For 2k I'd get the Rover. Wouldn't want to pay more than that. Plus from a garage you're going to get a warranty.
Its strange. I feel completely differently about the Rover 25 and the Focus to most of you. For me the 25 is a nippy, fun, enjoyable car to drive. I has great gripping seats, with a sporty feel to it. Even though the 1.4 is small for my liking, its happy to rev and good fun around town. The gearbox is also very nice, with a short stubby gearstick. Great steering wheel too.
The focus on the other hand feels like a grown up car. It is just so dull and boring to drive. The 1.6 engine is slow to rev, the visibility out the back is dire. You sit up high in the car, and it just feels like a MPV to me. Everything is just so targeted at 'quality' instead of fun.
Perhaps the difference is because I have and often drive both a Rover 25 and a Focus instead of making their opinions based on what others say.