Many reasons and it is kind of hard to think of where to start.
I think my biggest issue was my long term game plan. I bought my FoST anticipating a FoRS will come out and the FoST was just a filler car to play around with until then. Well my timeline was a bit off for the FoRS and the ability to get one was way worse then I anticipated as well. Knowing what I didn't like about the FoST and knowing the next steps I needed to take where each mod would cost over 1K+ each from a turbo kit, to suspension, brakes, LSD and so on. I pretty much had my FoST to a point where anything beyond was a big step and a hard one to take for a vehicle I didn't plan on keeping.
I kind of always wanted a FiST so it was always on my radar. I am into drivers cars and ones that balance power with an amazing chassis. The biggest decision is fun to drive. The FoST was to in between for me, it didn't have the power of my Balt SS and although it handles better it wasn't as raw so it felt less special. The FoST is an amazing car but for driving pleasure the FiST has it beat. It was my time at Team Oniel that really made me fall in love with the FiST, the way it changed direction with my inputs was amazing and I really couldn't ask for more. There is a reason most reviews will say a FoRS drives more like a FiST then a FoST.
The FiST fit all my criteria, I will always make weight a priority, and heated mirrors and seats are really the only options I want. The FiST comes equipped with everything I desire. The rebate is what really pushed me over though. They gave me an amazing trade in value for my FoST and with my discount I received a fully optioned - sunroof FiST for 21K. I honestly would of held out longer but knowing my trade in may have dropped a few grand, and possibly no rebates, I could of lost 5K if I did. Well that 5K to me just justifies me buying mods ASAP and that is what I am doing.
2 weeks and 350 miles later, I am very happy with my decision. I have TD wheels for summer and WS80's already sitting in my shop. I have a MAP intake and Tune+ tune but haven't been able to log yet. As some one who is into drivers cars it is really hard to explain how amazing this little car is. When I drove my FoST all I could think about is what I needed to do to make it better. There were many things that needed fine tuning, like the horrid wheel hop that took all 3 motor mounts to cure (also helped with feel). As I drive the FiST I'm thinking "WOW, may not be perfect but damn good". Like Heel & Toe, I haven't tried with my racing shoes but can already say it's better then the FoST stock, I most likely will do a spacer like I did in the FoST as well. The little things just add up, like brake feel in the FiST is better, wheel hop is way better, feel is way better and I was banging out butter smooth shifts on feel alone within miles, the FoST was too isolated and quiet until I modded. Mostly what I'm trying to say is when I drive the FiST I think, oh I really don't have to change this, where as in my FoST, I was saying I need to mod this now lol.
The last reason was mostly potential. There are many mods for the FiST like the FoST and they are proven. In my quick research though that I scrambled to complete (I research vehicle for years before I buy them, look me up on other forums, you will see) I found that the market isn't slowing down. Things like the X-37 and now the C39 really pushed me over the edge. I like balance and power to weight is what I focus on. My commute is very boring now
and a small light vehicle that can hold it's own is what I needed and the FiST in no doubt delivered and still is blowing my expectations away, like a nice wet slow speed 90 where the ass end just gradually drifted around with such control and precision it brought me immediately back to my time at Rally School with a FiST on dirt. Some people chase numbers, I chase balance. Even with my base tune I feel the power is adequate (for now). The good news is there are many parts available with a great community to help my build.
The next question as I think long term is, what is next? Time will tell but no doubt the FiST will satisfy me and keep me busy. Who knows this may be the first car I fall in love with and actually don't think of what's next. When you drive the car and think what car doesn't need done to it, that is an amazing sign