Mk 7 vs Focus ST

[jimlloyd40]

Focus ST is still produced in Europe.

True but you can't get one here.

 

[Dr Dad]

True but you can't get one here.

I mean you can... just used

 

[jimlloyd40]

I mean you can... just used

From Europe? Not the point anyway. People were comparing buying a Focus ST or Fiesta ST and since they don't make them anymore for the US it's a moot point.

 

[GTIfan99]

True but you can't get one here.

Many members on the forum aren't in the US.

 

[GTIfan99]

From Europe? Not the point anyway. People were comparing buying a Focus ST or Fiesta ST and since they don't make them anymore for the US it's a moot point.

Unless they're buying used.

 

[Dr Dad]

From Europe? Not the point anyway. People were comparing buying a Focus ST or Fiesta ST and since they don't make them anymore for the US it's a moot point.

I'm saying buy a used FoST of FieST. OP said he was looking at a '17 FoST in his original post. Importing a focus ST would be hilarious!

 

[jimlloyd40]

Many members on the forum aren't in the US.

True. But the only one in this thread that isn't is from Canada.

 

[dunkelweizen]

it's a moot point.

The other moot point is this thread because OP appears to have started shopping in 2014 (!), then a year ago says he/she was shopping to buy 4-5 years from that time. He/she is planning to drive his/her 2007 Honda Fit into the ground (nothing wrong with that btw) before maybe getting a used GTI. Unless his/her timetable has moved up quite a bit, then this maybe potential used car purchase is still 3-4 years away and decent chance a lot of us won't even be on this forum anymore...

Some good info and discussion otherwise

I really like the GTI and am seriously considering getting a used one 4-5 years from now (2019+ model). However, the reliability concerns are what's holding me back. The car really fits all my requirements- fast, fun to drive, good fuel economy, and large cargo capacity. The other cars that I would consider buying used are:

1. Kia Stinger (but it's not great in gas, and doesn't come with a manual tranny)
2. Honda Civic Type R (but I'm not too keen on the looks).

The Stinger, I suspect, will depreciate quite a bit and will be a good used car buy a few years from now.

I typically drive my cars until the very end of their life span (16 years with my last 2 cars). Will the GTI be more costly to own than the other 2, given the higher possibility of increased repairs/maintenance and potentially shorter life span? Or will the savings in fuel costs outweigh this?

 

[jimlloyd40]

The other moot point is this thread because OP appears to have started shopping in 2014 (!), then a year ago says he/she was shopping to buy 4-5 years from that time. He/she is planning to drive his/her 2007 Honda Fit into the ground (nothing wrong with that btw) before maybe getting a used GTI. Unless his/her timetable has moved up quite a bit, then this maybe potential used car purchase is still 3-4 years away and decent chance a lot of us won't even be on this forum anymore...

Some good info and discussion otherwise

He didn't post that in this thread.

 

[pdisguise]

Both the FIST and FOST are frequent customers at my local Gapplebees.

Looks like the menu says you’re my appetizer.
No, but seriously if I just wanted a decent DD, I’d get the Focus ST. Almost ok power, and. Decent 6spd trans.

 

[GTIfan99]

True. But the only one in this thread that isn't is from Canada.

Still not sure what your point is. I was pointing out that you're factually wrong about the ST not being produced anymore AND the thread is about buying a used FoST or used GTI, so what does it matter if the ST isn't imported to the US anymore?

 

[jimlloyd40]

Still not sure what your point is. I was pointing out that you're factually wrong about the ST not being produced anymore AND the thread is about buying a used FoST or used GTI, so what does it matter if the ST isn't imported to the US anymore?

No point.

 

[Thomas.brian23]

I checked out the Focus ST a few times before I bought my GTI. The VW salesperson from whom I ultimately bought my GTI actually owned an Focus ST which I thought was interesting. Anyway, the Recaro seats in the Focus ST were too confining for me; that alone eliminated the ST from my short list. I also preferred the more understated exterior styling of the GTI.

 

[El_bigote_AJ]

The VW salesperson from whom I ultimately bought my GTI actually owned an Focus ST which I thought was interesting.

between the 3 dealers in Vegas I’ve visited for service, purchase and parts... you would actually be surprised how the little employees actually own VWs, especially the techs! The employee lots are a mix of other cars.

 

[Dan00Hawk]

I owned a 2014 Focus ST prior to my 2017 GTI. I had no issues with the Focus, and it was a lot of fun. It took well to a Stage 1 tune, and the clutch can handle the additional torque of a tune without an issue. I'd say the personality of the car in terms of styling and the way it drives is a bit more aggressive than the GTI, whereas the GTI is more refined. The Recaro seats were great for me (6'1", 190 lbs) and were comfortable on long trips. It is quite tail happy which can be fun through the corners. An open front diff and a smaller turbo are the 2 areas that would need attention if really looking to go faster with that platform. Ultimately, an MK7 that has the LSD and DSG would be a better platform for modding if one wants more speed. A thicker rear sway bar on the GTI would also provide some of the tail happiness that comes stock on the ST.