Should I get a Pontiac Grand AM GT or a Ford Focus?

I found a 2003 grand am with no issues as I can tell and a 2003 focus zx3 hatchback with no issues as well. Which do you think would be the better deal since they are both around $3k?

Personally, i would choose the Ford. I've never liked the Grand Am. Always considered them a POS.

Hopefully these are low mileage cars. If any of these cars have over 150k miles, pass on them.

Lesser of 2 evils the Found
On Roads
Dead.

"no issues as I can tell" is a dubious description. If you aren't mechanically inclined and don't know how to properly evaluate the condition of a vehicle then either car could be a pig in a poke, especially if you don't know their full ownership and maintenance history. The Focus will be cheaper to drive which means more money available for repairs and insure if that's any help.

You sound overly confident about perfect $3000 cars. You can't assume that about any $3000 car. You certainly can't take the sellers word for it.

I was a curbstone dealer for a dozen years nearly all my cars under $3000.(this was 15-25 years ago)

Most of the cars I sold were decent old cars but I didn't guarantee them.

Sometimes Pontiac & Fords might be decent values but first look & see what you can get for the same money with an import. Honda & Toyota are best but often their prices reflect that. So I like Mazda, Hyundai and Kia as decent most for your money alternatives. (Better values)

I tended to like lower mile cars when I was fairly confident the miles were correct.

"With no issues as I can tell" - Oh, cool… You're a mechanic? Any car can "sound" right or a quick look under the hood might not show anything, BUT… You Really need to take whichever you choose to a licensed mechanic BEFORE purchase. It'll cost you $50-100 or so, but it'll be worth it.

Don't pass on that advice, because neither was known for their respective reliability.

Focus. I've experienced 2) 2000 Pontiacs, a Grand Am and Sunfire. They are small and noisey. Sunfire lacks power, constantly shifting but good MPG.

Rented a Fiesta, great except a bit too small.

Reminds, me, I promised to change timing chain in Sunfire. These go out a lot. Another consideration. 'Layduhs!

Ford for sure, it's actually a good car.

Get the ford. More parts available for it since they still make fords.

If the Pontiac has the 3800 engine go with it.

Ford