To FiST or not to FiST, that is the question.

My daily driver and occasional autocrosser MSM is getting up there in mileage at 125k.  I've kept up with the maintenance, but it's starting to need additional things such as the diff mounts, power steering hoses, and suspension bushings.  There have been a few modifications as well.  It's fine for street use, but isn't the most comfy car for longer trips.

Looking ahead, I've been considering what cars will be like in a few years and what I want to drive.  On my list is the Focus RS, Golf R, and possibly a BRZ.  No ND Miata because I already have a TR6 and am tired of a convertible as a daily.  I've been a big fan of the Fiesta ST since it's just such a fun car to drive (although a bit heavy compared to the Mazda 2).  I had written it off with Ford not bringing the new model to the US.

Doing a search last week led me to consider picking up one of the Fiesta STs remaining in stock.  Prices are way down.  If I'm willing to take a nav system, there's even one in the right colors (for me) with Recaros locally.  So here's my plan.  Buy the Fiesta and keep the MSM as a fun/autocross car.  Overall, this is same or less money than the Focus/Golf/BRZ, and I can mod the MSM to be even faster without compromise, possibly as a BSP car.  The Fiesta will be a fun, economical daily driver.

Am I wrong?

How much are you looking to spend? The fiesta sts are great little cars but IMO the focus st  is probably easier to deal with daily and can be had for not much more after rebates. Of course we do have an RS that has been sitting on the lot for several months that could be had fairly cheap

You're not wrong.  A FiST is a good time.

During my mental flailing over selling my Miata (which you bunch of enablers turned into a supercharger engine build somehow) I too considered the FiST. It's reasonably priced, reasonably practical, a real firecracker of a car and competitively classed by the SCCA.

MazdaFace said:

How much are you looking to spend? The fiesta sts are great little cars but IMO the focus st  is probably easier to deal with daily and can be had for not much more after rebates. Of course we do have an RS that has been sitting on the lot for several months that could be had fairly cheap

I can afford the Golf R/Focus RS, but hate spending that much on a car.  I'd love to have a Jag F-type or Cayman, but that's definitely too much.  The thing is, I prefer small cars.  I know the Focus ST is faster and is probably a better daily driver, but to me, the Fiesta is more fun.

NickD said:

During my mental flailing over selling my Miata (which you bunch of enablers turned into a supercharger engine build somehow) I too considered the FiST. It's reasonably priced, reasonably practical, a real firecracker of a car and competitively classed by the SCCA.

Yeah, seeing that thread is what got me thinking about this.  So thanks.

Here's another consideration.  Last week, I came within inches of being rear ended and T-boned in two separate incidents, neither of which would be fun in a Miata.  The Fiesta does OK in crash tests, but is a small car.  At least the Fiesta has modern crash structure and more air bags.

St focus can be had for just over 24k. Focus rs on my lot is currently going for 38k. 24k for something as practical/capable as a focus st isn’t bad IMO. 

Early Cayman S's can be had for low $20k's.  I'd much rather have one of those vs a hot hatch, if I didn't need the space the hot hatch has. 

In reply to docwyte :

If it came down to just driving, a 2009-2011 Cayman S would be my first choice.  While I appreciate where the engine is located, it does cramp the cargo space a bit.  I also want to avoid an older car with more expensive consumables.  Another consideration is my TR6 project that I hope to spend my wrenching hours on for the next year or two.