I've made the decision. I'm getting a Focus ST.

"IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK" (idroveapickuptruck) 12/31/2013 at 10:50 • Filed to: None

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Test drove one yesterday and loved it, had some reservations about the seats but I've since learned that they break in and become more comfortable. I found one a couple of towns over that I'm going to ask my local dealer to try to get for me, 2013 model (cheaper!) ST3 Tangerine Scream. With the year end incentives they're offering I should be able to get it out the door with TTL for ~$27500 since I have x-plan. Not bad, not bad at all.

I will update oppo when I know more.

EDIT: Talked with the dealer, they're getting me the exact one I wanted. I should be able to pick it up when they open back up after the new year on Thursday. I'm pretty stoked.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 05:17

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I myself am finding the Fiesta ST more and more appealing as I consider former Ford rally cars. What color will you get yours in? Have you considered using some plasti-dip and making a rally tribute?

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 12/31/2013 at 05:40

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I want to get the orange. I think the it looks best in orange or black, but since I spend a lot of time in South Texas black paint is a no-go.

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 06:23

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I'd say it's a good decision, FWD or not.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 12/31/2013 at 06:31

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Yeah I mean I would love to pick up a Mustang or a BRZ or an E46M3 or something but I actually need the space that the hatchback body style provides.

Brian Silvestro > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 07:27

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I'm not a fan of Tangerine Scream, I'd get it in white (if I lived in Texas), otherwise I'd get it in black, it looks sinister.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 07:27

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Good choice. I loved the way it drove, but the dealers couldn't get me one without the Recaro seats.

The shoulder scoops are too narrow for me. The BMW seats just fit me better in the Mini and my Z4. And for a daily driver, its inexcusable to actively be uncomfortable to sit in.

If they could have found me a car with the standard seats, I likely would have bought the Focus ST over the Mini.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Brian Silvestro 12/31/2013 at 07:30

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There are only a few 2013 models left (which I want because of the moneys) and my only options are Tangerine Scream and Red, which I don't like very much. White would get dirty so quickly where I'm at (Very Dusty) and Black would be incredibly hot.

The orange is very flamboyant to say the least but I think it still looks good.

Brian Silvestro > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 07:32

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That's cool, it would be smarter to go with a '13 because money. All I keep hearing is that it's incredibly fast/fun. Good choice!

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 12/31/2013 at 07:32

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My issue with the seats wasn't the shoulder space but the thigh bolstering, but I've been told it loosens up some. If it's still annoying I'll either take it to a upholstery shop to have them modified or trade the seat for a bases set plus get a nice set of cash back. I would order a base model but you can't get it with navigation and the better stereo which I wanted.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 07:40

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I do give BMW a lot of shit for their a la carte gouging on options (a $40000 Mini?!?!?!?), BUT......

At least you can do those combinations. Ford only let's you do it to an extent.

Toyota is the worst. They claim they have options...nope.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 12/31/2013 at 07:44

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In an ideal world I would get a Focus ST with BMW seats. Or get a E46 M3 Touring that still had a warranty. Yes that is what I want, unfortunately such a beast does not exist.

In the mean time I'll just hope that the thigh bolsters loosen up through use or that they motivate me to loose weight.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 08:05

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OPPO Challenge: what's the most OPPO used car to be had for $27.5? Must fit requirements/wants of: hatchback (or wagon or roomy sedan), navigation, good stereo, manual (?).

The ST's a great choice, OP, but I want you to know all your options before making such a big $$$ decision!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/31/2013 at 08:09

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After all, you could have a V8...

2007 S4 Avant

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

2004 S4 Avant

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Sun-Tzubaru - With Zoom-Zoom > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 08:09

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This post, I LIKE IT

nafsucof > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/31/2013 at 08:24

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Yes and weight and understeer and someone else's neglect. Nice but seven years old tomorrow!

Clown Shoe Pilot > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/31/2013 at 08:24

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you should be able to find an M coupe (though not a 2001-2002) in the low 20s and then hit the car stereo store to upgrade the tunes and add a nav system

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/31/2013 at 08:25

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The other options are basically as thus:

WRX
MS3
Fiesta ST
Sonic RS

GTI
Jetta Sportwagen
Random Hyundais/Kias.

