Who's got one. Who's got thoughts on 'em. Still on the never ending quest to find a car I like enough to make me walk away from the old GTi. Discuss.
They look cool [thumbsup].
And as a driver one of Ford's current Euro built vehicles (Mondeo), I have to say that the build quality is pretty good.
But... at trade-in time I'm sure the Wolfsburg product will retain more of its original value than the blue oval.
You're probably right, but... My GTI has been my daily driver for a bit over thirteen years. It's been a great car, and as you can see, I'm usually one to keep a vehicle until they don't have all that much trade in value left. Drove an ST last night and it was pretty fun. Didn't really want to rag it out though, as it had just come off the truck. Need to go grab Statler's (he offered) and thrash it for a bit.
The one negative thing I can say about it right now is that the interior isn't anywhere near as nice as the new GTI, and the "accent lighting" is a bit garish.
PM Statler.
He picked one up a few months ago for his daily driver.
It will be on my test drive list next June when I replace my current ride.
I'd really like to drive one.
Automobile Magazine tested one along with a GTI and said the ST was the harder-edged car for the hardcore enthusiast. They said the GTI was/is still a great car, and possibly better all around.
That said, the ST took a spot in their '13 All Stars list too.....
I don't necessarily like the interior of the Focus. Too many angles. Too many buttons. I drove the non-ST model for a few days as a rental. Phenomenal mpg, steering and braking felt very responsive and speed pickup was great. I'm sure the ST handles better and has a better pull to boot.
The only negative was the busy interior.
Honda Civic Si? I have a 2008 and it's a fun little car!
Not sure about the interiors tho, they're all kinda silly but the ST is probably the most Star Trek like... [laugh]
Focus ST
(http://media.caranddriver.com/images/11q4/434453/2013-ford-focus-st-interior-photo-435064-s-1280x782.jpg)
2013 Civic Si
(http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/sedans/1211_2013_honda_civic_quick_drive/45399489/2013-Honda-Civic-Si-Coupe-dash.jpg)
2008 Civic Si
(http://civicsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2009-Honda-Civic-Si-Coupe-dashboard.jpg)
Some videos here:
2013 Honda Civic Si: Competition for the Ford Focus ST? - Ignition Ep. 70 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD85wSZ9uvA#)
2013 Ford Focus ST: The Hottest Hatch? - Ignition Episode 46 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RSJvV6Ska0#)
Ford Focus ST vs Volkswagen Golf R (or Subaru BRZ)! - Head 2 Head Episode 23 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oapP8qzehI#)
Have you thought about the Subaru BRZ? Or a newer GTi? Jack (RealRecognizeReal (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?action=profile;u=13008)) is selling his after he got a Miata. [evil]
if you are looking at a Focus ST, then you need to look at a MadzaSpeed3...trust me.
mini s
Quote from: bobspapa on July 12, 2013, 07:46:11 AM
mini s
he needs to be able to put Darma in the back and maybe occasionally some bicycle or moto parts...so perhaps if he were to go that route, the Clubman....I don't think he'd be interested in the Paceman, but I think it is kinda cool in a way....
BTW DW, I have a guy here at work who has a nicely modded MS3 if you want to see what it is capable of without blowing a budget and it will eat the doors off a Focus ST easily. When he is back from vacation next week, you should make time to swing by and talk cars with him briefly and maybe go for a ride along...
Keep the GTI
Lower it about 3 "
Pick up 18" wheels and 30 series tires
Tint the windows to 80%
Dump the 20" subwoofer you have in the trunk and upgrade to a 24" subwoofer
Remove all the logos and install the Euro grille kit.
The accent lighting can be turned down, or off with a dimmer.
I've gotten used to to the busy interior. The fact that the sync system and nav is the same as G's Explorer was a plus for me.
If you get one I'll show you two things to look for on the car... one is the driver's side tail lamp cluster and the other is interior trunk trim. Every one I have seen has had issues with both. The taillight is fixed with three washers. (it rubs the paint. Only that side. The lamp is built with the holes drilled slightly off). The trim is just to double check. Mine was fixed quickly.
I'm at 7,500 miles. Best daily driver I've had.
It does axle tramp with hard launches. Tons of aftermarket rear engine mounts apparently fix this in exchange for some added nvh. I haven't bothered yet.
One complaint: brake pedal too high compared to throttle too low. Clearly done to avoid people stomping on gas accidently and claim car ran away, but it means it is impossible to heal and toe downshift well because there is no way to roll your foot anywhere near the throttle. a few aftermarket options there too including extension pieces that raise the gas pedal. Stoooopid liability lawyers.
what a fun car to toss around though. It'll actually rotate pretty easily and you can get the tail out. I'll need some winter tires this coming year as she comes with summer performance rubber. Likely just pick up a whole set of wheels from tirerack.
