I'm really considering consolidating cars and thought about the FoST but am now more leaning towards AWD.

 

I'm done cleaning.


One of the few perks of a 1BR apartment... cleaning it only takes an hour or so.

 

I'm quite certain it will end up as my 2nd favorite car I've owned. (for those who don't know me, I've owned a grand total of 6 cars in my life ).

For my current life, it's the perfect balance of fun and practical (in that my hockey gear fits in the back seat), especially since Mandy has an X3 for hauling anything that doesn't fit in the FoST or for going hiking. The power is good, but FWD still sucks; the seats are amazing and the ergo is quite good. The OEM summer tires are garbage, and the OEM wheels are too big and too heavy. It doesn't stand out and cops don't even look at me. It does have issues:

* Sync 3 is nice, but even after a couple updates is still flaky, and the Pandora integration leaves a bit to be desired.
* I hate the turn signal stalk, which has a variable (but not adjustable) turn off point. Signaling to turn left, then switching into a turn lane will 99% of the time cancel the left turn.
* You'll never mistake it for being something that isn't based off a mediocre economy car.
* Did I mention FWD sucks?

For a one car solution, I think it'd be good, especially at the price point and if Ford Canada offers 6 year 0% financing with no down payment (and you don't mind being underwater the entire time you own it).

For a two car solution... not as big a fan. The hatchback volume isn't particularly big, FWD sucks, so I think I'd be more inclined to go to something less fun and more useful. Probably an SUV (even though I hate SUVs) or AWD wagon (which is a very limited pool).

 

I'm adding that I think a lot of the Sync flakiness is because my car is parked in an underground ramp, so I have no GPS and no cell or radio signal when I start the car, and it just doesn't seem to know what to do in those situations. When I park anywhere outdoors it works fine.

 

I do like the idea of being fun and under the radar...but on the other hand, the local Ford dealer has a terrible reputation. Plus it seems like a WRX is the better option for me. I just wish they still made the hatch. And I feel like buying a used one is a risky crap shoot.

 

I'm not a fan of Subaru's ergo decisions and never really have been. But as far as a vehicle choice, the WRX makes more sense.

I'm not a huge fan of VW's interiors either, but the Golf R is a good car - albeit a $40k USD one, which isn't far off the Focus RS.

 

I'm noting that the Golf R is on a short list for if-I-go-down-to-one-car-that's-the-car.

 

I'm also wanting Alfa Romeo to bring the Giulietta to the U.S.

 

I'm also a known auto masochist

 

I'm liking the Golf R as well - one of the local guys has one, but I just don't want to spend that kind of money. :mycarshouldn'tbeworthmorethanmyhouse: