BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Go Back   7Post - 7 Series Forum > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > General Automotive (non-BMW) Talk + Photos/Videos

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-22-2016, 02:38 PM   #23
Beedub
Major General
United Kingdom
423
Rep
5,327
Posts

Drives: 2007 Z4 M roadster vt2-500
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

thank you... the z4 is alittle special!!



__________________
Z4MR VT2 - Clubsport build.
Multi award winning Detailing | Wrap | PPF specialists UK based - www.topwrapz.com
Appreciate 1
      06-22-2016, 05:49 PM   #24
maddmatth
Major
New Zealand
555
Rep
922
Posts

Drives: F82 M4, E92 335i
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New Zealand

iTrader: (0)

I've driven a 2016 Focus as a rental, I rate them poorly. Interior looks like a 12 year old's idea of a sportscar. Ugly and cheap looking.
Stopping and pulling off is very twitchy, feels like the inputs are overly sharp at low speeds. Had the same feeling in a 2013 model as well so that seems to be their style.

Spent a day with a Mazda 3 as well around that time. much more refined feeling car, interior looked good (simple but nice, not tacky) and was much more pleasant to drive (not twitchy). Don't know if their sports models compare with the RS through.

Also tried a Toyota Corrola with CVT. Ok car, if you consider a car as an appliance in the same league as fridge. Does it's job fine, but doesn't give you any pleasure.
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2016, 08:30 PM   #25
Teutonic
Colonel
Teutonic's Avatar
No_Country
2706
Rep
2,350
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by max_330i View Post
The more I read about these cars, the more they grow on me. Don't get me wrong, I love the BMW, but I'm probably not gonna keep it forever. When there are more miles on the odometer and the repair bills start to add up, I'll probably ditch the old German sport sedan for a new(er) American hot hatch.

Before you tell me how wrong I am, take a moment to read the ST's reviews, such as this one: http://www.caranddriver.com/ford/fiesta-st

Has anybody driven one of these things? I'd love to get some input from someone who has been behind the wheel. Thanks in advance.

Max
Had one for 1 month. Interesting, I was almost positively biased after reading some articles. What a disappointment.
Is nimble with a certain amount of fun. I personally found that need to push to limit to get some ok power (for my taste).

For me though, the minuses are overwhelming. I don't like the transmission, fit and finish is far from what are you used with if go from a bimmer. Not very practical, not too much space, small trunk. My biggest complaint: the seats are awful. The pain that I got on legs and back was terrible. Funny, only after I returned the car I realized why.
Didn't like it. Very cute with promising design, but a disappointment as a vehicle. It might be a good cute little car for a girl; If you want to pull some serious driving look elsewhere.
Appreciate 0
      06-24-2016, 08:33 AM   #26
TSM330i
2006 330i, TSM, Black, manual, sport
TSM330i's Avatar
United_States
874
Rep
3,699
Posts

Drives: '17 C2, GTI, Z4 3.0si Racecar
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Chester Springs, PA

iTrader: (2)

I too was in the same boat as you are. I just didn't feel that the F30 was the focused driver's car the 3-series used to be nor would it be worth twice the price of the car I was considering. The 3-series used to be the standard of the industry, let alone its class. Today, the 3-series no longer wins competitions amongst its peers and the driving enjoyment has been dulled. They are now selling cars for the masses rather than the enthusiast (other than the 2-series, but I need 4 or 5-doors as I have a four year old little girl).

I ended up getting a 2015 VW GTI and haven't been happier.

I bought this car because it had actual usable space (I can fit four adults without a problem), has a really nice interior (plaid cloth is perfect) and is a blast to drive (I can't feel any torque steer). Oh, and it was literally half the price of a spec'd as I would want BMW 328.

My GTI is an S model, manual with lighting package 4-door. My price was under $25K plus taxes etc. In mixed driving, it's right around 30 mpg. In pure highway driving it'll do an honest 34 mpg.

The overall package and driving experience is what really sold me. This car is a within a whisker of the F30 328 in terms of performance. Again, for half the price and more useable because of the hatch. The F31 doesn't have a manual or RWD option. I suppose a 2-series M2 4-door or 5-door would be ideal for me, but I don't think they're going to make that anytime soon.
Another bonus for me was the GTI weighs barely over 3,000 lbs. I really like light weight cars. I spent a small fortune lowering the weight of my e90 and loved every minute of it (for sale right now).

In the end, I went with a solid choice for fun and functionality. I too considered the Fiesta ST, but it was just a bit too small for me and I didn't like the interior trim at all.

This is my GTI:
Attached Images
 
__________________
2017 Porsche C2 - manual of course
2015 GTI S
2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe - because racecar
Appreciate 1
      06-24-2016, 01:48 PM   #27
TSM330i
2006 330i, TSM, Black, manual, sport
TSM330i's Avatar
United_States
874
Rep
3,699
Posts

Drives: '17 C2, GTI, Z4 3.0si Racecar
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Chester Springs, PA

iTrader: (2)

Funny, I just stumbled onto this article:
http://www.motortrend.com/news/8-hot...onsiderations/
__________________
2017 Porsche C2 - manual of course
2015 GTI S
2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe - because racecar
Appreciate 0
      06-26-2016, 12:13 AM   #28
Never_Enough
Banned
United_States
2202
Rep
2,476
Posts

Drives: Satan's Chariot 2.0
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: PA

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by maddmatth View Post
I've driven a 2016 Focus as a rental, I rate them poorly. Interior looks like a 12 year old's idea of a sportscar. Ugly and cheap looking.
Stopping and pulling off is very twitchy, feels like the inputs are overly sharp at low speeds. Had the same feeling in a 2013 model as well so that seems to be their style.

Spent a day with a Mazda 3 as well around that time. much more refined feeling car, interior looked good (simple but nice, not tacky) and was much more pleasant to drive (not twitchy). Don't know if their sports models compare with the RS through.

Also tried a Toyota Corrola with CVT. Ok car, if you consider a car as an appliance in the same league as fridge. Does it's job fine, but doesn't give you any pleasure.
You cannot compare a base Focus tot he RS. The drivetrain & suspension etc are completely different.
Appreciate 0
      06-26-2016, 12:13 AM   #29
Never_Enough
Banned
United_States
2202
Rep
2,476
Posts

Drives: Satan's Chariot 2.0
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: PA

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by TSM330i View Post
I too was in the same boat as you are. I just didn't feel that the F30 was the focused driver's car the 3-series used to be nor would it be worth twice the price of the car I was considering. The 3-series used to be the standard of the industry, let alone its class. Today, the 3-series no longer wins competitions amongst its peers and the driving enjoyment has been dulled. They are now selling cars for the masses rather than the enthusiast (other than the 2-series, but I need 4 or 5-doors as I have a four year old little girl).

I ended up getting a 2015 VW GTI and haven't been happier.

I bought this car because it had actual usable space (I can fit four adults without a problem), has a really nice interior (plaid cloth is perfect) and is a blast to drive (I can't feel any torque steer). Oh, and it was literally half the price of a spec'd as I would want BMW 328.

My GTI is an S model, manual with lighting package 4-door. My price was under $25K plus taxes etc. In mixed driving, it's right around 30 mpg. In pure highway driving it'll do an honest 34 mpg.

The overall package and driving experience is what really sold me. This car is a within a whisker of the F30 328 in terms of performance. Again, for half the price and more useable because of the hatch. The F31 doesn't have a manual or RWD option. I suppose a 2-series M2 4-door or 5-door would be ideal for me, but I don't think they're going to make that anytime soon.
Another bonus for me was the GTI weighs barely over 3,000 lbs. I really like light weight cars. I spent a small fortune lowering the weight of my e90 and loved every minute of it (for sale right now).

In the end, I went with a solid choice for fun and functionality. I too considered the Fiesta ST, but it was just a bit too small for me and I didn't like the interior trim at all.

This is my GTI:
You can't feel tq steer because there is no power.
Appreciate 0
      06-27-2016, 07:17 AM   #30
derryck
Captain
United_States
57
Rep
879
Posts

Drives: 2009 335 Coupe
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Florida

iTrader: (4)

I looked at the Fiesta ST but ended up getting a Focus ST since the price difference wasn't huge and the Focus is bigger and had more stuff (Recaros, HIDs, etc.). It was a great little car...fun to drive and pretty decent on gas even hammering it all the time and with tune, FMIC and DPs it sounded better than my 335. Great little car but it made me remember why I stopped buying FWD cars...torque steer is fun but only briefly and not when it's wet.
Appreciate 1
      06-27-2016, 10:26 AM   #31
TheLegend
First Lieutenant
74
Rep
306
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW M4
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Rockville, MD

iTrader: (0)

I looked at the various cars for a fun daily driver. I think it's in line with what your looking at.

Mazda 3 - Was a fantastic car, interior felt great, lacked the power needed to make it really shine, but handled well, overall really impressed.

Fiesta ST - Huge disappointed based off reviews. Felt slow, 1-2 shift felt awful. Lacked the interior/cargo space I needed. Handled well but honestly around the streets of michigan it was quite boring to toss around since most of the roads were straight. I suspect for it to really shine you need to auto-x it but regular commuting it was nothing special and actually preferred the Mazda 3. Price wise was a huge disappointment once speced with the recaros it costed the same as a Focus ST, since you can get a bigger discount on the Focus ST.

Focus ST - Decent amount of power, decent space, fun daily driver. Ultimately it's what I ended up buying. Enough power for the streets but I feel like I really have to hammer it to get the acceleration I wanted. Being FWD traction is a huge issue, flooring the car will induce time sapping wheel spin. This issue is much worse in the winter time when your on snow tires. I can't imagine why anyone would bother modding it for more power since even at stock it's very easy to overwhelm the grip of the front wheels. Coming from AWD, and RWD cars getting use to the FWD felt really awkward to me and it still does, just not as confident inspiring as the previous. Interior - it's a base focus and not a driver oriented car, sitting it it feels awkward, like you have less space than you actually do due to how overwhelming the front dash is. Recaro seats are great, steering wheel is mediocre, transmission throws are quite long. It's maybe the easiest manual transmission I've ever driven but the pedals are not set up well for heel toe. That's easily fixed with a spacer.

Overall I feel like for the money/value you can't beat the focus st. I picked up an ST3 for $23.8k brand new. I wish I had tried the Golf GTI because I feel like the interior would have been better suited and more refined for me, but at the same time it's still FWD and the lack of grip and amount of wheel spin is likely the same.

Ideally I would have liked a used 2008-2014 STI hatchback. I came previously from a 2009 STI and that car lacked most modern amenities but it was the most fun. Loads of grip, loads of practicality, one of the best manual transmissions I've driven. Destroyed the winters. However it's really difficult to find a used one in good condition, the good ones are extremely pricey in the $30k range.

So what now? I discovered I can't stand the FWD platform, all it's inherent quirks drives me nuts. So I'm saving up to trade the Focus ST in for either a used 2008-2014 STI, Focus RS, or Golf R. Focus RS with the ADM is ridiculous, not worth it imo, there's also some teething issues that needs to be sorted out first, for $35-36k~ its more reasonable, but I doubt we'll see it at those prices anytime soon. Golf R is probably going to be the winner, best interior of the bunch and at least 90% of the performance. It's probably going to be the best suited for daily driving. However I haven't had a chance to drive any of these yet so my judgement is still reserved, what I've found out is read all the reviews you want at the end of the day it's how the car makes you feel. Otherwise your gonna be in for a HUGE disappointed.

Last edited by TheLegend; 06-27-2016 at 10:32 AM..
Appreciate 1
      06-27-2016, 10:53 AM   #32
max_330i
Captain
max_330i's Avatar
United_States
339
Rep
922
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW 330i
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Illinois

iTrader: (0)

Interesting... sounds like a common complaint is FWD platform, which is definitely fair. Come to think of it, all the cars I enjoyed driving in the past were RWD. I probably need to test drive FWD and see if I can live with it, or if not, shop around for the RWD cars.

Regardless, this thread shows that the Fiesta ST is perhaps not the hidden gem I was hoping for. Based on the feedback, it sounds like a fun car that has its shortcomings, just like any other low-cost vehicle. Interesting to get everyone's perspective though... for a forum full of BMW owners, this topic was pretty well-received
__________________
2006 330i 6MT Jet Black / Black
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2016, 09:12 AM   #33
TSM330i
2006 330i, TSM, Black, manual, sport
TSM330i's Avatar
United_States
874
Rep
3,699
Posts

