Hey now. I have been observing for a few months and thought to introduce myself since our (her) new ride is on the way.
First off thanks to all for providing a great resource. Reading this forum has been informative, tiring, amusing, and eye-opening. But mostly just fun.
Background - Replacing the wife's 2002 Focus ZX5 MT. Requirements for a new car were 5-door and MT. After a moderate amount of searching, we have on the way a 2012 GTI 6MT Black AB. Should arrive 1st week of April as part of a dealer swap. Some thoughts:
- We were originally waiting for the Focus ST but delays have been numerous and there is no timeline. They just announced availability of the Focus Titanium with 5MT so decided to test drive. The only test drives currently on the lots with MT are Focus SE. Decent car for the price but sparse power. Spins 3200 at 80mph. Visited Mazda but the lone MS3 was showroom only. Turned off by some of the research and looks are slightly over the top. Sat in all the Minis but she wanted the countryman space with the original mini feel. And I was not excited about the performance and features per cost. As well as potential LT maintenance costs as we drive our cars until the wheels fall off. Sat in an A3 at the auto show but not spending 40k to get all the toys.
- First drive was a 2012 GTI 6MT CW w/ Sun. Immediately impressed by the feel and build of the car. It was snowing and we had a few inches on all roads except the highways. We both run winter rubber and were impressed by how well the GTI handled with all seasons (I didn't catch which tires it had). Decent grip and the appropriate amount of correction by Skynet, or whatever controls the car. Follow-up ride on dry pavement sealed the deal. Sat in an AB at a different dealer and agree with some posters that the leather seems to improve bolster and overall cabin feel. About the only knock is the shifer throw seems a little long, although it is recognized this can be modded. And the lack of an auto-dimming mirror is surprising, not even a dealer installed option.
- Decision #1 Color: We are a black car family so I was surprised that she spent a few weeks considering CW. But like a short skirt, cars look best in black.
- Decision #2 Wheels: We were both intrigued by the Black Karthoums. But the few installed pics I could find weren't that impressive; the Serrons do look pretty sweet on a black car, and we were wondering if the BKs were just a bit too racer for her (although I do like how they really show the red calipers). Finally, you have to order the BKs separate and sell the Serrons so seemed like a bit of a hassle and I think she will be more than happy with the stock setup.
- We will get tint and a trailer hitch for an existing bike rack right off the lot. Likely do a Stage 1, maybe Stealth Box depending on how the Dyna sounds with time. Some of the other lower cost mods inlcluding interior LEDs, auto-dim, are also likely.
- Finally, we have worked with some of the nicest dealers. But the almost universal lack of product knowledge is mind-bottling. You know, when things are so crazy it gets your thoughts all trapped, like in a bottle?
Thanks again for all the great info. We'll post pics but until then will be scouting for ideas.
Seacrest... out!
First off thanks to all for providing a great resource. Reading this forum has been informative, tiring, amusing, and eye-opening. But mostly just fun.
Background - Replacing the wife's 2002 Focus ZX5 MT. Requirements for a new car were 5-door and MT. After a moderate amount of searching, we have on the way a 2012 GTI 6MT Black AB. Should arrive 1st week of April as part of a dealer swap. Some thoughts:
- We were originally waiting for the Focus ST but delays have been numerous and there is no timeline. They just announced availability of the Focus Titanium with 5MT so decided to test drive. The only test drives currently on the lots with MT are Focus SE. Decent car for the price but sparse power. Spins 3200 at 80mph. Visited Mazda but the lone MS3 was showroom only. Turned off by some of the research and looks are slightly over the top. Sat in all the Minis but she wanted the countryman space with the original mini feel. And I was not excited about the performance and features per cost. As well as potential LT maintenance costs as we drive our cars until the wheels fall off. Sat in an A3 at the auto show but not spending 40k to get all the toys.
- First drive was a 2012 GTI 6MT CW w/ Sun. Immediately impressed by the feel and build of the car. It was snowing and we had a few inches on all roads except the highways. We both run winter rubber and were impressed by how well the GTI handled with all seasons (I didn't catch which tires it had). Decent grip and the appropriate amount of correction by Skynet, or whatever controls the car. Follow-up ride on dry pavement sealed the deal. Sat in an AB at a different dealer and agree with some posters that the leather seems to improve bolster and overall cabin feel. About the only knock is the shifer throw seems a little long, although it is recognized this can be modded. And the lack of an auto-dimming mirror is surprising, not even a dealer installed option.
- Decision #1 Color: We are a black car family so I was surprised that she spent a few weeks considering CW. But like a short skirt, cars look best in black.
- Decision #2 Wheels: We were both intrigued by the Black Karthoums. But the few installed pics I could find weren't that impressive; the Serrons do look pretty sweet on a black car, and we were wondering if the BKs were just a bit too racer for her (although I do like how they really show the red calipers). Finally, you have to order the BKs separate and sell the Serrons so seemed like a bit of a hassle and I think she will be more than happy with the stock setup.
- We will get tint and a trailer hitch for an existing bike rack right off the lot. Likely do a Stage 1, maybe Stealth Box depending on how the Dyna sounds with time. Some of the other lower cost mods inlcluding interior LEDs, auto-dim, are also likely.
- Finally, we have worked with some of the nicest dealers. But the almost universal lack of product knowledge is mind-bottling. You know, when things are so crazy it gets your thoughts all trapped, like in a bottle?
Thanks again for all the great info. We'll post pics but until then will be scouting for ideas.
Seacrest... out!
) OR black.
