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Question for the tall people: Driver's door arm rest?

Messages
13
Likes
0
Location
NJ
#1
I got to sit in a Fiesta ST for the first time this past weekend! Unfortunately the dealer was packed, so I didn't opt for a test drive, but I did get to sit in the car for about 45 minutes. The ST seems amazing, especially at its price point! I sat in a Molten Orange with moonroof and standard seats (non Recaro). I must admit that the car is on the small side, but that's part of the hot hatch appeal, and I did fit, even with the moonroof (6'2" and about 185lb). My only gripe has to be the arm rest on the driver's door. I actually didn't notice how often I use a door arm rest until after sitting in the Fiesta. I have an hour commute each way, which consists of mostly highway, so I realized that I use both armrests in my current vehicle routinely. The problem with the Fiesta is that I have the seat in a very low and far back position. Raising the seat up actually seems to push it forward too. It goes back far enough that I sit comfortable, but the door arm rest ends before my elbow. I can move my seat forward and fit my elbow on the arm rest, but at the expense of leg room. It's hard to explain, so I'll post some photos below. Without actually owning the car, it's difficult to know if this will become an annoyance/incommodious over time. Can any tall, arm rest fans, comment on how things are long term? I remember reading a post by Colin1337 about having to sit so far back that "my left arm doesn't get to sit on the nice padded part of the door," so this may be a common problem. I haven't sat in a Focus ST, but the door arm rest seems to go all the way to the back of the door, whereas the Fiesta door arm rest ends an inch or two before the end of the door.









Also, for what it's worth, I would probably opt against the Recaro seats because it seems all that bolstering would make using the armrests even more difficult. The dealer did not have any STs in stock with Recaros, so I was unable to personally check. Can anyone with a similar height/weight attest?
 


OP
contourious
Messages
13
Likes
0
Location
NJ
Thread Starter #2
Also, unrelated to comfort, I had my mind set on ordering a Tuxedo Black with Rado Gray wheels. However, after seeing the Molten Orange in person, I'm on the fence now lol. That color looks sharp! Ironically, earlier that day, I saw a Tuxedo Black Fiesta with Rado Gray wheels in a Wendy's/Applebee's parking lot. It was covered in rock salt, so that may have played a part in my indecision between the two colors ha. It will come down to personal preference, but I keep weighing the pros and cons of each color. Black is more common and sleek. It looks great, but doesn't draw the "bad" kind of attention to the car. There are easily 50 other black cars around me during my daily commute. The bright orange color really stands out! I saw it on an overcast day, but the paint seems to have a little bit of gold/orange going on. It's really a sharp color. I usually prefer darker color cars, but this color stands out. Unfortunately, "standing out" isn't always a good thing. On my hour long commute today, I saw zero orange cars. The colors are primary black, white, silver, and gray. With that being said, a bright orange car is quick to draw attention amongst the other cars. I remember reading a report that bright cars, such as red or yellow, are ticketed most frequently by police, regardless of driving. There's a permanent spotlight on the car at all times, especially during bright sunny days. It could also draw attention while parked and unattended. The black Fiesta can easily be mistaken for just another regular small commuter car but unknowing passersby (which could be a good thing). The bright orange Fiesta is a lighthouse beacon, boasting its exclusivity and sportiness.



 


CanadianST

Active member
Messages
704
Likes
64
Location
Prince Edward Island
#3
I'm 6'2" and 170lbs and i definitely hear ya about the arm rest. I normally sit pretty close to the wheel (some would say too close for the height of me) and don't notice it much, but when on longer highway drives where i push the seat back it's kind of a pain. In no way is it a deal breaker by any means to me but it's something that's different for everyone.

As for your color comments i was narrowed down between the black and orange and finally went with the orange because it was an exclusive color to the car and am very glad i did. On overcast days it looks nice but in the sunlight it's a whole other level, the gold you mentioned (almost a super fine metal flake) really shines and stands out. It's something a camera won't pick up unless you're really trying to take a picture of just that, totally worth the extra money to me.
 


Messages
301
Likes
91
Location
San Luis Obispo
#4
I'm 6'3" and have not even noticed this as an issue. How much lean do yo have have the back rest? I sit pretty up right and its been fine. I'd imagine the further you gangsta lean the more useless the armrest would become [8D]
 


Messages
182
Likes
6
Location
Montreal - Boucherville
#5
I use the center arm rest no problem but the door padded rest is useless to me.
My elbow will usually rest on top of the trim where it's hard while holding the wheel
 


Messages
361
Likes
78
Location
Georgetown
#6
Wait till you see the Tuxedo Black clean and in the sun. One of my coworkers said "Ew your car is covered in glitter!" The metal flake in it is intense.
 




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