As above been on the look out for another saff but whilst browsing I keep coming across focus st around 06/07 and a lot of them are 5k or under with max80k miles, they seem like a lot of car for the money, not to mention easier for the wife to drive then a saff I might go and test drive one are they good cars any problems ect ?

 

There cheap because of running costs, low mpg and high road tax, people dont want to pay it for and everyday car. People expect to pay a premium for certain cars but the the everyday man isn't happy to pay it for a focus I guess. Doesn't change the fact that they are good cars though

 

I think for me it could be perfect as I've got a free work car with free fuel ect, so would be for the wife to go to work and back only 5 miles per day then for abit of a toy on the weekend, I wouldn't worry about leaving it parked up places like I did with my saff and I could trust the wife driving it, think I'm going to go and test drive one .

 

You won't be disappointed.

Really really good all rounder!

Only downside is fuel consumption. But as you say that's not a worry for you. But that's why they are so cheap now. Cheap to insure as well.

A remap makes it totally different adding near 50bhp. Great sounding engine.

Had mine 2 years and only issue I had was the gauges played up one day but went back to normal. Only happened once.

Seat frames can snap, just adjust the hight of the seats and lean back, you'll know if it has snapped.
Drive shafts are a bit weak but not many go
Oils diaphragm can go giving a loss of boost and a whistling noise. Repair with a Volvo part as these are stronger.
Boost solenoid can go, again loss of boost pressure.

Around 2007 models had a weak clutch so a remap would show this, if so common upgrade is to use the RS clutch which I had to do on my 06 plate.

Alternators are a weak point and can fail early.

RS spark
Plugs are better and cheaper than ST ones.

STOC has a buyers guide on there which is worth a look or have a look through the ST threads on here as I copy and pasted it all over for people to read.


Really good car and not hard to get to 300+ bhp.
Mine was 284 with turbo back system, panel filter, decat, and remap. Just needed an intercooler and induction kit and would of been 300 ish.

 

as Carlos has said-spot on.

 

I've found one for sale locally at a garage but it's the st500 but it's pushing 9k is there any real diffrence exept the obvious slightly rarer?

 

stripes and leather seats, but that's about it ,i wouldn't bother paying the extra.
Go for the st-3 and you'll get the same car bar the stripes.
Leather is extended to door cards aswell I think.

 

As per Carlo's and Kyle's comments really. They are juicy for an every day motor, don't think insurance is that cheap (ain't for me anyway!) and they are one road tax band below most expensive. Horses for courses though because they do everything very well and are a pleasure to live with. Not an RS round the bends but not exactly a tanker, has a fantastic, usable engine, very comfortable to drive, practicality of a focus and generally decent motors. I'm not sure I would go proper bottom end of the market for these as if you get a neglected one you may find yourself our of pocket quite quickly and there are some dogs out there that drive horrible.

 

My insurance on my standard 2t-2 cost me Ł205 this year but im 43 with full NCB, but that's with the wife on.
I would say aim for Ł7500 for a good one about 2006-07 plate

 

Wouldn't bother with the 500. Not worth the premium. Different colour seats and stripes, woopy doo!

Mine was Ł600 to insure at 28. My mondeo is Ł1200

There are some dogs about as they are now in the price range of idiots, just like what happened to scoobys.
Get one with plenty of recites and history and you'll be fine.

I'd go mid market price. Many garages are pricing them rather high for some reason.

Handling wise they are great. White line do good kits for them.

The thing I likes was with the amount of low torque you don't need to boot it forever taking etc. the power band is spot I think.

Personally I'd go for the st 3 (which I had) unless you need 5 seats as the st3 is 4 seater and go for one with all the extras. The touch screen stereos are pretty good but the satnav on them are dog shit. But looks a better dash layout with them IMO.

The seats are fantastic as well.

I was getting from 19mpg to 24 around town. Best I got was 36 on a long run.

I made a huge mistake trading mine in and regrettd
It ever since.

 

Cheers for all the advice lads

 

You'll have to let us know what you think of the test drive.

What powers your Saph?

 

Sold it now mate but it was running 360bhp

 

It's a drop in power but so don't let that effect the test drive.

 

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