Despite my rant, I'm looking at a new car

[Speedwagon]

Yes, despite my ranting about how New(er) cars suck, I am still looking at one. I've kept my 98 Legacy for the last 15 years, and it has 310k on it now. I also have an 87 Brat that I bought for $400 8 years ago, and planning to sell that as well(valued around $3k+ currently). So obviously I keep my vehicles for long periods of time.

I've been looking at the Ford Fiesta ST, which has been getting a lot of good reviews. There are almost none used, so I'm looking at new. Looks like I can get one for about $18-19k. If I keep it as long as I've kept the Legacy, buying new shouldn't be an issue from what I can tell. Giving up the AWD might be a little rough, but the fun factor of the FiST should make up for it. Plus, if I keep my foot out of the throttle, people have reported up around 40mpg on Fuelly. I am getting tired of the constant attention my vehicles are starting to require, and parts for the Brat are getting harder and harder to find now. I bought a 2002 E350 a few months ago($900, did some repairs and could flip it now for at least what I'm in it for) to turn into a Sportmobile like camper. So a commuter/city car, being the opposite of the E350 is what I'm looking for. And I don't need another project vehicle. I just want a car to drive, and nothing more(not something I've had in the past 10 years, I've always been doing something to them).

I'm sharing, to see if maybe I'm overlooking something before I commit to buying a new car. So your thoughts are welcome.

[omachi]

You're overlooking that it appears you haven't actually come to terms with the fact that what you want isn't what you claim to want.

Do you really want a commuter car or do you actually want something fun? You're making an awful lot of justifications for a fun little turbo hatch that'll cost you about twice as much initially as a 5 year old Civic with under 50k on the clock. There are a ton of boring cars that would fit the simple car to drive and nothing more for much less than the FiST if that's what you really want.

Be honest with yourself, you'll be happier if you don't realize down the road that you bought the wrong car. That goes both ways. If you really want a car to commute in, you'll kick yourself for overspending on the FiST and never using it for fun. If you really want a fun car, you'll kick yourself if you're stuck in a boring appliance. Just own your decision.

[Speedwagon]

You're overlooking that it appears you haven't actually come to terms with the fact that what you want isn't what you claim to want.

Do you really want a commuter car or do you actually want something fun? You're making an awful lot of justifications for a fun little turbo hatch that'll cost you about twice as much initially as a 5 year old Civic with under 50k on the clock. There are a ton of boring cars that would fit the simple car to drive and nothing more for much less than the FiST if that's what you really want.

Be honest with yourself, you'll be happier if you don't realize down the road that you bought the wrong car. That goes both ways. If you really want a car to commute in, you'll kick yourself for overspending on the FiST and never using it for fun. If you really want a fun car, you'll kick yourself if you're stuck in a boring appliance. Just own your decision.

In a car like a Civic, or even a regular Fiesta, I would get bored very quickly and not want the car. The FiST seems to be the compromise between somewhat economical and affordable, and still be fun enough that I won't get bored.

I'm not trying to be dishonest about anything. I am fully aware that I still want to be able to go up a canyon road and have fun in the car. That's just a part of me that isn't going away anytime soon.

I appreciate the feedback. I may not have been clear in my initial post on what I'm wanting.

I'll add, I brought a turbo engine back from Japan with me 15 years ago, intending to put it in the Legacy. Never did it, still have the engine. Part of why I think it's time to move on(with a car I can have enough fun in, I won't feel the need to modify it).

[TheAnonOne]

Buy a used C7 corvette, you can get them for 40k or about that and then have a commuter also... (or a c6 for the more MMM of us)

Fun-wise it should blow a fST out of the water. With a removable roof it isn't too bad for road-trips either!

[Dave1442397]

Check the Fiesta out before you go buy one. I haven't kept track of them lately, but... http://www.fiestast.org/forum/fiesta-st-discussions/5959-2016-fiesta-st-lemon.html

[omachi]

You're overlooking that it appears you haven't actually come to terms with the fact that what you want isn't what you claim to want.

Do you really want a commuter car or do you actually want something fun? You're making an awful lot of justifications for a fun little turbo hatch that'll cost you about twice as much initially as a 5 year old Civic with under 50k on the clock. There are a ton of boring cars that would fit the simple car to drive and nothing more for much less than the FiST if that's what you really want.

Be honest with yourself, you'll be happier if you don't realize down the road that you bought the wrong car. That goes both ways. If you really want a car to commute in, you'll kick yourself for overspending on the FiST and never using it for fun. If you really want a fun car, you'll kick yourself if you're stuck in a boring appliance. Just own your decision.

In a car like a Civic, or even a regular Fiesta, I would get bored very quickly and not want the car. The FiST seems to be the compromise between somewhat economical and affordable, and still be fun enough that I won't get bored.

I'm not trying to be dishonest about anything. I am fully aware that I still want to be able to go up a canyon road and have fun in the car. That's just a part of me that isn't going away anytime soon.

I appreciate the feedback. I may not have been clear in my initial post on what I'm wanting.

I'll add, I brought a turbo engine back from Japan with me 15 years ago, intending to put it in the Legacy. Never did it, still have the engine. Part of why I think it's time to move on(with a car I can have enough fun in, I won't feel the need to modify it).

We can only comment on what you write, not read your mind. Going from "So a commuter/city car ... is what I'm looking for." to knowing "I still want to be able to go up a canyon road and have fun in the car." isn't a logical leap one can make from that first post.

I'll additionally point out that there are additionally plenty of recent, moderately to actually fun cars to be had for a fair deal less than a new FiST. Fiat 500 Abarth, Mazda Miata, Scion FR-S, and so on.

[crxpilot]

I finally opened an account after reading your post.  Yes!  Buy that car you have always wanted!  Be happy!  You cant take it with you when you die (the money you dont spend.....or the car for that matter!)

[Speedwagon]

You're overlooking that it appears you haven't actually come to terms with the fact that what you want isn't what you claim to want.

Do you really want a commuter car or do you actually want something fun? You're making an awful lot of justifications for a fun little turbo hatch that'll cost you about twice as much initially as a 5 year old Civic with under 50k on the clock. There are a ton of boring cars that would fit the simple car to drive and nothing more for much less than the FiST if that's what you really want.

Be honest with yourself, you'll be happier if you don't realize down the road that you bought the wrong car. That goes both ways. If you really want a car to commute in, you'll kick yourself for overspending on the FiST and never using it for fun. If you really want a fun car, you'll kick yourself if you're stuck in a boring appliance. Just own your decision.

In a car like a Civic, or even a regular Fiesta, I would get bored very quickly and not want the car. The FiST seems to be the compromise between somewhat economical and affordable, and still be fun enough that I won't get bored.

I'm not trying to be dishonest about anything. I am fully aware that I still want to be able to go up a canyon road and have fun in the car. That's just a part of me that isn't going away anytime soon.

I appreciate the feedback. I may not have been clear in my initial post on what I'm wanting.

I'll add, I brought a turbo engine back from Japan with me 15 years ago, intending to put it in the Legacy. Never did it, still have the engine. Part of why I think it's time to move on(with a car I can have enough fun in, I won't feel the need to modify it).

We can only comment on what you write, not read your mind. Going from "So a commuter/city car ... is what I'm looking for." to knowing "I still want to be able to go up a canyon road and have fun in the car." isn't a logical leap one can make from that first post.

I'll additionally point out that there are additionally plenty of recent, moderately to actually fun cars to be had for a fair deal less than a new FiST. Fiat 500 Abarth, Mazda Miata, Scion FR-S, and so on.

I appreciate your input, thanks.

Sent from my G8142 using Tapatalk

[db_cooper]

Also in the Puget Sound area, cars are tools here.  Can't keep one clean for shit.  If you love your legacy, why not an Impreza?  Smaller than the new legacy's/Outbacks, and fun to drive.  Will get you over the passes without chaining up, great cargo space.   Functional. 

[thurston howell iv]

Just my .02 you might consider a mini Cooper. I'm kinda in the same boat. Old cars,  looking to build action van, do my own work...  Picked up several coopers cheap.  Look at r53 supercharged. You can buy under$5k. Super fun to drive.  Supposed to get good mpg but can't keep my foot off the gas. It's really that fun. Also,  super easy to work on,  and huge market of support.

