Mazdaspeed3 vs. Focus ST vs. GTI
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2021
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Now you gotta own an Golf R, Sti hatch, and focus RS !
Awd hatches are the most fun you can have while having the most practicality, especially where you live in a state that gets a lot of snow.
Also civic type r
Please RS or TYPE R
Definitely an si
Mazdaspeed 3 gen 2
Focus ST, bolt ons, motor mount, intercooler, E30 tune. It’s a blast, favorite daily driver I’ve ever had.
What year?
@@Louie_sm it’s a 2014
Love my focus st too
I bought a 2014 FOCUS ST3 brand new and had it for 6 years. Fun to drive and fast. Seating was a bit tight.
I now have a 2021 GTI and I definitely miss my ST. I drive 140 miles round trip to work everyday and I must say the GTI is definitely a better highway cruiser.
Mazda speed 3’s are underrated asf trust me I have one and they are a blast!
Exactly super slept on love mine!
☝🏿💯
Same! Love mine for sure
I actually enjoy that about them I own a 2007 speed 3 and where I live gti's and st's are everywhere but I rarely see speed 3's and even rarer see gen 1's
@@hntze Yep! Tons of wrx’s around where I live but they never want to line up 🥱
This channel is playing a big role in why I bought a stock 2012 Speed3. Thanks for all your work dude. Already figured out my first set of mods thanks to this channel!
Just don’t foget your High Pressure Fuel Pump Internals!
MAKE SURE TO UPGRADE HPFP!
@@daveswietlik6291😂
Bought my Mk7 gti last year. Stage 2 tuned unitronic and absolutely love it. I've have zero issues and still have future plans for it. It fits my driving style perfectly because there's days I wanna go fast and days I wanna cruise. Definitely alot of car for your money
Bought a mk7 earlier in the year and even just going from stock to an intake + stg 1 is an insane difference. love being able to get 40mpg or rip it down backroads and hear all those good turbo sounds. Between that and the upscale interior on the SE trim, I really couldn't see myself buying a better car for the money.
I passed on the SE due to the sunroof that is prone to leaking and I'm old school and a GTI isn't a GTI without the plaid seats😎
So I went for the lightest and quickest GTI an S with DSG. I do like the SE's LED headlights but other than that? The S is the best bang for the buck out there👍
@@eppyz agreed. just bought an S and upgraded headlights and it is perfect
@@colewilmoth246 where did you get the headlights from? Everyone seems to be out of stock? Did you go LED or HID? They do seem like a bear to install but would like to do them one day👍
How are you getting 40mpg?
40mpgs?
I’ve driven all 3 before my choice and I decided to buy a 2014 Focus ST 2 weeks ago and I will never look back. I love the Mazdaspeed 3 but the torque steer until 4 gear was unsettling for me. The st out of the three was the best choice for me. I also watch your videos on the mods and I’m planning to tackle it myself for the first time. Thank you for the education!
Hell yeah…… I also own a 2014 ford focus st and F’cking love this car
I have a gen 2 MS3, you ain’t lying about the torque steer😂
@@buttahmachine2141 yeah the torque steer is insane. You put your foot into it, the steering wheel yanks over hard to the right lmao. Regardless speed 3’s are my favorite, I just couldn’t find one in good condition :(
I've been keeping up with this channel for a long time now, and it's awesome seeing how many people have made big decisions because this channel has helped so much. I am one of those people and recently picked up a Focus ST3 with the carbon and I absolutely love it. It was stock when I bought it, so I have referenced so many videos from this channel to help me with my build. Can't wait to see where the website and channel goes from here!
I own a (later)Mk7 manual GTI. I’ve wanted one for years, and love it. I can tell you that if you take good care of these cars they are super reliable. The later model mk7’s have most of the “common” problems fixed from the factory, (water pump, timing chain tensioner, clutch etc).
If you want a very nice, super quick, and easy to work on car, you cannot go wrong with the Mk7 GTI.
Did you have to upgrade clutch after tune? Asking for a friend
@@alejandropacheco3839 from what I’ve been told from people with manual Golfs, usually after a tune you’d want to upgrade the clutch, cause the stock clutch won’t be able to handle the power the tune gives to the engine, and the stock clutch will slip.
