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#1
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TFrog, RIP
A note, to anyone who remembers, that I am now out of the Mustang world. For
one of the rare moments in my adult life, I am without a Mustang. Both of my '93 5.0s have been in maintenance mode for the last 10 years or so. I really didn't want to sink a lot of money into either one, but tried to keep them in decent enough running condition to meet my requirements. Lately, the frequency of calls for tow trucks has accelerated (I have two different tow truck operators on speed dial), as old parts continued to fail. In fact, I was having replacement parts replaced. CFrog, the GT convertible, went into the shop for another fuel pump replacement. Meanwhile, the right side tailpipe fell off of TFrog, the LX hatch. When I was crawling underneath to try and wedge the tailpipe into a drivable position, I saw cancer - a good bit of rust in spots I never normally look at. For the first time, both Mustangs were in the shop at the same time. There had been days when I asked myself why I was hanging onto these cars. Normally, as soon as I got one back from the shop, I knew full well why I kept them. Especially TFrog, with its 5-speed manual, the car that never failed to make me grin. But the long, slow decline made me go in a completely different direction. On November 10, 2012, I dumped BOTH Mustangs at the local Ford dealership and picked up a 2013 Focus S sedan. Some would say that I took a beating on the trade-ins, I would say that I instantly saved a boatload of money. There were three overriding factors in killing off the Mustangs: 1. Winter was coming, and any snow usually meant that the Mustangs stayed home. 2. Gas was $3.75/gallon. When it was $2.00 or maybe even $3.00, my 17mpg wasn't a problem. 3. Money was needed for both Mustangs, probably more than the book value of either. I could no longer justify the expense. After two months, this new Focus has given me a lifetime average of 30mpg. And, even though I have a clean driving record, I had been paying a V8 penalty in auto insurance for the Mustangs. With the savings at the pump and the savings on insurance, the Focus amounts to a "free car." Also, it's a three-year lease*, which means no repair bills, no tow trucks, and I probably don't have to worry about tires or brakes (until possibly the third year). For Patrick - I wanted a black Focus, base model, no options. The dealership actually had two, but both had one option - Ford SYNC. I took one, anyway. Immediately, I had to modify - the car came with 15" wheels and plastic wheel covers; I ordered a set of actual wheels to replace them (even though it's a lease, I couldn't live with plastic wheel covers). The car has no cruise control (an option), and although it has power windows up front, it has window cranks in the back. I'm in a whole new world. The torque steer of the FWD at launch threw me, at first, but I'm getting used to it. Instead of the raw power and push of the RWD V8, this Focus drives very "European," very tight and assured. The 5-speed manual is... uh... "cute," a short-throw and precise shifter, and a clutch pedal that takes almost no effort (my left leg may atrophy). The car red-lines at 7K. First gear doesn't have much punch, but second gear makes up for it when the revs top 4K. Unlike the 5.0 (1700RPM at 70mph in 5th gear), the Focus really doesn't like to go much over 65mph, although I've had it at 90mph many times (and watched the mpg drop). It could use a 6th gear. My only complaint, really, is that the dashboard has two display screens - one showing MPG and trip meters, the other for the SYNC system, and I find no way to turn either one off. I can see why the Focus is now the best-selling car in the U.S., and a leader globally. It is a well-built, fun to drive automobile. And, while I've driven many cars since, this is the first new car built since 1993 that is mine, all mine. Two months in, and I'm still getting used to that. It's still weird when I open the garage door and see a Focus sitting there. I have to point out that my wife, having had three successive leased Escapes, traded in her 2010 Escape for a 2013 Focus SE (with all the trimmings) at the end of October. Playing with her SE helped make my decision easier. The only change I would make today is in the wheels - where she has the 17" wheel/tire combo, my base model sedan has 15" (my John Deere has bigger tires) wheels with general "touring" tires. I don't want to spring for a new wheel/tire combo on a leased car, but I'm trying to burn up those tires, so I can order a somewhat better performance set. Absolutely, there are many times that I really miss my 5.0s. In this case, I think I made the right decision. I'm taking three years off with some carefree driving. When I leave work and walk to my car, I no longer have to wonder whether it will start. I haven't yet deleted those tow truck numbers from my cellphone, but I sincerely doubt that I'll ever need them. * Three year lease? Yep. I was really considering a V6 Mustang, not a Focus. Problem is, I would want to BUY that V6, then I'd bond with it, then I'd want to keep it for the next 20 years. That's my history. But I'm looking ahead to 2014 1/2 with great anticipation! I'm hoping that Ford really does put out an all-new Mustang, dropping the whole retro thing, a Mustang that looks forward, not back. I have a hunch that I'm really really really going to want to get back into a Mustang at that point. dwight www.tfrog.com/tfrog - the next generation |
