by "You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much" (youcantellafinn)
Published 09/15/2017 at 11:32
by "You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much" (youcantellafinn)
Published 09/15/2017 at 11:32
Tags: first world problems
STARS: 0
You may remember the other day when I posted that my local dealer has a Focus RS in the proper color parked in front of it. I’ve got a thing for the RS, so what I want to know is should I see if they’ll give me a test drive? The obvious answer is “yes, you idiot!”, but that leads to problems. The biggest one being that I would be way too tempted to trade in the STi, and I fear that I would come to regret doing that if it happened.
I realize that the RS is a better car by every measure as is to be expected after 10 years of technological progression. But I love the STi for its relative simplicity. There is no traction control, no drift mode, no crazy computer controlled torque vectoring rear differential, there are just three pedals and a loose nut behind the wheel. The car is an absolute beast in winter and hilariously fun to drive when there is snow which is soon. I will never not be amused by pulling into the driveway at work sideways. It’s also kind of cool driving a 10 year old car that still gets compliments. Plus the flat four is unique and just feels special with the Subaru rumble.
On the other hand, damn Nitrous Blue is gorgeous in person. Plus the hatch would be more useful and there is way more power on tap. It would also solve the “problem” of my regret at not buying a blue Subaru. The RS also has so many creature comforts. I wouldn’t have ordered the RS2 package, but the one at the dealership has it. You don’t know that you “need” a heated steering wheel until you use one for the first time. I just worry that the first time I try to pull into a parking lot sideways in the winter I will be neutered by the RS having traction control. It would be a PITA to have to remember to turn that off every time I wanted to have fun in the snow.
So Oppo, do I dare try to test drive the new hotness? Or do I stay true to my old busted hotness?
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"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
09/15/2017 at 11:39, STARS: 5
You can very quickly solve your quandary by calling your local Ford dealer and asking to test drive the Focus RS, because they will say no.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
09/15/2017 at 11:40, STARS: 0
I mean theres certainly no harm in a test drive. You will always be wondering “what if” otherwise. Its just a measure of self control to hold onto your car though if its the wrong decision to trade in now. I mean I would personally want to hold onto the STI for sure but idk driving the RS might change my mind too.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
09/15/2017 at 11:42, STARS: 3
Take a look at this photo:
And think about repair costs for that rear diff.
Then cross-shop headgaskets, I guess?
"Tripper" (tripe46)
09/15/2017 at 11:44, STARS: 0
Drive it. I had a 2004 STi, loved it but traded it after 6 months because I got a bunch of tickets and hit a deer. I drove an RS a few months ago. It was fun, but I’d still be new a new STi before it.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
09/15/2017 at 11:45, STARS: 0
Dude, go drive the car. You’re talking yourself in circles about this, and I understand why. A car purchase is a huge thing for a family. But really, all modern cars are fine to drive in most weather if outfitted properly. So, what it’s really about is what gives you the most smiles that you can responsibly afford. Sounds like your wife is a safeguard against any irrational decisions, like mine is (it’s their superpower). So go drive the car, if they’ll let you, and enjoy. Then come tell us all about it and let us try and talk you into buying it.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
09/15/2017 at 11:47, STARS: 1
As far as turning off the traction control in the snow: you won’t forget after the first time you get shut down by it. I have to turn it off in my car every time it snows, and it’s as habitual as a seat belt at this point.
Yeah, yeah, longer stretches on the highway or whatever, regular driving I leave it on. But driving on actual snowy roads, off.
If I were you, I’d go drive the Focus if they will let you. You can debate pros and cons all day, but either way you’ll have a fun car so that’s a plus.
I’d also argue that finding an unmolested RS in a few years might be harder than finding an unmolested Subaru, only because there are fewer of them around.
"DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back" (karsonkinja)
09/15/2017 at 11:54, STARS: 0
Test drive it, the worst that could happen is you have some fun.
And to address the rumble...the RS has its own rumble, and exhaust crackle. I don’t think you’ll miss it...
"wafflesnfalafel" (wafflesnfalafel1)
09/15/2017 at 12:18, STARS: 0
Enjoy that Nitrous Blue from afar and continue to enjoy the STI :)
"boredalways" (boredalway666)
09/15/2017 at 12:35, STARS: 0
Take your STI to a shop so they can vinyl wrap it in Nitrous Blue.*
Problem solved!
*gold BBS if you must, but Nitrous Blue =/= WR Blue
"uofime-2" (uofime-2)
09/15/2017 at 12:44, STARS: 0
at my Subaru track day last friday, a friend and former subaru owner had his RS, which he’s had now for about a year. Overall he likes it, he’s done now 3 track days with the car (which I do believe are his only 3 ever) and overall likes the car.
We did however notice while the hood was up cooling that his core support which apparently is plastic on these cars was cracked on both sides of the car... this is not the first silly problem he has had to return to the dealer to have sorted out.
I think the STI is somewhat less likely to have stupid problems like this. it will of course blow ring lands, spin bearings and lift the head from time to time though. At least those have well know preventative measures and simple-ish repairs though
"E92M3" (E46M3)
09/15/2017 at 12:46, STARS: 0
No way the dealer is going to let him test drive it. They won’t allow people to put miles on them until they have 5 or more in stock. A few test drives, suddenly it has 300 miles on it, and has to be sold as a demo.
"CobraJoe" (cobrajoe)
09/15/2017 at 12:47, STARS: 0
Go for a test drive.
If you’re considering at all buying a new car in that price range, go test drive it. (And test drive several other cars in the price range, like the Ecoboost Mustang for example).
But go for a somewhat long test drive, and at all speeds, not just fast or slow. Cruise at highway speeds, putter through a parking lot, find negative things to say about it. Because if you end up buying it, you don’t want to be annoyed by something inherent to the machine.
The absolute worst thing that could happen is that you like the test drive, but hate living with it. Then you’re out a lot of money, driving a car you don’t like, and completely regret trading your STI. Every other scenario is far less drastic.
As for sliding in the snow, you’ll get used to it. Learning a new car is part of the fun of getting a new car.
"DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back" (karsonkinja)
09/15/2017 at 12:55, STARS: 0
Is this a hard and fast rule around the country?
I just checked the Ford dealers in my area and only a couple have more than 5 in stock but they’re all priced at 41k+. The ones that have less in stock have at least one priced around 38k, weirdly.
"David Baker" (mark7lsc1)
09/15/2017 at 12:58, STARS: 1
If you can get it for sticker and afford it, buy it. The RS is an awesome car andshould hold its value.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
09/15/2017 at 12:58, STARS: 0
Give it a shot, if you do somehow get a test drive, the offer they give you on your car will be so stupid low that you won’t want to trade it in anyway.
I was able to score a test drive in a last gen CTSV when those were the new models. I had went to the dealer looking at used first gen CTSVs and talked the salesman into letting me try out the new model to see if it was worth the delta in dollars... it was, but I didn’t have that kind of cash, but my credit report says I could afford it, so I got the test drive. So give it a shot and see.
"Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief" (flynorcal)
09/15/2017 at 13:04, STARS: 1
Doesn’t seem to be. My coworker just took one for a test drive. Only went to look at it but they offered.
"DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back" (karsonkinja)
09/15/2017 at 13:08, STARS: 0
In metropolitain areas they seem to be in commonly stock now. Since someone could easily go to another dealer, I feel like its only their sale to lose if they refuse a test drive.
"Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief" (flynorcal)
09/15/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 1
That, plus I think the Civic R has stolen a bit of their luster. I don’t know much about the RS aside from the fact my co-worker wants one but he’s waiting for Ford to finish fucking up so he can get one on the cheap. His take is that they made a great little car and when people got excited about it they started to not let people test drive it and asking $50k for it and generally turned the buying public off. Now nobody are buying them. The price will free fall soon.
Again, I don’t know much about that car or how it’s selling but from reading threads like these his logic sounds spot on.
He doesn’t read oppo either. That was his conclusion based entirely on being an observant consumer.
"03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST" (03mach1)
09/15/2017 at 13:36, STARS: 0
You’re stuck in the same situation I was. I loved my Mach 1 for all the same reasons you like your STI. I ended up trading it in for a Fiesta ST. I miss the Mustang a lot, I got an amazing car and put so much work into it. But when I get in the Fiesta and sit in those Recaros (Best seats ever), take corners much faster than should be possible and not have to worry about anything breaking because it’s a brand new car with a warranty, I kind of forget about it.
I would see if they let you drive it. They might not though, one dealer wouldn’t even let me test drive one of the many Focus ST’s they had there.
By the way, if traction control is anything like it is in the ST, you’ll always want sport mode and eventually hitting that button just becomes routine when starting the car.
"DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back" (karsonkinja)
09/15/2017 at 13:50, STARS: 1
I agree with your friend. in fact about a month ago, I found some RS1's Listed at MSRP in my area. I doubt we’ll ever see prices dip much below that, but the novelty has indeed worn off.