That's so true I just turned 19 and as a birthday present to myself. I ended up getting a manual mk7. And I already took my first road trip. Absolutely love the car.
what year is ur GTI? 2018?
@@blanquitoo1192 2015
Love my ST, recently got tuned and can’t wait to get my new wheels for more grip. Bought it new and has been issue free for 4 years and counting.
I got my ST a year ago after watching your build and I love it! Still rocking your tire valve caps and no ones stolen them yet. My stock ones got swiped.
Same here man! Couldn’t be happier being an ST3 owner
Me too bro this man made want it, it’s a blast for being a first car sucks I got a st1 hella regret that but I love how it drives
@@nadderalkhersam5613 ST1 here too bro but it fit my budget and it is the same dang car. Regardless, I'm at 92887 on the ODO and I'm loving it. Bought it new.
@@nadderalkhersam5613 I got an ST1 too and I have no regrets
I love my Focus ST, found your channel shortly after you bought yours and I love following all three cars!
Personally I have a 2013 Mazdaspeed3, this thing is a blast! First mod I did by myself was the Catless downpipe with stock resonator and muffler. This thing purs without being annoying to me or others on the road. Its definitely a head turner when you are driving down the road. They are also the most rare to see on the road out of these 3 on the list. There is a lot of customization options/tunes for it. It definitely feels more personal to own then any other ones, very unique and fun. I have mine tuned right now, with a Catless DP, CAI, and a turbo inlet, and I am able to keep up with 5.0 Mustangs, and SS camaros. Got mine for $10k, and is a blast for the money.
same man I bought a 2012 speed 3 for 10k and its a blast for sure I wanna get a catless dp what one you recommend for cheap?
@@ZachW0127 i found one on ebay for $139. installed and works perfectly.
@@connercox5696 sounds good I’ve heard eBay is the place and that they work I just haven’t seen a brand that doesn’t look super sketch bc my corksport high flow one blasted apart a while ago
You keep up with mustang GT’s and Camaro SS on stock turbo? Do you have any proof? I have a full bolt on speed3 myself.
@@tylerFC1 i dont have any proof because i dont record, but yes i can
I have a focus st I got in in January this year which I was originally looking at because I was having a lot of fun working on my friends one and then I actually found your UA-cam channel while doing my research and you helped cement my decision and I haven't had a single regret
I got a 2017 Focus ST because of this channel! Love it so far. Super fun and as a beginner I can work on it easily enough. Have had no major issues in the first couple thousand miles. Also lots of support on the forums and plenty of ways you can customize it which is cool so every ST is different and unique. Super excited to keep working on this car and super glad I found this channel as a resource!
So is it still good ? Coz I wanna get one either a 2017 or 2018
How’s it holding up
I drove a speed3 for 14 years it had just under 250k miles. I became a dad and didn't want my kid riding around in a tin can. I will be buying an other one in a couple of years. The only thing I had to fix was the serpentine belt twice but other than that regular maintenance. In my opinion I say leave the engine alone and mess with the suspension and cut weight where it's possible.
I bought a focus st shortly after watching your series on it, and it's honestly been one of my favorite hatchbacks since my '03 XRS Matrix
Hey I had 2005 corolla xrs , things are so fun
Same bro. Cameron got me into buying a focus st too!
Love my black '17 ST3. Installed a boomba BOV and removed the top cover of my intake and I'm loving the sound! Got these ideas from this channel. Great vids!!
I own a 2017 focus st and I learned manual on it and it’s been a blast and look forward to doing some performance modifications. This channel was an inspiration for buying this car and definitely getting the st jet tag.
I recently picked up a 2018 GTI S, manual, non-pp. Completely stock, for now. I am still unsure if it’s a better commuter than my Civic Si was, but I love the car so far and love the versatility of a hatchback. I got my GTI jet tag in the mail today, thank you!
I would love to see more mazdaspeed 3 content in the future! Your videos helped me learn a lot about that platform!
Scroll back to his early videos. Whenever he started this channel it’s what all his videos were on.
