Thinking about a Focus ST MK3

[Scottish Greg]

I can now highly recommend .....

The Mountune short shift. Totally transforms what I thought a sloppy change as standard.

[ST86Dave]

Podie said:

Apart from sound

+1. And looks.

[Hub]

Anyone looking at these recently know if Ford have discontinued the Performance Blue colour? It doesn't show on the Ford online configurator - there is a new silver colour instead!

[Ron240]

Hub said:

Anyone looking at these recently know if Ford have discontinued the Performance Blue colour? It doesn't show on the Ford online configurator - there is a new silver colour instead!

Performance Blue was a Mk.2 RS and ST colour, it has never been offered on the Mk.3 ST. The current colour is called Spirit Blue.
It is an ST exclusive colour(including Fiesta) and is available on ST2 and 3 only.

I have just ordered a new ST3 in Spirit Blue with Style Pack, Cruise Control and Privacy glass for first week of July delivery.
I have already ordered a set of custom Gel Overlays from DMB before they stop selling them at end of June.
I am amazed at some of the discounts i have been reading about in this thread. I am paying a total of 23 grand inclusive of discounts at my local dealer.
I was originally wanting to wait for the facelift model but the absolute earliest i have heard is October for the normal model, while the ST could be into next year.
Im hoping it is delayed as long as possible.

Edited by Ron240 on Tuesday 3rd June 14:06

[ChrisH370]

What are gel overlays and why are they stopping production?
Early July sounds good as I am quoted 10-12 weeks from now making it a Sept reg. for Fiesta st2.

[Hub]

Ron240 said:

The current colour is called Spirit Blue.
It is an ST exclusive colour(including Fiesta) and is available on ST2 and 3 only.

That might explain it then, thanks. I was just having a look on their configurator at options and things but it seems a bit rubbish - didn't see any blue option so it probably wasn't clear you had to be on ST2 or ST3!

Edited by Hub on Saturday 24th May 17:41

[Ron240]

ChrisH370 said:

What are gel overlays and why are they stopping production?
Early July sounds good as I am quoted 10-12 weeks from now making it a Sept reg. for Fiesta st2.

Here is a link to the Gel Overlays from DMB Graphics.
They are excellent quality and officially licensed by Ford, although that runs out at end of June because....and im reading between the lines here - Ford have probably greatly increased the licensing cost to produce them.
"With effect from the end of June 2014, DMB Graphics Ltd will no longer supply any GEL badges which have the FORD script"
I have a white-black set on my 2012 white Focus Zetec S just now and they really are superb!
I have ordered a custom set including wheel centres and steering wheel badge in blue-red for my Spirit Blue ST when i get it.

I think maybe the Fiesta ST is in more demand than the Focus ST, thats why the delivery time is longer.
I ordered my Focus a week ago and have been given a build date of 5th June.

Edited by Ron240 on Saturday 24th May 20:10

[Ron240]

Hub said:

I was just having a look on their configurator at options and things but it seems a bit rubbish - didn't see any blue option so it probably wasn't clear you had to be on ST2 or ST3!

Yep, i never originally realised that Spirit Blue wasnt available on the ST1 myself.
Seems strange to hold a colour back for higher models in the range....but thats Ford for you.

[nottyash]

I am toying with the idea of a new ST3, currently just under 20 grand brand new on drive the deal, which is a 5 grand saving.
Just worried about the lack of traction reports and also poor economy, late 20s by most on here.
I have a Mondeo ST 220 estate, which is great to drive and I average just over 26mpg.
Is a new discounted Focus ST3 really worth 5 times more??
Also, is the Sat Nav a good easy to use one? the screens look small. Think I would have the sunroof too.

[Ron240]

nottyash said:

I am toying with the idea of a new ST3, currently just under 20 grand brand new on drive the deal,Just worried about the lack of traction reports and also poor economy, late 20s by most on here.
is the Sat Nav a good easy to use one? the screens look small. Think I would have the sunroof too.

I have also read what others have said about traction and fuel consumption, but im not overly concerned because its all relative to your driving style.
With my current 2012 Focus Zetec S with the 182PS engine i can easily get high 40's - low 50's on a run and high 30's on urban. This is more than others i have spoken to, so i expect to get more with my ST as well.

Is that 20 grand price just for a basic model without any options?
Im wondering because the 2 options you mention are among the most expensive and add up to £1325.

