Hi all. Im looking at selling my Escort GTi and getting a focus around 02/03 year...
I really like the ST 170 for looks and it has the 2.0l for power....

But does the ST come with more problems?
Would I be better getting a 2.0l (not ST) and sticking multispokes on it so I got the ST look but then not the ST running costs, insurance etc.....?

Whats the main problems here?
Are they suffering with rust anywhere at this age?

 

They do drink fuel, even my 1.6 likes a sip
I personally don't find my Focus comftorble on a long journey, but I hope that ST170 seats will fix that.
They are prone to rattles, usually without a doubt the heatshield of some sort.
Also the IMRC can play up and click allot, not sure if its that expensive to replace?
I seem to go through lambda sensors quite abit, and it's a common problem on the ST170 too!
Also you can get vibrations and sticking in the accelerator pedel, usually a new cable fixes this.
Never noticed much rust on a Focus, early ones sometimes but very rarley go on the back arch, all focuses have a slight but of rust under the wing mirror...


This is due to the wing mirror rubbing the paint off in the corner.
Also same thing happens on early Focuses with the chrome tailgate handle, not too much of an issue on later ones.
I've seen front wings rust too but it's very rare so I can only assume it's aftermarket parts?

My 1.6 is pleanty fun to drive once high in the revs, not the fastest by any means but I can actually get it to about 127mph on the clocks when I visit my long private road.
It does drink fuel, for one reason, it has no low down torque. That means you end up driving it 2500-3500rpm, where as the 1.8 and 2.0 have much more low down torque so you can drive sub 2500rpm.
If your used to an escort GTi which iirc has 115bhp? Why not get a 1.8 Focus?

Bailes.

 

I disagree with the above re the 1600, I have one, it was my first car, still use it as my daily car now.

I actually find mine very economical (The book figure is 40MPG), I do around 20 miles a day plus any social driving in addition.

Also most petrol engines best shifting practice is around 2-2,500 RPM imo.

As said though the common place to watch for rust is in the corners by the wing mirrors and also the rear wheel arches if they haven't been looked after properly.

Some also have reported drop link problems.

The ST170 is ok but personally I would rather have a 225 if you don't mind paying a little extra, both of which are thirsty.

Also be aware the 170 is a pie in the sky so I have heard, in the real world they never make this power, not alot less say circa 160 but is isn't what the badge claims!

The 1600 is the most common and is the best if wanting the best compromise of economy and performance.

Only Focus with a chrome tailgate strip is the Ghia model!

The 1.8 gives a little more grunt , whilst the 2L is the range topper of the MK'1's (Obviously excluding the hot models both of which are 2L anyway)

To conclude in my ownership I have never had one problem!

To Bailes I see yours is an LX, as you correctly say the seats are not brilliant, they are better in the Zetec or as you say the ST170, it's not uncommon for people to change them for this reason, as you plan to yourself.

They really are good cars (Even if I do say so myself) imo one of the best cars Ford make nowadays.


Martin

 

I will say when I get a bit of motorway driving my car is very frugal doing around 50mpg, but at the moment most my driving is around towen an A/B roads so lucky to see 30mpg! Then again regarding the low down torque issue, my first/last car was a diesel, so getting into this was a shock

I just replaced my droplinks as I had some hanging about and the mechanic said my old ones were perfectly fine.

Glad it's not just me who finds the seats terrible aswell!

Also what I will mention is the standard Focus brakes aint too great either. I've replaced all mine Discs, pads, drums, bearings, shoes and replaced the Fluid but they fade pretty quickly in my opinion and they aint too great to start with.
If I can find ST170 hubs and calipers easilly then I'l upgrade to 170 brakes. If I can't then I'm going to look into fitting Fiesta MK5 hubs and looking towards the upgrades avalible to the MK5 fiesta.

 

Have found a few nice 52 plate STs, and could do a deal on the weekend.but I dont feel confident in buyin one after reading reviews, although I really want one.....

Arrghhhh decisions decisions.......

 

IMO the ST170 is way over priced for what it is. The standard interior isn't much, it needs the Recaros to be half decent inside. They aren't that quick, are thirsty and don't look anything special. Not to mention still costing a fortune to actually buy a nice one.

The 1.8 is the best all rounder in most people's eyes, but will still be slower than your Escort. Would handle a billion times better of course, but I think a Focus is a bit bland compared to the old GTI in a way. Technically better, no doubt, but a bit boring and common.

I'd have a look around at other cars before you commit. There's a lot of nice stuff in the ST170 price bracket I should think!

 

I wouldnt get an ST170 either, 2.0 for performance.
The 1.8TDCi with a Remap can apparently keep up with the 170?

 

My mate's tdci that was remapped could keep up with my old st170. I wouldn't recommend buying one, they are very heavy on fuel and the fancy inlet system is fragile. Look nice though!

 

It depends on your budget but personally if wanting performance for me it would have to be a ST225, (My ultimate would be the MK2 FRS but they are very expensive at the moment!) All the brilliance of a Focus and a lovely engine to boot in both cases!

That said the 2L is a capable car, all depends whats right for you!

Martin