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#2
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TFrog, RIP
On Sun, 13 Jan 2013 10:13:35 -0500, "dwight" >
wrote: >A note, to anyone who remembers, that I am now out of the Mustang world. For >one of the rare moments in my adult life, I am without a Mustang. I can understand your pain at losing the Fox bodies. I had a terrific 88 5-speed LX 5.0 Notch till it got totaled. I had planned on keeping it forever (a possibility here in AZ). On an open road it was such a blast to drive. |
#3
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TFrog, RIP
On Jan 13, 10:13*am, "dwight" > wrote:
> Absolutely, there are many times that I really miss my 5.0s. In this case, I > think I made the right decision. I'm taking three years off with some > carefree driving. When I leave work and walk to my car, I no longer have to > wonder whether it will start. I haven't yet deleted those tow truck numbers > from my cellphone, but I sincerely doubt that I'll ever need them. > > * Three year lease? Yep. I was really considering a V6 Mustang, not a Focus. The V6 offers little increased mileage over the 400hp V8. No point. Better idea, drive a V8 on weekends, a 4-cyl on weekdays/work. You'll use less gas that some soccer mom in her SUV. |
#4
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TFrog, RIP
"dwight" > wrote in message ... >A note, to anyone who remembers, that I am now out of the Mustang world. >For one of the rare moments in my adult life, I am without a Mustang. > > Both of my '93 5.0s have been in maintenance mode for the last 10 years or > so. I really didn't want to sink a lot of money into either one, but tried > to keep them in decent enough running condition to meet my requirements. > Lately, the frequency of calls for tow trucks has accelerated (I have two > different tow truck operators on speed dial), as old parts continued to > fail. In fact, I was having replacement parts replaced. > > CFrog, the GT convertible, went into the shop for another fuel pump > replacement. Meanwhile, the right side tailpipe fell off of TFrog, the LX > hatch. When I was crawling underneath to try and wedge the tailpipe into a > drivable position, I saw cancer - a good bit of rust in spots I never > normally look at. For the first time, both Mustangs were in the shop at > the same time. > > There had been days when I asked myself why I was hanging onto these cars. > Normally, as soon as I got one back from the shop, I knew full well why I > kept them. Especially TFrog, with its 5-speed manual, the car that never > failed to make me grin. But the long, slow decline made me go in a > completely different direction. > > On November 10, 2012, I dumped BOTH Mustangs at the local Ford dealership > and picked up a 2013 Focus S sedan. Some would say that I took a beating > on the trade-ins, I would say that I instantly saved a boatload of money. > > There were three overriding factors in killing off the Mustangs: > 1. Winter was coming, and any snow usually meant that the Mustangs stayed > home. > 2. Gas was $3.75/gallon. When it was $2.00 or maybe even $3.00, my 17mpg > wasn't a problem. > 3. Money was needed for both Mustangs, probably more than the book value > of either. I could no longer justify the expense. > Sorry to hear them go. I know the feeling, it is strange how one gets split on keep or sell, keep cause it is so much fun, sell because you have to fix it again. I had a 93 supercharged #8 Keene Bell, that I let go, every squeek or bump made me cringe that I had to fix the car again. I must have had about $20k total into it, car was $6,700 at a police auction in '95, supercharger was $1,700 from a wrecked stang, but add in rebuilt engine ($3,500) about 10 years later, heater core (twice) breaks, tires, AC, rebuilt supercharger, and on, must have had $20 into it, had a small fire once, the altinator connector started burning on the freeway. Lots of fun, but... I sold it, too cheap, but had it for 16(?) years, always had cheap blue paint that would come off. anyhow 400 HP in the newer stangs beats the 93 with 330 hp (supercharged) Just need to save the money up. Wish I kept the 93, na, glad I sold it, no, I should have kept it, it was really fast no, ..... Thanks for Tfrog and Cfrog...... |
#5
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TFrog, RIP
On Sunday, January 13, 2013 3:13:35 PM UTC, dwight wrote:
> A note, to anyone who remembers, that I am now out of the Mustang world. For > > one of the rare moments in my adult life, I am without a Mustang. > > > > Both of my '93 5.0s have been in maintenance mode for the last 10 years or > > so. I really didn't want to sink a lot of money into either one, but tried > > to keep them in decent enough running condition to meet my requirements. > > Lately, the frequency of calls for tow trucks has accelerated (I have two > > different tow truck operators on speed dial), as old parts continued to > > fail. In fact, I was having replacement parts replaced. > > > > CFrog, the GT convertible, went into the shop for another fuel pump > > replacement. Meanwhile, the right side tailpipe fell off of TFrog, the LX > > hatch. When I was crawling underneath to try and wedge the tailpipe into a > > drivable position, I saw cancer - a good bit of rust in spots I never > > normally look at. For the first time, both Mustangs were in the shop at the > > same time. > > > > There had been days when I asked myself why I was hanging onto these cars.. > > Normally, as soon as I got one back from the shop, I knew full well why I > > kept them. Especially TFrog, with its 5-speed manual, the car that never > > failed to make me grin. But the long, slow decline made me go in a > > completely different direction. > > > > On November 10, 2012, I dumped BOTH Mustangs at the local Ford dealership > > and picked up a 2013 Focus S sedan. Some would say that I took a beating on > > the trade-ins, I would say that I instantly saved a boatload of money. > > > > There were three overriding factors in killing off the Mustangs: > > 1. Winter was coming, and any snow usually meant that the Mustangs stayed > > home. > > 2. Gas was $3.75/gallon. When it was $2.00 or maybe even $3.00, my 17mpg > > wasn't a problem. > > 3. Money was needed for both Mustangs, probably more than the book value of > > either. I could no longer justify the expense. > > > > After two months, this new Focus has given me a lifetime average of 30mpg.. > > And, even though I have a clean driving record, I had been paying a V8 > > penalty in auto insurance for the Mustangs. With the savings at the pump and > > the savings on insurance, the Focus amounts to a "free car." Also, it's a > > three-year lease*, which means no repair bills, no tow trucks, and I > > probably don't have to worry about tires or brakes (until possibly the third > > year). > > > > For Patrick - I wanted a black Focus, base model, no options. The dealership > > actually had two, but both had one option - Ford SYNC. I took one, anyway.. > > Immediately, I had to modify - the car came with 15" wheels and plastic > > wheel covers; I ordered a set of actual wheels to replace them (even though > > it's a lease, I couldn't live with plastic wheel covers). The car has no > > cruise control (an option), and although it has power windows up front, it > > has window cranks in the back. > > > > I'm in a whole new world. The torque steer of the FWD at launch threw me, at > > first, but I'm getting used to it. Instead of the raw power and push of the > > RWD V8, this Focus drives very "European," very tight and assured. The > > 5-speed manual is... uh... "cute," a short-throw and precise shifter, and a > > clutch pedal that takes almost no effort (my left leg may atrophy). The car > > red-lines at 7K. First gear doesn't have much punch, but second gear makes > > up for it when the revs top 4K. Unlike the 5.0 (1700RPM at 70mph in 5th > > gear), the Focus really doesn't like to go much over 65mph, although I've > > had it at 90mph many times (and watched the mpg drop). It could use a 6th > > gear. My only complaint, really, is that the dashboard has two display > > screens - one showing MPG and trip meters, the other for the SYNC system, > > and I find no way to turn either one off. > > > > I can see why the Focus is now the best-selling car in the U.S., and a > > leader globally. It is a well-built, fun to drive automobile. And, while > > I've driven many cars since, this is the first new car built since 1993 that > > is mine, all mine. Two months in, and I'm still getting used to that. It's > > still weird when I open the garage door and see a Focus sitting there. > > > > I have to point out that my wife, having had three successive leased > > Escapes, traded in her 2010 Escape for a 2013 Focus SE (with all the > > trimmings) at the end of October. Playing with her SE helped make my > > decision easier. The only change I would make today is in the wheels - where > > she has the 17" wheel/tire combo, my base model sedan has 15" (my John Deere > > has bigger tires) wheels with general "touring" tires. I don't want to > > spring for a new wheel/tire combo on a leased car, but I'm trying to burn up > > those