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Opinions - which Focus ST to buy?

yh125d

yh125d

Diamond Member
1) New 13 ST2 - Tangerine Scream (not too bad, but unsure on how much I like) for $24k flat after 2500 rebate from small dealer in my suburb, no tint

2) CPO ST3 with just under 5k miles, Performance Blue (favorite color) with moonroof and full tint from big dealer in town where I work for $26475



I drove the CPO first, and they said they'd match the list of the new, at $26475. Due to the way the CPO works, I'd effectively have a 43k/42 month bumper to bumper + 6.5yr/100k powertrain, vs 3/36 B2B and 5/60 PWT on the new. I think the bigger dealer in town would be easier for service, as they can shuttle me to my work in town, but the dealer in my hometown couldn't - and I can only get a loaner if I get the premiumcare warranty, which I won't in either case

An unexpected difference between the two, the CPO had side by side cupholders farther up which led to a much larger center console, the new had them in a row and a tiny console

They wouldn't let me drive the new one, which I thought was strange, but they said they don't want miles on it and there's a higher insurance liability blah blah. I didn't expect that, as I know it's been on the lot since at least May, I figured they'd want to get rid of it asap before everyone else has 2014's. They said though if I'm serious about making a deal I can drive it before I sign off

------------

Overall, I'm leaning towards the CPO. They offered the 26.5 thinking it would match the new, but with the new being $24k flat I bet I can get them under $26 or to include TTL or something. I have a feeling if I go for the new though, I would regret it due to the color and lack of options. I don't really think the 5k miles matters, and it's still immaculate. And while I don't expect to need the longer warranty it's not an insignificant improvement either.

Basically with the CPO, I'm getting for $2500 (or less if they come down some):
$2000 ST3 package
$900 moonroof
Preferred color
Larger console
extra 6/12k bumper to bumper
extra 2/40k powertrain
Tint worth what, $500?

But adding 5k miles

Thoughts?
 
I think that you should tell the dealer who wouldn't let you test drive their car to kiss your ass.

Seriously, that is horrible salesmanship. If you pass the instant credit check they're doing on you when they ask for your license, you should get to test drive the car.

Find some other dealer to let you take a test drive of a similar model, and then decide.
 
ultimatebob said:
I think that you should tell the dealer who wouldn't let you test drive their car to kiss your ass.

Seriously, that is horrible salesmanship. If you pass the instant credit check they're doing on you when they ask for your license, you should get to test drive the car.

Find some other dealer to let you take a test drive of a similar model, and then decide.
Click to expand...

I'm not worried about that part. The rotors were a bit rusty due to the rain lately so he wasn't lying, and they're all the same to drive. Just wondering if my train of thought on the CPO vs new isn't wacky or I'm missing something
 
Called the CPO dealer, told them the $24k, they don;t seem willing to budge on price and he was really selling the additional warranty from being CPO, so I'm having the new dealer look me up priced for an extended warranty on the new one. From what I can find, people seem to be getting 5-7 year bumper to bumper addons for under $2k, which might help me out if I do still prefer the CPO
 
Alright, made a few calls between the two to get pricing on the premiumcare 6y/100k bumper to bumper. Final numbers are

New - $25425
CPO - $27870

I'm still leaning to the CPO, without the extra warranty for $26475

Gonna go take an extended solo test drive of the CPO tomorrow, then probably buy it
 
FWIW, I paid $26700 for my Performance Blue ST3 with moonroof in May. From what I've been reading, Ford has boosted the incentives/rebates and I've seen that people have been paying closer to $25 for ST3s. With those new incentives, it's very possible that the dealer cannot do better on the used one. At the time there was only a $500 rebate.

As for the differences between the ST2 and ST3 and relative worth...first, do you like the Tangerine Scream color? To me it's a love/hate color (and I'm on the hate side). Don't forget that the ST3 has full leather Recaros that, from what I've read, are a bit tighter than the partial leather ST2 Recaros, so make sure they fit you well. The Nav is very very meh - it's pretty of course, and it's really nice having the turn directions in the dash above the steering wheel, but it can be infuriating to set your destination since the voice recognition sucks. A lot of people don't like the ST3 cupholders either; they have a flap of rubber that does a great job of holding the drinks in but can also get in the way.

I *might* have some concerns about the 5K miles just because with a car like this you don't know the previous owner broke it in, how often they drove it hard before the oil got warm, etc.

PM me if you have any questions about the car itself. It's a lot of fun 🙂
 
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I'd go for the ST3 ...

As much as I dislike the MyTouch system in the ST3, you'll get you money back when it comes time to trade in/sell the car.

Really, either is fine as long as they come with those excellent Recaro seats!
 
Yeah, the nav I don't really care about, I doubt it would beat android navigation, but it never hurts. I like the yellow, don't love it. I prefer the blue for sure, and it would stick out a good bit less (helps for spirited driving). I couldn't tell a difference between the two recaros in my limited time - both were tight but not overly so.

How do you like the stereo? I have a ~$800 system in my current Fusion, and I don't rock out nearly as much in my car now I have a proper stereo and a house, but something decent is a must. I'll be able to try it out tomorrow.

What's your average MPG? Due to Ford hobbling the 5 speed in my fusion, and my heavy footed driving I only average 25 currently, which the focus would probably improve on


jlarsson - good point on the resale. I typically don't pay much attention to resale when people talk about hondas vs ford or whatever, but these differences seem more tangible. Maybe not necessarily in price, but it would probably be a good bit easier to find a buyer for the loaded blue than unloaded yellow
 
I vote get the one you really want, otherwise every time you see one you will regret it.

For the sake of curiosity how much would a new st3 be with current incentives? Would it be worth ordering/shipping from out of your area?

I just can't help but think you are artificially limiting your selection here. You can still get the warranty work done at the convenient dealer regardless.

Viper GTS
 
The ST2 and ST3 come with different consoles. The one in the ST2 is similar to the one in the base Focus. The one in the ST3 is similar to the one in the Titanium Focus. The ST3 also comes with different headlights.
 
Viper GTS said:
I vote get the one you really want, otherwise every time you see one you will regret it.

For the sake of curiosity how much would a new st3 be with current incentives? Would it be worth ordering/shipping from out of your area?

I just can't help but think you are artificially limiting your selection here. You can still get the warranty work done at the convenient dealer regardless.

Viper GTS
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From what I can find, $28k for a 2013 ST3 like what I'm looking at, without moonroof (which I probably wouldn't order) - like $29.4k for 2014 w/o moonroof, no incentives available
 
cyclistca said:
The ST2 and ST3 come with different consoles. The one in the ST2 is similar to the one in the base Focus. The one in the ST3 is similar to the one in the Titanium Focus. The ST3 also comes with different headlights.
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That explains the console then. I wouldn't have thought that would change with just a different trim. The ST3 was probably twice the size of the ST2
 
I just went thru purchasing a fusion. I was able to get the premium care esp for $1100.

If your looking at new, call up ford marketing at 800.334.4375. And ask them about ford private offer. You might be able to get extra $750 rebate. Google "ford private offer" on different ways to get it. It's not a guaranteed thing so ymmv
 
yh125d said:
How do you like the stereo? I have a ~$800 system in my current Fusion, and I don't rock out nearly as much in my car now I have a proper stereo and a house, but something decent is a must. I'll be able to try it out tomorrow.
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It's pretty good. A decent stereo was a requirement for me and it fits the bill. It's not outstanding by any stretch but for OEM it's above average. I had put a new headunit and subwoofer in my old Accord and thought it sounded good, but now it's noticeably worse than the ST's. People have complained that it's both boomy on the low end and harsh on the high end but I don't see that. The subwoofer doesn't have a ton of punch though and it wouldn't be easy to fix since the problem is the equalization from the head unit. If you find it boomy some polyfill helps (I have not done this). BT audio is poor, USB and Sirius are pretty good, and HD Radio is really good (I'd never heard HD radio before but it sounds fantastic).

yh125d said:
What's your average MPG? Due to Ford hobbling the 5 speed in my fusion, and my heavy footed driving I only average 25 currently, which the focus would probably improve on.
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Mixed bag here. My modus operandi is to drive conservatively when I'm just going from point A to point B, then have some fun and open her up when appropriate. I'm averaging 28.3MPG in "real" measurement, though the onboard computer says just over 30MPG. If you have a heavy foot, I doubt you'll see any better than your Fusion because getting into the turbo really sucks down the gas. On forums I've seen people as low as 22-23 on average and as high as 29+.

On the highway at 65-70MPH, I find the MPG a tad bit disappointing at ~30 (Accord closer to 32-34). Around town at 30-45MPH, I have been pleased with the mileage (again ~30, whereas my Accord was closer to 25 until it warmed up).

Other things to note: the brakes are outstanding but it comes with a price...if you keep your car clean you'll find yourself scrubbing brake dust constantly. The trunk is quite small for a hatchback. The OEM tires are really good summer tires but if you have winter conditions the performance will suffer with all-seasons or winter tires. One of the reasons it handles so well is that Ford endowed it with summer shoes where most manufacturers have all-seasons. Their replacement is ~$160 each which I didn't think was too bad.
 
cyclistca said:
The ST2 and ST3 come with different consoles. The one in the ST2 is similar to the one in the base Focus. The one in the ST3 is similar to the one in the Titanium Focus. The ST3 also comes with different headlights.
Click to expand...

Yes the ST3 has HIDs and the ST2 doesn't, so that's another key difference. I've never been an "OMG HIDs are soooo much better than halogens" guy so it's not worth paying for to me. So really it's nav, HIDs, and leather that differentiate the ST2 and ST3. My wife was insistent on nav and leather.
 
SearchMaster said:
On the highway at 65-70MPH, I find the MPG a tad bit disappointing at ~30 (Accord closer to 32-34). Around town at 30-45MPH, I have been pleased with the mileage (again ~30, whereas my Accord was closer to 25 until it warmed up).
Click to expand...

I've been a bit disappointed with my Non-ST's mileage. I've got almost 2000 miles on it in under a month but I have yet to be able to get more than 400 miles out of a tank. I've never cracked 32MPG even with a 90% highway tank and driving fairly conservative (not going over 65). And I'm still not happy with the ergonomics. I can't find a comfortable cruising position. The armrest is too low, too short, and the steering wheel just has to be raised too high to clear my knees.

I think I'm going to suck it up and deal with those issues until VW brings the GTD over this way (High output diesel version of the GTI) in a couple years.
 
Funny note on the headlights though...

The LED running lights have three amber LEDs on the side which are required in many states. Somehow Ford "forgot" to hook these up for the first almost 12 months of production. So they have issued a safety recall to hook these up, but I don't care much.

There is another TSB that you might want to have done though. The stock rear motor mounts are garbage, and a hard shift (primarily 1-2 but 2-3 as well) can cause the engine to bang against the firewall. It's pretty easy to reproduce but you do have to drive it hard and it will scare the crap out of you the first time 🙂. They are actually replacing the RMMs with those from the electric Focus because they are appropriately stiff, but they are backordered right now. The firewall bang can actually cause damage to the clutch line as well, so that's part of the TSB.
 
vi edit said:
I've been a bit disappointed with my Non-ST's mileage. I've got almost 2000 miles on it in under a month but I have yet to be able to get more than 400 miles out of a tank. I've never cracked 32MPG even with a 90% highway tank and driving fairly conservative (not going over 65). And I'm still not happy with the ergonomics. I can't find a comfortable cruising position. The armrest is too low, too short, and the steering wheel just has to be raised too high to clear my knees.

I think I'm going to suck it up and deal with those issues until VW brings the GTD over this way (High output diesel version of the GTI) in a couple years.
Click to expand...

The ST only has a 12.4 (I think) gallon tank so 30MPG puts you at 370ish miles. I'm not used to such a small tank so it's been an adjustment. Fortunately I don't commute to work any more so I'm not having to fill up twice a week. I've not had a problem with comfort - I have to sit more upright than I'm used to with the Recaros but once you get it adjusted like Recaro recommends, I find it very comfortable. I'm surprised your mileage with the non-turbo engine has been so poor but I guess Ford has inflated ratings before.
 
SearchMaster said:
There is another TSB that you might want to have done though. The stock rear motor mounts are garbage, and a hard shift (primarily 1-2 but 2-3 as well) can cause the engine to bang against the firewall.
Click to expand...
😱

Assuming that applies to all MK3 foci? Yikes! That would be frightening the first time. Probably would have been worried the transmission grenaded or something. The base models probably don't have enough torque to really cause that like the ST does.
 
vi edit said:
I've been a bit disappointed with my Non-ST's mileage. I've got almost 2000 miles on it in under a month but I have yet to be able to get more than 400 miles out of a tank. I've never cracked 32MPG even with a 90% highway tank and driving fairly conservative (not going over 65). And I'm still not happy with the ergonomics. I can't find a comfortable cruising position. The armrest is too low, too short, and the steering wheel just has to be raised too high to clear my knees.

I think I'm going to suck it up and deal with those issues until VW brings the GTD over this way (High output diesel version of the GTI) in a couple years.
Click to expand...
9
I recently rented a focus auto.. I was very impressed by the millage. Never went below 32mpg. max was 37.7mpg (there was very little citiy driving. A lot of pacific coast highway. and the intersate up to seattle then back to la
 
There weren't any manual GTIs in my price range before, but I took another look and theres one, a base 4 door. I'll give it a shot before I go back to the ford dealer, but being down 50hp/70tq and for the same price, I dunno.


I had previously considered a BRZ, but their price is inflated imo, and with the lower power and useless backseats it'd have to be a couple grand lower than the focus for me to seriously consider



I had also thought about a genesis coupe, but ruled them out early due to cost of the V6, and lack of manual options around. I just found though a 13 3.8 track with 12k miles for $29k, I might have to give those 348 horses a drive too, though I doubt the hyundai will feel much of a drivers car
 
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