Holden or Ford

Twinpiston · 04-09-2008, 01:35 PM

Being a bit of a ford nut, I would like to get a small commuter car, looking at an 06-07 WQ LX or a 05 WP LX.

What are the main differences between them?

BUT

I have a thoughts on price, the Fiestas are dear on the second hand market, so I have been looking at an XC Barina (the Europe one) and found some very reasonable vehicles with very low K's. My wife had a 96 Joy and it was a great car until we had an engine drama just before we traded it (very inherent so I find out now)

So what is it, Ford at 12-14k or Hold at 8-9k?

Cheers

robjh80 · 04-09-2008, 02:00 PM

I read a very good review once on the European sourced Barina, one of the standout comments went something like...

"Being of Spanish origin these cars do of course suffer from the odd Siesta"

The reviewer was of course pointing to the "suspect quality issues" inherent to the little Spaniard.

Good luck with whatever you decide, personally I would go for a WQ Fez no contest.

barra240t · 04-09-2008, 02:02 PM

Not much difference between WP to WQ. Headlights, instrument cluster, trim I think? Engine is the same. A few new colours in WQ. To tell you the truth I prefer the WP instrument cluster as the WQ goes up in odd number 10-30-50-70-90 km/h etc. weird hey? I am easily confused haha.

LethalLeigh · 05-09-2008, 12:30 AM

I'd spend the money on a Fiesta. I've heard too many stories of quality issues with the Euro sourced Barinas.

I've had both a WP LX and my current WQ XR4 and I think between the two it's a matter of personal choice for the looks etc. Biggest downside to the WP for me was the type of cloth used for the seats and the ability of the dash to collect dust.

csv8 · 05-09-2008, 07:00 PM

I have just traded a WP LX on a WQ Zetec. The differences I have found are as barra240t said. Also the car is quieter doesn't sound as buzzy. Handles better (might be because its a Zetec). I prefer the WQ instruments as they are bigger, the WP instruments are small. I also prefer the clock fuel/temp gauges as against the bar graphs on the WP. I had the LX for three an half years, 46500kms, no problems. Averaged 38mpg in Briz traffic. The Spanish Opel Barina would be a better buy than the Dae Woo Barina. But get a FORD !!!!

morbo · 06-09-2008, 05:44 AM

Ooh thats a tough one. Its just a commuter car, a second car right? So its not really important that you have to get everything. Plus the Holden is at least 4k cheaper which equates to a lot of petrol.

Brain sez Barina but the heart says Fiesta. Does the old Fiestas come with ABS? I dont think the Barina does, though it has Brake Assist which is a weird combo imho.

I'd get the WQ - but that's because i just like the look of it. It also has the small little touches like the rear wipers automatically wiping if your front wipers are on and the reverse gear is engaged, three indicator flash for lane changing, and the home alone lighting.

mowog · 06-09-2008, 08:31 AM

Spend a little extra and get a later model Barina SRi. You will end up with a car that is on par with the Fiesta XR4. I owned 2 SRi's the only reason I brought the new XR4 is because Holden stopped importing the decent Barina. Quality? I have had more quality issues with the XR4 than I did with 2 Barina SRi's

photn · 06-09-2008, 04:34 PM

or stick to your bidget abd buy the best thing that suits your needs not what people want you to get.

If its good on econ, good for parking, good for parts and good for quality then get it. doesnt matter if its a FORD, Holden, Nissan, Mazda, Datsun or Volvo doesnt matter what it is. just get what fits your needs.

if the fiesta is on par with the barina, then get whats cheaper.

Twinpiston · 08-09-2008, 08:24 PM

Do you get the trip computer on the LX (WQ)

Going to buy this weekend, just found a white LX with 57k on the clock for $10k

Anybody know a good LX going cheap. with lower k's!!!!

A local dealer offered me a auction bought 06 zetec for $14k but that is over my budget.

Cheers

Twinpiston · 08-09-2008, 08:28 PM

Also, is their a way if you could tell that an LX was ordered with ABS (apart from looking under the bonnet)

kiwijohn42 · 08-09-2008, 09:07 PM

WQ gets ABS as standard. I think.

Twinpiston · 08-09-2008, 09:36 PM

In the zetecs, yes, but not LX's as far as I can tell!!

kiwijohn42 · 08-09-2008, 10:08 PM

Ah. Quick peek at the Ford site proves you're right. The one I test drove way back when had it, because I had to use. Certainly worth it.
Don't think you can tell if it's got ABS without opening the bonnet. Maybe the warning lights on start up?

Twinpiston · 09-09-2008, 02:46 PM

Ok, anybody around Cambletown way!!!!!

I have just about put a deposit on a 07 LX with 17" Lensos with 13k on the clock!!!

Can somebody have a look at it for me, I will be coming down to pick it up on Monday.

Cheers

csv8 · 10-09-2008, 05:35 PM

Overview

The Fiesta Zetec is for the passionate driving enthusiast. With class leading driving dynamics, the Zetec offers sporty styling cues including front fog lamps, 16" alloy sports wheels# and unique sports trim.

In addition to all the features of the LX, the Zetec has an exciting list of standard equipment including steering column mounted stereo controls, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and body coloured side mirrors.

The Fiesta Zetec will make your heart pound!
Key Features

All LX features plus:

* Sports suspension
* ABS with EBD
* 16" alloy wheels#
* Front fog lamps
* Sports trim
* Satin aluminium finish gear knob^
* Steering wheel mounted controls
* Sports manual transmission
* Body colour side mirrors

morbo · 14-09-2008, 05:33 AM

LX:
Automatics come with ABS standard.
Foot massager is an option in the Manual.

photn · 14-09-2008, 02:53 PM

Are you NSW or another state. there is a CAMPBELLTOWN in syd.

Twinpiston · 14-09-2008, 08:39 PM

It was in Sydney, I was going to fly down in the morning but he pulled the car off the market, so I am still searching, only 1 1/2 weeks till REALLY need a communter....

Twinpiston · 17-09-2008, 03:56 PM

Ok, deal nearly done, a new trade at the local Fraud dealer, 10/06 Moondust Silver LX Manual, 30k's on the clock, mats, gear knob, scuff plates, drive away for $12700....

Any good!!!!

Twinpiston · 17-09-2008, 06:11 PM

Has anybody changed the side blinkers over to white/clear ones instead of the orange?

MISTA FIESTA · 17-09-2008, 06:23 PM

Howdy,

Sounds like an awesome deal you got there. Doubt you wont be happy with it. The Clear indicatiors are very easy to do. You can purchase off ebay or europeanparts.net.

Just remove the inner guards and put hand inside to pop out.

LethalLeigh · 17-09-2008, 07:10 PM

Much easier to get the clear indicators now the XR4 is out.

Twinpiston · 17-09-2008, 07:19 PM

Thanks for that, so are these theones for the Fiesta or focus...

http://www.european-parts.net/catalo...cPath=58_60_74

How much are the XR4 ones?

Also, can you tell me where I can find a cheap set of fog lights? Ford want $550 for the lights bracket frames and new light switch, any wrecks around Brisbane area?