Buying: 2015 Ford Focus ST Mk3 petrol

UnknownSpecies

Hi folks, looking for some experience anyone might have with the above car.

Haven't seen many pop up online and I know you can't get them in Ireland in the ST-3 trim which is what I'm looking for. Because of that, I know I'll almost certainly need to buy from the UK, but would like to get as much information and opinions as possible before biting the bullet.

Would any Ford dealers in Ireland have the used petrols in stock for a test drive? Not worried about the trim for the test drive, but again would like to drive one before committing.

Thanks in advance.

Limbo123

UnknownSpecies wrote: »

Hi folks, looking for some experience anyone might have with the above car.

Haven't seen many pop up online and I know you can't get them in Ireland in the ST-3 trim which is what I'm looking for. Because of that, I know I'll almost certainly need to buy from the UK, but would like to get as much information and opinions as possible before biting the bullet.

Would any Ford dealers in Ireland have the used petrols in stock for a test drive? Not worried about the trim for the test drive, but again would like to drive one before committing.

Thanks in advance.

Not a chance of test driving anywhere in Ireland. I've contacted 12 of the biggest Ford dealers around the country asking for a test drive - diesel not a problem - no petrol used/demonstrators in stock. They will offer you a RS to test drive but no petrol ST.

I've asked all to keep my details on file (some 4/5 months back) and no calls to date. I've even been checking carzone etc but to no avail.

I currently have a Fiesta ST and need a bigger car so wanted to test drive before ordering an estate ST.

bazz26

Is a day trip or weekend break up to the North an option? Bound to be one available for a test drive up there.

UnknownSpecies

Testing an RS seems like a good offer too But yes, what you've just told me is exactly what I expected. How do you find the Fiesta ST? Are you looking for a facelift Focus ST or pre-facelift? I'm hoping Ford announce the Mk4 before long so the facelift Mk3 price will drop by the end of the year.

@bazz that's looking like my best option. I'm based in Cork so a trip to the North wouldn't be trivial. Funnily enough, a return flight from Cork to London/UK would cost less than the petrol to the North! Hmmm...

Limbo123

UnknownSpecies wrote: »

Testing an RS seems like a good offer too But yes, what you've just told me is exactly what I expected. How do you find the Fiesta ST? Are you looking for a facelift Focus ST or pre-facelift? I'm hoping Ford announce the Mk4 before long so the facelift Mk3 price will drop by the end of the year.

@bazz that's looking like my best option. I'm based in Cork so a trip to the North wouldn't be trivial. Funnily enough, a return flight from Cork to London/UK would cost less than the petrol to the North! Hmmm...

I am after the facelift Focus ST Estate. Only going this option as I need the extra space as the other half is downsizing the jeep for something slow/boring/1lt/ecconomical and the dogs need transporting.

I did actually test drive the pre face lift Focus ST at the time (as it was available to test drive) but ended up ordering the Fiesta ST as it is a much better car all round. Even the dealer said the Fiesta ST is a much better car/choice over the Focus ST even though going the Fiesta route meant less commission for him. Less toys inside but more rewarding drive, not much competition on the market that would match it on twisty country roads. Not many cars out there that would put a smile on your face still after 2 years ownership. Now running Stage 2 it is a pocket rocket. I will be gutted the day I part with it for something more grown up.

UnknownSpecies

Interesting, thanks. I really don't need the space as I rarely have more than 2 in the car. The thought of modifying a Fiesta interests me now. Was there much work involved getting the stage 2? In terms of work needed and cost? Feel free to PM if you'd rather discuss cost etc there. Would you declare those mods to your insurance company and would it cause a big increase?

bazz26

There is a Fiesta ST200 also which has a bit more power and tweaked handling over the standard Fiesta ST.

Henry Ford III

bazz26 wrote: »

There is a Fiesta ST200 also which has a bit more power and tweaked handling over the standard Fiesta ST.

Drove one. It's harsher than the ordinary ST. Very little in it performance wise.

I don't think it's worth the premium tbh.

UnknownSpecies

Did some more reading into the Fiestas and they have a lot of fans. To put my decision in perspective, I was originally looking at the 3.0 TDI or 2.0 TFSI A5, so comfort is important to me. Then I realised I want to stick with petrol and a newer Focus ST is cheaper than the older Audi and would definitely be more fun so worth the downgrade in comfort. I just feel like the Fiesta would be a downgrade in comfort even from my current E46. Still interested in testing both. Thanks for all thoughts so far

Limbo123

UnknownSpecies wrote: »

Did some more reading into the Fiestas and they have a lot of fans. To put my decision in perspective, I was originally looking at the 3.0 TDI or 2.0 TFSI A5, so comfort is important to me. Then I realised I want to stick with petrol and a newer Focus ST is cheaper than the older Audi and would definitely be more fun so worth the downgrade in comfort. I just feel like the Fiesta would be a downgrade in comfort even from my current E46. Still interested in testing both. Thanks for all thoughts so far

I went from a fully loaded R171 SLK to the Fiesta ST. The fully heated Recaros in the ST are probably some of the most comfortable car seats I've sat on. Few long drives over to East London/Kent as well not a bother. Heated windscreen clears ice/snow effortlessly in no time at all. My only grumble would be the sound quality of the Ford headunits are not great/somewhat lacking so speaker upgrades are a must if you like a decent clearer sound.

UnknownSpecies

You're making a great case for the Fiesta in fairness I'll add it to the list

Gavman84

There is one for sale in Kerry might be worth a spin down.
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2017-ford-focus-2-0-ecoboost-st2-250ps/17490141

Also saw a red facelift for sale private in Cork recently not sure if its sold or not tho.
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/ford/focus/used-2015-151-ford-focus-cork-fpa-29696476078993

UnknownSpecies

Hmm I don't know how I missed that one searching Donedeal. Thanks, Killarney is a short spin from home in Cork. Way out of budget though being 2017. I'd be scared the dealer would see straight through me, knowing I have no intention of buying ha!

edit. Just saw the Cork link. Even better!

Casati

UnknownSpecies wrote: »

Hmm I don't know how I missed that one searching Donedeal. Thanks, Killarney is a short spin from home in Cork. Way out of budget though being 2017. I'd be scared the dealer would see straight through me, knowing I have no intention of buying ha!

edit. Just saw the Cork link. Even better!

That demo Focus is very nice, saw it up at the garage recently, I’m sure they would do a deal if you were serious