[gadnuk]

Hello guys!

New 2016 ST owner from the Bay Area! I daily drove a Lotus Elise for months before finally biting the bullet to get a real daily driver. Test drove the Golf GTI, Focus ST, WRX Premium and a used Mazdaspeed 3. Loved the Focus ST and been having fun daily driving it for a couple of months now.

I plan to change the rear motor mount for sure to a Cobb one. Maybe add in some minor mods next year. This forum seems very resourceful. Glad to be a part of this community.

Thanks & Regards,
gadnuk

 

[sh0ebox]

Welcome!

Pics of your previous DD? :big smile:

 

[nickbaldwin86]

They are very fun daily drivers.... I drive 38 miles 1 way daily to get to work, 76+ total a day, couldn't be happier!

Welcome!

 

[DkpST]

Welcome from SoCal!

 

[Recycler]

I'd love to take the st engine, put it into the Elise and build from there

 

[Blackula]

Welcome! Saw this today:

 

[Speedy12139]

welcome! and congrats on the new ST!

 

[UnfocusedST]

Welcome. Any pics on the Lotus?

 

[gadnuk]

Here are a few pics of my previous DD en route to San Luis Obispo on CA-1. She makes for a fun weekend every weekend, whereas the ST is a joy to drive during the week.

 

[LockeLamora33]

That Lotus looks sharp! Tell us a little about it, how'd it drive, what did you like over the st etc... I haven't ever spoken to someone who's owned one but have been curious about them.

Thanks in advance!

 

[gadnuk]

That Lotus looks sharp! Tell us a little about it, how'd it drive, what did you like over the st etc... I haven't ever spoken to someone who's owned one but have been curious about them.

Thanks in advance!

Pros over the ST:
1. Mid-engined car with probably the best handling experience.
2. Surprisingly, gives me better mpg.
3. The steering is just a dream. Tons of feedback.
4. The ride is very low, just how I like it.
5. Very nimble and quick.
6. Looks like an exotic, the price is nowhere close to one.
7. Makes for some very interesting conversations at gas pumps, parking lots, etc.

Cons:
1. The regress/egress is a pain, especially for passengers who have never been in one.
2. The trunk space is non-existent. Good for maybe a duffel bag.
3. No creature comforts. An AC, audio player and thats about it.
4. Driving in SF and parallel parking is a pain.
5. Anxiety of something happening to the fiberglass clamshell is constant.
6. Cannot be daily driven.

All said and done, I've driven the Focus ST for over 2500 miles since I got it and its a ton of fun. I am yet to replace the rear motor mount though. However, the electronics and creature comforts are a welcome change from the Elise. Very happy with my ST purchase.

 

[LockeLamora33]

Pros over the ST:
1. Mid-engined car with probably the best handling experience.
2. Surprisingly, gives me better mpg.
3. The steering is just a dream. Tons of feedback.
4. The ride is very low, just how I like it.
5. Very nimble and quick.
6. Looks like an exotic, the price is nowhere close to one.
7. Makes for some very interesting conversations at gas pumps, parking lots, etc.

Cons:
1. The regress/egress is a pain, especially for passengers who have never been in one.
2. The trunk space is non-existent. Good for maybe a duffel bag.
3. No creature comforts. An AC, audio player and thats about it.
4. Driving in SF and parallel parking is a pain.
5. Anxiety of something happening to the fiberglass clamshell is constant.
6. Cannot be daily driven.

All said and done, I've driven the Focus ST for over 2500 miles since I got it and its a ton of fun. I am yet to replace the rear motor mount though. However, the electronics and creature comforts are a welcome change from the Elise. Very happy with my ST purchase.

Thanks for putting that list together for me! Enjoy the ST