Focus ST170 - things to look out for

Janesy B · 15 Mar 2010 at 15:04

My father has hit what would seem to be a delayed mid-life crisis (he's now 59) and would like to change his 2001 1.6 Focus Zetec to a Focus ST170.

Now I know the Civic Type-R would be a better buy for the money, but considering my father isn't really looking for anything as 'hardcore' and is a bit of a Ford fanboy, I think the ST170 suits him well. He test drove one at the weekend and seemed thrilled to bits with it. Economy is not an issue as he does <10k a year.

Now that's out of the way, I am not very versed in all things ST and would perhaps like a list of general points to look out for. I have noticed spidering on the wheels and centre caps are common issues. Is there anything else I should be wary of?

Any pointers would be helpful.

Janesy B · 15 Mar 2010 at 15:16

melchy said:
You don't mention budget, but would he consider a Mondeo ST220.

He's quite a stubborn old fart and doesn't like the Mondeo, he's made his mind up on the car (it's not a bad choice in all honesty) and I'm after anything to look out for in particular.

kidloco said:
Make sure there is no liquid in the passenger footwell.

Cheers, I assume that's the cabin filter not being sealed properly?

Janesy B · 15 Mar 2010 at 15:24

killsta said:
I presume an early ST225 is out of the budget?

Not really no, but this isn't really a spec me thread, it's more of a 'help me buy x' thread. I've been through all the options with him and the ST170 is what he wants.

Janesy B · 15 Mar 2010 at 17:33

That's the same with any car

Favouring condition over mileage and write offs will be ignored.

Janesy B · 15 Mar 2010 at 19:28

I haven't seen one without half leathers, apart from the leather Recaros which are nice, not too common as they were part of a £2000 option pack. The RS is further than he wants to go in running costs, again, not really looking for suggestions.

Janesy B · 15 Mar 2010 at 19:46

dannyjo22 said:
Every single ST170 I drove when we were looking for one a few years ago had an absolute shocking gearbox. You might as well have been booting the gear changes into place with your foot.

One dealer that tried to fob me off with this being how the car was supposed to be said don't change gear under 3000 rpm because the cars not built for low rev gear changes. How I laughed.

I liked the car other than that. A guy I used to work with took his new one back after a couple of months because of the crap gear change and took a massive hit just to get rid.

Can't say I found that a problem, maybe you need stronger arms?

[TW]Fox;16162550 said:
<pedant>

Leathers are what a biker wears. A leather interior is what a car has.

</pedant>

Thanks for clearing that up for me, Fox, do bikers wear half leathers too?

Janesy B · 28 Mar 2010 at 15:50

Just an update, thanks for all the help, noticed a few of the faults on some we looked at but managed to find one that seems to be free from all the common faults.

2004 04 with 45k on the clock
Climate Control/Xenons/Heated front screen
Full Ford Service History

Could do with a little more power, but for the price he paid it was a bargain.

Janesy B · 28 Mar 2010 at 15:54

If I can get DOC when I insure my Focus and ask nicely, I shouldn't see why not

Janesy B · 28 Mar 2010 at 18:06

Imperial Blue is close enough

Janesy B · 29 Mar 2010 at 08:40

hurfdurf said:
My thoughts exactly, its a Ford Focus and not even a fast or lairy looking one.

It's considerably faster than what he is used to driving and I only said the 'mid-lfe crisis' bit as a bit of a joke. The ST170 is capable enough enough car down a B-Road, a little more power wouldn't go amiss but the handling is spot on.