I found your channel when you still had the speed3. I was looking for a new car and ultimately your videos convinced me to get the speed3. I’ve had it for 4 years and have absolutely zero regrets. Kept watching your videos after you sold it cuz your content is top quality.
Any reliability issues? I just got my 2010 with 56k miles. Had it for about 4 months now.
@@tylerFC1 none at all. I had to replace the clutch at 70k miles but that was because my noob ass was dumping the clutch a lot. There is also a vvt issue that there was a recall for so I would say make sure the previous owner got that taken care of.
@sergio7470 how much was the new clutch
I definitely plan on getting an ST for my next car. I've heard nothing but good things about them. Good reliability, the interior is put together really well, it's a good looking car, the six speed is the easiest to drive, and there's a good selection of aftermarket parts. Kinda hoping to see another ST on the channel in the future.
I’ve had mine stock for 3 years (besides exhaust and BOV) and I still love it. Never had an issues. Do oil changes early and all preventative maintenance and you will not look back! I promise !
Ive had mine from 47k miles to now 75k miles, so right around 30k. Stage 3, FBO, stock turbo on E30. Oil changed every 5k(synthetic motorcraft or amsoil only), spark plugs every 20k, and a clutch at 69k because my buddy roasted the original one. Never had any issues except the upper O2 sensor went bad at 65k, no biggy since I was already catless. For $10k, I’m in love with this car and I’m gonna keep it around until I can afford a mustang for sure. Best sporty/fun daily you can buy under $20k for sure
@@Mapster2001 They aren't 10k anymore lol. Closer to 20k.
@@final3119 you can still find them for 15k all day long. Check Facebook. I see them all the time. Still, the best sporty daily under $20k still applies
@@Mapster2001 With 5 owners and 100k miles for a < 2015 model with the st1 package. There is only one 2016 with a single owner and no accidents for 15k in the nation on cargurus.
One thing I will never do again is buy a car with 3+ different owners on a commonly modified beat on car.
Used enthusiast Car prices are way too fucked to be considering these. These prices were about 30-40% less before the pandemic. You could get 2018 RS’s for 30k before. Now they are all 40k plus. Unless you need a car, don’t bother. Sit it out on a junker for 1-2 years.
For 15k you are going to be sacrificing a lot in mileage, year, and possible damage already done with questionable service history.
Had an st and was so damn fun and loved it, finally was able to get an rs and it’s just another level. “Light on its feet” was the best way to describe the st for sure.
I got a 2015 ST3 with 31K on it back in December of 15. It's still bone stock and now has 144K on it. Still running strong with zero issues. I change the oil and rotate the tires ever 5K and run Mobile 1 full synthetic. I have a new FMIC, CAI, and Cobb Access Port for it but haven't taken the time to put them on and get a tune. This car is fun to drive in the twisties in the mountains and will surprise you at how quick it is. There has been no real loss of power at nearly 150K on it. I'd like to get an LSD, exhaust, WMI, and better oil cooler and then tackle the down time that will be required to bolt it all together. For now, it's still me daily driver... Who knows, by the time I collect all the parts I want and get around to it I may have to rebuild the engine. I've thought about picking up a salvage engine and reworking it while driving the ST and then slipping it in the car to minimize down time. One thing is for sure. It's a hoot to drive on any surface... highway, mountains, or just around town.
And then there's the RS... I'm sure the hookup on an AWD with 350hp factory would be insane!
Nice channel! I'm glad I ran up on it. Subscribed and will be checking out your website too.
I just bought a 2017 gti I few months ago and its fun to drive on a good windy road but is kinda a slug in the straights but on my way to stage 2 your channel has helped me so much with know what to do and what I need to get 🙏
Oh lord you’re a life saver. I’m in my senior year in highschool and want to learn manual, and have fun of course. But, i’ve been looking into all 3 of these cars(also a wrx). Thank you for this video!
I actually bought my 17’ focus st back in January because of you. It’s a blast to drive
I bought my 2017 focus ST1 three weeks ago and I absolutely love it. Perfect combination of practicality, comfort, fun, and looks for me 👌
I bought one of the very early MS3's in Oct 2006. Other than a timing chain at 160,000 miles, it was bulletproof reliable for 325,000 miles. Even tracked it some. Used a lot of tires! Replaced it with an ST and love that too. Handles a little better and burns regular gas just fine.
Yeah, that Ford "interior feel" is what most of us call "cheap"
seconded for sure, its better in the ST than most Fords but still
The current generation ST I think are actually pretty nice inside. The i30n gets rated so highly… for Some reason, but I felt the i30n had a super cheap crappy feeling compared to the current ST
If recaros and Sony touch screens are cheap lol I guess the same could be said for the GTI, they only have 200hp from.the factory, it seems a bit cheap as well, should put out more power for the price.
@@robreeto 210 - 228 is what Mk7's are published to make, depending on the year you get and in some years depending on the trim level. The key is they usually do that number at the wheels. Obviously, they've never been about having the most power. Best all around'er, like the man said.
@@JacobFrey Furthermore, Volkswagen is pretty widely known to underrate their power figures.
Oftentimes, their power figures that you'd figure were measured at the flywheel, are actually much closer to wheel horsepower figures.
I just realized I tagged the wrong person in this...
Yeah man I loved your ST series. I bought a 16’ Focus ST3 almost a year ago and have done a good amount mods and watched your vids for every installation! But yeah I love my ST!
2016 ST3 owner here, absolutely love it. The interior is amazing and definitely a step up from the ST1 (even though it weighs more now). I'm e30 FBO (except for a downpipe) and the car is a ripper.
I have a Focus ST. I primarily bought it because I've been a Ford guy most of my life. I considered the speed3 but when I bought my ST (2018), they weren't making them anymore and I wanted something new. I also bought the ST because I wanted something that could be fun, but still practical with kids and get decent mileage.
How fast, rugged/reliable & fuel efficient is the Focus ST. Hopefully better than GTI & it's half-cousin the SEAT Leon FR & León CUPRA
I’ve owned 2 STs and have had 0 issues with either of them and both have been a blast!
Was looking for a fun car to run errands with and missing having a manual. Honda fan boy so initially started researching Civic Si… had my choices narrowed down to Mazda3, BRZ, and Si. Couldn’t find the first two, and the Si was was not kidding almost 9k above MSRP. Then I saw an ST on classified’s and checked it out because it was a manual. All stock 2018 and I am soooooo happy I got it. Second luckiest thing is this UA-cam channel, and that the ST is featured. Have some confidence to try some mods, just waiting on the funds. Great work on the content, getting my keychain after this! Aloha from Hawaii.
I have a mk3 ford focus rs. People say that too stay away but this car has been nothing but great has taught me alot about turbos and 4cyl engines. Love this car so much smile everytime I drive it.
Am striving for a cornflower blue golf gti as of rn.
Just wait until the MK8 comes out and people will be trading in or selling their cfb GTI. Well hopefully! Good luck 🤞
I bought my GTI after you got one and when I saw how you drove it and talked about it I got one, I got the autobahn and it’s a amazing car
Got a 2016 gti autobahn with the performance pack I love this car especially the dsg the car is great for what you get you won’t get any issues out of this car If you just show it the proper love I will always recommend it is small but very practical luxurious even with the base trim
Just got my VW shirt with CS decal! i want to say thank you for the personal note you wrote me, it means a lot when someone you watch on YT takes the time to thank their fans individually!
and i just ordered the GTI jet tag
This channel was a big reason I got my focus st
Content is so good bro happy to see you got more subs now
Love the vids! It would also be nice to include info about the MK6 GTI since they're another hot hatch similar to these three and more budget minded enthusiasts might be interested in a cheaper GTI. I previously owned a stage 2 manual mk6 and I loved it however they do have their issues. Wiring, clutches, timing chain tensioners, carbon buildup, and water pumps are all common weak points on the MK6 GTI and for those reasons I would caution beginner enthusiasts when buying a MK6 to be mindful of those issues. Keep it up Cameron!
Just bought a mk6 gti as my first car 😊
2016 Focus ST! 👌 Glad you finally did this video
I started watching you back when you had your mazdaspeed3 that's what got me into it I'm glad I did. I'm the only one around me with one and all my friends say I have the best sounding exhaust. love your videos man! wish there were more mazdaspeed UA-cam Chanels but we'll have to do with what ewe have.
I have a ST. Reason for getting it was the interior the reliability and the parts are inexpensive. No regrets.
I almost got one , then I test drove a gti. There was something about the gti that intrigued me which was weird cuz I was set on a ST lol
@@916n0rcal the GTI is quicker anyway. Plus it handles mods much better and more reliably.
I bought a focus st about 1.5 years ago. I fell in love with this car after seeing it on top gear back in the day competing with other hot hatch’s. Then seeing Ford filming the first focus RS (in the United States at the time) commercial in the canyons of utah. The only issue I’ve had is with the pcm, and the throttle body. Otherwise, it’s been an absolute dream to drive. However, keeping white rims white is so difficult to execute at times. 😂
I've actually owned all 3 but my Mazda was 08 hatch gt, but had alot corksports parts on it. Owned a 13 st in 2015 freaking loved it but never got the chance to modify it. Currently own a 13 mk6 gti heavily modified with all the top tier parts, bilstein, brembo BBK, awe, apr, unibrace etc. Getting ready to do the timing chains and k04. Love my vw wish I bought the MSP, and still think about my ST of what it could of been. Great video.
I have a MK7 GTI and love it I drove my Uncles MK1 when I was a kid and just wanted to have one since then.
Mk7 GTI owner since January 2021. Cameron’s comments are accurate. Super versatile car. Way fun and great for anyone. Really reliable as well.
Current car is 2017 ST, had 2006 Mazdaspeed3 I bought new and put 267k miles on it, was a great car and completely stock its entire life but all good things have to come to an end. I was T-boned and it was totalled! Couldn't find another one that I liked and I lucked in to this ST at a good price and love it so far, very similar to the MS3 interior wise witch I found comforting. Probably going to keep it stock cause in the near future it's going to be my 15 yr Olds first car and I'd like it to remain reliable as long as possible. When that time comes I'll probably go on the hunt for another MS3 as a to and from work vehicle that I can tinker with.
Thanks for making these awesome and insightful videos 🤙
i own a 2013 mazdaspeed3 and i love how it looks and how it sounds. it has aggressive gearing and a lot of torque steer but its fun
Have had two STs. Fun daily that is light on it's toes around the bendies!
i bought a 2016 focus ST because of this channel so sick! love it alot
2013 Mazdaspeed3, it's my second one over 5 years now and I still love it!!!!
Amazing platform, rarer than the others which is nice to not have same car as everyone else! Smiles per gallon is great!
I've had all 3 in various generations, and the ST in my experience is sooooo much more reliable in the long run. Mine now is at 160k and runs like a top. Still smooth and tight. My VWs have all become super expensive over 120 and the mazda wasn't bad but I didn't own it as long to really know, but the ST was more enjoyable to me so I switched
Bro, literally the video I needed. I’m getting a new car and these are the top choices
I’ve been daily driving my ST all year and it’s an awesome daily driver!
Had a ‘09 Mazdaspeed3, loved it. Drove as a daily driver, with intake and exhaust on it. Very fast, hung with V8s. Now I drive a ‘21 Gti, best car every I’ve owned. Started modding it six months ago, Intake, turbo Inlet, DP, and exhaust. Dang, this car is by far amazing, with what you can achieve.
2013 speed 3 here. Pretty dope so far. Bought used and do not regret it . It’s on lowered springs and exhaust set up so it sounds super nice . I like it and I can’t wait to update parts and make plkore power lol. Looking forward to doing the HPFI on my own in the near future.
@Hispanic Bob ross hell yeah it’s fun! It is suggested to find a mechanic that can do a compression and leakdown test to see if it is still a healthy engine . Do your homework on the car but it is super fun to drive.I got mine used with about the same mileage but for driving it as if it were an un breakable engine I very soon regretted it. Drive nice and easy with it if you get it and it’ll last you. Oh and the upkeep on maintenance is a must.
I owned a preface lift ST1 FBO running on E30 and it was amazing! The first tune I got on it was horrible and blew my rings fixed it got a better tune and had no problems with it. Now I own a Mk7.5 (manual) FBO E30 and it’s a beast, by far my best decision to get this car. Minus having to change the stock clutch after going 1hp above stock. Everything else is amazing!
I have a 2013 focus st st3 package I love the thing. I have had it for 6 months or so with no problems, just done reg oil changes and 93-91 fuel. Its fun and for my first stick car easy to drive and learn on! Iv got an intake blow off valve and some off brand exhaust it came with it lmao. Overall its great for the money!
Still love my 2016 MK7 GTI. It’s five years old, has been reliable and still entices me to take the long way home every day.
hell yeah man I just got a black 2013 ms3 a few months ago and its an absolute dream
Just bought the jet tags last week for our ST and SPEED3. USPS is running late with them. Cant wait.
Update: 08/25 Dude these jets tags are amazing 👍👍👍.Thank you for the little surprise.
i own a 2016 focus st and it is my favourite car out of everything i’ve owned. it’s powerful, great looking, reliable, and has a ton of aftermarket support. the ST has an insane amount of potential and cam pre much built one as perfect as you can. the only real concern i’ve had with this car is that they have a lot of blow by after modifying. otherwise a great buy and i would recommend it to anybody!!
This was spot on. I own an ST and have been super involved with working on and driving speed3’s and golfs. You were spot on with your analysis. Lmk if you wanna buy my friend’s big turbo, Toyota master tech built, BLACK speed3 :)
I have a 2016 VW Gti Dsg 4sure and fr I don’t know why I choose this one. I really love the look. You can found some beautiful exterior mods and wide body and I like the fact that when u want full speed, u got it. The turbo kick is just amazing and if u got a dsg one, between changing gears over 3-4000rpm fast, it makes some beautiful pops. Absolutely love it! Wanna keep it for life, got more projects for it than people know
Currently own a 16' Mk7 GTI S 6spd manual. Loved the car when it was stock and ran the car stage 2 FBO for about 4-5 months(it was a blast), now ive had an HPA IS38 OEM+ installed for a little over a month and a half.. all i can say it that it catches EVERYONE off gaurd 😬
EQT stage 2 gti owner here. Absolutley love the car and only had 1 issue. Since I got it tuned the stock diverter valve leaks causing compressor surge when accelerating over half throttle. So an upgraded DV or BOV is needed.
Just got a Mazdaspeed3 gen1 blk. I was seriously considering all three of these options but the MP3 was the best bang for the buck IMO. The ST and GTI were both consistently over my price range and wouldn’t have let me with $$$ to build. Just something to think about.
Focus st right after watching your playlist it’s a blast first Manuel car and I learned in 3 hours took it to Phoenix the first day I bought it I’ve build it off of most of your parts in yours it’s easy to work on and just such a blast my friends drive it and they are surprised by it and they want one to just drive around and have fun in it i back if 100% I’m getting a Rs in about 8 months to a year
thhanks for your vids made me finally make a choice in between geetting a stick shhift again found a 2014 ford focus st3 picking it up on monday so thhanks
Bought a used 2016 Focus ST3 last year. Got an intake, exhaust and RMM, it’s a blast to drive anywhere. Bought it for the reliability and good price tag
Not a GTI, but my 1.8 Mk 7 Golf is wonderful! Fantastic car, I hope to be able to tune it soon. Loving the VWs...
I grew up on Hondas though. Nothing beats a 90's Honda for ease of maintenance. Also hoping to start rebuilding my 91 civic.
Great video Cam. Keep it up bro
I have a stock mk7 gti
45k miles later
Still reliable, basic maintenance only and she’s still running like new.
Perfect daily driver and I can’t wait to slap a tune on it 🤩
Ive got a gen1 speed3, honestly no reasoning i was kinda looking for all 3 but I found a phenomenal deal w the timing chain done, and nearly all preventative maintenance done, second owner , og motor, 75k miles, will say now, i love the damn thing
I just wanna say I basically bought my st because of you and now it’s a big part of my life so thanks, and I’m liking what I’m hearing 😂😂
I had myself an 06 mazdaspeed 6 and i did the vvt service by myself with the kit from edge. It wasnt that hard you just have to make sure you follow the proper steps but it took me a jackstand a floor jack and some hand tools to do it in about 3 hours before putting everything else back together.
