2006 Ford Focus with 147k miles or 2005 Hyundai Elantra with 100k miles?

Looking for a car for a student, I've received 2 offers, a 2006 Ford Focus for $4000 cash or a 2005 Hyundai Elantra for $4900 with $2000 down and the rest financed. Which would be a better deal? Go with the payment plan or scrap up all my cash? Both cars have been well maintained but can someone who knows cars tell me which would last longer?

You better have some cash in reserve for repairs on either car (both are very good cars) but older cars often need a major repair sooner than later and you don't want to be stuck with a $4000-5000 lawn ornament that needs 500-1500 in repairs in the next year or three. Financing MIGHT be the best option to keep you liquid and preven the lawn ornament scenario above if you keep the cash available for emergency repairs.

I'd go with the Hyundai. 100k miles isn't much on a well serviced car. If you maintenance it regularly, you could easily get another 200k out of it. Cars are made better than they used to be. Also I would switch to a synthetic or synthetic blend oil.