I'm thinking of getting an ST to replace my 335 as daily. Also, is there any truth to that stat about the average Focus buyer making >$100k/yr? Those are always interesting statistics and I wouldn't scoff at it until you know it's true or untrue. Many financially comfortable people drive very modest cars (there's a reason for this).
For me (someone with two kids who NEEDS four doors) I think Ford hit a home run on the ST. I drive an '06 F-150 Lariat as my DD now and even though I can afford it, the gas mileage just plain sucks. It's really comfortable, but its also boring as hell to drive and I don't haul or tow stuff in it anyway. To me, the ST is a perfect fit. Fun to drive everyday, more options than my F-150 has and I'm sure it will get decent gas mileage (i get 15-16 in the F-150 now). I'm keeping the 1996 cobra though so a V-8 will still be in the driveway.
The only statistic I found for the buyers making $100k was referring to the average income of consumers purchasing the Volt and Leaf in reference to the Focus Electric.
I heard rumor ford intends to limit production on this to the point dealers are only getting cars that are pre-ordered, for the time being, can anyone back this up?
Don't expect to get 40mph unless you hyperdrive. I average 28-30 on the highway in my Focus Titanium but I drive peddle to the metal most of the time. I like to go fast esp. with highway speed limits in the 75-80mph range now. I usually average about 85 on a freeway trip. 28-30 at 85 with the AC running is fine by me. With a turbo and the eco-boost engine you could realistically expect 35 easy I would think. I may actually look at selling my 2012 focus and picking up one of these.
With the popularity of the Focus I will be surprised if they don't compete with the 03/04 cobra in the "hold its value" percentages. it is a very cool little car and a blast to drive even as a four banger.
Are there any reliable reports that Ford will bring the RS to the US within the next couple of years?
reliable? no there aren't. LOTS of speculation on both sides of the arguement and both sides of the big pond but nothing credible so far.
I think I'd like to have the ST for at least two full years before being forced to get the RS when it comes. I guess I'll gamble and bet that the RS -- if it comes -- won't be here before MY15. I've checked out the interior in pics and I've been inside the Titanium. I think Ford did a really good job with that interior; class-beating for sure. IMO of course.
i went from a svt focus to a caliber srt4. $16k with 15k miles 285 hp, like the looks but the interior sucks. still when the turbo kicks in, people look at me like wtf just happened? i was waiting for the st for so long as a replacement but my focus had too many miles and was sounding funny so i sold it. i still miss it as it was a fun car and very comfortable to drive. i still have my 03 cobra and a 2010 gt500 so im happy with what i have. im looking forward to pissing on some st's with my stage 1 upgrade i have in the srt. at a 30mph i can smoke the tires in 2nd gear with tc of of course
Dealers I've been talking to expect their first STs to hit some time in September. I don't think there's any solid date yet, unless I missed it somewhere.
the version with NAV is not nearly so cluttered. I posted up some pics in a separate thread of one that was at the Austin Auto Show over the weekend. it is a lot like the interior of my current 2012 Titanium Hatch
If on a pre-order your dealer is marking up the vehicle you need to walk away. Bad dealer. Tons of guys are ordering them at the MSRP price. I was in Key West Fl last week watching them film the Focus ST commercial. They said the direct competition was the VW GTI, Mazda Speed3 and a tiny bit of the Civic SI. And a tiny tiny bit WRX.
Heh yeah, I agree 110%. I've talked to a few dealers about this (all are dealers that ADM the BOSS and all Shelbys), and not one has tried to deal at anything above MSRP.
I want to get one on X-plan plus incentives + dealer holdbacks + Dave is a nice guy discount + my 2012 Titanium as a trade in.