tires, so I can order a somewhat better performance set. > > > > Absolutely, there are many times that I really miss my 5.0s. In this case, I > > think I made the right decision. I'm taking three years off with some > > carefree driving. When I leave work and walk to my car, I no longer have to > > wonder whether it will start. I haven't yet deleted those tow truck numbers > > from my cellphone, but I sincerely doubt that I'll ever need them. > > > > * Three year lease? Yep. I was really considering a V6 Mustang, not a Focus. > > Problem is, I would want to BUY that V6, then I'd bond with it, then I'd > > want to keep it for the next 20 years. That's my history. But I'm looking > > ahead to 2014 1/2 with great anticipation! I'm hoping that Ford really does > > put out an all-new Mustang, dropping the whole retro thing, a Mustang that > > looks forward, not back. I have a hunch that I'm really really really going > > to want to get back into a Mustang at that point. > > > > dwight > > www.tfrog.com/tfrog - the next generation Sorry to hear about the Mustangs... completely understandable though! As for the Focus... did you look at the ST? I picked one up in October... OMG! This thing is a blast! While not as fast as our Flex is on the straight aways, the ST is great in the corners! Glad you are digging your new Focus though... they are a lot cooler than when they were first introduced so many years ago... LOL |
#6
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TFrog, RIP
"John S." wrote in message
... > > Sorry to hear about the Mustangs... completely understandable though! > As for the Focus... did you look at the ST? I picked one up in October... > OMG! This thing is a blast! While not as fast as our Flex is on the > straight aways, > the ST is great in the corners! > > Glad you are digging your new Focus though... they are a lot cooler than > when they > were first introduced so many years ago... LOL All of the reviews said that the Focus was the best handling car in its class. I understand that the ST is a hoot - again, every reviewer had nothing but raves about that version. I specifically picked out a no-option base model for a reason - I didn't want to marry the thing, just "rent" it for three years. I believe that if I'd bought an ST, I'd want to keep it for a good while longer! While the Focus S is a good bit of fun, the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, the FWD, and the lack of scary-fast acceleration make it a car I will gladly trade in in three years. I'm enjoying it, sure, and enjoying the savings on gasoline, absolutely. In the 2 months I've had it, I've saved a bit more than $300.00 at the pump. The 2013 looks WAY better than the plain-Jane 1st generation, and (hope my daughter doesn't read this) even looks much better than daughter's 2008 SES. But I think Ford has done wonders with the drivability of the car. It's just a completely different environment than I've been used to. I have no illusions or delusions about the Focus - it is what it is. But after seeing what Ford has done with the Focus and the Fusion, I am really looking forward to the next generation Mustang. dwight |
#7
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TFrog, RIP
On Wednesday, January 16, 2013 1:48:22 AM UTC, dwight wrote:
> "John S." wrote in message > > ... > > > > > > Sorry to hear about the Mustangs... completely understandable though! > > > As for the Focus... did you look at the ST? I picked one up in October... > > > OMG! This thing is a blast! While not as fast as our Flex is on the > > > straight aways, > > > the ST is great in the corners! > > > > > > Glad you are digging your new Focus though... they are a lot cooler than > > > when they > > > were first introduced so many years ago... LOL > > > > All of the reviews said that the Focus was the best handling car in its > > class. I understand that the ST is a hoot - again, every reviewer had > > nothing but raves about that version. I specifically picked out a no-option > > base model for a reason - I didn't want to marry the thing, just "rent" it > > for three years. I believe that if I'd bought an ST, I'd want to keep it for > > a good while longer! > > > > While the Focus S is a good bit of fun, the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, the > > FWD, and the lack of scary-fast acceleration make it a car I will gladly > > trade in in three years. I'm enjoying it, sure, and enjoying the savings on > > gasoline, absolutely. In the 2 months I've had it, I've saved a bit more > > than $300.00 at the pump. > > > > The 2013 looks WAY better than the plain-Jane 1st generation, and (hope my > > daughter doesn't read this) even looks much better than daughter's 2008 SES. > > But I think Ford has done wonders with the drivability of the car. It's just > > a completely different environment than I've been used to. > > > > I have no illusions or delusions about the Focus - it is what it is. But > > after seeing what Ford has done with the Focus and the Fusion, I am really > > looking forward to the next generation Mustang. > > > > dwight My friends at MRT built up a 2013 2.0 Ecoboost Fusion for SEMA this year. Love the looks of the new Fusion! What a fantastic car! And hear you on the "renting". Sounds like an ideal situation for you. And yes, eager to see what 2015 brings! |
#8
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TFrog, RIP
"dwight" > wrote in message
... >A note, to anyone who remembers, that I am now out of the Mustang >world. For one of the rare moments in my adult life, I am without a >Mustang. > I never thought I'd see the day. TFrog was an extension of yourself, it seemed. Life goes on... > > After two months, this new Focus has given me a lifetime average of > 30mpg. And, even though I have a clean driving record, I had been > paying a V8 penalty in auto insurance for the Mustangs. With the > savings at the pump and the savings on insurance, the Focus amounts > to a "free car." Also, it's a three-year lease*, which means no > repair bills, no tow trucks, and I probably don't have to worry > about tires or brakes (until possibly the third year). Can't beat a "free" car. 30 mpg isn't too shabby, but those new 5.0's get 25. (if ya keep your foot out of it) > > * Three year lease? Yep. I was really considering a V6 Mustang, not > a Focus. Problem is, I would want to BUY that V6, then I'd bond with > it, then I'd want to keep it for the next 20 years. That's my > history. But I'm looking ahead to 2014 1/2 with great anticipation! > I'm hoping that Ford really does put out an all-new Mustang, > dropping the whole retro thing, a Mustang that looks forward, not > back. I have a hunch that I'm really really really going to want to > get back into a Mustang at that point. While I don't share your joy at the prospect of a less-retro-'stang, I do hope to hear that you get back in the saddle, someday. dwight without a Mustang, is like a day without sunshine! If they drop the retro, maybe *I'll* have to keep *mine* for 20 years. Haha! -- John C. '11 GT |
#9
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TFrog, RIP
On 1/15/2013 8:48 PM, dwight wrote:
> "John S." wrote in message > ... >> >> Sorry to hear about the Mustangs... completely understandable though! >> As for the Focus... did you look at the ST? I picked one up in >> October... >> OMG! This thing is a blast! While not as fast as our Flex is on the >> straight aways, >> the ST is great in the corners! >> >> Glad you are digging your new Focus though... they are a lot cooler >> than when they >> were first introduced so many years ago... LOL > > All of the reviews said that the Focus was the best handling car in its > class. I understand that the ST is a hoot - again, every reviewer had > nothing but raves about that version. I specifically picked out a > no-option base model for a reason - I didn't want to marry the thing, > just "rent" it for three years. I believe that if I'd bought an ST, I'd > want to keep it for a good while longer! > > While the Focus S is a good bit of fun, the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, > the FWD, and the lack of scary-fast acceleration make it a car I will > gladly trade in in three years. I'm enjoying it, sure, and enjoying the > savings on gasoline, absolutely. In the 2 months I've had it, I've saved > a bit more than $300.00 at the pump. > > The 2013 looks WAY better than the plain-Jane 1st generation, and (hope > my daughter doesn't read this) even looks much better than daughter's > 2008 SES. But I think Ford has done wonders with the drivability of the > car. It's just a completely different environment than I've been used to. > > I have no illusions or delusions about the Focus - it is what it is. But > after seeing what Ford has done with the Focus and the Fusion, I am > really looking forward to the next generation Mustang. > > dwight > You could always have the Focus tweaked a bit: http://shelbyamerican.com/newshome.asp?article=97 Designed in the Shelby skunkworks and tested extensively at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the front wheel drive Shelby Focus ST is a driver-focused masterpiece of performance with a budget minded price. |
#10
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TFrog, RIP
On Thursday, January 17, 2013 1:30:49 PM UTC, Debbie wrote:
> > You could always have the Focus tweaked a bit: > > http://shelbyamerican.com/newshome.asp?article=97 > > > > Designed in the Shelby skunkworks and tested extensively at Las Vegas > > Motor Speedway, the front wheel drive Shelby Focus ST is a > > driver-focused masterpiece of performance with a budget minded price. Yeah, all of us on the ST forums are getting a good laugh out of the Shelby ST... $15K for basically a few appearance mods... yeah, budget-minded... LOL! |
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