svt focus or P5?

[jonlong]

Hey guys,
Lately I've been toying with the idea of selling my P5 and getting an SVT Focus. My P5 is an 03.5 w/ 18k miles, leather, moonroof, polished alloy wheels, 5spd, ABS, side curtain airbags, and the compass/thermometer auto-dimming mirror (fully loaded). It is completely paid off so I think that I could get a slightly used 03 or 04 SVT without really having to pay any extra. Here are my questions:

What do you think I could get for my P5?

How does the P5 compare w/ an SVT focus?

Again, I am only toying with this idea right now, I'm not sure if this is something I want to do, because I love my P5.

 

[RenzoMSP]

Well i dont know to much about the svt focus, but i do know the are ugly inside out.

 

[jonlong]

I agree that the P5 is a nicer looking car, both inside and out.

 

[GHOSTWHISPER]

handling o so sucks

 

[changedman]

get a small turbo kit for your p5 and you'll enjoy it a LOT more. guaranteed.

 

[GHOSTWHISPER]

agreed

 

[jonlong]

problem is that turbo kit = $4000, which is a lot of money for a broke college student

 

[changedman]

used kit....

 

[lasermp5]

take if from someone who's almost bought about 3 kits now... if you wait, a good kit will come along for around 1500-2500 that will suit you just fine for now. When I go turbo, I won't do mam or hiboost right out of the box either... I would start with a good used kit from a reliable member on here. Hell, you'll even see ppl selling msp setups for cheap. Just wait for the right deal, make sure the guy is trustworth, then jump on it.

 

[Pretzellogic]

Am I the only one that's read nothing but good things about the SVT focus?

 

[CHICO2003]

no s***... most car magz say the svt focus handles just about as well as the MSP. Since the MSP clearly handles better than the P5, I'd say that's an improvement. As far as looks go.... I guess it's subjective. I personally don't like the focus but if you do that's all that matters. I seriously doubt you'll be able to trade in your car and buy a similar year/mileage focus svt with no money out of pocket though. I say this, not because the focus is in a higher class but because of the fact that you'll get robbed with the trade-in value. If you're really committed to this idea, the only way to do it would be selling your car private party. Even though it's paid off and you don't have to worry about dealing with the bank, it might still be a hassle. afterall, you don't want to appear desperate for a car when you go to the dealership. if you can get buy without one for a little bit, that point is moot.

bottom line.... though it's a ford (i hate fords) according to the reviews, it's one hell of a car. most critics rate it JUST as highly as our beloved msp... some even higher. again, if you can make it happen... I say go for it. as for the turbo... who wants to shell out that kind of money? I'm no longer a broke college student and I still wouldn't want to cut a check for 2 grand or more. buying a car that's 2-4k higher in price is differnt since it's factored into your payments and would only increase things by about 50 bucks or so a month. for that reason, and others, I'd stay clear of the turbo idea. you'd get to the hp level of the svt, but you'd still need to upgrade other areas in order to attain it's handling capabilities. in the end, it wouldn't be worth it IMO.

 

[Sveivo]

If you don't have any problems with your car, I don't think it's worth trading it. I'm going to drive mine until it no longer runs. With some cosmetic mods, the protege is the sexiest car out there. Does the SVT have more power or what? What would be the advantages?

 

[jersey_emt]

SVT Focus is a great little car. Very fun to drive, and will handle better and accelerate faster than a P5. Personally I don't care for the design, but if it works for you, I say go for it. They're fun to drive.

 

[TeamPlayers]

Am I the only one that's read nothing but good things about the SVT focus?

No you are not. If someone doesnt mind driving a Ford the SVT is off the hook. I test drove one a while back and the car is just nice all the way around. The motor is no joke after 3500k, and it handles better than the P5. Although a turboed P5 would be nice if you dont have the money to turbo I say go with the SVT. But either way you cant go wrong IMO

 

[FLSilverP5]

definetly the svt. i wanted one instead of the P5 i just couldnt afford it, but when i test drove it those things are quick.

 

[RaiderMS3]

All I remember about any Focus, is their tendency to catch on fire. I think they fixed that though. Maybe.

 

[pingdum]

Focus interior: (blarf)

 

[pingdum]

At least get the 5 door

 

[SciFiMan]

problem is that turbo kit = $4000, which is a lot of money for a broke college student

Will you be keeping the SVT long? The focus has had 4 or 5 recalls already, and in general, most domestic cars start having more trouble after the third year. It's a pain and expense you could avoid as a broke student.

 

[jonlong]

Whichever car I go with (keep the P5 or get an SVT), I would have it for a long time. I would leave the SVT stock, though, so that I don't have to deal with warranty issues. If I sold the P5, I would sell it private party to get the most money that I can.

I appreciate all the input so far!