Which 2-liter Car to Buy?

[niky]

What about the '06-'08 Ford Focus TDCi MT?
Pros:
- FAST (0-100 in 9.5s, no sweat reaching 200, making it as fast as the Mz6 and faster than the Mz3)

About 207 or so, stock... 240 fully modified. But that guy who *kept* doing 240 blew a turbo. 0-100 in 8.5 seconds. The dual clutch about 8.9 if you disable traction control. (And I've drag-launched this car many, many, many, many, MANY times. )

- VERY FRUGAL (10 km/L in city driving, and it's a diesel)

Depends on traffic. Worst I've seen/heard is around 8 km/l. But yes, typically, 10 in moderate traffic. New diesels are more frugal, however. New Jetta 2.0 does 25 km/l on the highway.

- Manual transmission (more engaging and enjoyable for me, no Powershift issues)

Mahal nga lang dual-mass flywheel. Puwede though mag-convert or mag-overhaul. You'll have to ask around Ford Club.

- Good handling (more nose-heavy than the Mz3, but otherwise similar since they share the same platform)

Yup.

Cons:
- Ugly rims (needs to be upgraded to 18" with 1.5" lowering springs)
- Ugly interior (no choice but to live with it)
- Not as prestigious as a Mazda 6

Yes. Yes. Last one... not really a problem for me... I actually like the understated looks better than the Mazda6 2.3 (The Mazda6 whose looks I like is the second gen.)

Things to note in terms of maintenance...

The Mazda3, reputedly mahina yung front shocks... Focus has better shocks (diesel variant uses heavier duty suspension than regular Focus... which already has a better suspension than the Mazda3. Also brake pads are expensive for both Mazda and Focus, but IMHO, the Focus has better brakes. (though it is much heavier in diesel form)

The Focus' main problem areas are:

1. Flywheel... the clutch is absolutely fantastic in terms of durability, but the flywheel is a consumable item. Since it's dual mass, you can't reface it like an ordinary flywheel. Again, you will have to ask at FCP about rebuilding it or sourcing a replacement outside casa.

2. Turbo... if the previous owner was an idiot... goodbye turbo. Replacement is expensive, but there are places that can rebuild for about 30k pesos. Which is pretty reasonable.

Mazda6: No idea... not enough owners. Don't doubt suspension parts and bushings will cost more.

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I would love a TDCi MT secondhand... if you find one unmolested in good condition, it's a great car.

Still... Civic 2.0...