I haven't felt the need to tweek the motor at all. It's a quicker car than the manufacturer claimed times already. With traction control off (there's sport and truly off settings) she'll spin wheels easily. plenty quick.
Everything has held up well with the small mileage so far. Seat bolsters have zero wear (and they are deep and aggressive). I have a "3" with the full leather. Seat heaters are plenty warm on lowest settings.
Some people hate the intake noise pipe that has a valve which opens at around 3K or when you stomp on it. Gives intake honk sound fed into cabin. I like it, and at least it's not like BMW playing engine synth shit through speakers even when stereo is off. Actual (if tuned) sound is cool.
bluetooth is quick to sync up for music through phone and calls.
ride is firm without transmitting sharp thumps.
torque steer is much, but fun.
steering is super quick (less than 2 lock to lock) but turning radius not all the tight for parking lots.
overall a super fun little car with lots of room when seats folded flat (there's a trick to getting them all the way down). I thought I might be too old for a hot hatch. Glad I did it.
32 on highway. lot less when caning it. I average 27 for a tank most times. (small tank.. can touch 300 miles between fill ups but it's close).
If you get an orange one I will call you a 17 year-old.
it looks like a tank here, but it is nicely sized between compact and comfortable.
(http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd110/grumpylawyer/64319_10151416214349611_1916912600_n.jpg)
ok i'm a bit biased heres my car my sisters car and my dads car
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/390267_2335432101625_1424472705_n.jpg)
The normal Focus is much nicer looking than the ST
wait for an RS
Quote from: weemonster on July 12, 2013, 12:22:09 PM
ok i'm a bit biased heres my car my sisters car and my dads car
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/390267_2335432101625_1424472705_n.jpg)
The normal Focus is much nicer looking than the ST
wait for an RS
and you drive around listening to Kraftwerk too?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/969506_10201204626295134_1733192492_n.jpg)
Drove the new GTI again and found it a bit lacking after the R and the Focus ST. Zooom is correct on the need for a hatchback, both for the dog and various hobbies. I'm not going to spend what it takes to get an R, so I'm kind of left with either a Golf TDI or the ST. So, a choice between smart and a little fun, or FUN and a lot of dumb. The ST can be had for a good bit cheaper and only costs $5 more a month to insure, so... Need to find one in a color other than red and see how flexible they'll be.
Have you seen the GTD?
You mean the one that doesn't exist in the US market?
Its coming for 2015.
Mexican made chassis. No thanks.
Quote from: DRKWNG on July 12, 2013, 05:23:03 PM
Mexican made chassis. No thanks.
Not until a few years later. Puebla is still making jettas. Probably brasil first but the first years will all be wolfsburg
Quote from: DRKWNG on July 12, 2013, 05:23:03 PM
Mexican made chassis. No thanks.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/273955 (http://www.hulu.com/watch/273955)
:D
Quote from: ducatiz on July 12, 2013, 05:22:21 PM
Its coming for 2015.
right in time for when I'd start thinking about replacing my TDI [evil]
Quote from: alfisti on July 12, 2013, 05:35:50 PM
http://www.hulu.com/watch/273955 (http://www.hulu.com/watch/273955)
:D
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
That's a Renault 5! There was even a mid-engined turbo version of it!
(http://www.renault5gtturbo.com/pics/r5t2av.jpeg)
Quote from: The Mad King Pepe' on July 12, 2013, 06:33:42 PM
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
That's a Renault 5! There was even a mid-engined turbo version of it!
(http://www.renault5gtturbo.com/pics/r5t2av.jpeg)
That's one angry looking roller skate right there [evil] [evil] [evil]
Quote from: The Mad King Pepe' on July 12, 2013, 07:05:32 AM
Honda Civic Si? I have a 2008 and it's a fun little car!
Not sure about the interiors tho, they're all kinda silly but the ST is probably the most Star Trek like... [laugh]
Focus ST
(http://media.caranddriver.com/images/11q4/434453/2013-ford-focus-st-interior-photo-435064-s-1280x782.jpg)
2013 Civic Si
(http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/sedans/1211_2013_honda_civic_quick_drive/45399489/2013-Honda-Civic-Si-Coupe-dash.jpg)
2008 Civic Si
(http://civicsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2009-Honda-Civic-Si-Coupe-dashboard.jpg)
Back on topic, I think the Star Trek interior has it all over the Hondas.
I may be biased b/c I loathe the Missus' 2009 Civic.
Subaru STI
Quote from: kopfjäger on July 12, 2013, 07:56:37 PM
Subaru STI
I'd get an R and chip tune it if I wanted to spend that much money.