Drives: '17 C2, GTI, Z4 3.0si Racecar
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Chester Springs, PA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by OrangeZ06 View Post
You can't feel tq steer because there is no power.
It's better than you think for this little car, but comparing it to a C6 Z06 isn't really a fair comparison. I used to own a 2006 Z06 1LZ. It's a totally different animal and cost three times the price, but I'd have a hell of a time toting my family in the Z06
__________________
2017 Porsche C2 - manual of course
2015 GTI S
2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe - because racecar
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2016, 10:03 AM   #34
Never_Enough
Banned
United_States
2202
Rep
2,476
Posts

Drives: Satan's Chariot 2.0
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: PA

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by TSM330i View Post
It's better than you think for this little car, but comparing it to a C6 Z06 isn't really a fair comparison. I used to own a 2006 Z06 1LZ. It's a totally different animal and cost three times the price, but I'd have a hell of a time toting my family in the Z06
I didn't compare it to a Z06 or anything else for that matter. I've driven late model GTIs & they did nothing for me. I haven't found anything cheap that I like more than my SPeed6 so I am happily keeping it.
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2016, 10:16 AM   #35
derryck
Captain
United_States
57
Rep
879
Posts

Drives: 2009 335 Coupe
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Florida

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheLegend View Post
I looked at the various cars for a fun daily driver. I think it's in line with what your looking at.

Mazda 3 - Was a fantastic car, interior felt great, lacked the power needed to make it really shine, but handled well, overall really impressed.

Fiesta ST - Huge disappointed based off reviews. Felt slow, 1-2 shift felt awful. Lacked the interior/cargo space I needed. Handled well but honestly around the streets of michigan it was quite boring to toss around since most of the roads were straight. I suspect for it to really shine you need to auto-x it but regular commuting it was nothing special and actually preferred the Mazda 3. Price wise was a huge disappointment once speced with the recaros it costed the same as a Focus ST, since you can get a bigger discount on the Focus ST.

Focus ST - Decent amount of power, decent space, fun daily driver. Ultimately it's what I ended up buying. Enough power for the streets but I feel like I really have to hammer it to get the acceleration I wanted. Being FWD traction is a huge issue, flooring the car will induce time sapping wheel spin. This issue is much worse in the winter time when your on snow tires. I can't imagine why anyone would bother modding it for more power since even at stock it's very easy to overwhelm the grip of the front wheels. Coming from AWD, and RWD cars getting use to the FWD felt really awkward to me and it still does, just not as confident inspiring as the previous. Interior - it's a base focus and not a driver oriented car, sitting it it feels awkward, like you have less space than you actually do due to how overwhelming the front dash is. Recaro seats are great, steering wheel is mediocre, transmission throws are quite long. It's maybe the easiest manual transmission I've ever driven but the pedals are not set up well for heel toe. That's easily fixed with a spacer.

Overall I feel like for the money/value you can't beat the focus st. I picked up an ST3 for $23.8k brand new. I wish I had tried the Golf GTI because I feel like the interior would have been better suited and more refined for me, but at the same time it's still FWD and the lack of grip and amount of wheel spin is likely the same.

Ideally I would have liked a used 2008-2014 STI hatchback. I came previously from a 2009 STI and that car lacked most modern amenities but it was the most fun. Loads of grip, loads of practicality, one of the best manual transmissions I've driven. Destroyed the winters. However it's really difficult to find a used one in good condition, the good ones are extremely pricey in the $30k range.

So what now? I discovered I can't stand the FWD platform, all it's inherent quirks drives me nuts. So I'm saving up to trade the Focus ST in for either a used 2008-2014 STI, Focus RS, or Golf R. Focus RS with the ADM is ridiculous, not worth it imo, there's also some teething issues that needs to be sorted out first, for $35-36k~ its more reasonable, but I doubt we'll see it at those prices anytime soon. Golf R is probably going to be the winner, best interior of the bunch and at least 90% of the performance. It's probably going to be the best suited for daily driving. However I haven't had a chance to drive any of these yet so my judgement is still reserved, what I've found out is read all the reviews you want at the end of the day it's how the car makes you feel. Otherwise your gonna be in for a HUGE disappointed.

The Focus ST suffers from a poor choice for OEM tires. I put PSSs on mine and had tune, FMIC and DPs and it was pretty fun...sure it could overwhelm the tires but that's part of what made it fun.
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2016, 01:14 PM   #36
Gpfarrell
Second Lieutenant
43
Rep
216
Posts

Drives: 6MT Imperial Blue 550i M-sport
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Pittsburgh

iTrader: (0)

I leased a '14 as soon as they came out and I was sad to let go of it after 24 months.

Admittedly, a 2015 911 Targa 4S eased by separation.

The Fiesta ST was a delight. I was very pleased with the build quality. Mine had no rattles and never suffered a single problem. With 4-doors and a hatch I could use it on many errands that were much more fun in the ST than the F250.

No real torque steer to speak of, it's all managed with some vectoring technology. You'll feel the wheel tug, but then it tugs the other way... and the car goes straight.

Unless you want it to turn, then it will really turn.

A really really great chapter in my automotive history. I enjoyed every mile with it.

(But they do look a bit like a pizza delivery car!)
Appreciate 0
      07-07-2016, 07:37 AM   #37
Never_Enough
Banned
United_States
2202
Rep
2,476
Posts

Drives: Satan's Chariot 2.0
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: PA

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gpfarrell View Post
I leased a '14 as soon as they came out and I was sad to let go of it after 24 months.

Admittedly, a 2015 911 Targa 4S eased by separation.

The Fiesta ST was a delight. I was very pleased with the build quality. Mine had no rattles and never suffered a single problem. With 4-doors and a hatch I could use it on many errands that were much more fun in the ST than the F250.

No real torque steer to speak of, it's all managed with some vectoring technology. You'll feel the wheel tug, but then it tugs the other way... and the car goes straight.

Unless you want it to turn, then it will really turn.

A really really great chapter in my automotive history. I enjoyed every mile with it.

(But they do look a bit like a pizza delivery car!)
Interesting to hear some here say no tq steer & I've had others tell me there is tq steer.
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2016, 04:14 PM   #38
SunnyD
Major
SunnyD's Avatar
United_States
452
Rep
1,287
Posts

Drives: M4 GTS
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA

iTrader: (0)

I just picked up a '16 FiST with the Recaros and am enjoying the hell out of it. I think the lack of power compared to the Focus ST/RS helps with managing torque steer, which I don't encounter much at all. Overall, this is a super fun toss-able car that reminds me of my old e30 if it were turbo'd.
__________________
'16 ///M4 GTS
'11.75 ///E90 M3 ZCP | DCT
'06 ///M5 | SMG - Gone
'98 ///M3 | 5MT - Gone
'07 ///M Coupe | 6MT - Gone
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2016, 05:20 PM   #39
remedys
Enlisted Member
9
Rep
42
Posts

Drives: 2014 228i m-sport
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Calgary

iTrader: (1)

I owned a 2015 FiST before my 228i and found that it was a pretty fun little car, but sitting in the seats for any length of time was painful. I had the recaros, only option in Canada for seats. For a second car and something I took to the track a lot it was pretty fun, but I got lightly rear ended last summer and it was a total write off. There is a good rear the rear crash rating is just two stars. I would not recommend buying one to anybody, not worth the safety risk.
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2016, 01:07 PM   #40
IPStevieB
Kro's Dad
IPStevieB's Avatar
5
Rep
11
Posts

Drives: '16 M235i Auto, '18 F48 X1
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Roswell, GA

iTrader: (0)

Former ST Owner

I just sold my 2013 Focus ST, replaced it with the M235. I wasn't even planning on selling it, or getting the M...but that's another story.

The years prior to the ST I had an E38 740i, an Audi S4, and still have my '05 Allroad. I liked the Focus ST. I tricked it out somewhat, but not like some of these 20-something kids who LOVE black EVERYTHING and slam it to the ground. etc. Just not my style (I was born in the 60's) I'm a big WRC fan, so I went a different route (see attached pic).

Yes, it's FWD and has some of the irritable traits associated with that much power driven by the front wheels. But the rest of the car, in my opinion, was an excellent bang for the buck. The Recaro seats were the best I've ever had, especially for long trips, and having a history of back issues.

I agree with some of the responses regarding the RS. At 41K I'd buy one, but not at the current markup levels...no friggin' way.
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2016, 01:58 PM   #41
Fugly M3
Major General
Fugly M3's Avatar
4901
Rep
5,050
Posts

Drives: 2023 M3CX
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (5)

I test drove a Fiesta ST a few years ago...it was a great driving/handling car, but it was very small and very cheap feeling. If you have any dislike for the torque steer FWD feel, you'll hate it. It also needs just about 25 more hp.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:04 AM.




7post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST