2009 MS3 RIP, Focus ST2 acquired

[kwsmithphoto]

As some of you might know from the shoutbox, I totaled my MS3 last week. Needed a new car in the same general category, so I did a bit of test drives and research. GTI no, WRX, no, Gen2 MS3 no, base level Focus ST no, mid level ST2 with some options I didn't want to pay for but had to buy from inventory, yes!

Personally, I think of it as a Gen3 MS3. Why? Well they're all built on the same basic platform, but Ford made a lot more changes to it than Mazda did with the Gen2. For better or worse, but I just had to test drive a newer Gen2 before making a decision. I liked driving it; I suspect they made some running tweaks to over the last couple years, but I just can't get past the styling, inside or out. It drives a lot better stock than the Gen1 did, but honestly it mostly came down to styling. Call me shallow if you must but aesthetics are my job, and the Gen2 just gets uglier to me every time I see one.

I'm not a big power guy, I'm a road course and canyon carver guy, so I'm not gonna change very much if anything on the engine. My aging back strongly prefers it's snug Recaro seats. I also love the quicker steering and better lateral grip from a back to back test drive. But realistically, I wasn't gonna buy a Gen2 anyway though it earned some technical props from me after driving the latest sample.

I really think a lot of you Gen1 owners will migrate to the ST. Gen2 owners, I'd say hang on to it for now then see what else is out there in a year or two. But I needed a car right away, from inventory. And even though I really like Focus, losing my MS3 to a palm tree was like losing a very good friend. It will be missed.

Styling is subjective but I gotta say that engineering wise, I really think Ford did a better job with their update. Which should be expected given they had a lot more time and resources. And I will also say it's the best handling stock FWD car I've ever driven by far.

Yes I paid through the nose for it, don't even ask how much. And that stupid fuckin sound tube thing, that pipes intake noise to the interior, is quite useless and extremely annoying and will be removed ASAP. For no reason at all it sounds like a pack of growling squirrels, if squirrels could growl. Fortunately, COBB is working on an exhaust that sounds great (they say).

COBB Initial Focus ST R&D Findings

Handling wise, I don't have a pressing need to change a single thing, not even the tires. The springs are much firmer and it seems to have very good dampers that match rather well. No annoying front end noises either, which is nice. It still has a wee bit of bounce in the rear though, but as I've said before, I think that's just inherent to the multilink control blade setup that's been around forever - tweaked as it has been by Ford, I just don't think it's very good for body control on lumpy roads. But the ST engineers did good, the car really freaking handles well right out of the box anyway. One interesting thing I noticed visually is that it has less negative camber front and rear, so they spec 36PSI in the tires. Strange, but it sure seems to work!

Still waiting for the power to come up - the motor only has 200+ miles on it, and I suspect the dealer filled it with 87 octane, given the absurd price of gas around SoCal right now. So that's all I have to say about that for now.

And after nosing into a tree, I really like that it is an IIHS top safety pick. Sure it weighs a bit more but it's a very stout little car and their crash test results prove it. Despite the weight gain, it drives and feels like a lighter car to me, probably because of the quicker steering and stiffer suspension.

Anyway, I think with time and some minor tweaks, I'll learn to love it as much as my MS3, may it rest in peace(s). I'm going to the salvage yard to get my stuff tomorrow, and also pull my virtually new Motegi MR125's and tires, which will be for sale real soon. Sadly, Ford changed the bolt spacing so I can't put them on my new ride.

Anyway, I'll still be around here, and Haltech's ST site just went online. Take care, y'all.

[Haltech]

Welp, at least your on the new EB forum. So, you get to start alllll over again Tell your fellow ST owners where to go

[PU Manchu]

pics of post-tree MS3?

I just want to see if it looks better than an ST.

[Haltech]

Looks better than a PU i bet...

[Dralphy]

The ST looks like a fun car, but when I was looking for a car, I wanted something in my price range that I would have fun with. The ST didn't fit that prince range.

Sorry you palmed your genwon, but I'm sure you'll be more than happy in the ST! I'm sure more mazdaspeed3 vs ST videos will surface soon. Hopefully with good results, haha.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[3Gee Tee]

Congrats, I'm one of the few that respects that car, just not some of the owners.

[daafisch]

Congrats on the new car, sorry to hear your Gen1s demise was the reason for the purchase. There has been a ST sitting in front of the local ford dealership for a few days now. Tempted to go give it a test drive.

[Vader]

[CWP_MS3]

Rice that fucking thing out. I want to see you herra frush and herra gay. You can be our undercover agent/saboteur.

[JP Patterson]

I was ready to pull the trigger on the ST2 version until the dealer tried to pull a fast one on me with the cost... That may work with some younger people but at 39 and being that I run a company it wasn't even slightly slick... Great car though, fun to drive, solid interior and I know not everyone likes the look but I think they look sharp too. I'm pulling the trigger on a 2012 Speed3 this week, amazing deals right now with the 2013's hitting dealers in early November.

Best of luck with the ST, should be a fun daily driver.

JP

[CWP_MS3]

Originally Posted by JP Patterson I was ready to pull the trigger on the ST2 version until the dealer tried to pull a fast one on me with the cost... That may work with some younger people but at 39 and being that I run a company it wasn't even slightly slick... Great car though, fun to drive, solid interior and I know not everyone likes the look but I think they look sharp too. I'm pulling the trigger on a 2012 Speed3 this week, amazing deals right now with the 2013's hitting dealers in early November. Best of luck with the ST, should be a fun daily driver. JP

[Boosten Ya(josh)]

Ford Ecoboost Forum, Ecoboost Forum, Ford Ecoboost Performance, Ecoboost Performance, Ecoboost Mods, Ecoboost Tech, Ecoboost Owners, Ecoboost Club

This it? Haltech

[kwsmithphoto]

Originally Posted by JP Patterson I was ready to pull the trigger on the ST2 version until the dealer tried to pull a fast one on me with the cost... That may work with some younger people but at 39 and being that I run a company it wasn't even slightly slick... Great car though, fun to drive, solid interior and I know not everyone likes the look but I think they look sharp too. I'm pulling the trigger on a 2012 Speed3 this week, amazing deals right now with the 2013's hitting dealers in early November. Best of luck with the ST, should be a fun daily driver. JP

Thanks. I got it from a good dealer so there were no unusual shenanigans, just the usual ones that all dealers do when they have a car who's supply outstrips demand. They had 7 in stock on Saturday, 6 of them the icky base models, but today they only have 2. Demand like that definitely compromises one's negotiatiing position.

A 2012 Gen2 could be an amazing deal if you can find one in stock. Like, below invoice good deal.

[JP Patterson]

Originally Posted by kwsmithphoto Thanks. I got it from a good dealer so there were no unusual shenanigans, just the usual ones that all dealers do when they have a car who's supply outstrips demand. They had 7 in stock on Saturday, 6 of them the icky base models, but today they only have 2. Demand like that definitely compromises one's negotiatiing position. A 2012 Gen2 could be an amazing deal if you can find one in stock. Like, below invoice good deal.

Actually, there's a dealer 15 minutes from my office with 11 of them (them being 2012 Speed 3's) in stock right now and all local dealers have them in stock so it's not like these guys are the only ones... I should have the upper negotiating hand on this one with the 2013's set to roll in...

The ST is a fun little car and I don't even mind the base model although the Recaro seats are a pretty sweet upgrade! Plus Ford does a really nice job with their technology in the ST2 package. Enjoy!

Best, JP

[Keko]

I agree with the interior being much better than the MS3, but I can't get over how ugly the exterior of the ST is. I don't even give a shit I drive a genpu, the ST is fucking ugly in the rear and the front isn't quite as bad but I don't like it either.

I hope it's worth the price to you...

[kwsmithphoto]

I hope it's worth the price to you...

It is. Price is a number but value is subjective. Numerically I paid too much yes, but subjectively that's OK with me, the car is just that good out of the box for my needs.

If I had held onto the rental car until I ordered one exactly how I wanted it, the rental would have cost a fortune. I don't have a spare car. Hard place, meet rock.

Anyway, I have no need to explain my thinking, the deal is done, and I'm cool with the whole thing.

Took some phone camera snaps while getting my new wheels back, I'll put them up later. It's truly incredible how fuctup it got from a 20mph collision. The car hit the tree in the corner with a longitudinal load, bypassing all the structure that's designed for a straight hit into a concrete block.

A freelance automotive structural engineer was taking high tech 3d images of a severely munched Mustang, for litigation purposes. He took a break to look at my car and said ya, 20 mph was just about right since I missed all the crumple zones so the whole car just bent. There's a ripple in the roof, even.

After pulling the Motegi's and personal stuff, I got into the driver's seat one last time. It was pressed into the center console which means the platform was twisted. But at least I had some closure. It will be missed. Watching it come to me on the prongs of a forklift/tractor thing and just thumped on the ground was a real heartbreaker for sure - I detailed it super clean just 2 days before I tree'd it.

Fortunately a human is still alive because I intentionally crashed into the tree instead of killing a moron on a bicycle. It was the best of 2 bad outcomes that I made in a heartbeat.

Anyway, photos later.

[kwsmithphoto]

If you think these images look bad, check out the Mustang that was being photographed for court. I don't need to tell you what happened to the passenger...

[Lex]

Good choice KW, the ST is a nice car. You will probably see a lot of us MS3 folk in the ST community as well. Hope you weren't injured in the accident!

[kwsmithphoto]

Thanks, Lex,

Not injured badly, the steering wheel airbag did the most damage. My left hand was on the wheel and my right hand was reaching for shifter. Result: a minor wrist injury on my left wrist and a minor bruise on my right bicep. Plus my middle back is still a bit sore, but not enough to warrant medical treatment, I'll be fine.

I just think it's amazing what 20mph can do when driven into a solid object. But as you can see from the images, the car bypassed the bumper and crush zones and took the hit straight into the suspension and frame.

And ya I think you're right, if you like the Gen1 and need the basic format of a FWD hot hatch, the ST is the logical next step. It's a really good driver's car, designed for a relatively mature owner instead of a college kid. Prices should settle down soon, they're kind of absurd at the moment.

See ya on the other side I hope!

[specvspeedfreak]

good choice. I really like the ST. Haven't driven one yet but have a feeling it's a great lil car, especially the handling. Your not too far from me, maybe you can show me how it drives? lol

[MS3MYK]

Pics on said ST NOW!!!! Lmao

Sent from my EVO LTE

[kwsmithphoto]

Sure specv, look me up next week, I have a pretty light schedule then (for now).

[6262ms3]

Sorry about your speed. ST is a good choice, if I had to get a new car that's probably the direction I'd go.

[Raider]

Dude, that will buff out.

Oh, and buy it back! https://www.iaai.com/Vehicles/Vehicl...9&RowNumber=13

[JP Patterson]

Wow, those pics are ugly but to your point, at least you weren't in that Mustang, that bad boy is completely wasted. I enjoyed driving the ST, it handles well and has some nice juice through the gears and rpm bands. Ford did a good job with it. The funny thing about it is when I compare the ST and the Speed3 I realize I sort of prefer the handling of the Speed3 which apparently goes against every reviewer in the free world! I don't know, I like a little torque steer and the Focus almost feels so smooth that it lost a little road feel. But regardless, nice choice and enjoy it. Just passed someone in a new performance blue ST on the way in to the office... Nice looking car.

JP

[CWP_MS3]

Driver mod wasn't present eh?

[kwsmithphoto]

No way to part it out, unfortunately, I have no place to put it. Besides, I got a very good compensation from my ins co.

Driver mod wasn't present eh?

Fully engaged, I crashed it on purpose. Seriously, a bicycle with no lights or reflectors ran a stop sign right in front of me so it was either kill him or crash the car. I chose the latter.

[Whiteboy]

Originally Posted by kwsmithphoto No way to part it out, unfortunately, I have no place to put it. Besides, I got a very good compensation from my ins co. Fully engaged, I crashed it on purpose. Seriously, a bicycle with no lights or reflectors ran a stop sign right in front of me so it was either kill him or crash the car. I chose the latter.

I would have killed him and saved the gen1...guess I'm going to hell lol

[Dano]

sorry to hear about the loss....but nice recovery with the ST.

[kwsmithphoto]

Wow, those pics are ugly but to your point, at least you weren't in that Mustang, that bad boy is completely wasted.

If you think that Mustang looks bad, imagine what the passenger looked like. The passenger door didn't stop moving until it hit the transmission tunnel, there wasn't much of a seat to be seen. Suh-MOOSH. I could see water stains from the fire hose that was need for passenger, uh, extraction.

I would have killed him and saved the gen1...guess I'm going to hell lol

Hell? Only if you believe in it. Prison most definitely. Good thing I still have good reflexes and trusted that the Mazda was stout enough to keep ME from getting killed! The prick just took off and there were no witnesses, so for all appearances it was a loss of control accident, according to my insurance company. Even though it was a very quick and precise move on my part. I mean the dude almost rode into the side of the car but I gave him just enough room to save himself.

And then he took off because he knew the whole thing was entirely his fault. Didn't even stop to see if I was ok. Fucker.

[08cosmic3]

I plan on keeping my car one more year and purchasing something else next October.
I'll wait to see the Gen 3 before buying an ST and may purchase a 2013 Gen Pu if I can get a great price on one next October.

[IshiKage]

Goood thing youre ok, Mane. I was just hit by a Country Hearth Semi back on 9/2. been making regular visits to the Chiropractor since. Messed up my ankle, knee, lower back, neck and rotated my hip.


Another MGM Speed bites the dust

[BlackBandit]

Fuck Ford is jacking the price on the ST, but you can get hella mad deals on GT500s right now. A co-worker of mine got one out the door for 52k (CDN). It was only 4k more than a fully loaded 5.0, and only 15k more than a fully loaded ST. Really tempted to pick one up for the track.

[surebOOst]

Im starting to think Op is lying about buying a ST and actually bought a honda but isnt ready to man up yet......am I wrong????? Where the pics broski

[anavrinIV]

Originally Posted by BlackBandit and only 15k more than a fully loaded ST. Really tempted to pick one up for the track.

lol "only" 15k more than a 28k car...

[BlackBandit]

Originally Posted by anavrinIV lol "only" 15k more than a 28k car...

Canadia.... the Focus ST is 37k here.

[LTDScott]

Funny, I just bought an '08 MS3 to replace my recently totaled SVT Focus. The Focus ST was out of my price range, but I drove a Focus SE and sat in an ST just to see if I'd like it.

Sadly, I didn't. My knee hits the dash/console of the Focus in a very uncomfortable manner which I couldn't fix no matter how I tried, and my fat American hamburger of a body was too wide for the ST's Recaros. I was pretty disappointed by this, since I'm a Ford guy and I really like the new Focus otherwise.

[Lex]

Originally Posted by LTDScott Funny, I just bought an '08 MS3 to replace my recently totaled SVT Focus. The Focus ST was out of my price range, but I drove a Focus SE and sat in an ST just to see if I'd like it. Sadly, I didn't. My knee hits the dash/console of the Focus in a very uncomfortable manner which I couldn't fix no matter how I tried, and my fat American hamburger of a body was too wide for the ST's Recaros. I was pretty disappointed by this, since I'm a Ford guy and I really like the new Focus otherwise.

Don't worry, lots of Fomoco stamps on your MS3's parts. You'll enjoy it I'm sure.

[Mazdanspeed3]

any way you can pull that good drivers side headlight and sell her to me? lol

[kwsmithphoto]

Originally Posted by surebOOst Im starting to think Op is lying about buying a ST and actually bought a honda but isnt ready to man up yet......am I wrong????? Where the pics broski

Why would I take pictures of it? It looks exactly like any other black Focus ST!

I'll try and go somewhere scenic and get some nice shots of it eventually.

Oh by the way, if anyone doesn't like the stupid sound boob tube thing on the Focus, it's easy to get rid of. Check here: disable or remove "sound tube" - EcoBoost Forums - Number One Ecoboost Enthusiast Tech Site!