was because the guy who owned it didn't drive it much,
actually drove a 1.6 focus today and it was like a porsche compaired to it

NUTZZ

I've added a poll, I really can't decide between these two, both seem to have their pros and cons

Fishtits

I wouldn't touch a petrol Golf with a 20M pole.

Stheno

i'd a 99 1.4 golf years ago it was massively underpowered, if I were you I'd seriously look at a diesel leon

Wouldn't touch a focus, a friend of mine had one go on fire in traffic it was gutted, and another friend with one has had constant problems.

sean1141

what milage would you do a year op?

L-M

I've had a Golf for the last 2.5 years as the "bitch", other cars have came and went and it's still there. The car has never ever let me down, not once. I've had one or two problems but most have been my own fault (modifying it). It uses a small drop of oil, but again that's my own fault.

The main thing to check out for and the windows work, the engine doesn't sound like a diesel (really loud) and the airbag light isn't on in the dash. They often fail the NCT on emissions, a friend of mine paid 250eu for a CAT and I payed €8 for a bottle of pre NCT and we both passed, after failing.

Parts are cheap because there are so many about, and I don't get this "dangerously underpowered" lark, if you know what you're driving it's never underpowered. I haven't had a problem with power in my time driving it.

As for the Focus, as much go wrong with them as go wrong with the Golf.

I'd pick a Golf, purely because I don't like Fords and admittedly I'm a bit biased.

Also if the Golf you're looking at is in Limerick I'd glady have a look at it for you.

Crackle

I've had a 1.4 Focus for over 3 years now and have never had any major problems with it. Would like to have a bit more power (can't afford to upgrade in the current economical climate) but otherwise they're a solid, reliable car. My boss drives the 1.8 diesel version and a mate drives another 1.4 and they both praise it.

NUTZZ

Crackle wrote: »

I've had a 1.4 Focus for over 3 years now and have never had any major problems with it. Would like to have a bit more power (can't afford to upgrade in the current economical climate) but otherwise they're a solid, reliable car. My boss drives the 1.8 diesel version and a mate drives another 1.4 and they both praise it.

Think I've made up my mind, going for a 1.6 Focus, there's not much difference regarding insurance and it seems to have a lot more positive feedback than the 1.4 (i.e. not underpowered!)

Ardennes1944

why not a 1.4 astra? 90bhp,i never find any problems with it power wise. its the strongest 1.4 ive ever driven anyway. got myself a black 04 astra old model with 55k and 2years nct all extras from a dealer for 3500 2months ago and i love it

NUTZZ

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

why not a 1.4 astra? 90bhp,i never find any problems with it power wise. its the strongest 1.4 ive ever driven anyway. got myself a black 04 astra old model with 55k and 2years nct all extras from a dealer for 3500 2months ago and i love it

3500 is a little over my budget! I'm a student so I was looking at around the €1500 mark, €2000 max! There's a lot of 99-00 Focus at that price

Ardennes1944

NUTZZ wrote: »

3500 is a little over my budget! I'm a student so I was looking at around the €1500 mark, €2000 max! There's a lot of 99-00 Focus at that price

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1739946
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1733276
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1732058

quad_red

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1739946
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1733276
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1732058

+1 on the Astra.

Have an 02 astra with almost 90k on it. Passed the NCT with flying colours this summer. Ticks all the boxes.

bazz26

Just watch those 1.4 Astras, that engine is prone to head gasket failure.

NUTZZ

bazz26 wrote: »

Just watch those 1.4 Astras, that engine is prone to head gasket failure.

Yeh cheers for that dude, I've notice alot of the ads on DoneDeal mentioning that the head gasket had been replaced, reminds me of the Rover 25's and that really puts me off them

EPM

I'd stick with the 1.6 Focus. If you didn't mind a saloon there are loads of decent spec Ghia models of that age

NUTZZ

EPM wrote: »

I'd stick with the 1.6 Focus. If you didn't mind a saloon there are loads of decent spec Ghia models of that age

I'm going to stick with the 1.6 Focus I think, its the hatch not the saloon, quite like the look of it and the feedback

golfbgud

NUTZZ wrote: »

Think I've made up my mind, going for a 1.6 Focus, there's not much difference regarding insurance and it seems to have a lot more positive feedback than the 1.4 (i.e. not underpowered!)

Good choice - right decision. Good Luck!

Ardennes1944

NUTZZ wrote: »

I'm going to stick with the 1.6 Focus I think, its the hatch not the saloon, quite like the look of it and the feedback

only the 99 and 00 had problems with the head gasket. was sorted then

egan2020

cronin_j wrote: »

Having owned a 99 Focus hatch ill tell you:

Check that the window motors and regulators were changed to the warranty replacements in the call back. The 99 ones had a problem and your looking at the bones of 500 quid to fix if they go on ya and they havent been changed.

Just came across this thread today and noticed your post. I have this problem with mine and simply can't afford to get it fixed at the moment. How do I find out whether the window motors and regulators were changed in the call back? If they weren't changed, is it too late to do something about it now? Presumably the call back was years ago and I have the car four years so wouldn't have had it at the time.