Gone to the Dark Side

[Pythias]

I've gone over to the dark side.. I bought a new Ford Fiesta ST and picked it up last week... It corners faster than the Sprite, staying flat like a go cart. with less drama, quieter, faster, everthing works.. ALL THE TIME...

The top doesn't come down, but it goes like stink, and I can hear the radio..

 

[nomad]

50 years of technological advancement ought to have accomplished something, Bill, but, as noted, the top doesn't go down!:friendly_wink:
Supposed to be great on fuel, they claim. I want the engine for a Spridget!:wink-new:

Kurt.

 

[drooartz]

We need pictures, of course!

I've read nothing but good stuff about the little Fiesta ST. Wish it (or something like it) would fit my daily transport needs. Must be great fun.

 

[mightymidget]

try to find the ford in the walmart parking lot, when you forgot where you you parked

 

[Pythias]

Picked it up on a Thursday night. Had the new wheels and tires on the Friday morning. ...

Ick.. Walmart? I NEVER shop there.. besides, that's what those electric key fobs are for. ..

I chose Silver so that the car would blend into traffic. Also the Recaro seat option.

 

[drooartz]

Very nice, Bill. Wish I was closer so you could give me a ride. :grin:

 

[Pythias]

Very nice, Bill. Wish I was closer so you could give me a ride. :grin:

As it turns out, Ford is offering FREE admission to the OCTANE ACADEMY that is held in Utah for those who purchase a Focus or Fiesta ST. I plan to be there this April or May. ....

 

[Gundy]

Picked it up on a Thursday night. Had the new wheels and tires on the Friday morning. ...

Ick.. Walmart? I NEVER shop there.. besides, that's what those electric key fobs are for. ..

I chose Silver so that the car would blend into traffic. Also the Recaro seat option.

Stealth mode, eh? What tires and wheels? Nice.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Looks like a fun car. It's a shame how much "safety" weighs ... 2700 lbs! Someday they'll be able to mass produce economical/lightweight carbon fiber cars.

 

[nomad]

Looks like a fun car. It's a shame how much "safety" weighs ... 2700 lbs! Someday they'll be able to mass produce economical/lightweight carbon fiber cars.

Imagine how that Eco boost engine would make a 1500 lb Spridget perform!

Kurt.

 

[aeronca65t]

Very nice car. We'll look at them again when we need a new "grownup" car.

That aluminum 1.6 turbo makes 197 HP. Keen!

The 3 cylinder engine in the regular Fiesta is a tiny little thing (but still has about 100 HP). As a stunt, one of the Ford executives put a 3 cylinder engine block in his suitcase and carried it on a commercial airline as his his carry-on luggage.

 

[Pythias]

The wheels are Motegi 125s in Matte Gray and the wheels are Michelin Pilot Sport A3s. It comes with summer only Bridgestone tires. I wrecked my Focus one winter driving on summer only rubber. They had NOTHING in 1/2" of snow... ... so the summer only tires HAD to go.

Yes... the car weighs 150 lbs more than my larger 2000 Focus. Behind the wheel it feels about the same, BUT.. 197 hp... over 130 makes a real difference...

 

[drooartz]

As it turns out, Ford is offering FREE admission to the OCTANE ACADEMY that is held in Utah for those who purchase a Focus or Fiesta ST. I plan to be there this April or May. ....

Very cool. If you have time, shoot me a line and we'll connect up when you're out here.

 

[sqbsprite]

I like these new Fiestas too. I had one of the originals back in the 80s. It was nimble back then. I wish the US could get the 2-door version like in Europe.

 

[PSJ]

Looks good, Bill!

 

[Gundy]

My version of the dark side. 160HP and 170 ft lbs of torque.
Plans and parts are coming to get to 220+HP.

 

[drooartz]

Can't leave well enough alone, can you David. :grin:

 

[Pythias]

I really like the size of the new Fiats, but I can't afford to take a chance on how long they'll be around. .. I've also doe the foreign car thing, ONCE. It's the cost of parts in the long run that keeps me away from things like the Fiat and the VW GTI, etc. .. that and I'm a union man, and need to buy US. When I first saw the Fiats at the auto show I thought that they were the first cars that aren't too big, just right in fact.

 

[Griz]

Just like Dave, the Dark Side lead me to a Fiat Abarth. Fast, and what a beautiful exhaust note. Now I can't keep that stupid smile off my face.

 

[sqbsprite]

It will be interesting to see how the Fiesta and Fiat hold up with time and if they hold good resell value. My '04 Cooper S is still worth $6000 with 110k miles on it. I paid $20,900 everything included. I have spent only $1200 in repairs with the labor done by me. Maintenance costs like tires, brake pads& rotors(1 set), oil, filters, etc. are about average. Mine probably is not the norm, but it has been very reliable and proven very cost efficient. It is my daily commuter car. It is quick. It has 163hp, 155 ft-lbs torque and very fun in the twisties. But then, in comparison, I have a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder with just 150k miles with exactly $0 repair costs. That's correct $0. Only maintenance and wear items. It holds the record in my household.