How many Focus ST owners on here
- Thread starter Sparky
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Thanks for all the responses, plenty of food for thought.
I do like the look of the fiesta, but with a 2yo I think we’d struggle for room, and I think the focus is pushing it a bit too, to be honest.
I’ll probably end up buying a Mk3 VRS instead, but I definitely want to test an ST first before I go down the “sensible” route.
I do like the look of the fiesta, but with a 2yo I think we’d struggle for room, and I think the focus is pushing it a bit too, to be honest.
I’ll probably end up buying a Mk3 VRS instead, but I definitely want to test an ST first before I go down the “sensible” route.
Soldato
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I don't find Fiesta more fun. In our household we've got a Mk 7 Fiesta ST and Mk3.5 Focus ST so I've driven them both a lot. The Fiesta is fun but I find the Focus more enjoyable.
The Fiesta is in orange though so it looks awesome.
The Fiesta is in orange though so it looks awesome.
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Thanks for all the responses, plenty of food for thought.
I do like the look of the fiesta, but with a 2yo I think we’d struggle for room, and I think the focus is pushing it a bit too, to be honest.
I’ll probably end up buying a Mk3 VRS instead, but I definitely want to test an ST first before I go down the “sensible” route.
You'll want an estate (have a fiesta, a two year old, mutt and a mk3 st estate). They aren't a big car even for the class.
I also used to own a vrs (albeit a mk2 but had mk3 hire cars) and there is no comparison between the Ford and Skoda in terms of handling, steering or even noise (albeit the fords is fake). On the flip side the Skoda rides better, has much more space in the rear meaning an adult can easily sit in front of a rear facing car seat and even the hatch has a boot as big as the focus estate.
The vag TSI is also a bit more economical if that matters, though in my daily use there is only a few mpg difference.
Ok so coming from my thread I am pretty much decided on a Focus ST 225 as my next car. There is only one major thing which worries me, it's the engine liner issue. I could get lucky and not have any issues in my ownership, though, I could buy it and the next day have the symptoms. So I'm being rather anxious about this.
Just wanted to ask if anyone had these issues with a 07/08 PFL car? How common is it?
Secondly, I have seen two cars in adverts (both st-3) which I like the look of both are PFL. One is standard and one has been mapped to 270, has an RS Clutch/Flywheel though no mention of block mod. Seems to be priced reasonably for the mileage and owners (last owner 8 years). Seems like an enthusiast owns it which is good. No mention of cambelt/waterpump being done but may have receipts. I read these are good for 10years/125k miles whichever comes first.
The standard one has less mileage by about 10k, (last owner 6 years), and is priced a tad lower. Looks in good nick too but the advert is rather vague which puts me off.
I'm unsure which to view as the modded one is nearer but the other is rather far, in essence as I was planning a remap/exhaust/intercooler as the only power mods. Not after big bhp, though I've read a remap does transform the car. I did read that liner issues can affect standard cars too, but I thought it would be a good starting base to own a standard one.
I keep reading something regarding engine codes which have less lining issues then others.
Just after advice/reassurance really.
Just wanted to ask if anyone had these issues with a 07/08 PFL car? How common is it?
Secondly, I have seen two cars in adverts (both st-3) which I like the look of both are PFL. One is standard and one has been mapped to 270, has an RS Clutch/Flywheel though no mention of block mod. Seems to be priced reasonably for the mileage and owners (last owner 8 years). Seems like an enthusiast owns it which is good. No mention of cambelt/waterpump being done but may have receipts. I read these are good for 10years/125k miles whichever comes first.
The standard one has less mileage by about 10k, (last owner 6 years), and is priced a tad lower. Looks in good nick too but the advert is rather vague which puts me off.
I'm unsure which to view as the modded one is nearer but the other is rather far, in essence as I was planning a remap/exhaust/intercooler as the only power mods. Not after big bhp, though I've read a remap does transform the car. I did read that liner issues can affect standard cars too, but I thought it would be a good starting base to own a standard one.
I keep reading something regarding engine codes which have less lining issues then others.
Just after advice/reassurance really.
Stop worrying about the liner issue it was blown way out of proportion on all the Internet forums you know what it’s like when one issue gets reported and everyone jumps on it. From what I seen when I done my research it more often a not happened to lower mileage cars that where only a few years old so if your buying say a 2006-2008 that’s already 10 years old and covered over 70k then it would have probably happened by now imo.
I’m sure the facelift 2008 onwards had slightly redesigned liners which where meant to be stronger. Most of the guys that had split liners were running stage 2/3 and running over 300bhp.
If you where that worried Collins performance and a few others will do the block mod on the liners and cambelt/waterpump change at the same time for a reasonable price.
With your 7k budget I would just get a 2006/7 for under 6k and leave the other 1k in the bank for mods. Once the cambelt is done there’s not much else to pay out for really.
There’s a good 5 door 2007 on eBay at the minute that’s had the Mountune upgrade from new and 1 owner
I’m sure the facelift 2008 onwards had slightly redesigned liners which where meant to be stronger. Most of the guys that had split liners were running stage 2/3 and running over 300bhp.
If you where that worried Collins performance and a few others will do the block mod on the liners and cambelt/waterpump change at the same time for a reasonable price.
With your 7k budget I would just get a 2006/7 for under 6k and leave the other 1k in the bank for mods. Once the cambelt is done there’s not much else to pay out for really.
There’s a good 5 door 2007 on eBay at the minute that’s had the Mountune upgrade from new and 1 owner
Yeh just check for smoke coming from exhausts, loss of coolant, lift the dipstick out while engine is running to check oil diaphragm hasnt gone etc. Will make a noise if it has.
What colour where u looking for? Performance Blue or Orange are the only 2 colours to have an ST in imo
Orange
. Prefer the outlandish colour in this. Don't get me wrong, I do love the blue, I also like the silver as it's understated. Though I feel if I am buying one I may as well go orange.I said that when looking for mine but just gave up in the end and went for my second choice Performance BlueOrange
. Your really limited for choice with Orange as there’s not that many and some can look really faded if they have not been polished over the years. Not to mention getting a colour match for any re sprays. I’m sure the facelift 2008+ had a slightly deeper orange on it which looks nicer and also probably why Ford couldn’t even match the paint properly during repairs lol. I would definitely consider the Blue as it opens up far more choice especially if u want 5 doors and is still a standout colour. I got plenty of compliments on mine when I had it.
Yeah I noticed there is a lot of blue ones but I like silly colours to be fair. If they did an RS lime green I would purchase that.
If the orange ones are not decent then I'll try find a decent silver, blue would be a last resort though I think I wouldn't ever be satisfied with the colour.
If the orange ones are not decent then I'll try find a decent silver, blue would be a last resort though I think I wouldn't ever be satisfied with the colour.
PFL wheels are known for buckling easy. Not sure how you would check for that.
If it's enthusiast owned, check for what you have mentioned. Clutch slip, block mod, driveshafts and oil filter housing.
Oh, and make sure the bonnet opens. They are known for failing bonnet locks.
If it's enthusiast owned, check for what you have mentioned. Clutch slip, block mod, driveshafts and oil filter housing.
Oh, and make sure the bonnet opens. They are known for failing bonnet locks.
Check coolant, Smokey exhausts, oil diaphragm any noticeable vibrations through the wheel will probably be driveshafts which are quite expensive.
Check the 3 dials on the middle of dash and make sure they are where they should be. Turbo gauge should boost to just over half. If it’s going into the red it’s either remapped or the Boost solenoid is broke. It’s Only a £40 part that though.