Ford Focus vs Toyota Corrolla

ali1971

Hi All,
I test drived both of these cars today, 2012 models and trying to decide which to go for. Anybody any advice? The toyota was nice and spacious, basic inside. The focus has very low mileage and was nice too. Thanks in advance.

bazz26

Have a look at the Mitsubishi Lancer 1.8 Di-D diesel too. More powerful than both the Focus or Corolla, only let down on the Lancer is that it feels very old both to look at and sit in. In saying that the Corolla looks or feels no better than it.

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Mitsubishi/Lancer/1.8-DI/126114199335691220/

ali1971

Thanks,
it looks nice too. Think I will go with the Focus.

NIMAN

In terms of looks, it would be Focus all day long.

bazz26

The Focus is hardly an oil painting if the deciding factor is looks alone.

colm_mcm

2012 would be new model? If so, its a lot better looking than the 07 shape corolla.

Gavman84

I'd pick the focus too can't stand those corollas at all.

NIMAN

bazz26 wrote: »

The Focus is hardly an oil painting if the deciding factor is looks alone.

Its an oil painting compared to the Corolla, which is a bit of a hag.

bazz26

NIMAN wrote: »

Its an oil painting compared to the Corolla, which is a bit of a hag.

That's a bit like saying magnolia is nicer than beige. One is less bland than the other.

NIMAN

Personal preferences I guess. I don't think the Focus is a bad looking car at all.

Well at least its a lot more exciting to drive than a Corolla.

mossy50

corolla = OAP car

Old diesel

Hard to argue the case for a Corolla if the reliability isn't up to the standard of older Toyotas.

It even manages to be quite big on the outside - yet surprisingly tiny in the back for legroom

Is a VAG product - Golf/Octavia an option for you OP????

JohnBoy26

Even though the corolla isn't as good as previous efforts I'd still wager it being a more reliable car than a focus. The focus is newer and more modern however, but they too in pre facelift are looking dated now.

ba_barabus

I'll be in the minority here but I'd rather the Corolla. My biggest gripe with however is the poor power to weight ratio. It's almost as heavy as an Avensis but only comes with a 1.33 petrol or a 1.4 d4d.

JohnBoy26

ba_barabus wrote: »

I'll be in the minority here but I'd rather the Corolla. My biggest gripe with however is the poor power to weight ratio. It's almost as heavy as an Avensis but only comes with a 1.33 petrol or a 1.4 d4d.

I for one agree with you anyway

in Luna spec the facelifted corolla isn't bad. You have a point about the engines, they won't win any races but tbh they are perfectly adequate for most peoples needs. They are also two solid robust engines that will give hassle free motoring.

Old diesel

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Even though the corolla isn't as good as previous efforts I'd still wager it being a more reliable car than a focus. The focus is newer and more modern however, but they too in pre facelift are looking dated now.

I suppose my thinking is - I see a lot of modern cars being pretty much on the same page when it comes to reliability albeit with some exceptions.

So where in 1999 youd buy a Corolla simply on the reliability alone - that advantage isn't so clear cut.

I don't know - theres a 99 outside the door right now - and even overlooking reliability - id still rather it then the newer Corollas.

If I "had to" have a newer Toyota - it would have to be a Hybrid - just because that's interesting.

I know from Uk magazine reports on the Mk 1 Auris - that the hybrids seen as the best model in the range.

And theres a definite argument that the hybrid tech is more reliable then diesels

ali1971

Hi,
Thanks for all your replies. Really liked both cars but picked up the focus today

NIMAN

Best of luck with it, good car.
Just changed to a 13 Focus myself.