Just drove a Focus and a Dart

"jvirgs drives a Subaru" (jvirgs)
01/03/2015 at 20:31 • Filed to: Dart, Focus

In my quest for a replacement for dying 2004 SE-R, I've been endlessly searching for cars that I would be content with parting with such a large amount of money (FYI this is my first "adult" purchase). So I went down to one of the local CarMax stores to request a transfer of a 2014 Dodge Dart GT with the 2.4L (6spd) with 3k on the clock. While there, I test drove a Blue 2013 Ford Focus Titanium (hatchback) and a 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye with the 1.4L turbo (6spd).

Focus: The interior wasn't bad, the seats were comfortable, and the bolsters were comfortably snug. I was surprised by the lack of cargo space in the back and rear leg room was decent for a car that size. As far as driving it, the transmission felt fake to the point where it felt like it was just making it up as I drove. The steering was horrendous as it felt artificial and very grabby (almost like a racing wheel for a PlayStation). The wheel with all its buttons was confusing at first glance.

Dart: Not having driven a stick in almost 3+ years, I was a little nervous getting behind the wheel of this. The shifter was very smooth and was very easy to place in the right gear. The clutch was light and fairly easy to find the catch point (coming from a 06 Corolla S who's clutch is horrid). Luckily I never stalled but did struggle with the take-offs a bit. Overall I really enjoyed how it drove and the cloth seats were comfortable unlike some of the reviews I read. Luckily I never stalled but did struggle with the take-offs a bit. I absolutely loved the interior. The dash looked great in the dark with the racetrack style light outlining it and the Uconnect system seemed simple to use although I didn't really play with that either. Steering wheel controls were simple and easy to identify and I actually didn't mine the volume and seek buttons on the back of the wheel. Trunk space is a little smaller than I hoped and rear leg room is actually decent for a car that size and with my seating position I could sit back there pretty comfortably. Only downside was rear headroom was tight due to the sunroof.

Overall I really liked the Dart, so we'll see what happens when the one I transferred comes in. The only down side is the GT is at the top of my already tight budget, so I have a week to try and figure this all out.

EDIT: I forgot to add this. It was in the showroom.

http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/…

DISCUSSION (28)

Brian Silvestro > jvirgs drives a Subaru
01/03/2015 at 20:39

*cough*

Fiesta ST

*cough*

OPPOsaurus WRX > Brian Silvestro
01/03/2015 at 20:46

*sneeze*

WRX

*sneeze*

Brian Silvestro > OPPOsaurus WRX
01/03/2015 at 20:47

[money]

OPPOsaurus WRX > Brian Silvestro
01/03/2015 at 20:52

Don't get caught up in the details

Funktheduck > jvirgs drives a Subaru
01/03/2015 at 20:56

Mazda 3 fanboy chiming in.

jvirgs drives a Subaru > Brian Silvestro
01/03/2015 at 21:10

Thats the lacking factor here. Otherwise I would most likely be leaning toward FoST or Mazda6

jvirgs drives a Subaru > Funktheduck
01/03/2015 at 21:12

Unfortunately I haven't found one I liked yet. Mainly all the hatchbacks are too high mileage or come in auto. I'd really want a 6 though.

dogisbadob > jvirgs drives a Subaru
01/03/2015 at 21:16

I love the sound of that 1.4T. Easily the best-sounding exhaust in its class. Too bad they curtailed the offering of that engine in 2014 (now only available on one model, and you can't get a sunroof, either)

A Ford transmission making it up as you go? Not unheard of at all. The Focus and Fiesta have the worst DCT's ever, and no paddles, either. Have you driven a Dart DCT automatic?

jvirgs drives a Subaru > dogisbadob
01/03/2015 at 21:24

I did like the sound and I really couldn't tell it only had 160hp. It was enough noise that I enjoyed it under acceleration but it was quiet on the highway in 6th which is the complete opposite of my current car. The only thing I didn't like was the turbo lag. Being it was the first time driving a turbo charged car, it'd be something I'd have to get used to if I was to go the turbo route. And I haven't driven a Dart with the DCT as I'd only go manual with that.

The Ford Transmission was all over the place. I could probably deal with it if it wasn't so artificial feeling. Its like the transmission wasn't connected with what was actually happening. But worst of all was the steering. It just very grabby/jerky.

Brian Silvestro > OPPOsaurus WRX
01/03/2015 at 21:30

ok then

RS7

Brian Silvestro > jvirgs drives a Subaru
01/03/2015 at 21:36

soooo FIESTA ST

superdave847 > jvirgs drives a Subaru
01/03/2015 at 21:41

If you're not getting the XJ R, I vote for the Ford ST. But this is tough, I think those Darts have a really good chassis.

Steve in Manhattan > jvirgs drives a Subaru
01/03/2015 at 21:44

Ignore all these knuckleheads - get the Dart if that's what you want.

jvirgs drives a Subaru > superdave847
01/03/2015 at 22:01

The STs really aren't in my budget so thats not going to be an issue. I have always like the Dart and was shocked that I actually want to buy a Chrysler product.

I own dead car brands only > jvirgs drives a Subaru
01/03/2015 at 22:03

Get the Dart. In my opinion, they're the best looking compact cars.

When properly optioned.

shop-teacher > Steve in Manhattan
01/03/2015 at 22:04

Yes, the most important factor in determining whether a car is good or not, is whether or not you like it.

jvirgs drives a Subaru > I own dead car brands only
01/03/2015 at 22:08

The only reservation I have with the GT is its at the tippy top of my budget and that budget is already stretched as it is. The Rallye I drove was $1K less than the GT and had 16K more miles, no lether or push-button start so I feel that I'd be paying too much. And 2.4 vs 1.4T Otherwise I'd purchase one in a heartbeat

Steve in Manhattan > shop-teacher
01/03/2015 at 22:13

Which is why, after swearing my next car would be a manual, I got the '97 SHO - automatic, but I loved it.

I own dead car brands only > jvirgs drives a Subaru
01/03/2015 at 22:14

http://m.carmax.com/vehicle/935508…

Is this the Dart?

jvirgs drives a Subaru > I own dead car brands only
01/03/2015 at 22:16

Yup, thats the one I drove. The GT isn't on the website as its in transfer.

I own dead car brands only > jvirgs drives a Subaru
01/03/2015 at 22:20

Well you could always grab the ralleye and pick up GT wheels, i see them on ebay all the time then you have a gt look with the turbo.

I have had three turbo cars, they will have turbo lag, just something to get used to

shop-teacher > Steve in Manhattan
01/03/2015 at 22:23

Excellent!

Steve in Manhattan > shop-teacher
01/03/2015 at 22:29

In fact, I went to the Ford dealer to drive a Mustang GT 5 speed convertible. I am 6 feet tall, but that's mostly legs, and I could not get the damn seat far enough away from the clutch (a problem they solved the following year) and I got a cramp after about 10 miles. I said - "so can you unbolt the seat and move it back?" Sadly, no. So my eyes wandered over to this SHO demonstrator, cloth interior, and chrome wheels (that I HATED). But it was a great touring car.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Brian Silvestro
01/03/2015 at 22:41

Kinja'd!!!

Brian Silvestro > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
01/03/2015 at 22:43

price though

99TandC > jvirgs drives a Subaru
01/03/2015 at 23:07

The Dart is great. Stay away from the auto, I wish I had gotten the manual. The cloth seats are really nice and UConnect has been great. The trunk is very accomodating, but there are no rear cupholders for passengers.

Vicente Esteve > jvirgs drives a Subaru
01/03/2015 at 23:45

I'd recommend you the Dart, as it is more interesting.

Also, if you can still consider it, the Jetta offers an easy car to drive very fast.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > jvirgs drives a Subaru
01/04/2015 at 13:11

As a former SE-R owner, my Fiesta ST really was a good upgrade, it has the plucky feeling the SB-7 had but with better handling and seats, plus a practical hatch.