This morning I was driving my ST around and I realized I've owned it for four years now. It was in November of 2015 that I picked up my 2015 model slightly used with 4,000 miles. I began reflecting on the last four years of ownership and felt like sharing a few thoughts as such...the car now has 35,051 miles on it, or about 8,000 per year driven.
VALUE
My car was $26.5k sticker, I bought it used for $19.5k, it's valued at around $9.5k now. Nothing surprising here. Ford sends me a letter about once a month trying to buy it back because "We have someone who is very interested in your used car." These letters also include pitches for a new Escape and low financing APR. Used STs like mine typically go for around $10-12k all day.
IT BROKE
A/C broke at 6,000 miles, compressor was replaced under warranty. No other issues at all. No lights have burnt out, my Recaros still look like new, as does the paint aside from a few chips (car is garaged).
FAVORITE MODS
I've got around $7k of mods in the car. Favorite by far was the X47 turbo upgrade/custom tune. 304whp/337wtq on e30. Driving around this morning, hammering it in 2nd and 3rd gear still brings a smile to my face.
RETROSPECTIVE
Living with the car for four years has given me a bit of perspective. The longer I have it, and the more other cars I drive, the more I realize how balanced the FiST is. Economy, performance, style, simplicity, versatility, it's all there. Yes it feels cheaper interior-wise than my 20-year old Honda. But it's so simple and offers such a connection to the road it can't be beat for the price.
ONWARD...
I plan to keep this car forever. It has not dulled in any way in my eyes. I drive it about half the time when I'm not driving my Prelude (runabout) or Odyssey (family car). There are hardly any of them on the road and nothing else compares to the uniqueness of this car. It's amazing that after four years every mile still feels special. I'm a car lover no doubt, and this is a car to be appreciated, even years later. Heck, even backing out of my driveway this morning brought anticipation and happiness as I prepared for the drive to work.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE PICS
https://public.fotki.com/greentrees2/pipes-1/1547497804665.html]
https://public.fotki.com/greentrees2/pipes-1/fixed-jst-rg.html]
[/URL]
https://public.fotki.com/greentrees2/pipes-1/1547307118503.html]
[/URL]
https://public.fotki.com/greentrees2/rotas-1/1527020368374.html]
[/URL][/URL]
VALUE
My car was $26.5k sticker, I bought it used for $19.5k, it's valued at around $9.5k now. Nothing surprising here. Ford sends me a letter about once a month trying to buy it back because "We have someone who is very interested in your used car." These letters also include pitches for a new Escape and low financing APR. Used STs like mine typically go for around $10-12k all day.
IT BROKE
A/C broke at 6,000 miles, compressor was replaced under warranty. No other issues at all. No lights have burnt out, my Recaros still look like new, as does the paint aside from a few chips (car is garaged).
FAVORITE MODS
I've got around $7k of mods in the car. Favorite by far was the X47 turbo upgrade/custom tune. 304whp/337wtq on e30. Driving around this morning, hammering it in 2nd and 3rd gear still brings a smile to my face.
RETROSPECTIVE
Living with the car for four years has given me a bit of perspective. The longer I have it, and the more other cars I drive, the more I realize how balanced the FiST is. Economy, performance, style, simplicity, versatility, it's all there. Yes it feels cheaper interior-wise than my 20-year old Honda. But it's so simple and offers such a connection to the road it can't be beat for the price.
ONWARD...
I plan to keep this car forever. It has not dulled in any way in my eyes. I drive it about half the time when I'm not driving my Prelude (runabout) or Odyssey (family car). There are hardly any of them on the road and nothing else compares to the uniqueness of this car. It's amazing that after four years every mile still feels special. I'm a car lover no doubt, and this is a car to be appreciated, even years later. Heck, even backing out of my driveway this morning brought anticipation and happiness as I prepared for the drive to work.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE PICS
https://public.fotki.com/greentrees2/pipes-1/1547497804665.html]
https://public.fotki.com/greentrees2/pipes-1/fixed-jst-rg.html]
https://public.fotki.com/greentrees2/pipes-1/1547307118503.html]
https://public.fotki.com/greentrees2/rotas-1/1527020368374.html]
