Strange Dilemma I never thought I'd have...

[RikBiel]

Well I'm in a state of weirdness (not physically but mentally!)

For the past 20 Years I have been a Falcon straight 6 automatic driver.
First an XF 4.1, then an EF 4.0 and now the BA2 XR6 NA (tuned and modded to 235kw)

I've never owned a V8 but I have been loving the GT 335 and had my heart set on one, notwithstanding the price - I was after some super charged V8 grumble and go.

But now the little Focus ST comes on the scene and I am liking this more and more every day with every article/youtube clip/forum post read....

I haven't driven a manual since my pre Ford days when my first car was a little Datto 1200 coupe.... Problem is my wife is an auto only licenced driver so although I don't doubt I'd soon get my clutch foot back, she never will....

I'm all confused now! What a dilemma !

The Hot Hatch Focus ST for less than $40k driveaway....or
The big heavy GT 335 closer to $70k driveaway.....

Is this a form of midlife crisis? (I'm 42)
I don't think so....from all reads the Focus ST does seem to be THAT good !

[Russ]

Buy the Focus and drop the missus off at the nearest shopping centre for the day, go for a spirited country drive on your own (just you and the man pedal), pick the missus up on the way back, strange dilemma resolved

[Franco Cozzo]

Time to teach your missus how to drive manual

[RikBiel]

That was my first response - learn to drive....
She has her own auto - it has been the very odd occasion she's ever need to drive my Bionic BA (only on a blue moon )

I then suggested we keep the existing 2 cars and get the new ST...she didn't like the idea of having three cars. Said I don't need a toy car.....

I do !!!!!

[WILDB]

The ST is that good, I can't think of anything negative to say about mine.

I came from an FG XR6T and it's like chalk and cheese.

Honestly, have a drive of one - you'll love it.

[DMENTDGT]

Hi bud, i have seen the focus titanium and that has more tech than my FG2 335 GT which i wasnt happy about but i guess thats the european design for you. But hands down the GT is a weapon, has luxury, space, and grunt that really cant be matched by 95% of cars on the road. It is a big diff in price but well worth it in my opinion. Have you driven one? If ou havent drive one and drive the focus too if you already havent. You can even buy a 2nd hand 335 GT 2 year old for late 40s to early 50s with very low ks. Good luck with it

[damoose]

Originally Posted by WILDB

The ST is that good, I can't think of anything negative to say about mine.

I came from an FG XR6T and it's like chalk and cheese.

Honestly, have a drive of one - you'll love it.

Me too exactly. the ST may not give the same thrill off the traffic lights but it does everything else so much better

Originally Posted by au3xr6

that's the same as the negative talk before the axing of the Falcon. ford could see that and get the impression that if even Ford enthusiasts are negative about the Falcon it's days are done ( thanks guys, you know who you are) . similar things happen with the economy enough negativity kills the economy by killing confidence

[pajoda]

I was 45 when I jumped into the Focus ST, never too late to make the move, and never felt younger for doing so.

[leakey]

If you were prepared to part with $70K....

Buy the ST, and a second hand auto F6 or XR6T.

Problemmo solved!

[DJM83]

Go drive an ST, i reckon it will make your mind up for you.

[duaned]

Does the ST have a rough ride? I am in exactly the same dilemma as the O.P. (and even started out with a Dato 1200 as well!) and the dealership keeps trying to talk me out of a ST to a Titanium Turbo Diesel due to the ST's allegedly rough ride.

[RSgerry]

i do most of my driving around the city but find the ride to be completely fine. I did do a short country run when I was running it in, but didn't notice anything uncomfortable about it. I moved from a 220kw XR8 to the Focus. like chalk and cheese. the XR is a much lazier cruiser, but the ST just makes me smile. (and it would have eaten the XR too...)

[kevino]

Buy the Focus ST and buy her an auto Fiesta for 16500.

I,m 58 and my next change will be to the Fiesta ST.

[RikBiel]

No she's happy with her Toyota Avensis 7 seater.
It's looks better now it has mags and I painted the calipers.

Another option I had considered was a complete heart transplant.

I've been told in discussing with Brad from Atomic that my gearbox and drivetrain could safely handle 450rwkw for around the $20k or so for the Atomic turbo engine fitted/tuned.

That would mean the smallest cash outlay and keeping my existing car.
Problem is it the base car is still 8 years almost 200,000kms old - so it might not be a "wise" choice on this car....

Brad suggested getting a FG XR6 turbo and doing the swap then - at least then a newer base and would still come in around $50k possibly depending on deal to be found.

I don't really think I could go wrong with any of thee choices to be honest - silliest choice might be to Atomise the existing Bionic.
It's nice to have options and no rush/pressure/need to act quickly...

And there is still the next 2 years to consider - the new Falcon and what Ford may come out with, so Is suspect now is probably not the time to jump. I'm happy with my car - and so long as I don't go test driving anything better yet - I'm blissfully ignorant........I guess

[brenx]

The problem with the big Falcons is the big fuel consumption and after 2016 no more Falcon. I can't imagine parts getting any cheaper or easier to come by. I previously had a BF MKII egas very cheap to run but boring. I'm cresting 40 myself.

I was going to buy an ST myself but the bank wouldn't allow it due to depreciation. I ended up with an 08 XR5. It's a drivers car and its very comfortable (full leather). Absolutely love the car.

