When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
First I've seen an Arteon - you have my attention. I'll fall down that wikipedia hole this weekend maybe to see what it is.
As far as Acura - they're just butterfaces. Great rear end, good sidelines, but the front fascia - ugh. And they're basically hotted up civics or accords - (NTTAWWT) - just not my thing.
The Arteon is interesting, I'll give it that. AT only may place it out of contention for most in here. The $35k+ (AWD models) price tag puts it in a category that includes used models that give you a lot more car for the dollar (ex. 2013-2016 S4). That would deter me from considering it but it's a good looking car and something different.
+1
I was following this as a replacement for my wife's Accord. Turbo 4, AWD, hatchback....seems to check all the right boxes on paper, but execution and reviews are meh.
Disappointing VW went with a 8 speed auto instead of the 7 speed dual clutch gearbox. For the price of a fully loaded model, and I hesitate to say this, a A5 sportback would seem to be a better value and offer performance more in line with the price.
A car I reconsidered over the weekend is the Focus RS. I think I initially took this car out of the running because all the initial reviews said the ride was harsh and the interior looked a bit cheap to me. For 2018 they brought out a limited edition with a supposedly better ride, front LSD for our winters, nicer Recaro seats, carbon trim inside to dress it up a bit, and a beautiful bright red. Maybe I am just missing the practicality of my bright red STI hatch and its "go through anything AWD" with more snow in the forecast. But this car with the tuning potential and Lightning Lap time could make it a contender for me. Has anyone driven or ridden in one of the 2018 Limited Editions with the better suspension?
Did they ever fix the headgasket issues on the RS?
I didn't know they had changed the Recaro seats. I didn't like the angle--too butt down, knees up, with not enough adjustments.
At this point, I think you should just hold off until the new STI and Golf R get introduced over the next few months. With the STI S209 up to 341 hp, I can't imagine Subaru introducing the next generation car with less horsepower than the outgoing model.
I too was looking at the RS as a possible replacement. Hatch, AWD, 4-doors, power, mod potential..checks a lot of boxes. Seems like the ride harshness is something you have to test out in order to see if it's something you can live with. I've seen it mentioned by older reviewers (Savage Geese) to 18-20 year olds.
@Lego_Maniac I believe there was a period of time where Ford allowed you to bring in the car to have the gasket serviced; if you had not experienced a failure. Beyond that though, it comes out of your pocket.
By taking comfort in owning a better quality vehicle.
You keep thinking your somewhat narrow automotive values are the only ones that matter. That just isn't the case.
So you do your thing, and let other people do theirs.
May i also add handling? Myself, I care more about how a car feels while cornering than just straight line speed. Ive driven a charger and i cant stand the handling lol. its great for someone who just wants to go fast in a straight line but that's definitely not enough for me. I get a lot more joy out of driving twisty corners and pretending im Schumacher for a moment
So with that in mind, id have to go with the Audi over the Charger on my pick between the two on this convo ( Audis do handle nicely imo). But to be fair, those are two completely different cars with different purposes that really cant be compared. Its like comparing a hammer and a wrench lol.
Did they ever fix the headgasket issues on the RS?
I didn't know they had changed the Recaro seats. I didn't like the angle--too butt down, knees up, with not enough adjustments.
At this point, I think you should just hold off until the new STI and Golf R get introduced over the next few months. With the STI S209 up to 341 hp, I can't imagine Subaru introducing the next generation car with less horsepower than the outgoing model.
I definitely plan on waiting for a bit because there are so many interesting cars coming out in the next few years, but also because I really like how I have the G set up. I think I was spending so much time trying to get every last bit of performance out of the car that I sometimes forgot to enjoy it. The S209 is an extremely limited run car with a $65k price tag so I would not be surprised if the next gen STI is less powerful, but I really hope you are right.
Originally Posted by RMB5190
I too was looking at the RS as a possible replacement. Hatch, AWD, 4-doors, power, mod potential..checks a lot of boxes. Seems like the ride harshness is something you have to test out in order to see if it's something you can live with. I've seen it mentioned by older reviewers (Savage Geese) to 18-20 year olds.
@Lego_Maniac I believe there was a period of time where Ford allowed you to bring in the car to have the gasket serviced; if you had not experienced a failure. Beyond that though, it comes out of your pocket.
The ride in the 2018 models is supposed to be a lot better, but I would still have to sit in and drive the car to be sure. I remember some sort of a recall for the headgasket. Did Ford replace it with a better part? As far as engine fails go, that has to be the most minor, especially being an inline 4 cylinder. A lot bigger issue on a WRX with the boxer motor that they all seemed to have.
I thought the real problem with the focus RS was the thin open deck design and the walls cracking allowing coolant into the rest of the motor. If that the case, simple head gasket replacement wont solve the inevitable.
I thought the real problem with the focus RS was the thin open deck design and the walls cracking allowing coolant into the rest of the motor. If that the case, simple head gasket replacement wont solve the inevitable.
IIRC it was twofold, open deck design, and the headgasket for one of the lesser 2.3 turbos was used by mistake.
I can speak on this a bit..I've read and have watched a lot of video breakdowns examining the issue. The open deck design of the block has nothing to do with the failures. The block itself is not the issue. The head gasket they used was too thin in between the cylinder walls where the face of the head meets the block; and was warping and/or breaking. The wrong part was used. The revised part is a much thicker piece.
There was a warranty recall where Ford was replacing them, despite the car showing symptoms or not. This recall had a time limit and anyone who did not have the car serviced to get the new gasket during that time is now responsible for the repair if a failure happens.
Ah, thanks for clearing that up. I didnt mention this here in the past but ive been wondering about this for awhile as a friend really wants to buy a used Focus RS since summer.
I'll be driving one myself to see what it's like. Everybody has different tolerances when it comes to ride stiffness. Overall, I think it checks a lot of boxes.
