Originally posted by parisis:
I will retire in a couple years and am really struggling already with what to replace it with. right now I'm leaning towards a Focus with the slightly larger engine. I however can't seem to imagine not having that wonderfull V6. Maybe a Mustang? Take care CEG'ers !


I did change my Mystique (V6 ATX) for a 2k5 Focus ST - wow! Suspension is incredible, the ST engine is strong and willing.. to put it simply, the Focus is a blast to drive. I really liked (loved!) my Mystique - after all, it made me buy the Focus, which is a.. a.. um.. FORD! (gasp!), but I like the Focus even more..

What I miss from the Mystique: that insane growl at 6500 rpm, the length of the seat cushion, the relative invisibility when I came into radar-range..

What gives the ST its advantage: fuel economy when I'm easy on the throttle - thus expanded range, suspension settings - smoother than the FSVT, much stiffer than the base Focus, telescoping steering wheel. And since it's a MTX, my butt dyno tells me it's also quicker than the Mystique, but I still get good mileage!

At 41, I thought my small-cars days were over, but obviously, they're not!

Kyo 1997 Mystique GS Duratec ATX -- sold 2005 Focus ST - Quicker! - Still a Duratec!