In the VTS there was many a time I came into a corning thinking, 'I've really fecked up this time - she'll never hold and I'm going to die' but the thing always surprised me and held on.

In the scooby I've often fired into a corner thinking, 'ok this is fast but she should be alright' followed by a big understeer moment with lots of missing of heart beats and correction going on.

Not saying the saxo 'handles' better than a scooby just that it let me down less :)

My point was really only regarding the "bite" of the brakes on the test drive. I changed the pads and discs on the Z-S and then they were great :)

I went from the saxo to a new STI, the saxo's steering was just so much sharper and I'll admit I had some "I'm going to die moments" but as long as you NEVER lift off, it was good fun. The only thing I thought was wrong with it was the exhaust noise..........a bit pathetic. Oh and when I saw the modifying of saxo's on fifth gear, I knew I had to get rid of it.

Again, thanks for all the comments guys, the argument for both cars is so close, but thinking about it i am not a modded boy racer man, i prefer better brakes, suspension etc not massive great OTT body kits that look crap which are common on (not saying all) VTR's.

The fiesta sounds fun and looks like the one i will be goin for, i have a fiesta at the moment and have had no major problems, so am not worried about the fiesta, whereas again im not saying all saxo's have problems but a lot of people in this small thread have had problems, the gearbox being common, as i have heard about other people gear boxes giving up and i just dont have the money to fix big problems

Thanks again everyone

Rich

VTS
 

I've had my VTS about 8 months now. It's never let me down but it's had a few niggly faults (all covered under warrenty thankfully). A rear light stopped working, an oxygen sensor was replaced, an o/s window regulator was replaced and one of the heated mirrors packed up, which needed a new glass.

It's a very enjoyable car to drive, it's quick, has far better handling than a 206 ( your VTS musta been shagged, mate! ), and it stops well too. Image alone is not a reason not to buy a car, judge the car on it's ability...

Rich

PS - go for the VTR !

get the zetec!!they have much more bhp than quoted by ford!handling is summit else!newer ford cars are quality machines,dont selttle for some citreon!!it is the the most common enoying boy racer car ever!like nigsy said,when it is featured on top gear....
ford build quality compared to citreon is just funny,ford all the way!

I think people have agreed that the Ford is better quality. I am sure from driving both that the VTR is the more focused car.

****e quality yes but in the dry the speed you can take some corners is just stupid!

As an overall car I think the ZT-S is better. As a drivers car I think the Citroen has the edge.

In some areas my VTS had better build quality than my scooby. Its the most fun car I've ever owned at it always surprised me by doing something I didn't think it could or keeping up with/beating a car it probably shouldn't have. They get such a hard time the world over but VTR/S were not the best selling hot-hatches for years and years for nothing - they are actually brilliant cars. 10 years from now when they are rare on the roads good examples will be sought after (like the 205 gti) mark my words - they are so much fun but let down by the image of boy racers and the French build quality image.

If your not a badge snob then it doesnt really matter - driving is fun! :D

Sometimes I take the VTR over the S3 if I want some thrills without exceeding 140mph!

At least you compare the zetec s to the vtr . Us Vts owners get fed up with our cars being miss represented by the vtr baseball hat rude boys. Getting back on topic....both are graet cars for the money but id go with the vtr because its a little more raw and has more flair. As for build quality.....both cars sre probably lacking but what do you expect for a few grand. Just have fun in it!!