Considering My Next Car

[felixthecat]

Your piling on miles, so I'd go for a TDI, nuff said.

[Kabigon]

Originally Posted by WhiteTite

Before you dis the ST for issues you've had with your previous Focus, go drive one, you will be surprised how much tighter it handles and performs, coming from a '12 ti owner.

You cannot judge the reliability of a car by a test drive.

[swansong]

Former 2011 Speed3 w tech pkg owner here.

Good insight from a former MS3 owner, thanks!

Like the OP, I'm starting to consider my next-car purchase. Current plan is to buy a new Focus ST in a few years and keep the SVT as a winter car, but I'm really tempted to get a 07-09 MS3 for a year round DD. It would save a hell of a lot of money over the ST, and I have always had a thing for the Gen-1 MS3. Had a chance to drive the new ST and came away as impressed as I thought I would be, but haven't driven an MS3 yet.

To the OP, St. Louis doesn't get a whole lot of snow in winter does it? I bet a RWD car with a good set of winters, or possibly even all-seasons, may get you by. Also worth noting is that the Focus (and other hatchbacks) obviously offer more interior and cargo space, and while that may not be a necessity in a daily manner, having the ability to occasionally haul a large amount or awkwardly-shaped crap is very valuable. That said, good list! I'd take any one of those cars, (if they were given to me!)

[Kabigon]

Have you looked at the new Fusion?

You can get the SE with EcoBoost engine / 6 speed manual for less than $25K.

[WhiteTite]

Originally Posted by Kabigon

You cannot judge the reliability of a car by a test drive.

That is true, however, I currently own a 2010 Focus SEL and a 2012 Focus Ti and have experienced zero ssues with both of them. I was not hesitant at all to add the 2013 ST as my new DD. Therefore I can only attest to the reliability from personal experiences.

[dragonpalm]

Originally Posted by swansong

... but I'm really tempted to get a 07-09 MS3 for a year round DD. It would save a hell of a lot of money over the ST, and I have always had a thing for the Gen-1 MS3. Had a chance to drive the new ST and came away as impressed as I thought I would be, but haven't driven an MS3 yet.

I have also had a chance to drive the new ST. In many ways, it's very different from the gen1 MS3. It's quieter, softer, and generally more pleasant, with equal power. If you liked it, you will be surprised by a gen1 MS3 because it will be harsh, loud, and more raw. On the plus side, it is a little faster than the gen2 MS3 because of more available torque in gears 1-3 (gen2 has nannies that limit torque to please the torque steer complainers). You will save money because the MS3 is cheaper, but keep in mind it requires premium gas and the MPG is in the teens and low twenties. Also, a gen1 will have a high probability of being modified by the previous owner. Drive one and decide on your own!

[PratoN]

When I bought my car, I was kind of hoping my next car purchase wouldn't be until somewhere around 2020...

[swansong]

Originally Posted by dragonpalm

I have also had a chance to drive the new ST. In many ways, it's very different from the gen1 MS3. It's quieter, softer, and generally more pleasant, with equal power. If you liked it, you will be surprised by a gen1 MS3 because it will be harsh, loud, and more raw. On the plus side, it is a little faster than the gen2 MS3 because of more available torque in gears 1-3 (gen2 has nannies that limit torque to please the torque steer complainers). You will save money because the MS3 is cheaper, but keep in mind it requires premium gas and the MPG is in the teens and low twenties. Also, a gen1 will have a high probability of being modified by the previous owner. Drive one and decide on your own!

The more subdued personality of the ST really surprised me, since I was so used to my SVT. I think the MS3 would be more familiar to the SVT in feel, for better or worse. I don't really mind the harshness of the SVT, but I certainly would appreciate the quietness of the ST in daily driving and highway trips. I'd be using premium fuel no matter which car I have, but surely the ST does a bit better on gas than the MS3, and FWIW I average about 29 in the SVT. I actually have this particular MS3 in mind at the moment, and although it was modified by the previous owner, it was returned to stock upon trade-in, and was well cared for, from what I gather. I really should go drive it one of these days. Also, any car I get will not remain stock. Knowing me, I won't jump on the opportunity anyway, and will just keep the SVT, and wonder what could have been lol.

Anyway, threadjack over, and I agree that the new Fusion could be an option, although it is disappointing that the 6MT is only available in lower trim levels, and I believe it sticks you with the 1.6t.

[TheGlassMaker]

I been on the mazda forums for a couple months and joined in local chapter of the midwest mazda club. I havnt been to any of the meets yet due to work but I have heard nothing but good things about the MS3. Eveyone who has one says the ST don't stand a chance against one. I myself have fallen in love with the MS6 it's awd too. I don't think there is anything wrong with having a car that is raw, and loud. I think those make the best drivers cars. I would want a car that makes me need to drive and pay attention to what I'm doing. Not one I can just get in and go. I depends ones taste, don't get me wrong u have heard very good things about the ST. I just like to put mazda out there cause so many people over look it as a company they don't see the potental and the build qu;ity these cars have. After buying my first mazda a 2 months ago I don't know why anyone would want to own anything else. I riden and/ or drove in a crap load of new and used cars both higher and lower ends. Honda, nissian, ford, chevy, dodge, hyundi, buick, mercury, lincoln, hummer, saab, many others. I would recommend the mazda to anyone. I see all thses people in the cheap looking, cheaply build, plastic interior GM cars of the '90s and I feel like I rolling in a Bentley next to them. The butt of the story give mazda a try and don't go after some ones word, I wish I would have looked into mazda well before I did.

On top of everything else the mazda forums hands down the one of greatest group of people I've ever talked to. No bicker on who's site is better, or your car lloks like shit on those wheel. Its just a bunch of car enthusiest sharing the love for a car company.


Sent from FBI surveillance van 2

[felixthecat]

[QUOTE=TheGlassMaker;4513257]I been on the mazda forums for a couple months and joined in local chapter of the midwest mazda club. I havnt been to any of the meets yet due to work but I have heard nothing but good things about the MS3. Eveyone who has one says the ST don't stand a chance against one. I myself have fallen in love with the MS6 it's awd too. I don't think there is anything wrong with having a car that is raw, and loud. I think those make the best drivers cars. I would want a car that makes me need to drive and pay attention to what I'm doing. Not one I can just get in and go. I depends ones taste, don't get me wrong u have heard very good things about the ST. I just like to put mazda out there cause so many people over look it as a company they don't see the potental and the build qu;ity these cars have. After buying my first mazda a 2 months ago I don't know why anyone would want to own anything else. I riden and/ or drove in a crap load of new and used cars both higher and lower ends. Honda, nissian, ford, chevy, dodge, hyundi, buick, mercury, lincoln, hummer, saab, many others. I would recommend the mazda to anyone. I see all thses people in the cheap looking, cheaply build, plastic interior GM cars of the '90s and I feel like I rolling in a Bentley next to them. The butt of the story give mazda a try and don't go after some ones word, I wish I would have looked into mazda well before I did.

On top of everything else the mazda forums hands down the one of greatest group of people I've ever talked to. No bicker on who's site is better, or your car lloks like shit on those wheel. Its just a bunch of car enthusiest sharing the love for a car company.
Just to add, A D-tech is a mzr motor. I looked at the MP3's & The 1st "Speeds"= Mp3 w/ a turbo were the 1st Mazdaspeed's.