Quote from: DRKWNG on July 12, 2013, 08:33:25 PM
I'd get an R and chip tune it if I wanted to spend that much money.
Your call Bro.
http://youtu.be/3oapP8qzehI (http://youtu.be/3oapP8qzehI)
mini s
Quote from: kopfjäger on July 12, 2013, 08:34:28 PM
Your call Bro.
Thanks for your support. :P
Part of me would really like an STI, but... They're still rather agrarian as far as the interior is concerned, and I'd like a bit more than that if I'm spending in the high 30s.
Quote from: DRKWNG on July 12, 2013, 09:15:16 PM
Thanks for your support. :P
Part of me would really like an STI, but... They're still rather agrarian as far as the interior is concerned, and I'd like a bit more than that if I'm spending in the high 30s.
Who gives a make the beast with two backs about the interior, I thought you were after performance.
Quote from: kopfjäger on July 12, 2013, 09:30:46 PM
Who gives a make the beast with two backs about the interior, I thought you were after performance.
Hey, gotta have a comfy seat; I was Air Force after all.
Seriously though, I just think that if I'm going to spend $36+K, damn thing better massage me like a Thai prostitute.
Quote from: DRKWNG on July 12, 2013, 09:34:32 PM
Hey, gotta have a comfy seat; I was Air Force after all.
Seriously though, I just think that if I'm going to spend $36+K, damn thing better massage me like a Thai prostitute.
Never gonna a happen unless you're in Thailand. [drink]
Believe me, you can get Thai massages in many more places than Thailand.
Cheapest place is probably the Philippines.
Quote from: NAKID on July 12, 2013, 09:48:36 PM
Believe me, you can get Thai massages in many more places than Thailand.
Cheapest place is probably the Philippines.
"I love you no bullshit buy me drinkey."
No, that's "four floors" in Singapore... [wink]
Something tells me I'm not in the car review section anymore.
;D
Quote from: DRKWNG on July 12, 2013, 09:34:32 PM
Hey, gotta have a comfy seat; I was Air Force after all.
[laugh]
dunno if you get these on the USmarket
(http://parkers.bauercdn.com/PageFiles/68611/Ford_Focus_ST_Est_281112(4).jpg)
I think it looks better as a wagon.
Quote from: weemonster on July 13, 2013, 03:27:20 AM
I think it looks better as a wagon.
I do too, but we don't get that model. Americans have an aversion to wagons. Why would you want one when you can have a big bloated SUV instead?
Quote from: DRKWNG on July 13, 2013, 04:21:51 AM
I do too, but we don't get that model. Americans have an aversion to wagons. Why would you want one when you can have a big bloated SUV instead?
Yup, Americans have an aversion to wagons because when we think of them, we think of this:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/Buick_Roadmaster_Limited_Wagon.jpg)
or this:
(http://www.myfamilytruckster.com/Gary%20Schneider%20Family%20Truckster%2003.jpg)
The Volvo V70 wagons sold so-so despite being pretty awesome.. (Hello, V70R AWD!)
The Jetta Sportwagen TDI is selling pretty well.
Shame..
Toyota Camry is really popular in the US right? do you get the Camry wagon?
Quote from: weemonster on July 13, 2013, 02:13:37 PM
Toyota Camry is really popular in the US right? do you get the Camry wagon?
Nope, we get the Camry SUV:
(http://flameroad.com/pics/Toyota/34/e6/23454_Toyota-Highlander-Hybrid_1.jpg)
:P
Quote from: weemonster on July 13, 2013, 02:13:37 PM
Toyota Camry is really popular in the US right? do you get the Camry wagon?
Yes.
Alas, the Camry is for people who hate driving but have to have a car and have to have a sedan isn't the cheapest thing on the lot. Toyota has done a lot trying to become the new Buick.
US market lost the Camry wagon with the body redesign circa 2001. It was replaced by the introduction of the Highlander, which is built on the Camry platform.
Quote from: kopfjäger on July 12, 2013, 08:36:46 PM
http://youtu.be/3oapP8qzehI (http://youtu.be/3oapP8qzehI)
I still think they should have put the R through the lap....putting a BR-Z in its place was just flat out dumb IMHO...
and I still think you need to go look at MazdaSpeed 3 before you think of settling on the ST....
Quote from: zooom on July 14, 2013, 02:00:52 PM
I still think they should have put the R through the lap....putting a BR-Z in its place was just flat out dumb IMHO...
Agree
Quote from: zooom on July 14, 2013, 02:00:52 PM
and I still think you need to go look at MazdaSpeed 3 before you think of settling on the ST....
