I am thinking of an ST170 and would like to know if these are any major problems or faults to look for. Also how are they on fuel i know ford quote 31mpg but does any one have any real figures like for £20 how many miles do you get. Thanks

 

In answer to fuel question - my RS does 130miles on £20 at 95.9p per litre (optimax) - so shouldbe 150 on £20 i'd have thought.

As for the rest sorry mate cant help!

 

Mate has one on an 02 plate. Can't fault it at all. It's had the rear bushes replaced by Ford under warantee but that's been the only niggle. Cracking chassis just a shame it doesn't have a bit more grunt.

This is my mates ST170 in Wales a few weeks back.

 

mine does about 120miles to £20 and thats with fairly steady driving but no motorway cruising e.t.c. so not good on fuel really, nice to drive though, and the gearbox is a treat when the car is driven hard mate.

 

Faults to look for:

Look out for rust under the wing mirrors, and sometimes on the tailgate at the lowest point of the rear screen.

Get the inlet manifold checked for cracks, plus check the solenoid that activates the dual stage inlet manifold is firstly working, and that the connection cable between the solenoid and manifold is attached. The plastic connector is prone to breaking. Not something you can really check yourself but ask the garage to look.

Make sure the scuttle panel below the windscreen is a tight fit. It needs to be removed to replace the pollen filter, and many people have found pools in the passenger footwell due to incorrect 'sealing'.

Rattly gearstick and vibrating throttle cable are other things that can occur, but should all be fixable under warranty.

That's the main ones I've encountered/heard of. Good luck with the purchase, they're a great car to drive (so long as none of the above occurs!!)

 

Dodgy clutch/gearbox is another thing to watch out for. If it's hard to get into reverse or creeps forwards/backwards whilst in first/reverse with your foot fully down on the clutch pedal then find another one.

 

my focus has the rust under the wing mirrors, would this be covered by the anti corrosion warrenty ?.

 

hi, as for your problem with the rust under mirror bases.
i had the same problem about 18 months ago.
this was carried out under warranty, but i had to contribute towards it.
i had to fight hard with ford customer care as i was not the first owner.
i was second owner of one year old car with 10.000 miles on the clock.
it had done 22.-25.000 miles when complaint.
ford tried to pay the minimum until i told them this was my third focus and i could not believe that a car of 18 months had rust.
so if your car is older you will have to fight harder(but stick to your guns)
it works.
ford then paid 95% towards the cost

let me know how you get on.

borgie.

 

hello i have found some faults, first the master clutch cylinder it leaks but not to the where you will notice, 2 a very loud rattle from u der the bonnet, can not find where it is cumin from but will let use k now,..it only happens a 2 tho revs.... if anyone has had this pm me please...

vinny

 

ps i was very drunk when i last posted...ha ha

 

This would not be covered under the warranty as wing mirrors were not a Ford fitment on the Focus, but it would be covered if you had rust under the door mirrors. LOL

Unless you have got a Ford Cortina or Ford Anglia.

 

I've got rust under the door mirrors too, bloody ford are taking ages to get their act together. As for the ST170 i test drove one, it was good, went back a week later and the dealer had an RS, that was the end of the ST idea.

 

Smart arse,you dont miss anything!