THE LARGEST BMW 2-SERIES FORUM ON THE PLANET
2Addicts
2Addicts
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum BIMMERPOST Universal Forums General Automotive (non-BMW) Talk + Photos/Videos Most fun daily driver - Civic Si, Focus ST, Fiesta ST?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-19-2019, 11:09 AM   #1
wjones14
Captain
wjones14's Avatar
640
Rep
878
Posts

Drives: 2021 M2C
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Niantic CT

iTrader: (0)

Most fun daily driver - Civic Si, Focus ST, Fiesta ST?

I cross-posted this in the Camaro forums, but looking for more opinions here.

I'm thinking about selling my 2003 Mini Cooper daily driver and getting a newer daily driver. I want it to be economical, decent in snow, have fairly new tech, and be fun year round. My budget is $12,000 to $14,000.

I like my Mini because it's so easy to drive and park, and has the super-quick steering and decent handling. Plus, it's small size makes it seem like it's going faster than it is. It's fun. I don't want another Mini however, because of the thousands I have had to put into mine in the past few years.

I'm thinking about a 2013-14 Honda Civic Si, a 2015-16 Fiesta ST, or a 2014-15 Focus ST. I test drove a 2018 Fiesta ST last year and liked it a lot. Never drove a Civic Si or Focus ST.

The Honda appeals to me mostly because of the reputation for reliability. I'm wondering if it might be somewhat boring though? The Fiesta ST and Focus ST appeal to me because they seem fun, punchy, and reasonable to maintain.

Looking for opinions on these cars.
__________________
Vehicles: 2021 Alpine White M2C 6MT; 2011 Kawasaki Z1000 (1/4 mile 10.3 seconds @ 129 mph - stock)
Previous: 2018 Camaro 2SS 1LE 6MT; 2015 BMW M235i 6MT; 2015 Mini Cooper F56 6MT; 2005 Mustang GT 5MT; 2003 Mini Cooper R50 5MT
Appreciate 0
      01-19-2019, 11:17 AM   #2
WreckerX5d
Warrant Officer
WreckerX5d's Avatar
United_States
375
Rep
1,341
Posts

Drives: Deezul
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (4)

I've driven my friends Focus ST a few times and it was decently fun. It didn't struggle to drive normally in traffic and had enough power to pass people on the highway without planning ahead. Cornering is pretty good for a FWD hatch. His is a manual. I think he gets mid 20s in MPG average, but he also drives a bit fast everywhere.

I can't compare it to a Civic or Fiesta since I never driven them, but I assume the Fiesta would be lame and I just don't like Civics.
__________________
Deleted, ATM I/C and tuned by B.R.R.
Appreciate 0
      01-19-2019, 11:39 AM   #3
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4462
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

The Fiesta ST is more fun than the Focus ST, and closer in size to your Mini. I think the Civic and Focus would seem too big to you. Go with the Fiesta ST.
Appreciate 1
jmg18493.00
      01-19-2019, 12:35 PM   #4
RM7
Brigadier General
RM7's Avatar
2870
Rep
3,445
Posts

Drives: Camaro SS 1LE
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alaska

iTrader: (0)

Focus ST, hatch design is super nice/practical. Fiesta is cramped IME, wouldn't want to daily drive it.
__________________
Current: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE, 2023 Colorado ZR2. Former: BMW 428i Gran Coupe.
Appreciate 0
      01-19-2019, 01:03 PM   #5
Cerberus
Private First Class
51
Rep
147
Posts

Drives: econobox
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: NC

iTrader: (2)

The Fiesta ST is great choice!

