Next week im going to be a viewing a 2007, 3DR, ST3 spec Focus on 60k miles with full FSH.

Please can you point me in the correct direction of any faults to look out for and what are the most common problems

 

Biggest fault is an empty fuel tank as they are very thirsty!!!!

 

I have heard they can be thirsty , but I can live with that coming from a normally aspirated toyota.

 

Check for rust on the car when you open the boot, in between the hinges. The rear washer pipe rubs and causes rust. On later models, they put some clear tape over the area. If you have the tape, then it will all be fine.

Had mine fixed this week under Ford's paint warrenty but it must have a paint stamp for 2009 & 2011 to be covered if the car is an '07.

 

Check thE seat bases ain't cracked. Operate the hight adjuster and wiggle the seat, they are prone to breaking and one corner will drop when sat in.
Alternators commonly fail and are an expensive fix.
Drive shafts are a weak point.
Models about that age have weak clutches so expect it to slip if you map it, but you could be lucky an have a strong clutch.
Oil diaphragms fail. Best repaired by using the Volvo part instead of ford.
Boost and oil gauges can play up usually due to a duff signal from maf/map sensors. Disconnect the batt for half hour would usually sort it if not new sensors.
Rear gearbox mounts are a bit shit, updated one is about £65.
It may have a space saver tyre, if not a compresor and tyre weld should be in the right hand corner of the boot.
Abs module can fail, £1400
Side skirts can come away from the body so check they are fitted correctly, covers for the headlight washers also come loose.
Remember the st3 only has 4 seats as well.

 

Mines an 06 with 58k and not had a problem other than the clutch.

 

Are the pre 2010 models not prone to cracking liners if modified.
Read somewhere it wasnt uncommon.

 

I've heard this a fair bit as well but not actually heard of any one suffering cracked liners.

 

If/when you change the clutch get the RS kit in there and a solid flywheel.
Also use RS spark plugs, better than the ST ones and a bit cheaper.

 

Carlos my saviour thank you so much, I have prined all tha info off to take with me

 

I think the cracked liners are an issue on late 07 / 08 cars. Mine's a 56 plate, has covered 63k, i've had it nearly 3 years and have covered about 20k in it, haven't had a single issue with it apart from an occasional bit of clutch slip but it is ~300bhp / 350lbft so will excuse that one!

I average about 25mpg which for a 2.5 turbo, isn't that bad to be honest!

 

No worries limitless.
That's what I got off the STOC.
Obviously do your usual checks as well.
If going for an orange one don't be alarmed if the bumpers are a slightly different shade. That's how it is from the factory.

Richie, I'm mostly town driving now and seeing high teens on the mpg. Costing a fortune

What colour you going for?

And you will love the sound it makes when you boot it!

 

Im looking at racing blue