I'm on the market for a new car (my Fit was always just a temporary stop gap anyway) and am really torn between the Ford Focus ST and the Subaru WRX (both current model year so the WRX with the FA20 not the old EJ) and I'm flipflopping between the two so frequently I'd like to get as many second opinions as I can. The way it boils down is basically, I like the Subaru's all wheel drive and have a perception it will be more reliable (from years of JAPAN GOOD AMERICA BAD from my father - I don't know if this is actually true in this case but it's hard to "rewire my programming" on it), I know it's comfortable and will always be comfortable, it's faster / more powerful, I find the transmission feels better, the footwell is a bit less cramped (I'm 6'5 and fat), and it feels more "stable" for lack of a better term. Unfortunately due to my height I'm limited to the base trim which has a crappy stereo (though I do like old school head units over new touch bullshit), and worse headlights than the other models, not to mention the current models not having a hatchback option. Meanwhile the Focus ST is almost as fast, has a hatchback which I love, a better sound system, leather seats, nicer interior in general, cooler "gimmick" options like LED headlights and capless fuel tank, and may draw less attention from the police and annoying ricers living near me. That said I'm again concerned with my size as a lot of reviewers stated the Recaro seats get uncomfortable after a few hours for bigger drivers and Ford isn't exactly up for letting me drive their car around all day to figure out if this is going to bug me (The Focus ST cloth option isn't available in Canada) Anyone have an opinion in this comparison?
I like Fords and I like the Focus. However, if you get the Focus, please buy the standard shift. Ford has been having a ton of problems with the dual clutch systems in the automatic with both the Focus and the Fiesta. Anymore, I think it is almost as important to shop the dealership as it is the brand of car. You need to find a dealer, who will be on your side if a warranty issue comes up. Also one that will not press you too hard to buy all the bullshit insurances they have to sell.
Even though this is the ST, which has over 250 horsepower? A lot of people don't know about the Focus ST and are really surprised when they hear about the specs... it's not your typical, cheap grocery-getter.
For the most part yes. Of course I cannot speak for all carriers but normally Subaru's are higher to insure because they retain their value, like Toyota's.
I personally think the wrx is a much better constructed vehicle. Ford has made improvements the last few years but they don't hold their value at all unless you get an F150. And their cars cost as much as the similarly equipped counterparts.
I could see that... again, it's not your typical Focus... it's a high-horsepower, sport version that is meant to compete with, and is actually getting better reviews than, the Subaru.
This question is directed mainly at Nett Daddy(because I know he's a Porsche guy), but I thought I'd put it here in case the rest of you jackals had some input. What do you think about the new Porsche Cayman GT4's? I've done a fair bit of research on them and they seem to be an ideal "fun" car. Not so much power to get yourself into trouble, but more than your average Joe sportscar. The reason I ask, is that I may have a line on a "used" one.
The Cayman is a much, much better driving platform than the 911. They intentionally underpowered them so as not to fuck with the "911 is king" tradition, but if I were going to go grassroots racing again, I'd use a Cayman as the base. Farnbacher Loles, the Porsche racing team, will do an engine upgrade in Cayman's that is just fucking amazing: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/farnbacher-loles-cayman-gtr-specialty-file Friend of mine (the one with the Porsche shop) has one with an X51 engine in it, and having driven it in anger on the track, I can tell you it's a fucking blast and outperforms just about any other modern Porsche when power is the same. The only shit you'll hear are from so-called Porsche "purists" who will look down their noses at the Cayman, but they're retarded. Not only that, you actually have room for shit like groceries and golf clubs. If you have a shot at one, I say go for it.
Until recently (health issues) I was a PCA auto-cross instructor. The four most impressive cars I have ridden in/driven while instructing: 1. 996 Turbo - flooring it out of a second gear corner is orgasmic. 2. 991 Carrera S - endless power, pretty lardy, but very, very competent car. 3. Cayman S - In a 90 degree corner where I was wrestling my pretty well prepared air-cooled 911 around, the damned bone-stock Cayman went in deeper and just pivoted. Unreal. 4. A 2000# SC with a stock motor (maybe 180 rwhp - it was like a go-cart. Not very practical w/ no lights, windows, etc. etc., etc. But the most fun to toss around. Controllable oversteer at its best. If I were looking for a DD, it would be a tough choice between a 996 Turbo and a 2009 and up Cayman. Dual purpose, Cayman hands down. Have fun.
Need some help brainstorming. Attached is a pic of my transmission. It sheared the roll pin in the shifter. Need to get it out while allowing as little metal as possible to enter the transmission. Give me some ideas, please.
You are all being awfully slow with your automotive advice today. I got the roll pin out with a punch, hammer and a Walmart receipt between the shifter and gear cluster to catch the broken pin before it fell into the transmission. $0.55 part and hopefully it shifts like it did before my sister in-law got behind the wheel.
I've found myself incapable of adjusting the settings on my phone that will allow me to take a photo with it that is within the size limitations of this idiot board. I thought my description may have been detailed enough. Perhaps I should have been a little clearer and told you it was the roll pin in in the shifter assembly of a Getrag 290 tranny in a 1988 K2500?