I've put almost 40k on mine and haven't had a single problem with the exception of the blend door actuator. Much more fun to drive than Cooper S. Get the Recaros unless you are heavy. Ride is a little stiff, but it's a minor trade off in my opinion

It's the most fun to drive car i have and I have some decent ones.
Appreciate 0
      01-19-2019, 01:07 PM   #6
pikkagtr
Go Spurs Go
pikkagtr's Avatar
United_States
3847
Rep
2,867
Posts

Drives: 2022 GR Zupra
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (-1)

Low mileage S2000 can be had for around 14k
Look for an 02-03 with the glass rear window and the AP1 is a lot more fun to drive than the AP2
28mpg is no joke when you rip to 9000 rpm every gear
Appreciate 2
clee1982796.00
      01-19-2019, 01:09 PM   #7
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4462
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by pikkagtr View Post
Low mileage S2000 can be had for around 14k
Look for an 02-03 with the glass rear window and the AP1 is a lot more fun to drive than the AP2
28mpg is no joke when you rip to 9000 rpm every gear
Modern tech and good in snow? An Ariel Atom might be an alternative.
Appreciate 3
Soterios575.00
Nkc1600.50
W///7435.50
      01-19-2019, 01:28 PM   #8
pikkagtr
Go Spurs Go
pikkagtr's Avatar
United_States
3847
Rep
2,867
Posts

Drives: 2022 GR Zupra
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Bread View Post
Modern tech and good in snow? An Ariel Atom might be an alternative.
Hey if there's a will .....😁😁😁
Snow tires it'll work
I've driven to Tahoe before
Appreciate 0
      01-19-2019, 04:50 PM   #9
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4462
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by pikkagtr View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Bread View Post
Modern tech and good in snow? An Ariel Atom might be an alternative.
Hey if there's a will .....😁😁😁
Snow tires it'll work
I've driven to Tahoe before
Ha, I've used a Miata and an M Coupe as ski cars, but I might not recommend either to someone looking for a hot hatch.

I would however recommend my current Mk7 GTI. Pre 18's took a huge hit when VW doubled their warranty on 18's. Ask me how I know.
Appreciate 0
      01-22-2019, 07:40 AM   #10
overlook637
Lieutenant
245
Rep
466
Posts

Drives: M4
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Test drive a i3. Absolute blast to drive. Super easy to park. Instant torque makes it super quick off the line. Perfect 50/50 balance. Rear engine and rear wheel drive should be ok in snow with proper tires.
Appreciate 0
      01-22-2019, 09:19 AM   #11
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4462
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by overlook637 View Post
Test drive a i3. Absolute blast to drive. Super easy to park. Instant torque makes it super quick off the line. Perfect 50/50 balance. Rear engine and rear wheel drive should be ok in snow with proper tires.
Agreed. Drove the first one and enjoyed it, but range was stupid. It's a little better now and used i3's are nearly free.

Also surprised by the room inside. Fit our kid seat easily. If the rear windows went down (a requirement for our dog), we'd likely have one.
Appreciate 0
      01-22-2019, 03:09 PM   #12
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18493
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by overlook637 View Post
Test drive a i3. Absolute blast to drive. Super easy to park. Instant torque makes it super quick off the line. Perfect 50/50 balance. Rear engine and rear wheel drive should be ok in snow with proper tires.
I'm on my second i3 and I agree. It's such a good daily driver and the 2017+ finally has a decent range. I think it says something about the i3 that so many M3/M4 drivers have an i3 as dailies.

That being said I really like the Fiesta ST. I don't own one, but I actually know another i3 owner who has a FiST, as they are called. I've driven it and it's just a really fun car. I like small commuters as long as they are comfortable enough, and I find the i3 and the FiST to be adequate.
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 0
      03-26-2019, 08:22 AM   #13
TSM330i
2006 330i, TSM, Black, manual, sport
TSM330i's Avatar
United_States
874
Rep
3,699
Posts

Drives: '17 C2, GTI, Z4 3.0si Racecar
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Chester Springs, PA

iTrader: (2)

OP: Does it matter to you that Ford is not going to be selling these cars in the US anymore and hence the value will drop like a rock?

Alternative to look into would be a Mk7 GTI. I believe you may be able to start to find them in your price range.

Fiesta ST would be my first choice of the three you have listed. Civic Si would be second and third would be Focus ST. I've heard of torque steer issues with the Focus ST.
__________________
2017 Porsche C2 - manual of course
2015 GTI S
2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe - because racecar
Appreciate 0
      03-26-2019, 08:57 AM   #14
Alfisti
Brigadier General
6453
Rep
3,009
Posts

Drives: 2008 Saab 9-3 Combi
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Toronto, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Never driven any of them but every review i have read talks about super harsh ride on the ST's.

