Neon Vs Focus vs Cavalier

[mechtech2]

We are not comparing new cars.
We are comparing used ones of wildly varying condition and maintenance history.
Any could be great.
When buying a used car, count on spending more money to get it right - it hurts less this way.

 

[Bladecutter]

Originally Posted By: Nick R
This is all in the future anyway, probably late next spring/early summer when I have the funds to pay off what I owe on the car, and sell it outright to a 3rd part or something. Looking to get a cheap, used car.


I still don't understand why you don't just get your current CX-5 refinanced at a credit union at a rate and loan length you can actually afford?

Well, whomever it is that winds up with your CX-5 is going to love you for what you're going to do.

BC.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Bladecutter
I still don't understand why you don't just get your current CX-5 refinanced at a credit union at a rate and loan length you can actually afford?

He explained it in his CX-5 thread. The car doesn't fit him for various reasons which did not become apparent until after he bought it.

 

[kkreit01]

The 2nd Gen Neons were pretty rock solid as far as the drivetrain goes. I had an 05 MTX for a short while. It was a nice commuter car. It was more fun to drive than my '10 Focus, but that's because the Focus was an ATX. The Neon was very easy to work on.

 

[Nick R]

Any real worry about electrical gremlins with the neon that I haven't heard of? It will come down to condition/price in the end, but I definitely think I like the Neons overall, better than the Focus and Cavalier.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Nick R
Any real worry about electrical gremlins with the neon that I haven't heard of? It will come down to condition/price in the end, but I definitely think I like the Neons overall, better than the Focus and Cavalier.


Point blank:

That's because it is the only vehicle of the group you haven't owned yet.

Think about it.

 

[rationull]

Any thoughts to trying to find a Focus hatch or wagon? The extra cargo room would make it less of a step down in practicality from the CX-5 and it should still drive like any other Focus. Personally that'd be my pick.

My sister had an Escort wagon for a while, and it was a great car aside from the catastrophic engine troubles. But somebody already warned you to stay away from the SPI engines so that should take care of that

Manual trans focus hatch or wagon with a Duratech would be a great car.

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: Nick R
Any real worry about electrical gremlins with the neon that I haven't heard of? It will come down to condition/price in the end, but I definitely think I like the Neons overall, better than the Focus and Cavalier.


Point blank:

That's because it is the only vehicle of the group you haven't owned yet.

Think about it.


Well, maybe. But this focus isn't much like the focus I had. Interior is different. I spent quite a bit of time with this neon I drove. It feels more substantial than the cavalier, and the ride is smoother than either. The interior is also made of better quality materials and feels better put together, especially compared to the cavalier. The cavalier is by far the most powerful of the 3. It's a toss up. Ultimately the neon has the roomiest interior, and best mix of ride/handling.

 

[yonyon]

Cavalier - Best ergonomics if you're tall. Interior can get old and worn quickly. Ecotec is a great engine and can last forever and change. Probably available cheap as free or close to it. Catch that front crossmember before it rots out.

Focus - Best ergonomics if you're obese. Best paint. Wagon has distinct practical advantages. High maintenance suspension.

Neon - Best ergonomics if you're short. Best handling. Timing belt must not be ignored.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

Now is not the time to figure out what type of car you'll be purchasing nearly a year into the future. There is too much that can happend between now and then, and you never know what opportunity may arise.

You also shouldn't try to narrow it down to just 3 types this early in the game. A month or so before you're ready to buy makes more sense.

 

[antiqueshell]

I agree with the other poster:

Focus from about 2004-2007.

Very reliable first Focus design, Dearborn completely almost completely removed the fun to drive factor out of this design after the refresh in 08. The 2001-2005 version was probably the most sporty and of course true to the European version.

Most people do not know that the Focus From 2001-07 was almost an exact copy of the European Focus sold at the same time.

 

[Cutehumor]

Nick, avoid the Neon. Cavy or Focus if that is your only choices.

 

[hattaresguy]

Don't worry about what you like or how it drives because that doesn't really matter for your needs.

Shop condition.

I'd also recommend looking for a Buick, comfortable, cheap to fix and buy, and can't be beat cost per mile.

Driving a fun car you like is something you earn, its a luxury. Your learning that with your Mazda. Shop based on financial reality, ie you need to stay within a budget. Things you don't like you learn to live with, you would be amazed at what you can tolerate.

 

[mrsilv04]

Wait. The Cruze is gone already?

Wow. You miss a week around here, you miss a lot.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
Wait. The Cruze is gone already?

Wow. You miss a week around here, you miss a lot.


Yeah, check out his thread in the vehicles section about the Mazda.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
They're all fairly close.
I like the Neon myself. I had a 2nd gen (in the era you are looking at) and the thing was tough as nails. The powertrains in those cars are near bomb proof minus the timing belt change.

4 wheel independent suspension with excellent handling. If you get an R/T you also get 4 wheel disc with ABS and traction control. (and a bit more power) That is what I had. But, it is a 5 speed manual only. (The R/T)

Cavi has the Ecotec engine in that era and is also very stout as you know. I actually think the Neon has the nicest interior of the 3, I've been in plenty of both. That largely comes down to preference of course though.


I was with you all the way until you mentioned the Neon having the nicest interior.
I never really liked the Neon's interior. Acceptable seats but extensive used of cheap Polypropylene throughout.
But then again, in comparison to a Cavalier....meh

Neon has better seats.
The Focus has some problems with grain matching, presumably from shopping the cheapest vendor. Plus the Focus has that weird squished instrument cluster.

Yeah....I see it now.

As far as performance? The Neon was the choice for SCCA racing and bested the control blade equipped Focus in Grassroots Motorsports shootout. The Cavalier is a distant third. Advantage Neon.

The Focus Zetec and Neon both have timing belts...and who doesn't like an ecotec? (except for the very early production ecotec Cavaliers which appear to have used the Saturn L-series 2.2 timing chain sets) Advantage Cavalier.

The Ford comes in 3, 4, 5-door and wagon (and later a 2 door). You have to go way back to the '80s to get as many body styles in a Cavalier. No 3 door Neon. (There is kind of a 5 door and convertible Neon but it's a PT Cruiser.) Advantage Focus.

It does come down to preference. I think I might prefer a manual transmission/4 cylinder Ranger/B2300

 

[Vikas]

Have you decided upon the color of your next car yet? What about the trim level??

Come on, you know how ridiculous that sounds when you are planning to purchase your next used car in a year or so!

Many of us have told you to refinance your spanking new Mazda at your local credit union but rather than doing that you come up with yet another crazy idea. Then you wonder why other people here try to make fun of you.

Please note I had stayed out of all of your previous new car topics and this is the first time I am making a critical comment on your next possible purchase.

 

[grampi]

Why are you only looking at these 3? If I was looking in this segment, these are about worst 3 you can get. I'd be looking at Corolla, Civic, and maybe something from Nissan and Mazda. These are all better choices than these 3....

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
Come on, you know how ridiculous that sounds when you are planning to purchase your next used car in a year or so!

Look who's talking. I remember you asking about various potential used cars to buy over the past year, long before you ended up buying something.. 5-series, E-class, RX... did I miss any others?

IMO, there is nothing wrong with doing a little research, even if it's 9 months away.

 

[rjundi]

Originally Posted By: grampi
Why are you only looking at these 3? If I was looking in this segment, these are about worst 3 you can get. I'd be looking at Corolla, Civic, and maybe something from Nissan and Mazda. These are all better choices than these 3....


+1

In this price range I would look for condition/good owner and expand my search. I would not snub the three cars you have as some may be in incredible condition but why limit yourself in finding a unicorn out there.