If I can stay away from needing to tow? My next car will be an ST and possible so will my partners. It's already decided unless ford bring some other exciting new car out.

[EB#]

This thread is right up my alley, as I'm in a similar position to the OP.

I'm 46 and recent cars for me have been an EB2 Fairmont (04-08) and then
a BA XR6 (08-present), both autos. I haven't had a hatch since the Golf I was driving
in the mid 90's and I've also had a couple of rough-and-ready 4WDs too. When I was
a younger bloke, my father had a Peugeot 205 GTI which I got to drive/borrow as much as I
liked and there are many fond memories of that special car indeed. All these early cars
were manuals and the two Fords have been the only autos I've ever had.

I have greatly enjoyed the lazy Falcon 6 and the comfortable highway cruising that it affords.
(A step up to a V8 has also been on the radar.... never owned one but I love em!)
I live in regional NSW, so the ole BA Falcon has been an excellent country
highway vehicle for me for the past 5 years. These Falcons seem to run forever and they
are easy and cheap to either modify or fix. I must say that after a zillion gear changes
on manual cars over the years I have quite enjoyed the cruisy, comfy auto.

Then the Focus ST comes along and grabs my attention!!

I have been having a very close look at the ST for the 'next car' and doing bucket-loads of
research.... (I'm like that with research). I have specced them out a couple of times
in the yards and aiming to organise a test drive soon.

I guess I'm wondering about the mid-life crisis thing too!! Am I being an idiot-dreamer-
boyracer-dude-wannabe-fool ? Young women stopped noticing me at all, years
ago,..... I should finally accept that. Will I re-adapt to the manual again? Have the muscles in
my left leg and arm atrophied as I slip on through the 40's? The head says stick with
another Falcon, the heart says live life and have a crack at something more exciting.

I'm kind of secretly hoping that a drive of the ST will clarify things to..... "#@!# it. Buy it" !

[pajoda]

"#@!# it. Buy it" !

A drive will go a long way to doing that.

[DJM83]

All I can say if you aren't sure, don't drive one because that will seal the deal.
I came from an XR5 so i knew what a decent hot hatch ford could produce, so it was a no brainer to move to an ST.
Also must mention if you don't drive one you won't now how good they feel in 3rd/4th gear.

[RikBiel]

Hey EB92 - glad I'm not the only one been bowled a googly by the ST
(I was gonna type thrown a curve ball but that is quite American)

I've done a lot of comparing and I can get a brand new XR6T for 40k drive away which s the same as the ST - give or take a few - close enough that the power differential has me swayed to the XR6T

I'm a dad of 3 so family of 5 - the Falcon continues to make sense.
If I could have 2 cars I would by can't so I'm sticking with the XR6T choice.

I do not associate girls or mid life crisisii with cars.
It's reality that it often takes many of us until our age (over 40) till we can afford a nice/hot car - so to associate this with a mid life crisis is not fair IMHO.

I like my cars because like to drive them and enjoy driving them. Nothing to do with attracting attention from anybody

I drive very few KMs now I take the train to work 100kms a week - used to be 600kms per week.
Fuel is not an issue for me - I put lots of BP Ultimate in my current ride which is quite a thirsty one because of the way I drive it
So for me - decision made 270KW with big easy upgrade potential

Anyway - I didn't - but I do suggest you take a test drive - it might help make some things clearer

[WILDB]

See I went from a BA XR6 5sp to an XR5, to an FG XR6T and now back to an ST - 10 months on and I cannot say a negative thing about it.

Possibly the only thing I miss about the FG is the straight line power but that is absolutely it. The equipment levels in these is astonishing and they make a comfortable and economical cruiser while being very quick when asked.

A test drive will be the only way to know, but I think it might seal the deal.

[RikBiel]

Best I don't take an ST for a test drive....

I need the sedan and auto for family reasons anyway

[brenx]

The xr5 I bought has more boot space than my prior falcon. If your a one car family I wouldn't buy an ST. My family consists of 2 adults and 4 kids. Really need a 7 seater but its loads of fun to take both xr5's for a run and they are comfortable. Tje build quality is so much better than a falcon too.

With autos they are only good in big car imo. I'd never buy an auto small car.

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk 4

[RSgerry]

the ST isn't available as an auto, but I was loaned an auto Focus Sport from the dealer for a week. I cannot stress what a truly awful drive this thing was. the gearbox was completely useless. my wife has a Mazda SP23 auto and it is a very nice car to drive and compared with the much younger Focus, miles ahead. not all 4 pots are bad with the auto, but the Focus is just terrible.

[EB#]

Originally Posted by RikBiel

...I've done a lot of comparing and I can get a brand
new XR6T for 40k drive away which s the same as the ST - give or take a few
- close enough that the power differential has me swayed to the XR6T...

That is the pretty well the options I have arrived at too. (There are also some
bargain, used FG T's around as well).... If it turns out I can't make a firm
decision either way, I'll just stick with the ole BA until I can.

RikBiel, your bionic Falcon looks very tidy indeed mate. I hope you get as much
enjoyment from your next vehicle!

[EB#]

As it happens, I did get a test drive of the ST a short while back.
The verdict..... A great little car, but all things considered, not quite right for me.

[RikBiel]

Thanks EB92
Yep - suspect that is the same for me - I like my Falcons too much