I'd go Civic all the way, will likely have less issues and hold value better too.
Appreciate 0
      03-26-2019, 09:04 AM   #15
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18493
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by TSM330i View Post
OP: Does it matter to you that Ford is not going to be selling these cars in the US anymore and hence the value will drop like a rock?

Alternative to look into would be a Mk7 GTI. I believe you may be able to start to find them in your price range.

Fiesta ST would be my first choice of the three you have listed. Civic Si would be second and third would be Focus ST. I've heard of torque steer issues with the Focus ST.
I don't think the value will drop any more than normal. If anything they should be slightly better since there is no new MY to replace and improve upon it.
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 0
      03-26-2019, 02:16 PM   #16
See5
BMW Fan
See5's Avatar
United_States
449
Rep
725
Posts

Drives: Nothing
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Atlanta

iTrader: (0)

For pure fun, I'd go with the Fiesta tbh.
Appreciate 0
      03-26-2019, 02:34 PM   #17
bucketfoot
Captain
bucketfoot's Avatar
United_States
1056
Rep
819
Posts

Drives: 2020 Toyota GT86
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Centennial, CO

iTrader: (0)

Since they should all be fun, I'd go with the Honda as it is the only one I would buy used.
__________________
This post sent using 100% recycled electrons.
Appreciate 0
      03-26-2019, 02:41 PM   #18
SunnyD
Major
SunnyD's Avatar
United_States
452
Rep
1,287
Posts

Drives: M4 GTS
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA

iTrader: (0)

Had a FiST and it was super fun. Only sold it because I no longer drive to work. FoST has more power but way more noticeable torque steer and also feels much heavier. The FiST feels like a go kart, the FoST feels like a sporty hatchback.
__________________
'16 ///M4 GTS
'11.75 ///E90 M3 ZCP | DCT
'06 ///M5 | SMG - Gone
'98 ///M3 | 5MT - Gone
'07 ///M Coupe | 6MT - Gone
Appreciate 0
      03-26-2019, 02:42 PM   #19
Uber Commuter
Lieutenant
Uber Commuter's Avatar
722
Rep
474
Posts

Drives: 2014 328D xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Maryland

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Golf GTI 6M.

More fun to drive than any of those, and still has a quality interior you can be comfortable in when you are stuck in traffic etc.
Appreciate 0
      03-26-2019, 03:02 PM   #20
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4462
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Owning a GTI and having driven the Fiesta ST, there's no way you could say the GTI is more fun. More civilized, more capable and faster, yes. But not more fun. The GTI is approaching being too polished. The Fiesta is a lot more entertaining.

It isn't nearly as civilized, it's a little small for 6'2" me and my four year old, and the interior is nothing to write home about, but they're still fun and it's a shame Ford won't bring the new one here.
Appreciate 0
      03-26-2019, 03:05 PM   #21
Uber Commuter
Lieutenant
Uber Commuter's Avatar
722
Rep
474
Posts

Drives: 2014 328D xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Maryland

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Bread View Post
Owning a GTI and having driven the Fiesta ST, there's no way you could say the GTI is more fun. More civilized, more capable and faster, yes. But not more fun. The GTI is approaching being too polished. The Fiesta is a lot more entertaining.

It isn't nearly as civilized, it's a little small for 6'2" me and my four year old, and the interior is nothing to write home about, but they're still fun and it's a shame Ford won't bring the new one here.
I've driven all 4; GTI, SI, and both STs. The only one I would ever own is the GTI; and I found it to be easily the most fun to drive.

To each their own
Appreciate 2
Red Bread4462.00
      03-26-2019, 03:21 PM   #22
angelr
Lieutenant
188
Rep
515
Posts

Drives: 07 aw/ir m coupe, 2013 S4
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Cedarpines park, Ca

iTrader: (1)

Out of that group I'd say the fiesta hands down. But if fun isn't the top criteria than I'd look at GTI's as suggested. Much better car overall to live with daily but not as fun or tossable as the fiesta.
Appreciate 1
Red Bread4462.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:28 PM.




2addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST