Focus ST advice

FocusST

Hi,
Log time lurker, first-time poster!

I am looking at buying a Focus ST. I have heard they are a relatively reliable car with the main fault being a cracked liner in earlier stage1/stage2 remapped 2006 models.

Has anyone on here had one?

Looking at the one for 5.5k in KILDARAGH USED CAR CENTRE in Kildare.

Belfast

Ford Focus ST checkpoints
https://www.evo.co.uk/ford/focus-st/14078/ford-focus-st-checkpoints

Help Common faults with 2.5 st
https://passionford.com/forum/ford-focus-st/448751-help-common-faults-with-2-5-st.html

Gavman84

I have one for 4 years now. The liner issue can affect any year and doesn't matter if standard or not. I think its made out a bigger deal then is. Can do a block mod to prevent it and makes sense to do when timing belt is being done. I havent done to mine and had no issues.

That one looks to be standard anyway. Mine is 08 pre facelift same as that also. I have done 90k km on mine in the last 4 years at 190k km now. Thats an st3 one so has decent spec too.

Driveshafts are something to watch for too. Clicking or clunking on full lock and vibration on acceleration.
Liners gone mean it would be losing coolant and mis fire on start up and smoking too.
Oil filter housing is something to watch for too. Will be make a high pitched whine if this is gone. Will stop or quieten if you pull the dip stick out as releases the pressure.

Id make sure it has a full service history too.
They are great cars and I love mine but they need to be maintained and as they are getting older now can need a bit of work. The 5 pot sound is class from them.
Plenty of mods for them too if its your thing.

FocusST

I just checked the Vehicle reg online.

Change of ownership 25/10

Bought by dealer 15/11

Should that be concerning?

Gavman84

These cars can change hands a lot. Getting cheaper now and I think people buy them then realise they are not that cheap to run. Seen it happen a few times. I'd get it checked out anyway regardless and wouldn't deter me if it's a good clean one.

bladebrew

Check out insurance prices aswell, I was quoted over €1200 on an ST and just over €600 on an OPC, which makes no sense as they are similar power wise,
I assume it's because the ST has a bigger engine,
They sound brilliant and I kind of regret not buying one!

Gavman84

I find insurance not bad I pay 600 on mine. But I have full ncb no points and I'm 34. I'm with 123 they the cheapest the last few years.