Arghhhhhhhhhhhh Focus or Prius

aVdub

Have some money to get a vehicle within the 2009-2013 age and am really struggling to decide between a Prius or a Focus Titanium.........

We really don't do that much mileage a year (last year 1500) but might throw in a few 600 milers once in a while and also like to have space for all that camping gear.

Am liking the idea of hybrid with a few bells in the Prius Spirit and, with what looks to be a long term reliability, with the only issue bothering me is the parts if needed can be mega ££££££'s, which I have seen the few times I've owned Japs. (would be leather interior due to possible ageing issues with cloth)

The Focus Titanium is pretty loaded as well and long term seems to be pretty reliable with the added bonus of parts being a lot cheaper and much easier to source, and with better comfort and only around a 10/mpg difference over the Prius. (1lt)

Am currently a Focus driver and have also owned a few Japs over the years.........

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Looking to keep the car for around 3-6 years, which would be a factor with running costs.

I'm leaning ever so slightly towards to Focus but am also keen to start a journey with hybrids..

Any pointers from owners of one, or both would be quite helpful

SyStemDeMoN

For me it would be a focus all day long but I have always been a ford man.

I just love the way they drive and handle and can always trust it to get me home when the snow comes down.

Monty Nine

Had a Prius as a company car and the handling is awful.

Delvey

Avoid the 1 litre EcoBoost engine.

aVdub

Is there a reason for this.

In what way please.

gds1972

Prius seems to be very popular with mini cab drivers where I live so if you do purchase one please keep that in mind.

aVdub

One thing I and people I know notice when visiting London.

Delvey

Ford EcoBoost engine problems - Is your car at risk from engine fire fault?

The coolant leaks causing the engine to overheat with no warning. Most have been recalled but double check if you are looking at one.

aVdub

Work mate just had the recall on this (has a 1.0) and apart from the fact the car was in for a week (usual main dealer fails) it has been fine.

Monty Nine

Body roll.

Traction control or ESP cuts power at the slightest loss of grip so if you accelerate when turning out of a T junction the engine loses power for literally a whole second.

Does accelerate decently in a straight line though.

And for just plodding along I guess would be fine.