[wjones14]

I'm thinking about selling my 2003 Mini Cooper daily driver and getting a newer daily driver. I want it to be economical, decent in snow, have fairly new tech, and be fun year round. My budget is $12,000 to $14,000.

I like my Mini because it's so easy to drive and park, and has the super-quick steering and decent handling. Plus, it's small size makes it seem like it's going faster than it is. It's fun. I don't want another Mini however, because of the thousands I have had to put into mine in the past few years.

I'm thinking about a 2013-14 Honda Civic Si, a 2015-16 Fiesta ST, or a 2014-15 Focus ST. I test drove a 2018 Fiesta ST last year and liked it a lot. Never drove a Civic Si or Focus ST.

The Honda appeals to me mostly because of the reputation for reliability. I'm wondering if it might be somewhat boring though? The Fiesta ST and Focus ST appeal to me because they seem fun, punchy, and reasonable to maintain.

Looking for opinions on these cars.

[SecondZ28]

Focus ST is a fun ride.

Would be a bit over budget, but you could probably score a killer deal on a brand new leftover since they were discontinued, but some are still hanging around on dealer lots

[Rnovrit]

Fiesta ST here. Think turbo charged go cart with a back seat. It is not the fastest car out there but is a blast to drive. I have a 2016 and have had zero issues. I switch between that and a Ford transit 350 for work depending on my day’s schedule. The steering on the ST is very precise, the engine makes good usable power and the suspension is firm but not rough for daily driving. It is a car you can push on the streets having fun while not really breaking any traffic laws. It gives a lot of “smiles per mile”. Eventually once the warranty runs out, I will do an intake, larger intercooler and a tune. I average 27 mpg driving mostly ugly city miles. Get it out on the open high way and I average 33-35 mpg.

[shaffe]

I gave a lot of thought to a Focus ST as my daily choice and absolutely loved it when I test drove it. It was so much fun in a car that was really liveable. Sometimes wish I just bit the bullet and got the ST but oh well. The Fiesta ST would have been a little to small for me, but from people that own them they say they are a blast to drive.

[SSEssence]

I dig the Focus ST for power and the seats are real nice. That would be my choice for a fun daily.

[Jay_LHD3]

I traded in my Camaro for a Fiesta, when my work commute changed from 40 minutes (one-way) to 5 minutes. It's a blast for a daily driver. Any drive over two hours and my legs start to go numb. I average about 28.2 mpg and have fun from light to light!

Just a couple weeks ago I traded in the '17 for a '19 (last year sold here)! Oh, did I forget to mention that they are also cheap! Here are a few pics:

[kykid]

Owned a '13 SI for 5 years. Fantastic daily driver. Excellent fuel economy, fun to drive, cheap to maintain and never had the first issue. You should easily be able to pick up a low mileage good condition example well inside of the range you want to be in.

[asthmamax11]

Fiesta ST hands down
I got to drive one for a Ford Racing event where they set up a timed little autocross course. It was a blast. Amazing handling and the little turbo spooled very fast producing lots of torque down low for pulling through curves.
Civic won't have that torque. Focus will feel bulky comparatively and just doesn't have the same fun factor.

I'm definitely getting a Fiesta ST in next year or so to compliment my SS

[asthmamax11]

One more thing
If u decide on the Fiesta ST then try to get one with the Recaro seats. Makes a world of difference

[Blueovalman]

Purchase a Nissan 370Z sport or Nismo instead it is a 1,000,000+ better vehicle to own and more reliable.

[Blueovalman]

Here is my 2017 Nissan 370Z I love owning this vehicle I will never sell it.