[nottyash]

Base ST3. With them options nearly 21k

[Ron240]

I just got a quote through drive the deal for the ST3 im buying and it came to £21060, which is almost 2 grand cheaper than im paying at my local dealer.
It would mean i have to sell my current car privately then either pay for delivery to Scotland or drive to somewhere in England to pick up the car. I dont know how much delivery is or where my options for it would be.
I know 2 grand is a significant amount of money to save, but for me its so much easier and convenient going through my local dealer.
Is it worth an extra 2 grand though......no probably not.

[Waynester]

Bought a new ST-3 back in 2006, which I loved..but sold. I was in the market for another ST earlier this year.
I test drove a Mk 3 ST-2 but decided upon another Mk2 ST. For me, I just prefer the 5 cylinder engine, plus I wanted another 3 door..and just prefer the Mk 2 shape.
Fuel consumption isn't really an issue for me as I don't tend to do big mileages, and it's worth it for the sound alone.

[Hub]

Ron240 said:

my current 2012 Focus Zetec S with the 182PS engine

How do you find the 1.6? Did you initially consider an ST then buy the Zetec S and regret it?

I know there is a Mountune package available and they are a bit more subtle, but probably not half as fun. I'm looking at an estate and it would probably have enough power for day to day and would be a bit more efficient, but I think I would regret not going for the ST!

[Ron240]

Hub said:

How do you find the 1.6? Did you initially consider an ST then buy the Zetec S and regret it?

I find the 1.6 Ecoboost 182PS as a combination of power and economy to be absolutely brilliant!
In the Focus this engine is only fitted to Zetec S & Titanium X, and of course latterly fitted to Fiesta ST.
I bought my Zetec S brand new in September 2012. My first choice was the ST, but my dealer had just recently received their first deliveries and there were no discounts being offered, so at that time it was more than i wanted to spend.
I got my Zetec S with options for at least 2 grand cheaper than an ST1 at the time.
I have never regretted it at all....its been a brilliant car, the best i have ever owned and would recommend this engine to anybody.
When discussing my trade in with the dealer he told me the 182PS engine is somewhat of a rarity in the Zetec S, with most buyers opting for diesel or 1.0 Ecoboost.
Now with the trade in value of my Zetec S and reasonable discounts available on the ST i can afford to move up to an ST3 with my choice of options for approx 2 grand less cash outlay than my Zetec S previously cost me.
Of course at the end of the day i am still well down when considering depreciation.

Edited by Ron240 on Thursday 29th May 19:32

[nottyash]

Ron240 said:

I just got a quote through drive the deal for the ST3 im buying and it came to £21060, which is almost 2 grand cheaper than im paying at my local dealer.
It would mean i have to sell my current car privately then either pay for delivery to Scotland or drive to somewhere in England to pick up the car. I dont know how much delivery is or where my options for it would be.
I know 2 grand is a significant amount of money to save, but for me its so much easier and convenient going through my local dealer.
Is it worth an extra 2 grand though......no probably not.

I thought that price was delivered.
Last time I used them it was, however I picked it up rather than someone else drive it.
You can pay extra for flatbed delivery.
Do you think your getting a good PX from your local dealer? I know what you mean it is easier sometimes, just depends how much you have to earn to pay that 2000 pound plus the tax and NI. I know its certainly worth me going DTD for a days travelling and sticking the old one on ebay

[Ron240]

nottyash said:

I thought that price was delivered.
Do you think your getting a good PX from your local dealer?

Free delivery only applies to England, but i believe you need to pay for Scotland.
My dealer is giving me 12 grand trade in on my Sept 2012 Zetec S 182PS, which i think is not too bad.
I checked webuyanycar and they offered £11800, which they would try to knock down on the day....although they would struggle to find anything at all to justify that on my car.

[nottyash]

Ron240 said:

ree delivery only applies to England, but i believe you need to pay for Scotland.
My dealer is giving me 12 grand trade in on my Sept 2012 Zetec S 182PS, which i think is not too bad.
I checked webuyanycar and they offered £11800, which they would try to knock down on the day....although they would struggle to find anything at all to justify that on my car.

Well it all comes down to if your happy with the deal, and if you have a car to PX DTD isn't any good.
It can be a pain selling cars privately sometimes.
Are you up in the highlands? bit unfair saying delivery to Scotland is extra, especially if your only across the border.

[Ron240]

nottyash said:

Are you up in the highlands? bit unfair saying delivery to Scotland is extra, especially if your only across the border.

I live in Fife - approx 30 miles north of Edinburgh so definitely not the highlands.
Here is a quote from drive the deal website -
Delivery of your new car to any address in England is free of charge. Car deliveries to Wales or Scotland may cost extra, please contact us for details.
Delivery could be free i suppose, but i wouldnt know for sure until i contacted them.

[rix]

Just give them a call, they're very helpful and knowledgable