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Focus ZX3 vs VW Beetle - READ ONLY

34 messages,  Last post on Oct 01, 2002 at 5:05 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Volkswagen New Beetle, Coupe, Hatchback

Messages Page 1 of 4

#1 of 34 Focus ZX3 or Beetle TDI, Which one? by mylittlepudge

Feb 14, 2000 (7:06 pm)

I'm looking to get a new car, but I don't know
which one to get. I like both, but I need to hear
from actual owners of either to get a better
picture than what salesmen are telling me. I know
that the price range is quite different, but if I
lease the Beetle, its residual is around 65% for 3
years (that makes up for the difference). Please
help with advice.

#2 of 34 Price by cefurod

Feb 17, 2000 (7:24 pm)

But you don't get to keep the car at the end if you lease. You would end up paying more if you buy it out later. Did you read the topics on both the focus and the Beetle? You'll get a lot of opinions from real owners there. I've never driven a beetle but i own a focus. I think the Focus is a great car in and out. A lot of it depends on price issue like cost, maintenance, gas...,etc.

#3 of 34 Focus is a winner by 2000zx3

Apr 24, 2000 (12:48 am)

Ford did well with the Focus. The market needed this car. Mostly speaking of the ZX3 model of course. My opinion the Focus is all around better than the Beetle. What a sweeeeeeeeeet car.

#4 of 34 FOCUS is a winner!!! by teddy9

Jun 06, 2000 (10:48 pm)

I have been renting cars for the last 10 yrs and was so impressed by the handling, power and feel of the new Focus ZX3, that I bought one!! I love the car's intérior and all the extras. Of course in Canada, it is more expensive but it was worth it. I do 30 miles/gallon on average and love the powerful ZX3 motor. It is an all around better car than the Beetle, no question.

#5 of 34 Beetle 200 by rbehrends

Jun 08, 2000 (12:45 am)

I am a Honda owner for many years. Just fell in love with the beetle styling.
I am wondering if all these reports pertaining to oil and electrical problems is what its made out to be. Hate to be in love and let down.

#6 of 34 Beetle great and fun by bostont

Jun 08, 2000 (1:14 am)

I owned a 1969 Bug for 25 years. Loved it. Best car I ever owned. My niece has a 1999 New Beetle, has had very little trouble. My sister has a 2000 New Beetle, loves it and no problems. The 1998 Beetle had some problems but I guess they were caught for 1999 and the 1999 problems were cured for 2000. I want one and hope to be able to buy a 2002 when my lease runs out for my present vehicle. I haven't driven a Focus.

#7 of 34 rbehrends by powerslide

Jun 08, 2000 (3:17 pm)

Check out the "Beetle problems" forum. Then tell me you still want a Beetle. I think you would have a big letdown from your Honda.

#8 of 34 no problems by govu

Jun 08, 2000 (3:51 pm)

I own a 2000 NB. I've talked to many others out there. None of us have had any significant problems. (My biggest complaint is that I squish a lot of bugs.)


I've also read through the "Beetle problems" forum. It would be naive to think that there would be no problems with a new line of car. Read the 1000+ posts about the NB on this site. Then read the posts about its problems, noting the authors and the number of different problems mentioned (vs. the number of different times the same person says the same thing).


Considering my 50 mpg (diesel), low insurance, and how much I enjoy the car, I wouldn't trade it even up for any car out there. Well, I might take a Porsche, sell it, and use the cash to buy another Bug...but that's a different story. I wouldn't want to -drive- another car, especially not with gas prices where they are.

#9 of 34 Problems by powerslide

Jun 09, 2000 (10:52 pm)

I see Consumer Reports has dropped the New Beetle from its list of recommended cars because of the reports of poor reliability. Recommended cars must have average or better reliability.

#10 of 34 I just bought my Beetle! by chrismar

Aug 23, 2000 (1:47 am)

I just got my 2001 CyberGreen GLX 1.8T last weekend and I absolutley love it!!!!!!!!!!
I get compliments just about everyday and lots of questions and stares. Its a very fun car!

Messages Page 1 of 4

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