Request: Focus ST vs Mazda 6 Review

Kinja'd!!! "TDogg" (needamiata)
06/06/2016 at 23:28 • Filed to: Comparison, Mazda 6, Focus ST

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Does anyone have experience with both? I realize these aren’t exactly in competition, but they both speak to me. Focus ST is sportier, but less luxurious. Mazda 6 is a bit more grown up and more spacious from what I understand.

I’m leaning towards Mazda because it’s just fantastic looking and I’m putting comfort and space as a priority (for mine and my wife’s sake.

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DISCUSSION (13)


Kinja'd!!! mazda616 > TDogg
06/06/2016 at 23:38

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Oppo is an ST haven so that’s what everyone will recommend. But, I have a 2016 Mazda6 i Touring and I love it. Just passed 8 months and 8,000 miles of ownership. My review below:

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/2016-mazda6-i-…


Kinja'd!!! TDogg > mazda616
06/06/2016 at 23:43

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I had actually read your review recently which turned me onto it. I didn't realize how gorgeous it is (inside and out). I'm not all about speed, but I still want it to be engaging and fun to drive.


Kinja'd!!! AM3R shamefully returns > TDogg
06/06/2016 at 23:53

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Have you thought about a 328i? Kind of s nice middle ground. Still a nice luxury daily driver while also being more sporty and fun than the Mazda. Previous gen E90's go for under $20k all day long with low miles.


Kinja'd!!! Wobbles the Mind > TDogg
06/07/2016 at 00:12

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The Mazda will win you over due to the low speed maneuverability and far more mature presentation all around. Plus your wife, family members, and anyone you show it too will be nothing but positive response (plus that fuel economy). Test drive both that way you don’t end up wondering what if though.


Kinja'd!!! TDogg > AM3R shamefully returns
06/07/2016 at 00:15

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Actually, not really. My wife’s not a big fan of BMW (due to reputation mainly) and I find their reliability questionable. I wouldn't be opposed to a 2013 if they're under $20k (this time next year probably).


Kinja'd!!! TDogg > Wobbles the Mind
06/07/2016 at 00:17

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Ill definitely be test driving a few things when the time comes but I love getting feedback from someone who has been there already.

90% of my driving is 20-50mph so I’m not needing a rocket and any boost in mpg will be great.


Kinja'd!!! Eric @ opposite-lock.com > TDogg
06/07/2016 at 02:20

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With interest in these, check out the Golf GTI. It’s closer the the ST’s size, a hybrid in performance, and looks more grown-up.

The new body style Focus ST is also more mature looking, but nothing like the Golf...


Kinja'd!!! AM3R shamefully returns > TDogg
06/07/2016 at 04:06

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The 2013's are hovering around the low 20's with low mileage. I think like $25k will get you one with a CPO warranty and it can easily (at least at my local dealers) be found with a manual.


Kinja'd!!! mazda616 > TDogg
06/07/2016 at 07:44

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It isn’t slow. Idk why people say it is.

We just took mine on a 1,600 mile road trip this past weekend and several times I was going over 90 without realizing it. It’s smooth, quiet, and very composed at that speed.

It hugs the corners like you wouldn’t believe. You have to try to make it lose grip. It feels like a bigger Miata with four doors. And it has a roomy backseat that comfortably fits a baby seat, which was a criteria of mine.

The trunk is huge, too. We were able to fit a week’s worth of luggage in the trunk without having to put anything in the backseat. And that included two beach chairs and an umbrella.

It's a fun car to drive while also being comfortable and economical. Win win


Kinja'd!!! Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > TDogg
06/07/2016 at 07:56

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The Focus is faster and more fun to drive, but the 6 will be more comfortable and economical. Long term reliability is of a toss up. Mazda isn’t really known for theirs, but Ford isn’t always on top either. I would pick the Focus(That’s a lie, I did pick the Fiesta ST), but I want something more entertaining to drive.


Kinja'd!!! LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
06/07/2016 at 08:28

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^^This. What I would write, except I picked the GTI. I liked the 6 (wife has a 2014 Mazda3 with the 2.5L) but wanted more fun factor (off the line and in corners), and got enough room in the GTI. But the 6 would probably be my choice for a mid-size, good all-around sedan - I really like the interior and controls for the price and it handles well. Our previous 3 went over 150,000 miles with only one real issue (an intake hose that collapsed, can’t remember the details). So, anecdotally, I think that Mazdas are reliable.

I also drove an Accord with the V6 - good economy, but still great pick up, smooth ride. Didn’t get to take any fast corners, so couldn’t speak to that. Something to consider, but the opening with the rear seats down is pathetically tiny, which I can’t stand.


Kinja'd!!! TDogg > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
06/07/2016 at 08:31

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I do love GTIs. How has their reliability been recently? I remember bad stories from the 2000s. Can they comfortably fit four 6'+ people?


Kinja'd!!! Tatanko > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
06/07/2016 at 11:35

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I have a 2016 GTI, and that’s pretty much exactly why I got it. It’s the best all-around vehicle for someone who wants a fun car but still has (to pretend) to be an adult. Non-car people like it too, because it has an air of luxury about it.