New ST Ride

[FlankerDFR]

Well................I cut a deal with the local Ford dealer today; to trade in my clunky ancient 2012 Focus SE/Sport (9500 miles) on a 2013 ST--Tuxedo Metallic Blk, blk/blu interior. Supposed to go back up Monday the 26th to pick it up.

Took it for a test spin today; about what I expected. Firmer suspension, ride not as supple as my SE/Sport, quicker turn in and transient response, I was surprised at how much more bottom end and lower mid range it had even when the turbo was not making boost! Sweet! Love the Recaros, and the Sony sound system will likely be a treat once I get a chance to tweak to where I like it. Hands off blue tooth phone capability.............not something I would have ordered if it had been a separately available option, but the car came with it so that's cool. Bit of a sore spot with me, as I've had a truck load of close calls the last several years; while on one of my motorcycles, with schmucks yapping on their hands on cell phones. Phone in ear, mouth in gear, brain in neutral.

Gotta get some snow tires ordered ASAP Monday..............snow's about to get here in central MI, and the hi po summer tires on the ST are likely REALLY entertaining in snow and ice! Or.................maybe not.

I have a set of Sport Edition 17 x 7.5 five spoke aluminum rims with 235/45R/17 Fuzion UHP all seasons left over from my SE/Sport. I'll be posting them for sale in that forum soon (with pics).........about 4500 miles on them) if any of you know anyone who'd like to upgrade the wheels on their 2012 Focus (not sure what else they might fit with that bolt pattern). Haven't decided on an asking price yet..................

[Sponsor]

[Twenty]

Originally Posted by FlankerDFR

Hands off blue tooth phone capability.............not something I would have ordered if it had been a separately available option, but the car came with it so that's cool. Bit of a sore spot with me, as I've had a truck load of close calls the last several years; while on one of my motorcycles, with schmucks yapping on their hands on cell phones. Phone in ear, mouth in gear, brain in neutral.

With you on that. I wish manufacturers would nix that option entirely, it's in no way helping anyone.

Anywho, ST2 I assume, with the two-tone seats? As a Canadian I am very jealous that you can get those, we don't.

[glocker]

Congrats! Pictures on Monday??

[FlankerDFR]

Yes, it is an ST2..............wonder why they don't make the two tone seats available in Canada?

I spoke too quickly on the tires and wheels for sale. After doing more research at the Tire Rack's web site...........it looks like the 17" Sport Edition wheels will fit my ST, they're listed as a minus one size option for 2013 STs, in the TR's wheel and tire package section. Also, the 215/50R/17 General Tire Altimax Arctics I've got on my SE/sports stock rims are listed as being the same overall diameter (25.4 inches) as the Goodyear 235/40R/18 summer tires on the ST. I'll trade in the SE with the stock Ford 17" wheels and Fuzion all season radials.

I'll have the dealer do some tire and wheel juggling tomorrow, and use the Sport Edition rims and snow tires as my winter set.................save myself about $650.00, and be able to swap wheel and tire sets myself !

Good thing too.................as we got about an inch of fluffy snow this AM; though it's mostly melted now (late PM).

I'll take my camera with me to the dealers tomorrow and get some pics while it's still clean! I hope.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by FlankerDFR

Yes, it is an ST2..............wonder why they don't make the two tone seats available in Canada?

I spoke too quickly on the tires and wheels for sale. After doing more research at the Tire Rack's web site...........it looks like the 17" Sport Edition wheels will fit my ST, they're listed as a minus one size option for 2013 STs, in the TR's wheel and tire package section. Also, the 215/50R/17 General Tire Altimax Arctics I've got on my SE/sports stock rims are listed as being the same overall diameter (25.4 inches) as the Goodyear 235/40R/18 summer tires on the ST. I'll trade in the SE with the stock Ford 17" wheels and Fuzion all season radials.

I'll have the dealer do some tire and wheel juggling tomorrow, and use the Sport Edition rims and snow tires as my winter set.................save myself about $650.00, and be able to swap wheel and tire sets myself !

Good thing too.................as we got about an inch of fluffy snow this AM; though it's mostly melted now (late PM).

I'll take my camera with me to the dealers tomorrow and get some pics while it's still clean! I hope.

Hi FlankerDFR,

Congrats on the new ST! If you're still in the market for new tires, you should check out Ford's Tire Finder tool, available here: http://owner.ford.com/servlet/Conten...mo-position3.1. In addition to finding perfect tires for your ride, you can get some valuable coupons to save some cash.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!
Crystal

[FlankerDFR]

FCS: Thanks for the offer; though as you can see from the wheel shot below my 17" Sport Editions and snow tires worked out fine.

Wheels, tires, headlight, and foglight bulbs swapped. Had a chance to notice a few more things on the drive home. The tighter suspension vs my SE/Sport; is really sweet for just routine lane changes, and I'm really digging the greater bottom end and lower mid range torque (and that's when it's not pushing any boost!). The Sony sound system is much cleaner in all frequency ranges, and I don't have to put up with the HUGE weapon sized key that went with the SE/Sport! The clutch works real smoothly, and shifting is very crisp and short.

As you can see; there's plenty of daylight between the outer edge of the front caliper and inside of my 17 in winter rims.......needless to say; it's even roomier on the rear wheel/rotor/caliper assembly.



Two tone interior.....................those Recaros are NOT made for people of "girth"! They're tight (I'm 6' 2' and 175lbs) and I wouldn't want them any narrower!

[Zillon]

Congrats on the ST! Wish I had waited, they are amazing cars.

Out of curiosity, how much were you able to get on trade for your 2012 SE?

[cjohn24]

Those seats are AMAZING!!

[6769MOPARS]

MY PB ST2 with the same interior as yours should be here on the 10th - after waiting since September 19th!

[unclebrud]

Very nice wheels. I also just bought Sport Edition F6 (IIRC) wheels w/Altimax Arctics. If I end up buying an ST, these will be used on that, too.

Those two-tone blue/black Recaros look great. I sat in the ST3 leather version (all blk) and they were super comfortable.