Thanks for all the replies mga repapips. I think I get the drift. I will take a look at the Focus 1.6 then, but for now I'm down to the mazda 3 and civic vti-s. I'm really getting an A/T, as I've developed some kind of gout in my left foot that attacks every so often. And the SUV option, can't afford talaga.
One last thing, if I'm getting any of these ~04-05 cars brand new, would you know of specific branches/authorized dealers that sell them cheaper than the published price? old stock from last year, kumbaga. I was advised to explore that option, minsan daw kasi cheaper na by more than 50k. Or is this even a wise idea?
