[chilipepper]

I will be buying a car in the next few weeks. The three possibilities are a 2013 Focus ST, a 2014 Fiesta ST, and a used BMW Z4.
I had not even considered a used car when I was narrowing down the possibilities a couple months ago, but here I am weighing the pros and cons.
One being "age appropriate".


I read a tweet a couple days ago that said, "Here is a list of the 5 most creepy things"

1. Slugs
2. Spiders
3. Ghosts
4. Ghost spiders
5. Anyone over 35 years old wearing Abercrombie

It got me to thinking. My 16 year old daughter makes fun of me because I own and wear an American Eagle T-shirt. She asks me if I am trying to look young. I say no, its just a shirt.
But obviously, other people think the same way, judging by the tweet. An unwritten rule?
I am 47 years old but I actually look older than that. Given the fact that I tend to keep cars 8-10 years, that means I will be driving the FiST when I am approaching 60.
Would that make the list of 5 most creepy things? Is it too "boy racer" for an older driver. Would I be viewed as trying to look young?

 

[NickJ]

I think it depends on how you drive it, and what color you get.

If you drive like you are 20, then it will be too boy racer. Somehow, you can still drive that way as long as you are in something that has an "M," "AMG," or "S" badge on it. Somehow it is okay if you drive German metal like an adolescent. I don't make the rules.

If you get a normal color, then you will be solid. If you get Green Envy, Race Red, or Molten Orange, you make the list.

On the other hand, who cares what people think? Are you buying the car for them, or for yourself? I would think that you need to buy something that you are excited to put the key into every single day. After all, you at 47 years old. You deserve it. You have paid your dues.

 

[chilipepper]

Well, I'm going to drive it like it was designed to be driven. I just got a speeding ticket about a month ago. First one in 30 years, which is amazing because I never drive the speed limit. I'm not sure which one of my options would be more stealth.
I think if were to be pulled over in the BMW, I would not get the benefit of the doubt from the officer. That is one of the cons. Would I get the benefit of the doubt in the FiST? I don't know.

Interesting take on the color choices. I would not get it in green because, well, its green. But orange or red would probably my top choices.

So with my color preferences and hooning around, it looks like I might make that list.

 

[STdan]

I'm 34 and a current Focus ST owner. The thing I like most about the car is it reminds me of the 90s with all the 4 cylinder turbo cars. It's a blast to drive. I don't really care what people think My previous car was Lexus ISF. It was very nice and much faster, but just didn't have the fun factor the ST has.

 

[lausman]

the majority of Focus ST owners are over 50.....so don't worry about your age or what other people think.......have fun!

 

[NickJ]

I agree with the guys on this one...

A. You are buying the car for you, not everyone else. If you are that concerned, tint the windows. Problem solved.

B. Color is a matter of taste. The Green is a juvenile color in my book. The orange is a "look at me color," so you wouldn't get into a collision, but you would get looks. In a quick car, any red, short of maroon, should be named "Arrest Me Red." Cops LOVE red cars. Years ago I heard that a red car is more to insure as well... Truth, i don't know, but it is not something that is purely made up.

 

[DAC17]

I'm 59 and have a Tangerine Scream Focus ST. Looks good every day I get in it. And I think it makes me look younger!

 

[Apbowler]

You'll be driving by them too fast to hear, or care what they have to say! Don't let other people stop you from doing what you want.

 

[WoRkZ]

If I bought a Fiesta ST, I'd either get a green or orange one for sure! I'm 43 BTW... but some things never change: I couldn't care less about what others think of me! LOL Especially when it comes to cars! I'm not about to shell out 30Ks on something other people will have chosen for me. Anyway, if you care about those things and want to blend in, get a beige Corolla. Those are all the rage in accounting circles...

 

[chilipepper]

Okay, after looking at this forum, the Focus ST forum and a FIAT Abarth forum, it seems that there is surprising percentage of people over 40 buying hot hatches.

So now I won't feel out of place.

Now, about that American eagle T shirt...................................... LOL

 

[alphafist]

Okay, after looking at this forum, the Focus ST forum and a FIAT Abarth forum, it seems that there is surprising percentage of people over 40 buying hot hatches.

So now I won't feel out of place.

Now, about that American eagle T shirt...................................... LOL

Haha... I think its pretty cool when I see someone older driving a "sportier" car. To me, it shows you're still loving life and having fun!

 

[lausman]

Saw 2 Focus ST's over the weekend......both drivers had grey hair and were definitely over 60 !!!!!

 

[NickJ]

That is awesome! Just because you are getting older does not mean that your right foot isn't getting any lighter!

 

[chilipepper]

I was finally able to test drive a FiST today.

Pros:
Fantastic engine, very torquey. It pulled very strong from 2000 rpm, no matter what the gear.
Great handling,
Lots of headroom in the front seats, even with the sunroof. I'm 6'-2"
MFT, surprisingly. The salesman said it is a big improvement from the unit on the FoST. Only time will tell though to see if it has any quirks.
Good visibility, better than the Focus.

Cons:
Extremely harsh ride. Not suited for PA's frost heaved roads.
Sound symposer, it was either on or off, no gradual build of sound.
Rear seat headroom sucks, but not that important. I won't be sitting back there.
Base seats are barely adequate.


I will be buying a car in the next two weeks. The problem with buying the FiST is paying sticker for it. Maybe a couple hundred dollars off vs some HEAVILY discounted 2013 cars. As in the FIAT Abarth @ 19k and VW GTI @ 22k.
If the FIAT and FiST are the same price..... its a no brainer, FiST all the way.
If the FiST and the GTI are the same price...... no brainer, GTI.

 

[chilipepper]

Oh, and I don't think the FiST would come off as too boy racer for someone my age.

 

[WoRkZ]

Since you're interested in the image projected, I've always thought of the GTI as being the car for people who would like to drive a sporty car... but finally settled for a Golf instead because it's the more reasonable thing to do. It has no edge styling wise (same freakin' design for ages!), nothing special in the dynamics department either (it does everything adequately... and nothing impressively). The only special thing they found was to put ugly a$s tartan fabric on the seats. WTF VW!? Since VW makes the cheapest cars of any German brand, I don't understand why people actually go out and buy it. Then again, if you can actually get one for WAAAAY LESS than sticker, you've got yourself a roomier and more comfortable car than either the Fiesta ST or the Abarth. They are just not the same kind of cars. If you're leaning towards an bland car, go with the Golf for sure. In that price range, I'd shop for a base Focus ST though. It's much more comfortable and roomier than the Abarth or Fiesta ST... and you'd stand out from the crowd a bit. Plus the dynamics are extremely good for a car that size at that price. Some 2013 are still sitting on the lot somewhere as we speak... so there are good deals to be made I'm sure.

 

[chilipepper]

Its all about priorities and perceived value. I can't go wrong no matter which car I choose.

It is a glorious time to be a car enthusiast with all the fantastic choices available to me.

 

[WoRkZ]

You're quite right my friend. I was just commenting to guys at work this week about how I think this is such a good time to be a car enthusiast! You can find decent, sporty cars at almost any price point these days.

 

[Pppjr63]

I just turned (50) in August, and currently drive an '03 350Z for fun, and on track at Nelson Ledges and Mid Ohio. I am strongly considering the FiST (black, black wheels, recaro package, no sunroof) thinking it will be stealth enough to fly under the radar. I drove the Focus ST (I work with a guy who just bought one - he is 57 and also drives road course), but it felt large to me. The FiST looks to be just right ... I like to feel like I am wearing my car. Bottom line is, buy what you like, and enjoy !

 

[ST_Rocky]

I just turned (50) in August, and currently drive an '03 350Z for fun, and on track at Nelson Ledges and Mid Ohio. I am strongly considering the FiST (black, black wheels, recaro package, no sunroof) thinking it will be stealth enough to fly under the radar. I drove the Focus ST (I work with a guy who just bought one - he is 57 and also drives road course), but it felt large to me. The FiST looks to be just right ... I like to feel like I am wearing my car. Bottom line is, buy what you like, and enjoy !

LOL, I'm 58! I traded an 08 R32 in for this FiSt, and am quite impressed with it. Sure, could've gotten a GTI, but since I had an 07 GTI (bought late 06), then the R, I've been driving the same body style, sitting in the same seats, and staring at the same dash for far too long. I needed a change. Had STi and WRX before the GTI. Anyone from CAL Club SCCA would know me as Rocky. Been racing since 1974

Oh, and some years back, before the Subes, I owned and raced a BMW Z3 Coupe. Fun car, and do miss it! Love the body style of the newer Z4 Coupes, but hate the interior.