Focus Fanatics Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Possible ST Purchase

Jump to Latest
41 - 59 of 59 Posts
Discussion starter · #41 ·
Question. I re-visited the ST yesterday. My local dealer let me borrow it for awhile, so I took it home, pretended I was going to work, basically driving it how I would if I owned it without the salesman there. I was getting more accustomed to it and didn't think some of the features I didn't like were all that bad.

I have a question about the subwoofer in the rear. It had a Sony one on the passenger side of the trunk/hatch. Is that standard for all ST3's or does that only come with an upgraded audio option? I don't see anything about a subwoofer on the window sticker, but when I build an ST3 online, there is a separate option for audio upgrade that specifically says (with subwoofer), so I am thinking that was an added feature not standard on all ST3's. With that there, my hockey gear did not fit without having to put the rear seats down which I would prefer to not have to do.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#42 ·
ripto said:
Question. I re-visited the ST yesterday. My local dealer let me borrow it for awhile, so I took it home, pretended I was going to work, basically driving it how I would if I owned it without the salesman there. I was getting more accustomed to it and didn't think some of the features I didn't like were all that bad.

I have a question about the subwoofer in the rear. It had a Sony one on the passenger side of the trunk/hatch. Is that standard for all ST3's or does that only come with an upgraded audio option? I don't see anything about a subwoofer on the window sticker, but when I build an ST3 online, there is a separate option for audio upgrade that specifically says (with subwoofer), so I am thinking that was an added feature not standard on all ST3's. With that there, my hockey gear did not fit without having to put the rear seats down which I would prefer to not have to do.
Click to expand...
Standard on the Sony ten speaker system. I.e. ST2 & ST3
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Discussion starter · #43 ·
Gotcha, thanks.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#44 ·
ripto said:
Question. I re-visited the ST yesterday. My local dealer let me borrow it for awhile, so I took it home, pretended I was going to work, basically driving it how I would if I owned it without the salesman there. I was getting more accustomed to it and didn't think some of the features I didn't like were all that bad.

I have a question about the subwoofer in the rear. It had a Sony one on the passenger side of the trunk/hatch. Is that standard for all ST3's or does that only come with an upgraded audio option? I don't see anything about a subwoofer on the window sticker, but when I build an ST3 online, there is a separate option for audio upgrade that specifically says (with subwoofer), so I am thinking that was an added feature not standard on all ST3's. With that there, my hockey gear did not fit without having to put the rear seats down which I would prefer to not have to do.
Click to expand...
Have a look at the base version also to give you a idea....
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Discussion starter · #45 ·
I would not buy the base ST.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#48 ·
ripto said:
I would not buy the base ST.
Click to expand...


I don’t think I can either. I have a Titanium Focus now & the interior on my car is much nicer looking than the ST1 & I have all the features of an ST3. The ST1 dash looks like an SE to me, which is a shame, but I guess that explains the cheaper prices on them. The ST3 interior really looks sharp w/ the black leather seats, but they aren’t as easy to find & you won’t get one of those for 19-20k.

How did you like the ST when you took it for the day? As a daily driver? I’d like to drive an ST back & forth to work for a week, before I commit to daily driving a manual again + I’m not sold on those Goodyear F1 tires as being the right choice for daily tire wear.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#49 ·
Pokerrun388 said:
I don’t think I can either. I have a Titanium Focus now & the interior on my car is much nicer looking than the ST1 & I have all the features of an ST3. The ST1 dash looks like an SE to me, which is a shame, but I guess that explains the cheaper prices on them. The ST3 interior really looks sharp w/ the black leather seats, but they aren’t as easy to find & you won’t get one of those for 19-20k.

How did you like the ST when you took it for the day? As a daily driver? I’d like to drive an ST back & forth to work for a week, before I commit to daily driving a manual again + I’m not sold on those Goodyear F1 tires as being the right choice for daily tire wear.

Driving a stick in bumper to bumper traffic is bad as the newer motors are so much more flexible & uses a hydraulic clutch. You'll learn quickly how other ppl drive as you'll see them gas on & then hit the brakes in a very short distance & how smooth you can drive. As far as the tires, the st is a performance car & you'll loose some of the grip it needs. I find a quality performance tires will last 30-40k if you have the proper alignment & rotate them as well keep the proper inflation. The manufacturer has to cut prices somewhere as far as the st trim levels...The motor/drivetrain & suspension is all the same, so if I was getting one, I'd grab a st1 in race red & put the difference in some quality mods.....
Click to expand...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pokerrun388
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Discussion starter · #50 · (Edited)
Lol yes! Sorry everyone. I did not post an update.

I DID end up purchasing a 2017 Mustang GT Premium with the Performance Pack. Traded in the Focus SE. Almost immediately my back started hurting. Long story short, the premium leather seats suck. The lumbar is terrible, which I have since disabled and is somewhat better, but the seat cushioning is so soft, I sink in, and the leather stitching in the seats ends up digging into my a bit in certain areas. Other than that though it is a great car.

Overall I did like the ST when I had it for a few hours, but there were a few things I really did not like. First, I am not a hatchback person. I find myself looking at my Mustang every time I walk away from it. I would not do that with the ST. Very few angles of it look good to me. Second, my hockey gear would have required me to lower both rear seats which I just didn't want to have to deal with. Third, I was not a fan of the engine/exhaust sound on the stock ST. I know this is fixable but still. Other things were the clutch feel I wasn't too fond of. It was like really hard to start then almost nothing. I was hugely opposed to the interior of the ST3. Did not like the carbon fiber at all. Also, everything is a vinyl/plastic material. Compared to the Mustang, it's like a toddler's toy, quality-wise. The dash is so much more appealing to the eye to me on the Mustang. I was not a fan of the lettering/numbering of the ST. The Mustang GT Premium looks like a luxury car. Not to mention the Mustang has cooled seats as well which is wonderful.

