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2014 Focus ST (mine)

Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 9:14
by Huzer
Picked this up tonight. More to follow once I actually get to put a couple of miles on it. It's a base ST. No options.

Image

Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 9:14
by Saul_Good
Looks fantastic! Miata what....?

Posted: Sat May 03, 2014 9:14
by I`m Batman
Nice! I like!

Posted: Sat May 03, 2014 9:14
by Huzer
Thanks, guys. Just got back from a morning errand with my son. He's bummed we traded in the truck. However, when asked his favorite thing about the ST, he said "the fast". I told him I'm sure we'll get anothertruck someday, so that made him feel better.

Interior is nicer than I though it would be, for the base model. Not luxury car, but nice. Non Recaro seats are fine with my. I'm sure the upgraded ones are nice, though. I didn't make the mistake we made withthe Jeep where we tested the Overland first, then checked the base Laredo. Difference being that as least on the Jeep, the higher trim level actually had mechanical/suspension difference as well. The Focus only differs on interior trim.

Anyone that asks "You got a Focus?", i'll just have them drive it and see what they think about a Focus.

Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 9:14
by roninsoldier83
That's awesome man, congrats!

To be honest, I think the best "[good at] everything" cars I've ever owned were my two VW hatches: my former GTI and Golf R. I miss both of them dearly and will likely own another one some day. There's something to be said about a "hot hatch"... and seeing as though the ST is the GTI's closest competitor, I dig it! I drove one a while back and really liked it. Good blend of performance, comfort, ergonomics, practicality and fuel economy. The ST and the upcoming MK7 GTI continually make me think "you know, I could get by with only FWD and a set of snow tires in the winter". :D

Ford has really impressed me with the Focus ST and Fiesta ST here lately... along with just about everything on their line-up to be honest. Except their infotainment systems; the last time I drove a Fusion Titanium, I really hated the dash setup and Ford's Sync system. The car was fine; the gizmos, not so much. [/rant]

Either way, congrats again. Enjoy the new ride!

Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 9:14
by Huzer
Thanks. My budget dictated what I got into. I debated the Fiesta ST but liked the size of the Focus better. Briefly considered an Abarth at $16000, but once again, the size didn't work for me (A Fiat 500 is shorter than an NA Miata!)

I couldn't get VW dealers to move as much on the GTI as the ST, even with the 2015 GTIs coming to dealers soon. I ended up in the Focus for $19,700, out the door price (not including trade equity). Financing through Ford gave $3000 in rebates, which made negotiation a little easier. I think there was another $1000 conquest cash or something like that to get it under $20k.

Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 9:14
by roninsoldier83
Huzer wrote:Thanks. My budget dictated what I got into. I debated the Fiesta ST but liked the size of the Focus better. Briefly considered an Abarth at $16000, but once again, the size didn't work for me (A Fiat 500 is shorter than an NA Miata!)

I couldn't get VW dealers to move as much on the GTI as the ST, even with the 2015 GTIs coming to dealers soon. I ended up in the Focus for $19,700, out the door price (not including trade equity). Financing through Ford gave $3000 in rebates, which made negotiation a little easier. I think there was another $1000 conquest cash or something like that to get it under $20k.


Wow, that's a lot of car for the money! A buddy of mine recently got into a Fiesta ST and seems to really love it.... but I doubt he knew Ford was giving out $3000 in rebates on the Focus! For reference, VW really doesn't have much headroom; the difference between MSRP and in-voice on a GTI is significantly less than it is on most cars in that price range... How much was VW willing to chop off on a GTI?

Great deal my friend. :)

You'll have to let me know how she does next winter with a set of snow tires. :D

Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 9:14
by Saul_Good
http://youtu.be/3oapP8qzehI Focus ST vs GTI R.

Can't completely turn off stability control for the Vdub?? Hmmm might be a deal killer for me.

Posted: Mon May 05, 2014 9:14
by roninsoldier83
Saul_Good wrote:http://youtu.be/3oapP8qzehI Focus ST vs GTI R.

Can't completely turn off stability control for the Vdub?? Hmmm might be a deal killer for me.


Yeah, that was pretty much everyone's biggest gripe about the R. Truly though, it wasn't very intrusive if you turned traction control off. VW says that the upcoming MK7 Golf R will have fully defeat-able stability control, as well as lower curb weight and 290hp:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2015-volkswagen-golf-r-first-drive-review

^^VW says it should be here in Spring of 2015.


Although a better apples to apples comparison for the Focus ST is the new MK7 GTI:
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2015-volkswagen-gti-vs-2013-ford-focus-st-comparison-test

^^^I would actually consider saving a good bit of money and picking up the new MK7 GTI with the $1500 performance pack option (bigger brakes, extra 10hp & electronically controlled mechanical LSD).

For the money, there are faster cars than the VW's, but there's a reason the GTI has been on Car and Driver's 10Best list for about ~8 years in a row; it's the full package. I've been in cars costing twice as much that didn't have the same quality materials, fit and finish of the lowly VW. Everything is very intuitive and "in the right place" with those cars. I don't know how else to explain it.... not the fastest cars for the money, but still a riot to drive. When describing the GTI, the Top Gear guys always referred to them as "all things to all men". Comfortable, ergonomic, utilitarian, quick, fun to drive/good handlers, solid and economical. In a nutshell, while not scorching fast, they're good at everything.

Posted: Mon May 05, 2014 9:14
by RX-7 Chris
Nice car. If you are looking for a truck, you know where to find one lol.

Posted: Mon May 05, 2014 9:14
by erod550
Definitely more fun than a Tundra. And I bet you're enjoying being able to walk around your garage with the cars inside again, lol.

How long before you start modding it? :D

Posted: Mon May 05, 2014 9:14
by geo2maz
nice congrats!

Posted: Tue May 06, 2014 9:14
by coloskydiver
Congrats. Ford has really turned a corner in its offering and I have been impressed. My company car is a 2014 Ford Escape EcoBoost and is a small SUV that I would actually buy. Quick off the line, comfortable and loaded with tech. I assume that the focus is the same way. With the introduction of the new Fiesta, it seems like the Focus has gotten bigger than the Focus's of past but it could be just me.

Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 9:14
by kingtut
Whoa! Didn't see that one coming. Congrats on the new whip miT. 2 new whips in 2013 and 1 (and counting) in 2014. Life is good. Glad to see you went American. I'd like to see how your ST compares to meh speed, stock to stock.

Beers then drags. Name the time and place.

Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 9:14
by RX-7 Chris
did you just say beer and then drag? I think this is the wrong site for that.