I got a mk6 GTI, reliable, simple bolt on's can wake up its potential. Best looking out of the 3 in my opinion. Massive AM and help from the forums. Love the vids
I have Mk6 GTI and I bought it at the time because it seemed like the car I would enjoy most every day. It really can adapt to pretty much anything you want to do with it which makes it the best choice for me. I would agree that stock GTIs a pretty boring but even with some minor mods its crazy how you can wake these things up. Focus ST was out of my budget at the time but I test drove a Speed3 and it was a blast. I was almost set on buying one but it was hard to find unmodified ones and I was scared to buy a car that could have issue because of whatever the previous owner did. Overall a lot more aggressive out of the box but it was already a few years old and the interior looks a little more low rent than the GTI.
I got a mk7.5 gti (2018+) base 6spd in red. Love the thing so far. The LSD really pulls out of corners and it loves to push hard on back roads, especially with the huge brakes. Looking forward to next summer to put on some Michelin PS4S tires. The only issue is the exhaust little too quiet in the interior, from the outside full throttle it’s quite loud actually.
It didn't occur to me until this video, but we have a very similar buying history: I've owned an SVT Focus, a 1st gen Mazdaspeed3, and a Mk7 GTI. I'm a huge hatchback fan, and they all had their strengths.
The SVT Focus was a great all-around car, it felt very european. It felt nimble on the road, big windows made it feel airy and big inside, it was quick, high revving, and a blast to drive, but it wasn't FAST.
I bought the very first Mazdaspeed3 in my city back in 2007. It was a monster by comparison. Power, Sound, handling, it felt like a hot hatch turned up to 11, while still being very practical. It didn't have much tech, and it torque steered like crazy, but the seats were very comfortable and grippy, even though it felt like you were sitting very low. I did a couple mods and those really woke the car up, like an intake and a tune.
I also owned a Mazda Protege5, which was a great little run-about, not fast, but a great handler and i just loved the style.
Finally the Mk7 GTI SE. I bought that car when I was in my 30s, and it felt appropriate. It's got a great sound but it's not loud, it's got a great suspension but it's not a rough ride, it's got smooth power delivery but it's not a beast to drive, it could be both a great commuter AND a great back-road carver. All around a great car. I did put a tune on it, but it was just too much for the tires, IMO it needs AWD to handle any big power increase, I ended up putting it back to stock tune. But it was a classy, sporty, comfortable euro tourer and I would recommend it to anybody. I only sold it to get the real monster...A Tesla Model 3 Performance.
2020 Gti Autobahn 6sp MT owner here since March of this year. No complaints or regrets. Pound for pound the best all around out all of 3.
This week a tree fell on my car at 30mph totaled my ST3 while I was driving. A terrible loss especially with this market. I love the ST, I think it looks mean and sounds pissed off 24/7. It was a blast to drive like you said. I just wished it had more capability like the GTI. I made it to stage 2 with intercooler, downpipe etc. and didn't really feel a difference. Im thinking about the GTI next just because of the DSG, but I'm so skeptical if I am going to have as much fun as the ST.
I lost mine about a month ago as well. St3. Guess what. I bought another one. This ones a fully built st3. I strongly recommend getting another if you felt you wernt done with the car
I have a 2014 ST that I got about 4 months ago was hard to find a stock one but I was able to find one with just a BOV with 73k miles so far I've added a full roush exhaust,mishimoto fmic, mishimoto oil cooler, cpe cold air intake and motor mount, cobb ap, pro tuned on e30 and 93 by stratified, cobb shifter bushings, tbperformance crash bar , acceltec catted down pipe
Acquired my 2019 GTI SE 5 days ago... ABSOLUTELY no regrets.
•the interior was surprisingly spacious, nice interior panels, quality components.
•Its a manual, shifts are nice, fairly long, soon going to be upgraded to the "Holy Shift" short shifter.