Nope. Can't stand the way that thing looks. The new ones look pretty good though. Regardless, best thing about the ST is that it feels like it's (because it actually is) a European car. All the Japanese cars that I've driven just have a cheap feel to them that I can't get past.
Quote from: zooom on July 14, 2013, 02:00:52 PM
I still think they should have put the R through the lap....putting a BR-Z in its place was just flat out dumb IMHO...
and I still think you need to go look at MazdaSpeed 3 before you think of settling on the ST....
Because its badder then both?
I think both the BRZ and the ST would have spanked the Golf R, but would like to have seen by how much.
Quote from: DRKWNG on July 14, 2013, 06:16:55 PM
I think both the BRZ and the ST would have spanked the Golf R, but would like to have seen by how much.
Word [drink]
Late to the party. I've been eyeing the ST for a while. The interior is a bit over the top, but looks like just about all the Fords. The Golf R is just too expensive for a hatchback and the AWD should only be necessary if you only drive in ice and sand or have over 400 horses under the hood.
The ST is a bit OTT, but it's still a fairly nice place. The seats are REALLY nice once you start looking at the ST2 package and above. My main thing with the R is the fact that you can't really disable traction/stability/of shit control. The price is up there on it, but spend some time in it and you'll understand. Also, the AWD really helps deal with the torque steer issues.
Just going to let you guys know what I was told yesterday...
I was at the VW dealer, looking at a new GTI, and the salesman told me to WAIT. He said they'll have the MkVII in May and it's worth waiting for. I know that is 10 months away, but I think I'm going to hold out to see what it's like.
I know you usually can't trust what a car salesman says, but he told me NOT to buy a car...so I'm thinking you can trust his word on this one.
I also plan on looking at the focus ST though, and the fiesta ST....the auto journos have been saying the fiesta is even more fun, so IDK
I watched Top Gear 2 weekends ago and they reviewed the Fiesta. They seemed to really like it, but it's simply too small to fit the whole family, you know me being latin I have 20 kids. The Focus fits them all.
Quote from: duccarlos on July 26, 2013, 09:23:45 AM
I watched Top Gear 2 weekends ago and they reviewed the Fiesta. They seemed to really like it, but it's simply too small to fit the whole family, you know me being latin I have 20 kids. The Focus fits them all.
That's my biggest knock against the fiesta. Size.
My current car is a 07 rabbit (golf), in which I have put various large objects including a dish washer. I enjoy the space the hatch gives, and a fiesta is somewhat smaller. I really liked a Cooper S test drive too, but you can't put a dishwasher in the back of a cooper....it does not fit.
If you have lot of kids, you should get a dodge omni. I saw a family of 7 get out of one at Walmart the other day [laugh]
We just bought a Fiesta sedan after having a Focus ZX5.
The Fiesta is a bunch smaller and nowhere near the car the Focus is.
That said T likes the Fiesta better because of the automagic tranny.
Yep, MkVII is coming soon. I think the MkVI would be the last golf I'd buy though, as it's the last of the German made models for the US market.
Quote from: ducpainter on July 26, 2013, 10:07:18 AM
We just bought a Fiesta sedan after having a Focus ZX5.
The Fiesta is a bunch smaller and nowhere near the car the Focus is.
That said T likes the Fiesta better because of the automagic tranny.
Plus what you pay for the Fiesta ST, you might as well shell out the $$$ for the Focus ST.
I like small sized cars . .. not necessarily down in power, but fun . . . any of the above mentioned cars would be fun if driven correctly . . .don't forget to add water to the road DucCarlos and then, you will want AWD in the tropics with under 400hp unda da hood !!!
;D
I did some stupid shit in my time in PR with my none-AWD car. I somehow survived. It's really not necessary.
so, you say you need this,
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1075873_10153064110265571_2117170879_n.jpg)
Ford Focus ST Wagon
Wagons are making a comeback. The Jetta Sportwagon sold very well. Probably due to the compact size and performance. Even the Taurus X sells well.
Quote from: Darkmonster620 on July 26, 2013, 04:20:03 PM
so, you say you need this,
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1075873_10153064110265571_2117170879_n.jpg)
Ford Focus ST Wagon
Yes please!!!
Just not in red. :P
Quote from: DesmoDiva on July 27, 2013, 07:49:08 AM
Yes please!!!
No kidding! I'd rock that wagon all day long.
the wagon seems to only come in red white and that half assed orange.
The old ST orange was much better
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Ford_Focus_ST_rear_20071227.jpg)
(http://motoren.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/focus-st-police-car-4.jpg?w=768&h=480)
I can tell you that there is plenty room in the backseat of the wagon. 8)
I don't mind the red or black, but, the "Ford Blue" is another story . . .