I can get discounts on all American cars through supplier codes from my job so the Focus, Fiesta and Sonic allow me to get more bang/$. WRXs are more expensive and not as well equiped as the Focus, a similarly spec-ed WRX has a MSRP of $31390 so with TTL would be almost $34k.
Every comparison I've seen between the MS3 and the Focus ST has stated that the Focus is better. I also do not like how the MS3 looks. MS3 has a lower MSRP similarly equipped but since I'm not getting the rebates or x-plan pricing with TTL it comes out to about $29.5k
Fiesta ST would be great but it's just too small for what I need, I have to carry a lot of stuff around with me and the Focus is probably as small as I can get away with even with the seats folded down.
Sonic RS, don't like how it looks. Not fast enough.
GTI, similarly equipped GTI is would be close to $33k with TTL.
Jetta Sportwagen, this one was interesting, especially the TDI. If I was solely looking for economy and cruising this might be the choice, but I'm also looking for fun and performance so it's out.
Hyundai/Kia- Not even considered, not interested. My biggest automotive bias.

Basically the three cars I was cross shopping closely were the Focus ST, a used WRX hatch and in a different direction a new Wrangler. The WRXs didn't seem to be worth it to me because they're still running for like $22-25k even with 30-40k miles on them. I test drove a wrangler and I liked it but it didn't really blow my hair back, I don't intend to go offroading and it doesn't have the creature comforts or the performance of the Focus. It's main advantage would be the confidence on the crappy and dirt roads I have to drive sometimes in south Texas and resale value.

I think the Focus is the right car for me right now. I could make do with my old Cherokee for a while but in the end I'm looking for something more comfortable and more performance oriented right now.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Clown Shoe Pilot 12/31/2013 at 08:29

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I love the clownshoe, it's one of my dreamcars but I would not subject it to the roads that I have to drive on to get to the rigs in South Texas, and even with the shooting brake it doesn't have enough interior volume for what I need. Also while it isn't currently enforced I get a vehicle allowance at work that requires my vehicle to be less than 5 years old. I'm violating it right now as are many others but they've started to crack down on other policies and I suspect a audit is coming.

505Turbeaux > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 08:30

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Good luck man! I drove a Fiesta ST a few weeks back, and I loved it, but for the lack of space. Focus should fit well! Let us know how it goes!

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/31/2013 at 08:32

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I did an Audi Sports car experience a few weeks ago at Sears Point outside San Francisco and had the opportunity to drive a new S4, S5, TTS and RS5 and while I had a blast and I respected all the cars immensely none of them really did it for me. They all just seemed too clinical, too restrained too refined almost. The Focus is more fun to me because it's more brash and more eager. Also the maintenance costs on off warranty Audis scare me a little.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 08:36

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Sounds like you've done your homework, and more. The ST definitely seems like a little scrapper - one you'd get the visceral connection with every time you're in it.

I hear you on the potential maintenance/repair bills that come with older German cars - I ended up getting an aftermarket extended warranty on my '08 E90 M3.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/31/2013 at 08:39

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I wish there was still such a thing as a RWD Hot Hatch. Or that WRXs could compete with the Focus on price. But if I'm going to go FWD again, seems like the Focus is the best bet.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 08:43

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It sounds like it is! Hope it all works out on the one you've found. I just always like to consider all available options, especially when considering a new car.

The WRX was also on my list, but quickly dropped off after a test drive. I was coming from an '05 Mazda 3s hatch, and the shifter and interior were worse in the WRX. No way I was taking any downgrades!

I haven't driven a GTI, but have been very impressed by the performance of my friend's on the back roads. Seems to be the more "grown up" choice, but is sounds like you're looking for the more raw edge that the ST gives.

I sincerely hope that the next Speed3 is incredible!

Enjoy the new ride.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 08:48

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My wife was a field engineer for Schlumberger for three years right after we got married, on a wireline truck based in Duncan, OK. I don't miss her getting calls at 2:00 am to drive 6 hours to Tyler, TX... Guess everyone has to put in their time at some point!

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/31/2013 at 08:51

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I'm a field engineer for Schlumberger right now, almost 2.5 years in, just moved over to Directional drilling. Wireline is the worst, I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 09:10

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Ha! If you're ever looking for a change, and want to come up to Tulsa, let me know. I'd be glad to pass your resume on to our drilling manager.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/31/2013 at 09:12

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I"ll keep that in mind but I'm pretty happy where I'm at right now. I get to live in Austin which is amazing as a single twenty something and the Eagleford wells I'm drilling are less than 2 hours away

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 09:15

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Very nice. I've got a brother down there, and will be back for the USGP again this year.

rabidpenguin > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 12/31/2013 at 09:42

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It seems the Focus ST gets all the love, but I really wonder how the Fiesta ST is. Shame they only make it in 5-door form.

Snarkspeed > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 10:39

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Great cars but that price seems high? I used x-plan and rebates to get a '14 no options FoST... for less than 22k a couple months ago. I'm too wide for the Recaros anyway.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Snarkspeed 12/31/2013 at 10:44

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This is fully loaded, ST3, Power Moonroof & the extra $500 for the Orange paint. $27,500 should be out the door with Tax, Title and Licence. Just talked the dealer, they can get it for me and I'll be able to pick it up on the 2nd.

Sinanigans > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 10:50

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Why no WRX hatch? Cheaper, more power, (more?) space

Desu-San-Desu > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 10:51

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I think I'm going to hold out and see if Subaru eventually brings out a 5-door version of the new WRX. Because from what I've been reading and seeing, it drives bloody brilliantly.

William Byrd > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 10:52

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Great choice, awesome car.

I was hooked on buying new for a decade or more, had some bad used car buying experiences. However, for $27.5K, you could do pretty well on the used car market. Not sure what your criteria is though.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Sinanigans 12/31/2013 at 10:56

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I've addressed this in another comment but the WRX hatch is significantly more expensive when similarly equipped. And while it may have 13 more HP than the Focus it also has 26 fewer ft-lbs of torque.

But price is the main concern here, a new WRX at the same trim level as I'm getting with the Focus would run me almost $34k

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > William Byrd 12/31/2013 at 11:00

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I know I could do well used for $27.5k but honestly for the type of vehicle I'm looking for it's actually hard to do much better. I'm looking for a performance oriented 5-door hatch with a manual transmission. Sure I could get a used STI or something but that's more hardcore than I need and I'd rather have zero miles and a complete warranty. I'm getting the car for more than $4k under MSRP so I don't think I'm paying an extreme premium over the used market.

Clown Shoe Pilot > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 11:01

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Austin here too. Buda, actually.

William Byrd > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 11:01

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With that criteria, I'd probably get the same car! But I'm a Ford guy and the most recent WRX's and STi's don't really do it for me. Good luck!

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Clown Shoe Pilot 12/31/2013 at 11:02

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We should meet up some time and trade cars, I love M-Coupes always wanted to drive one.

Clown Shoe Pilot > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 11:03

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I have access to a Formula 1 race track. I just need to get the M Coupe worked on a bit first. There are some strange noises coming from the suspension and I believe it's time for a specialist to take a peek.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Clown Shoe Pilot 12/31/2013 at 11:04

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You have access to COTA? How?!!!! It seems like it's crazy expensive to get on track there.

Clown Shoe Pilot > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 11:07

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I work there

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Clown Shoe Pilot 12/31/2013 at 11:16

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You live an enviable life. You wouldn't happen to need someone to buy you some beer would you? Because I think I might no a person about to buy a hot hatch who might be able to help out with that.

Malforus > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 11:18

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Congrats! Are they delivering it with the summer or all season tires? Would be tragic to go out on your first drive and have the wrong rubber.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Malforus 12/31/2013 at 11:20

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Summer. This is Texas.

Malforus > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 11:26

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Ah I missed that, up here in Boston things are pretty slick. Enjoy!

Adam > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 11:44

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In November I bought a Performance Blue ST1 for my wife. We are very happy with it and we just returned from a 14 hr round trip visiting in laws with it. I'm definitely a GTi guy but the ST is awesome. I haven't driven a turbo car since my moms 1991 Probe GT and wow have Ford and Turbo technology really come along way. I think I'm gonna get a ticket in it.

Sinanigans > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 12/31/2013 at 11:59

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Srsly? Now that its the end of the year you can get one for a great price... maybe its a Texas thing?

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Sinanigans 12/31/2013 at 13:38

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Not that many Subarus in Texas no snow. And I doubt there will be big price drops on Subarus this year anyways. Subaru is having it's best year ever and is basically selling every car they put on the lots very quickly. They have no need for end of the year incentives because their cars are already selling so well.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > rabidpenguin 12/31/2013 at 19:13

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Have you been around Oppo recently or really any car publication? The Fiesta ST is topping all sorts of top10 lists and being called the most fun car on the market. Unfortunately it's too small for my needs

Snarkspeed > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/01/2014 at 11:53

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Gotcha, makes sense. Mine was just under 23k out the door - a great car for that price and I've put 1800+ fun miles on it so far. In case you hadn't heard yet, you will want to get the motor mount service done (google "Ford TSB 13-12-3".) Good luck tomorrow & have fun!

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Snarkspeed 01/01/2014 at 17:54

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yeah another opponaut informed me about the motor mounts and I asked the salesman about it. He was actually aware of the issue which I was please with.
I can't wait for tomorrow.