ST220 wanted....questions

DaveOwl

DaveOwl

DaveOwl

Associate
Joined
3 Nov 2005
Posts
611
Currently got a 206 GTI (yeah I know :p ) and looking at the ST220 as my next car over the next week or so. I've seen that they go up to 2007 latest and want to get as new as I possibly can. Anyone able to confirm what they paid for theirs and what year/mileage it was when they did?

I just can't seem to get a good grasp in my mind as to what they should be really - I was thinking a 2006 or 2007 with no more than 40,000 miles but then I've also heard that even the ones from 2002 are EXACTLY the same inside and out as the 2006/7 models - true?

I guess I'm wondering if £9k is too much for a 2006 with sub 25,000 miles. I know that I could get a Type-R or something along those lines for the same or very little more and people would think they are far better but nothing like that really interests me for some reason.

Appreciate any input :)
 
There was a facelift in 2004 which improved the interior massively and also recieved a 6 speed gearbox.

The second small facelift was 2006 I think when the car got a few lashings of chrome trim.

I myself have a 2004 facelift model. Bought for £6490 with 25,000 miles from a dealer.

Problems to look out for is rust on the rear arches and the rear bumper sagging.
 
Basic Info

They were facelifted in late 2003 (iirc the facelifts will be 2004 on 53 plates) and received a revised interior and a 6 speed gearbox. The only thing that really changed was the centre console, rest of the interior remained the same.

After that, the next facelift came on the 2006 55 plate when it got the chrome splashed about, and the revised lights (with the white stripes) and the revised front grille.

Mechnically they're all the same apart from the change from 5 speed to 6 speed gearbox which apparently is stronger but ive yet to actually speak to anybody who had a 5 speed fail on them.

Crucial question, have you actually driven one ? go take a test drive, i test drove one and couldnt get on with it, other owners have commented that they two found the same thing - its a nice refined car, but has no real sensation of accleration. You look at the speedo, and you are going fast, but you never real feel it.

Go take a test drive and see how you find it, but i found it a bit dull to drive for my liking. Good, but dull.
 
DaveOwl said:
Currently got a 206 GTI (yeah I know :p ) and looking at the ST220 as my next car over the next week or so. I've seen that they go up to 2007 latest and want to get as new as I possibly can. Anyone able to confirm what they paid for theirs and what year/mileage it was when they did?
Click to expand...

I don't think they went up to 2007 I'm pretty sure the last were built in 2006, the ST TDCI did go on until 2007 though. I paid 8450 for mine almost 2 years ago for a 2004 model, but that was before I lost £1000 overnight when they announced the new tax rules that weren't brought in. Prices seem more stable now.

I just can't seem to get a good grasp in my mind as to what they should be really - I was thinking a 2006 or 2007 with no more than 40,000 miles but then I've also heard that even the ones from 2002 are EXACTLY the same inside and out as the 2006/7 models - true?
Click to expand...

The early models are not the same, in 2004/53 plate there was a facelift to the interior where you gained a sony 6 cd dash unit and a better looking interior centre console, gained a few st badges, also there was a revised gearbox (6 spd)/clutch/dmf. There was also a minor facelift in 2006 where they introduced the chrome bits and some red stitching to some of the leather.

I guess I'm wondering if £9k is too much for a 2006 with sub 25,000 miles. I know that I could get a Type-R or something along those lines for the same or very little more and people would think they are far better but nothing like that really interests me for some reason.
Appreciate any input :)
Click to expand...

Not too sure on prices but I think that price as very much at the top of the market. Great car overall, cruises well, great sound, fair amount of gadgets as standard and has some pace when needed. Only thing that really lacks as standard is the brakes.
 
volvo is dull on the outside, wheras the ST220 is definately better looking.

But the volvo has a great kick past 3k revs when the turbo kicks in. Its also got a lovely induction noise and a great roar towards the top end of the rev range.

The ST220 just never really felt fast :shrug:
 
Thanks for the replies so far - I'm going to be giving it a test tomorrow afternoon....who knows I may hate it! :) Can't be any worse than the ride on the 206 though!

