Thinking about a Ford Focus ST. Your thoughts?

[slugg]

So I'm kind of tired of not being able to fit anything into either of my cars. I have a Miata and a 330i, but the 330i does not have rear folding seats. I can't really fit anything bigger than a kitchen trash can in the back seat of the 330i, or anything bigger than a watermelon in the trunk. Forget the Miata. I'm also tired of maintaining two old cars. I was thinking of going for a 2014 Mazda 3 hatch and keeping the Miata (i.e. maintaining just ONE old car), but then I started looking into the Ford Focus ST.

While it's not rear wheel drive or gokarty like the Miata, it's much more powerful and still quite sporty. It also has great cargo room, perfect for me. So I'm thinking that I may even just replace both my vehicles with a hot hatch, like the Focus ST.

The most comparable car is obviously the MazdaSpeed 3. But there are three things about the 'Speed 3 that really bug me: the extreme torque steer, the pitiful gas mileage, and the clown face. I understand that the Focus ST doesn't get the good gas mileage, but it at least matches my 330i, and in some cases even beats it. I realize that because of the nature of FWD, torque steer is here to stay, but head-to-head reviews between the two cars favor the Focus ST's steering and handling at large. One recurring theme is that, apparently, the Focus ST does a good job of hiding that it's a front wheel drive. As for looks, it's subjective, but the Focus looks nicer to me.

Price wise, it seems like the 2014 Focus ST is only a couple grand more than the all-new 2014 Mazda 3. So from a price standpoint, it's actually better for me because then I can afford to sell my Miata. Fun and utility in one car, albeit a few compromises. I may give it a shot.

So I have yet to actually drive the Focus ST. I plan on making an appointment some time next week and scaring a salesperson during a test drive. Honestly, I'd prefer to buy a used one to save some bucks, but dealerships are delusional and asking for more than the cost of a brand new 2014.

What say you, ATG? Have you driven one? Do you own one? What do you think?

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Depending on how much more the ST is over the Speed3, a rear motor mount and rear sway bar ($300 total) neutralizes most of the torque and understeer. Can't do much about the clown face but it grows on you pretty quick lol also from all other angles it looks fantastic

 

[slugg]

On the contrary - the Speed3 costs more than the ST. But that's good to know, regardless.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Are you talking MSRP or what the dealer will offer you? I'm guessing Mazda will more likely offer you a better deal since the st is in higher demand

 

[Wuzup101]

I've been a big focus wagon fan for quite some time, and I don't think you can go wrong with the ST. Personally, I'd pick one over a MS3 (I've test driven both but have never driven either outside of the test drive). I wanted AWD when I was looking for my current car (and this was before the ST was available anyway), but I wish I could have gotten a hatch / wagon for exactly the same reason that you are looking at them. If you think the trunk of your 330i is small, you should check out the trunk in an Evo X sometime. My roommate has a 330i... and the trunk is a monstrous cavern by comparison.

 

[SearchMaster]

I've had my ST3 for 6 months now. The hatch/trunk is not as big as you might think, but I guess it gets the job done. Torque steer is definitely there if you push it hard, probably not any better than the MS3 (I don't remember exactly how bad it was in comparison when I test drove it).

As for MPG, most of my driving is "town" I guess you'd say - 40-50 MPH zones without too many stop lights or signs, and I get ~30MPG. I tend to be either very conservative or heavy footed - I guess I don't see the point in wasting gas unless I'm out to have fun.

I got my '13 for ~$3500 under MSRP, but I don't know how the '14s are going.

It's a fun little car and can easily be tail happy when you want it to. It basically applies braking to the inside wheel when cornering to allow it to slide so it doesn't understeer like most FWD cars. I've been very happy with it (~8000 miles on the clock). Biggest negatives - gas tank is tiny (12.4 gallons), paint is cheap and chips easily, and the motor mounts are garbage (replaced for free under a TSB, but will cause a horrible clunk under heavy 1-2 shifts). The MyFordTouch entertainment system is much better after the latest update, though getting the nav system to do what you want can still be an exercise in frustration.

 

[slugg]

Cheap paint? Cars are still painted with cheap paint, nowadays? That's dumb.

Besides the Mazdaspeed 3, what else should I look at?

 

[smackababy]

I heard you gotta make $130k to get a Focus ST.

 

[SearchMaster]

Cheap paint? Cars are still painted with cheap paint, nowadays? That's dumb.

Besides the Mazdaspeed 3, what else should I look at?

GTI, I suppose. Or if you can wait a short while, the '15 GTI is supposed to be the shiz. That's probably about it on the new car, four door front, unless you'd consider the Mini 4 door. I think there's a 4 door Fiat 500 now too but they're more in the Fiesta ST class.

 

[slugg]

So let's be a little more critical... Why shouldn't I get a Focus ST?

 

[cbrsurfr]

Too harsh of a ride for a DD?

 

[IntoxicatedPuma]

It doesn't have rear doors but I think you can still get a 2013 Volvo C30 new right now, it's not quite as stiff as the ST on suspension but a bit nicer inside and about as powerful. The MS3, C30, and Focus all ride on the same chassis.

I don't think you can go wrong on the Focus ST but might be difficult getting a good deal on it.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I heard you gotta make $130k to get a Focus ST.

:thumbsup:

 

[cyclistca]

So let's be a little more critical... Why shouldn't I get a Focus ST?

I was so close to getting one but I could not get over the front seats. The car is a blast to drive. I also like the hatchback. Great for putting bikes in the back. However the front seat just don't work with my legs.

 

[satyajitmenon]

So let's be a little more critical... Why shouldn't I get a Focus ST?

Tough to say. Personally, think it's too new to know if there are any long term ownership issues.

But it seems to be built well. The specifics around day to day drivability, comfort, fun, etc are quite subjective. And different drivers will have different things they do/don't like about it.

Haven't had a chance to drive one, just seen one at the Ford dealership. Looks like a really nice car. Your best bet would obviously be to drive one and see how you like it. The test drives/reports indicate it's worth buying.

In that category, I think you're limited to a Focus ST, MS3, and GTI. I would also suggest you look at the Civic Si (not as hardcore as an ST), or maybe a WRX (AWD useless in FL, but still fun).

Also, if you decide to sell the Miata, let me know.

 

[lghost]

Just drove one about a month ago. Power is plentiful, as is torque steer. Shifter among the best I have ever used, handling and ride acceptable. Room in the rear seat is hilariously pathetic, front feels a bit claustrophobic as well.

Look at a GTI if reliability doesn't scare you, a Civic Si if it does. Both impressed me as better overall packages during test drives.

 

[LTC8K6]

I was so close to getting one but I could not get over the front seats. The car is a blast to drive. I also like the hatchback. Great for putting bikes in the back. However the front seat just don't work with my legs.

Standard seats or the Recaros?

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Just took a test drive in the ST today at the la auto show and it's a pretty fun car. Ride is a bit softer than the speed 3 and the front feels a little more cramped. Shifter is great though reverse is a little awkward because you lift up but it's a moot point. Clutch is more forgiving and lighter than the speed 3 as well. Recaro's were comfy and hugs you good but I'm not a big guy so it will depend on you. Power is definitely there but doesn't come on as hard as the speed 3.

 

[slugg]

also, if you decide to sell the miata, let me know.

yhpm.

 

[MarkXIX]

I was so close to getting one but I could not get over the front seats. The car is a blast to drive. I also like the hatchback. Great for putting bikes in the back. However the front seat just don't work with my legs.

I agree. I was VERY interested in one and the seats pushed me away. I'm not a big guy (5'8", 168 lbs) and the seats seemed to push into my hips/thighs and were uncomfortable to me. I drove it for several hours over a few days and just could not get past that.

 

[vi edit]

I agree. I was VERY interested in one and the seats pushed me away. I'm not a big guy (5'8", 168 lbs) and the seats seemed to push into my hips/thighs and were uncomfortable to me. I drove it for several hours over a few days and just could not get past that.

Yeah, I have a non-ST Focus that has seats similar to the ones in the base trim ST (Sport seats). They are murder on me. I'm 6' and 175 pounds and my left leg goes numb after more than 20 minutes of driving. It felt good in the test drives, but I just didn't try it out long enough to really notice until my first longer road trip.

Other gripes I have are that it's just not a comfortable car at all. The arm rest doesn't slide and is useless for actually resting your arm. In order to get my legs under the wheel I have to really raise it up which makes it hard to hold onto when you are in the relaxed and crusing position. It's fine for short little runs around town when you are actively shifting. That's what most of my test drives were made up of. But once you get out on the highway and set the cruise control I just cannot get comfortable in the drivers seat.

I've got issues with my base model (http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2339236) that Ford has yet to have any interest in really wanting to address. I'm biding my time and hoping to be able to lemon law it. I will not reconsider another.

 

[Tweak155]

I heard you gotta make $130k to get a Focus ST.

:thumbsup:

Quit exaggerating, it was only $127k.

 

[cyclistca]

Standard seats or the Recaros?

Leather covered Recaros, they are the only ones available in Canada. Dug into my thighs. To bad because otherwise I love the car.

 

[Hellotalkie]

On the contrary - the Speed3 costs more than the ST. But that's good to know, regardless.

Back in April when I purchased my Speed3, Mazda was offering the lowest price available. I looked at an ST and they were at least a couple grand higher than the Speed3. Same went for the WRX. IIRC it was 21,4 before TTL

Try to use truecar. It took all the negotiating out, got a really good price and made the transaction very simple.

As far as torque steer goes. It's there, but as long as you have a hand on the wheel you can easily control it.

MPG, I average about 22-24 overall. I could get 28-30 on the highway but that's me being pretty conservative on the pedal.

 

[draknon]

Wait for the Subaru BRZ Wagon to become available.

http://jalopnik.com/the-subaru-cross-sport-design-is-the-brz-shooting-brake-1468157285