[oldeguy]

Of course, if your wife can drive a stick, the 252 hp ST is coming out shortly..... The 2012 has 160 hp, all of them. The car is a bit heavier than the old Focus, and the car is programmed for fuel economy, so the drag race from the stop light isn't as quick as it used to be, unless you really want to push it off the line.The SE with the sport package is very popular, the SEL and Titanium also have rear disc brakes. You can "personalize" the 2012 to the nth degree, depending on what you want to spend. The interior options, and entertainment options are pretty good as well.If you want the automatic transmission, one thing to remember is that it isn't an automatic, it's a Dual Clutch Transmission......The DCT also has three modes of using the tranmission, D, for best fuel economy, S for a more old fashioned sportier drive, and you can also shift for yourself, using a little toggle switch on the side of the shift lever.It isn't a paddle shift, but it's pretty good anyhow.I have had one for almost a year now, and am extremely pleased with the car. It isn't the same as your old Focus, it has become a more "mature" vehicle. Around town, it's a nice comfortable good looking car. On the highway, it's a great cruiser. It's just as good, or better than the old Focus when you push it around on the "twisties", so yes, it can still be fun. It is a nicer car than the old Focus, by far. Although at first, I missed the "driver feedback" (noise) that my old Focus had, I enjoy driving my 2012 every time I get in it.

A couple of little items, the 2012 has the same size fuel tank as the old one, but, will go a lot farther on a tank. The car is capable of running on premium fuel and will give you even better gas mileage than regular. If you do purchase one, with an automatic transmission, make sure it's had all of the software updates, if you test one ask the salesman if the transmission updates have been done. Also, the MyFordTouch system, which is the fancy voice controlled, touch screen control centre for all things electronic for the entertainment and comfort system, as well as Sync, has also had a software update, so make sure that has been done.

If I haven't answered your questions completely, you can PM me.