I need Focus ST Replacement Ideas

"ZaqAtaq" (ZaqAtaq)
03/12/2015 at 12:52 • Filed to: None

I'm considering selling my 2013 Focus ST... here are my reasons why:

My wife's Honda Pilot crapped out on us so we traded it in on a 2013 Ford Explorer (same color code as mode, ain't that cute?) and having two car payments sucks.

I have a 4 year old and a 3 month old and the Focus is a pain in the ass to get them both in... not that it happens often but it would be nice to have the option.

I'm kind of bored with it... not that there's anything wrong with it, I just get tired of driving the same car all the time.

We are house hunting and I'd rather have the money for a house than spend so much every month on a car.

That said, I need replacement ideas. Requirements:

Big enough for a family of 4

Reliable-ish (No, I don't want to daily drive some 19 year old's 2001 GTI project)

Somewhat fun

Under 10k (under 8K even better)

Something I can fix when it breaks

Decent in Michigan snow (and don't feed me a line about RWD car having traction control, I will be DD'ing it and don't want to have to worry at all)

Bonus: Can haul 2 dogs... they used to go in the Pilot but I'd prefer to keep them out of the Explorer.

At the top of my list right now is AWD V8 Magnum.

Give me your suggestions and anyone with a Magnum please let me know how yours is holding up. Anyone interested in buying a 2013 Focus ST with 30,000 miles, Leather Recaro seats, Navigation, all new transmission and engine mounts (2013 defect covered under warranty), and a new transmission (messed up cable alignment when they installed the mounts and fried second gear)?

DISCUSSION (61)

Where have all the lightweights gone? > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 12:55

It might not have as much power as the Magnum, but you could find a CTS (non-V) wagon with AWD I believe.

William Byrd > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 12:58

I traded my FoST for a Jeep GC.

http://www.rightfootdown.com/rfd-garage/im-…

I know you already have an SUV though, so read through the stuff I considered, may help.

Bozi Tatarevic > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 12:58

How about an AWD turbo wagon?

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/the-defunct-br…

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:00

I'm kind of bored with it... not that there's anything wrong with it, I just get tired of driving the same car all the time.

Kinda the same reason(well one of them) I kinda don't want mine either. :P

All of your reasons are more valid of course.

claramag, Mustaco Master > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:00

Kinja'd!!!

Steelies on an ST? Mmmmm I did not know I would like it but I like it

ZaqAtaq > Bozi Tatarevic
03/12/2015 at 13:00

I was looking at Saab wagons last night... do they share enough equipmunk with GM vehicles that replacement parts won't cost me an arm and a leg?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:01

Kinja'd!!!

ZaqAtaq > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
03/12/2015 at 13:02

It's a great car, don't get me wrong, I just have a mild case of Automotive ADD (along with my other reasons).

Snuze: Needs another Swede > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:03

In for the pics...

Something about that ST with the steelies and winter tires looks so badass to me.

And... just... what is up with the preggo chick on the MagWag?

ZaqAtaq > claramag, Mustaco Master
03/12/2015 at 13:04

Needs center caps of some sort to cover up the nasty hubs... I looked into the Ford Taurus police center caps but it also required specific bolts to clip onto and I wasn't willing to invest $200

ZaqAtaq > Snuze: Needs another Swede
03/12/2015 at 13:06

I do like the steelies... I took those pictures for the write up I did when I first got it... still looks great a year later.

As for the pregnant chick... I google images returned it and I liked it...

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:07

It is, but I now realize that I didn't really expand my options or look at anything else, and seeing as I didn't have as much auto information as I do know, I kinda bought into Oppo and Jalopnik's hype for the car last spring...Will not be making that mistake again. It's a damn good car for the price and what it's capable of, it only took me almost half a year to realize it isn't the car for me.

Milky > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:09

Decent in Michigan snow (and don't feed me a line about RWD car having traction control, I will be DD'ing it and don't want to have to worry at all)

Laaaaaammmmmeeeeee. I've driven during every damn "snowpocalypse" and have had zero problems.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:10

Badass.

And the chick... ugh. Wanted to talk more shit but I didn't want to accidentally insult Ms. ZaqAtaq.

ZaqAtaq > William Byrd
03/12/2015 at 13:13

Nice looking Jeep... you're right, don't really want an SUV. I have looked at nearly all of those on your list only a few years older to keep the price down... I want to pay it off to get rid of a car payment too. I might have to revisit a couple of those suggestions...

William Byrd > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:14

Thanks, I like it so far. At one point or another, I looked at all those at much lower price points but I kept looking up a MY, then another, then another, and eventually I bought new.

Thunderface > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:15

Ford Crown Victoria!

Dirt cheap, reliable as hell and just plain awesome

Bozi Tatarevic > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:15

The majority of the engine is standard GM stuff. The turbos are similar to the Hyundai Gen Coupe and actually use the same rebuild kit.

The auto box is everywhere: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AWTF-80_S…

The manual is used in the Regal and Verano: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_F40_tr…

The suspension pieces are unique but can be found for a fair price online

Brake parts are available and dirt cheap

Then Something New > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:15

Look for Subaru Legacy GT Wagons. They give you the speed and general shape of the ST with some more room and a 10k price tag. Here's mine for reference.

Kinja'd!!!

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventory…

ZaqAtaq > Milky
03/12/2015 at 13:15

I SAID DONT FEED ME A LINE GOD DAMN IT!!! Also... I know I know... I really shouldn't care but having drove FWD and AWD cars since I turned 16, they're what I'm most comfortable in.

I'm restoring a 66 Dodge Coronet, that's RWD! Do I get some of my Jalop cred back?

ZaqAtaq > Bozi Tatarevic
03/12/2015 at 13:17

Thanks! I guess I have a night of car searches ahead of me when I get home.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:19

I love the way steelies look on cars. Not the rusty missing hubcap type, but intentional steelies with good paint look so awesome on just about everything. Anyways, no need to fear RWD just because of the snow. Snow tires, LSD, and a manual fixes everything =)

ZaqAtaq > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
03/12/2015 at 13:26

So what IS the right car for you?

HammerheadFistpunch > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:27

SG subaru forester XT manual comes to mind:

1. It was big enough for my family of 4

2. very reliable (DOHC that DOESN'T eat head gaskets and low..ish pressure turbo)

3. pretty darn fun

4. ~10k for a decent example

5. super easy to fix

6. um...its a subaru

7. haul 2 dogs? how big are the dogs?

cazzyodo > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:29

I support the Magnum idea (pending actual owner responses, I got some when I posted about it a while back).

Similar boat as you regarding the FoST...I'm on the fence about moving on and looking under $8k. Solid car and I really like it but I feel that it doesn't fit me anymore...literally. My hair scrapes the ceiling and my knees are near the steering wheel haha. Wasn't an issue before but I need to move on.

HammerheadFistpunch > Bozi Tatarevic
03/12/2015 at 13:29

wait...which wagon? the 9.2x?

Bozi Tatarevic > HammerheadFistpunch
03/12/2015 at 13:30

The above is about the 9-3 XWD Sportcombi, the 9-2x is a whole different story and all Subaru

Brian Silvestro > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:31

AE86.

HammerheadFistpunch > Bozi Tatarevic
03/12/2015 at 13:32

Thats why I was confused, cause you linked to the article with the first saab wagon being the 9-2x and then you go into GM this and that and im all, WAAAAA?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:32

Something N/A, RWD and with a manual or dual clutch. Haven't really figured it out beyond that.

Bozi Tatarevic > HammerheadFistpunch
03/12/2015 at 13:33

Hehe, sorry for the confusion. Look down to #1 on the list

Milky > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 13:37

Well shit, yea. But I REALLY do love oppo on the morning commute. Don't need any coffee those days.

PS9 > Snuze: Needs another Swede
03/12/2015 at 13:55

Hey come on now...new opponauts gotta come from somewhere!

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 14:19

I was going to say the Magnum as well. Also the Subaru Legacy GT would pretty much check all your boxes

Snuze: Needs another Swede > PS9
03/12/2015 at 14:28

Oh, no, I want new Opponauts, and it sounds like ZaqAtaq and his wife have made a few already.

But that pic... ugh, trampy looking duckface girl laying on the hood of a car? I'd tell her to stop looking like a moron and get her pregnant ass off before she dent's my hood.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 14:31

Be wary of the Magnum, I love them as well but check out the tag HEMIwagon in Oppo and read about JGrabow's trials with his. I'm on the fence between it and a G8, heavily favoring the G8 because Pontiac and SBC.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Snuze: Needs another Swede
03/12/2015 at 14:41

the irony lies in the fact that clearly she did not use a magnum

ZaqAtaq > Brian Silvestro
03/12/2015 at 14:56

You're a rascal.

ZaqAtaq > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
03/12/2015 at 14:57

Good idea... Thanks!

ZaqAtaq > HammerheadFistpunch
03/12/2015 at 14:57

They're big... not because they should be but because they're lazy. 85lb Dalmatian and 110lb Yellow lab.

ZaqAtaq > wunderwagen wants a longer roof
03/12/2015 at 14:58

Will do, thanks for the tip!

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 14:58

Selling my 2013 ST. Tux black with steelies for the winter JUST like that top picture.

Replacing with used Wrangler for durability....

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > cazzyodo
03/12/2015 at 14:58

Doing this exactly. Looking for a used Wranlger +-10k

ZaqAtaq > cazzyodo
03/12/2015 at 14:59

I'm 5'11'' and have hit my head twice this month getting in... sure it's because I'm not paying attention but I still blame the car being small.

cazzyodo > sefeing, actually bought an E46
03/12/2015 at 15:00

I have a similar thought. Bouncing between finding a Wrangler or a Ranger, top choices right now. Where are you?

Thing is, it's hypothetical because I'm terrified of acting on it haha.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > claramag, Mustaco Master
03/12/2015 at 15:00

Kinja'd!!!

This is actually my ST right now. Steelies for the winter w/ P71 Center caps.

Brian Silvestro > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 15:02

I won't feed you a line about a RWD having traction control, but I will feed you a line that says snow tires exist:

Snow tires exist.

cazzyodo > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 15:05

I'm 6'4"...

It fits me, but nobody can sit behind me.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > cazzyodo
03/12/2015 at 15:05

100% want a Wrangler. Durable as hell, fun in the summer with the removable top, yet small enough that it's not a bitch to park in NYC where i live.

I'm actively looking for a wrangler I can afford. ~15k. Insurance is loads cheaper than the ST, doesn't use premium.

Just need to sell w/ a lien on the car, or trade it in. I got into an accident a few weeks ago, so my insurance is too much for me to justify a car I'm also making payments on and driving over 2500mi a month for work now. Also, it's fucking delicate. I've had the car a few days past a year, and blown through a full set of Goodyear F1's and two wheels because of potholes. Not to mention a few alignments. Need the 4WD and ground clearance too for where I'm driving...

cazzyodo > sefeing, actually bought an E46
03/12/2015 at 15:09

I have a pretty good insurance rate on the ST so lower rates would be unreal for me haha. I've been lucky with potholes around Boston...winter wheels and tires have held up well. That surprises me because I got a really cheap set. I don't drive nearly as far as you, short commute.

Clearance would make me feel better though because of some of the places I go have very scary roads for the ST. I was scraping this winter between frozen wheel ruts.

claramag, Mustaco Master > sefeing, actually bought an E46
03/12/2015 at 15:11

Very nice. Black on black, center caps, give it some tint and I bet people would instinctively slow down around you

"Oh wow, local PD is jalop as hell" they'll say

TxBrumski > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 15:40

Kinja'd!!!

Approved.

wade3566rf > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 16:18

Maybe an all wheel drive v6 Ford Fusion? They're pretty roomy, can't be had with a manual and a v6 though, maybe and 06-08ish.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 16:58

Kinja'd!!!

WUT.

Dusty Ventures > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 17:20

I'm with HammerpunchFisthead. The Forester XT will baby, dog, winter, and fun.

Kinja'd!!!

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > cazzyodo
03/12/2015 at 19:09

insurance was amazing. And then I had to re register the car in NYC instead of westchester and got into an accident.... :/

ZaqAtaq > Dusty Ventures
03/12/2015 at 19:52

I think I'm on board... definitely going to start searching for one.

ZaqAtaq > sefeing, actually bought an E46
03/12/2015 at 19:54

So jelly...

ZaqAtaq > Brian Silvestro
03/12/2015 at 19:56

Yes, I own a set of them, they are pictured on the car above... and I may even buy some for my next car. Thanks for the hot tip though. :)

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > ZaqAtaq
03/12/2015 at 22:56

I bought that beater e36 that was on the FP a little while ago. That seemed to hold up pretty well.

Also, for RWD, you don't need TC. You need some kind of LSD so you have 2wd instead of 1wd.

Makoyouidiot > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/20/2015 at 10:52

M3!