•compared to my automatic G35, wow it's quick, it's crazy what a turbo and a manual transmission can do.
•Definitely is gonna need some upgrades, down pipe, tune, the good stuff.
• I did test drive a DSG Golf GTI SE but I was haunted by my slush box G35 just couldn't do it. Also I was longing for a manual so I know I made the right choice😁.
• Overall a 10/10 would not consider changing.
My MK7 GTI has been my 5th car and by far my best. The potential on this platform is unmatched at the price point.
I remember test driving a MS3 a few years ago. Damn the boost is a hard kick in the ass!!!!
Focus ST 2014. I love the car, did have an engine blow on me but was worth the 3k$ into a new used engine and the swap was not that bad. I love it for how easy the power gains seem to be, I am getting my exhaust done tomorrow, CAI by april, hopefully a Catch Can, and a tune from allen. I already have the 3.5" FMI and and super excited to see ~300whp for just under $2k. Then I'll be set with a bigger bolt on turbo sitting around 400whp which will be perfect for the track!
I'm all about my speed3, tons of fun and easy to push 300hp with bolt-ons.
I will say that the dash issue with heat warpage is pretty annoying, it's best to keep a sun shade on these cards so that the little plastic clip thats holding the dash down over the info display doesn't snap and leave an ugly gap in the dash. Also, try to keep an eye out for turbo seals and make sure your car isn't rolling any white smoke out of the exhaust.
Lastly i'll say that for the gen2 speed3s they *fixed* the timing chain issue with a modification to the valve cover, but it's still something to watch out for. If you have a gen1 speed3 you can just undo the oil cap and actually poke at the timing chain yourself and see if its loose or has too much play in it.
I have a 2016 Focus ST. I enjoy the driving experience because it is very involved and feels fast. It’s definitely not the car for everyone especially depending on the mods you do. You have to really be into driving and the excitement of going fast/accelerating rather quickly if you want one of these cars. They aren’t really made to go slow.
Fiesta ST is the overlooked hot hatch. Lots of people underestimate them when they are very capable and arguably more fun than the Focus ST
FIESTA ST>FOCUS ST easily
Ok I'm an old guy. (50).
I PDI'd new speed 3s at a Mazda dealership. The owner of that dealership had us install Mazda speed intakes. On all new speed 3s.
Use techs loved PDI these things. The speed 6s were fun too.
So now more recently when looking for a hot hatch...
I test drove a 2016 ST....
It came home with me.
Ease of maintenance modifications and just a little more modern. And most of all the handling.
I live in CO and mountain driving is what I like.
I must remain indifferent about the VW. I just have no experience with them at all.
I've done all the bolt on stuff and white 1552 turbomac wheels on a white ST. It gets lots of compliments.
But as with any performance car. The best and easiest upgrade it tires.
I'll Always recommend the first thing to upgrade is tires.
Good night...
I have the 16 focus st. I love it and haven’t had any problems and I’m at 97000 miles.
I have a focus st and I love it. Super reliable and hard to screw up. Just maintain it and you will be totally fine. If buying used be sure to ask them how they maintained it. If they didnt change the fluids but only once every 5 years, go in a different direction. Without a tune you can rag on them all you want and the ECU will learn just fine. He didn't give it credit but the FoST has a pretty smart ECU as well. It will learn and adapt to everything. Mainly Intake temp and gas quality, those are the big ones. Its quick, looks slick, and with a few cosmetics can look great. I think its definitely the most obnoxious out the bunch. By that I mean that you can make it sound sick and crazy with crackle tunes, intake noise is perfect, you can slam a loud exhaust on it and feel super cool, BOV sounds great. If you want to feel awesome while driving a car just because of engine noises and sounds. Go with the ST. It has the most character IMO.
also you should revisit the focus st. I feel as though you only scraped the service on it. Big turbo is a whole nother beast on this thing.
Focus ST incredible bang for the buck for purchase, upkeep, and modding. It’s fun to drive at any speed because of the feedback of the car talking so well to the driver without being harsh to occupants. It has tons of personality. My wife loves driving it and my two kids treat it like a member of the family.
Love my 15 focus st. 188,000 original miles and going strong!