[lbmustache]

Hmm when I think about a long-term car, a turbo Ford does not come to mind. An older Mini doesn't come to mind either, but I'd choose that over a FiST. Now, if you are comfortable doing repairs and/or spending money on it, then it probably doesn't matter.

[Slee_stack]

Yaris GRMN?  If only US...

[Slee_stack]

Just my .02 you might consider a mini Cooper. I'm kinda in the same boat. Old cars,  looking to build action van, do my own work...  Picked up several coopers cheap.  Look at r53 supercharged. You can buy under$5k. Super fun to drive.  Supposed to get good mpg but can't keep my foot off the gas. It's really that fun. Also,  super easy to work on,  and huge market of support.

If one likes vibration, rattles, and an uncomfortable ride...then a Cooper will foot the bill.   Not so easy to work on either.  Try changing bushings.  Ridiculous...

It is fun for an in-town go-kart.  Cornering is a plus.  Steering feel is great.  Engine pep (S model) is plenty (if not amazing). MPG is OK (seems like it should be better). 

I just wish it had even one iota of refinement.  It doesn't. It crashes and bucks and bangs through bumps and on bad pavement.  I think it is quite possibly the noisiest vehicle I have ever owned or ridden in.  And it was in tip-top shape.  Its just how these cars are.

We couldn't handle the constant rattle-rattle, buzz-buzz, knock-knock noises anymore.  We sold it a few months ago.   If you're young and don't care about noise or ride comfort, it might be a good choice.

[bermudasq]

I bought a Ford Focus ST four years ago and it still brings a smile to my face when I drive it.  I needed a 4 door for the kids and didn't want to spend more than $20k new.  The gas mileage is not as advertised, perhaps due to my driving, but otherwise I have no regrets.  I would've been bored in a slower car, and the ST wasn't a huge stretch to buy (had over $400k invested at the time and a good salary).  If I was further back in my FIRE journey, I probably would have bought another cheap, reliable used car.

[dollarchaser]

I'm betting a fun car can also be practical and economical.  My advice is NEVER,  EVER own any vehicle that can't run regular gas.
Now I admit in my younger years I had a v-8 truck with a supercharged engine. Premium gas and fun,FUN. Luckily I sold it before the gasoline skyrocketed.

[thurston howell iv]

I can admit that the mini is a little noisy, but that is easily remedied with some simple sound deadening.  Not sure about the complaint of being difficult to work on. I pulled the engine- using a you tube tutorial in a couple hours. Everything was so easy to work on that I would describe it as a "pleasure" to work on (I'm a car guy)- but there are some cars like BMW, Rover or Ford Tritons that are not so fun to work on. 

In my scenario, all of the repairs and upgrades were cheap and easy. I've bought 2 supercharged and a n/a and all were under $5k with the requisite repairs. All are running perfectly and are a tremendous blast to drive. I sold my cushy BMW for this little monster and it makes my 15 minute commute an absolute blast. Heck, I rarely even turn on the radio as it's just nice to hear the little s/c whining away as I fly by all the slowpokes. :)

So, is this a refined luxury hospital bed, bedpan and catheter like mmm would describe? nope. It's a raw little beast that handles like a go cart and is nearly as fun. I love big luxury cars (I had a Caddy for a while as well) but there is something elemental about this car.

The reason I mentioned it is because it's inexpensive to buy/maintain and well made. If you want cheap and boring buy a honda civic and be done with it. 

[Car Jack]

Have you considered a 10 ish year old Civic Si?  I will be the first to admit that a manual 5 speed regular Civic is as boring as a Prius, but the Si is absolutely not.  At around $5k private party and 100k miles, it's got plenty of life left to it.  I would go on a limb and bet that an 08 Civic Si will last longer than a brand new Fiesta ST. 

[Speedwagon]

Have you considered a 10 ish year old Civic Si?  I will be the first to admit that a manual 5 speed regular Civic is as boring as a Prius, but the Si is absolutely not.  At around $5k private party and 100k miles, it's got plenty of life left to it.  I would go on a limb and bet that an 08 Civic Si will last longer than a brand new Fiesta ST.

I had not considered that. I'll have to take a look.