High Performance 2012 Ford Focus ST

[Nik00117]

I've ALWAYS driven used vehicles and let the previous owner/owners take the big hit. But IF I can trust that Ford has the bugs worked out in the initial release, this car MIGHT be the one to get me to take the new car plunge (and the biggest depreciation). Prior to my Focus I drove a lightly-modded '97 Escort and THAT was the car that changed my mind about domestics...

I understand, expect I'm young and make good $$$ so I might as well enjoy it. I've never owned a new car and soon I will. Just need to sell more new cars!

I figure in many years I will look back upon my 19-whenever this period ends and think, Jesus was I lucky!

[MacAttack]

Apparently the new Focus has been crash tested and driven a lot.

I've been saving up, keeping costs low, and I think that by this time next year, I'll have a good downpayment ready for the 2012 ST. My current Focus gave the previous owner no problems, and *knock wood* it hasn't given me any serious issues either. It's 11 years old this year.

Ford seems to be all about the new Focus. It's the centerpiece at car shows and they're taking design elements from it and applying it to their other vehicles. I trust the new Focus will be everything we hope it is. Besides, it'll come out a year after the current Focus, giving Ford some time to tweak it if necessary.
Only thing I'm worried about is that price tag.

[mmmoose]

Young and make good money... wish I could be so fortunate. From what I've seen employers don't pay you crap until you've got years of experience under your belt. In fact with the way the economy is the way it is, most places wouldn't even consider hiring you unless you have at least 3-5 years experience in a particular job. How can some people get that if they can't even get the jobs to begin with? Blows my mind.

I'm not buying the argument that this sporty econobox is meant for the young demographic. Young and rich... yeah I guess. But if they're aiming to push sales by volume, realistically speaking it's not going to happen at that estimated price point. The regular 2012 Focus SE is even borderline affordable for most young adults. I'm not saying the 2012 Focus won't be a great car (it definitely is), but I don't think it's going to be nearly as profitable as the first generation of Focus. I don't even think the Fiesta will take that spot (unless they improve interior space).

I only hope Ford has some greater insight on this business decision. And by that I mean I'm a little worried that they won't sell enough ST models to justify carrying models like it in the future. They need to understand that price is a major selling point and that it wasn't the car itself (or the demand for a car like it) which was the main factor in its poor sales. And I'm just making my personal prediction here. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. :-)

[kylesvt720]

I hope they don't sell too many of the new STs! That way mine will be more rare... I plan on keeping my ST until about 2013, and then buying a new ST, (New to me, but year old used.) or keep the current 05' ST as a DD, and buy a play car, like a C6 Vette...


<----- hint hint, I like driving Vettes.

[DrkKnight614]

Originally Posted by kylesvt720

I hope they don't sell too many of the new STs! That way mine will be more rare... I plan on keeping my ST until about 2013, and then buying a new ST, (New to me, but year old used.) or keep the current 05' ST as a DD, and buy a play car, like a C6 Vette...


<----- hint hint, I like driving Vettes.

Weren't you buying a Mustang V6 with performance pack?

Posted via FF Mobile

[kylesvt720]

Thought about it if I don't want to wait for the Focus, but one problem. You can't put a ski rack on it... Where to put my board or mountain bike? Most two doors can't rock a ski rack, althought a slammed Mustang on staggered wheels with a ski rack would look sick, and like no other mustang out there...

[kylesvt720]

Scratch that, Yakima claims they make a roof rack for it... Now it could be a tough decision.

[Nik00117]

I only hope Ford has some greater insight on this business decision. And by that I mean I'm a little worried that they won't sell enough ST models to justify carrying models like it in the future. They need to understand that price is a major selling point and that it wasn't the car itself (or the demand for a car like it) which was the main factor in its poor sales. And I'm just making my personal prediction here. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. :-)

I sell cars for a living, and this is what I see in the avg focus buyer

1. They want it to be cheap
2. They want nice things (leather, sync, sunroof)
3. That's about it.

Most of the time when I sold focuses I focused (no pun intended) on price. I'd go "Look for $300 a month no money down I can get you 30 MPG, CD Player, AC, Power windows, and door locks. "

Now it's $500.

[TitanFocus76]

Originally Posted by Nik00117

I sell cars for a living, and this is what I see in the avg focus buyer

1. They want it to be cheap
2. They want nice things (leather, sync, sunroof)
3. That's about it.

Most of the time when I sold focuses I focused (no pun intended) on price. I'd go "Look for $300 a month no money down I can get you 30 MPG, CD Player, AC, Power windows, and door locks. "

Now it's $500.

I can give some insight on this too. I have never had anyone looking for performance out of a focus its always price and mileage. I really hope the st draws some of the wrx gti scion tc mod crowd over but i dont see it happening.

[kylesvt720]

That's because Ford hasn't made a performance Focus in 7 years. Are you guys kidding me? That's like saying you sell Yaris' for a living, and don't get many people in there asking how fast they are.

There is no performance option for the current Focus period. One motor, which trans do you want?