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nix that ford focus off your list..... WORST CAR TRANSMISSION EVER, years 2012-16. don't know if they finally fixed it in the Focus, but i do know there is a class action law suit because their dual clutch powershift transmission is a lemon... i think Ford actually does not sell the Fiesta in the US any longer, but both the Focus and Fiesta had these death trap transmissions.
nix that ford focus off your list..... WORST CAR TRANSMISSION EVER, years 2012-16. don't know if they finally fixed it in the Focus, but i do know there is a class action law suit because their dual clutch powershift transmission is a lemon... i think Ford actually does not sell the Fiesta in the US any longer, but both the Focus and Fiesta had these death trap transmissions.
I bought this in '14. Had it 4 years with no problems. I just bought something new. I heard about all the trans problems, I had the 5 speed. I wanted a manual anyway. It drove ok, with 160 Hp it ran great. I know several people with auto's and nothing but problems, even after being fixed by the dealer. They stopped selling the Hatchback with a manual, non turbo in 2016.
Location: In a perfect world winter does not exist
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I really enjoy the feel of Kia and Hyundai's 1.6 motors. They rev fast and have good get up and go for getting here to there. If you're racing days are over the 1.6 is more than enough.
Yeah I had the ‘15 Kia Forte5 SX with the 201hp 1.6 turbo and 6 speed manual found in a number of Kia/Hyundai vehicles. It is a fun little hatch. Bought it new for a mere $17,900. But since then they’ve gone and mucked with the packaging and you are paying much more to get the manual and I would opt for the Golf instead. Especially with VW’s new long warranty.
I just spent 2 weeks driving an Imprezza around Texas and my 6'2" fit fine. I'm all legs though so that may be a difference.
I can drive my Outback ski car with my Mondo 31 sized AT boots all day.
I boot up in the condo and drive 2 miles in ski boots in an Outback. I’ve been doing that since I switched to automatics in 1998. I drove my DSG VW GTI a few times when the SUV wouldn’t start and I was already booted up. I had to turn my right foot sideways to get to the gas pedal. Not something I’d do regularly. “Can I drive it wearing ski boots” is part of my car buying checklist.
A Vermont state cop was in my condo driveway a few years ago ticketing a neighbor for speeding and driving in ski boots. The guy left his license at the condo so the cop followed him down the hill. Lesson learned. I make sure I don’t speed.
I did the APR ECU flash on my 2001 MK IV GTI and my 2007 MK V GTI. I did them as group buys at VW events so they were only about $300-ish. I'm really surprised you can get those numbers on 87 octane 10% ethanol fuel. I had to run 91.
For me, the deal killer is towing capacity or I'd be considering an Alltrack or Sportwagen. If you put a receiver hitch on a VW, it invalidates the warranty in the US. I tow the dinghy, yard debris to the town recycling center, the occasional U Haul 5x8 enclosed cargo trailer, and use my Thule receiver hitch bike rack constantly. In Europe, everybody tows with it. The last thing I want is transmission problems and VW refuses to fix it.
I did the APR ECU flash on my 2001 MK IV GTI and my 2007 MK V GTI. I did them as group buys at VW events so they were only about $300-ish. I'm really surprised you can get those numbers on 87 octane 10% ethanol fuel. I had to run 91.
Right? The engine in that thing is voodoo. 1.8 turbo with a minor stage 1 tune would leave a stock GTI behind for a fraction of the cost. Though the GTI’s stage 1 tune is impressive as well.
Although I dread the day and pray it never comes -- I guess at some point I'll have to replace my beloved -- Acura RSX sporty-looking hatchback coupe.
My garage is tight, so if possible I really don't want to go up in size at all. (a couple of inches if that, wide or high)
Would any of you recommend any of the cars on the OP's list? (sluggish acceleration not an option)
Thanks.
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