I can honestly say the Mustang puts a smile on my face when I start it up in the morning. Feeling that V8 just shake the whole car is a great feeling. The transmission is a beast and clunky here and there but it's not known to be very refined. I also love RWD, and breaking that rear end loose from time to time.

I love the rear end of this car as well with the set of vertical tail lights/sequential turn signals. Love the front three LED's as well.

Yes, the Mustang gets TERRIBLE mpg, which is my biggest gripe. I average about 16. I averaged about 28 in my Focus SE. I am also in the process of getting a set of winter wheels and tires which adds to the cost of ownership. With the ST I probably would have gotten A/S and be done with it.

Wish I had one with quad tipped exhaust though.

I also love seeing the hood from the driver's seat. Looking down and seeing the hoot vent too is awesome, it's like the nose of a dragon.

https://ibb.co/hf5XC0
https://ibb.co/gsikX0
https://ibb.co/hcOVzf
https://ibb.co/fhpnef
 
  • Like
Reactions: Arco-Zakus
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#51 ·
I also went from a Focus SE to a 2016 certified V6 Automatic Mustang & luv it!! Great standard options--Great looking ---I did not want a stick after testing the ST as a daily ..My Focus Se was a DCT automatic-- Anyway my Mustang its cool comfortable & gets great thumbs up everywhere!!
 
#52 ·
mjb457 said:
I also went from a Focus SE to a 2016 certified V6 Automatic Mustang & luv it!! Great standard options--Great looking ---I did not want a stick after testing the ST as a daily ..My Focus Se was a DCT automatic-- Anyway my Mustang its cool comfortable & gets great thumbs up everywhere!!
Click to expand...


What were the main reasons your didn’t want a stick after a test drive with the ST? I love how the ST & RS look, but I’m also very skeptical about daily driving a manual in gridlock traffic. I may have to start browsing the 2.3L Ecoboost AT Mustangs again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#54 ·
mjb457 said:
I drove the ST extensively & a Eco boost 2018 AT -10 speed Mustang---coming from a Focus Se --I decided on a V6 --300hp Automatic--runs on regular gas --great looks--depreciated already---( best decision for me as a daily driver) I didn't want a stick everyday. ( all vg cars though)
Click to expand...



Yea, I hear you on the ST. I really love the look of the ST, but there’s a reason why only 3% of US auto sales are manuals. I’ve had a manual in the past & the constant shifting back & forth at every stop light etc. gets old for most people, after awhile, especially if we are commuting during normal business hours. I’ve started looking at the 2018 Focus Titanium again & might end up going that route. I do like how the Focus Hatch looks & the upgraded body style, along with improved interior features etc. Also, the Mustang does look good but I really like smaller cars & the Focus will get much better MPG & be cheaper on insurance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#55 · (Edited)
Pokerrun388 said:
Yea, I hear you on the ST. I really love the look of the ST, but there’s a reason why only 3% of US auto sales are manuals. I’ve had a manual in the past & the constant shifting back & forth at every stop light etc. gets old for most people, after awhile, especially if we are commuting during normal business hours. I’ve started looking at the 2018 Focus Titanium again & might end up going that route. I do like how the Focus Hatch looks & the upgraded body style, along with improved interior features etc. Also, the Mustang does look good but I really like smaller cars & the Focus will get much better MPG & be cheaper on insurance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Maybe you should move somewhere with less traffic. I have a Fiesta ST I have a 16 mile drive to work it's completely painless. I love a manual transmission. You constantly complaining about the ST not having a automatic transmission is not going to change anything.

Sent from my LG-LS997 using Tapatalk
 
#56 ·
The newer stick cars are so much flexible w/ hydraulic clutches, injected motors....Have a drive in a early muscle car like a '67 goat or a '69 z/28 or how 'bout a '69 mach. The Fist/Fost are really easy & flexible in traffic...If you want a auto= Really best to pass on a dct= best to go w/ a Stang or if thats to big= '15+ rex would do ya'.....
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pokerrun388
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#58 · (Edited)
felixthecat said:
The newer stick cars are so much flexible w/ hydraulic clutches, injected motors....Have a drive in a early muscle car like a '67 goat or a '69 z/28 or how 'bout a '69 mach. The Fist/Fost are really easy & flexible in traffic...If you want a auto= Really best to pass on a dct= best to go w/ a Stang or if thats to big= '15+ rex would do ya'.....
Click to expand...




What’s a ‘15 rex? Do you mean WRX? I just like how the Focus Hatch looks, especially the RS & ST. I think the Mustang looks nice & the Ecoboost would be a great daily, but I prefer the smaller Hatchback design of the Focus. I even considered a 2017-2018 Fusion Sport, but really don’t need a bigger car.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
41 - 59 of 59 Posts
About this Discussion
58 Replies
12 Participants
Last post:
felixthecat
Focus Fanatics Forum
posts
5.8M
members
203K
Since
2003
A forum community dedicated to Ford Focus owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about SVT performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Technical Chat Ford Focus Builds & General Showroom MK3 Focus SVT Performance (2002-2004) MK1 Focus