Good to know about the facelifts and everything for sure, makes it seem worth a bit more knowing that. Bit unsure as to what I might get for the 206 GTI in part exchange - could seal the deal if it's a good amount.

Typical parent saying it would be the worst mistake in my life but you only live once eh ;)
 
MrLOL said:
volvo is dull on the outside, wheras the ST220 is definately better looking.

But the volvo has a great kick past 3k revs when the turbo kicks in. Its also got a lovely induction noise and a great roar towards the top end of the rev range.

The ST220 just never really felt fast :shrug:
Click to expand...
I have to agree, the 5 pot does make a lovely sound when pushed.
Dullness isn't necessarily related to speed though.

Although having said that, the fastest Volvo i've driven had 170bhp :o
 
MrLOL said:
The ST220 just never really felt fast :shrug:
Click to expand...

No turbo kick which is something I'm missing. Been driving like miss daisy lately so have just been having a relaxed drive. When the summer picks up though...... :(

OP if you can go to a Ford dealer and test drive an ST220 and then a Focus ST straight after and see which power delivery you prefer :)
 
MrLOL said:
You look at the speedo, and you are going fast, but you never real feel it.
Click to expand...

I've got a mate who has driven one and said the exact same thing.

Said he put his foot down and it didn't feel like he was going fast at all but was actually shifting when he looked at the speedo.

That's no fun!!
 
peterattheboro said:
OP if you can go to a Ford dealer and test drive an ST220 and then a Focus ST straight after and see which power delivery you prefer :)
Click to expand...

Now the above is certainly something I've read - I did infact want a Focus ST though £14,000 is a little much for me at the moment. Read that the ST220 is similar but does not have the turbo injection which is the key component. Looks like it's rather obvious then!
 
You can get Focus STs for £9000 now but obviously not from a Ford dealer.

Not sure what your budget is but i'm guessing around £7-8k if your looking for a late ST220.
 
I got my worst ever fuel economy with my ST220, worse than the 330CI or the Jag, because the car begged me to hammer it everywhere, I loved the sound the ST220 made when you took it passed 4500rpm, it just makes a sublime noise and really starts to shift then ...but you're all right, it doesn't 'feel' that fast. The engine in it doesn't have that much low end torque though, it's power band is mostly stacked higher up the rev range, but it loves to rev.

Anyway I bought a 2005 '54 plate in April last year, for £7k from a dealer, had 1 previous owner, FMDSH, had done about 40k miles and was absolutely mint, and I'm not exaggerating there either, it was mint …probably the cleanest 4 year old car I have seen to date. Mine was a rare ink blue saloon.
 
Last edited:
If i didnt need a 4 door family saloon, i know where my 9k would go

http://www.revitupuk.com/car.php?id=195

Dealer is a member on the VXRforums, very amicable and certainly has a very good reputation amongst us. Not saying he's a saint, as i havent met him in person, but theres been a lot of cars sold / bought there by members and never has there been any negative feedback.
 
MrLOL said:
volvo is dull on the outside, wheras the ST220 is definately better looking.

But the volvo has a great kick past 3k revs when the turbo kicks in. Its also got a lovely induction noise and a great roar towards the top end of the rev range.

The ST220 just never really felt fast :shrug:
Click to expand...

But it actually handles. The more you post the more I get the impression all you care about in a car is straight line performance.
 
[TW]Fox;15887504 said:
But it actually handles. The more you post the more I get the impression all you care about in a car is straight line performance.
Click to expand...

i do to be honest

you can enjoy straightline performance everywhere, on the motorway, on the dual carriageway on the way home, a quick getaway from the lights to the next set of lights etc..

Its very rarely safe or practical to attack corners at the maximum possible entry speed, unless your driving a route you know well. I certainly wouldnt be at the cars cornering limit on B roads i dont know.

so for the 2% of the time when you go out for a drive on your own, and you do try and nail every corner, hit every apex etc.. a better handling car will be best. But for the rest of the time in the real world, straight line speed provides more oppertunities to have fun.
 
Last edited:
Thats where the talkers become walk-R's though-corners. Leaving faster cars behind because of what you do behind the wheel not your desk.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom