Personal Experience Only..Ford Focus 08 or Chevy Cobalt 08?

Question

I'm looking to purchase a new car at reasonable price (I have a college students budget). I've looked at Honda, Nissans and etc.. And so far I've decided to go with these two.. Because For their price their pretty sleek compared to the car I wanted (Pontiac G8) which is way out of my price range & the 08 honda civic which I find revolting..Ugh..Cringes..Anyway.. For those of you who own the 08 models, What do you think about them do you like them? How long have you had it? How does it drive? Music is a big part of my travel, Hows the stereo system? And if theres anything else you can add please do..

Answer 1

Stereo in the Focus is great, but gas mileage is not quite what they claim.  The offering prices on both cars are great, but watch the interest rates.  If they offer over 11%, they think you've never bought a car before and they'll just butt rape you for as much as they can.  When you check your credit, if your score is over 600 there is no reason your interest rate should be over 10%.

You also need to be careful about extended warranty.  The manufacturer's warranty is all you need, don't bother with anything above and beyond that even though they'll try to jam it down your throat with an "only $18 /month" which turns out to be about $1,300 on a 72 month lease.  Even if the alternator, fuel pump, and air conditioner all go out which is incredibly unlikely, that wouldn't come to $1,300.

Answer 2

PE, I don't own any of them but I work for a "rent a car" company an drive them both.

the Focus has been made bigger and is less agile or less nimble or fun to drive than the older ones. the SYNC is fun but doesn't make up for the poor handling.

The Cobalt is basically a Chevy Cavalier with a new name, The cobalt is slightly better but that wasn't hard to accomplish. The car is bland. Just barley transportation.

for more features for the money look at

Hyundai Elantra

Mazda Mazda3

Kia Rondo

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/defaul...

Answer 3

I've driven the '08 Cobalt and it handles like a wet sponge.  I've never driven the '08 Focus but I've driven the '07 (before the redesign) and was pleasantly surprised by the handling and responsiveness.  You can probably find a 'like new' one with under 10k miles if you look.  It may actually prove more reliable than a new 2008 since the first model year for new/redesigned cars is typically more problematic than usual.

Answer 4

The Civic will appeal to you much more when you are waiting for the bus while your ford/Chevy is in the repair shop.

Edit: have personal experience with the Civic, though sleek and stereo are not the criteria I would choose a vehicle by.