Thinking of an ST220

[PaulD86]

Dave_ST220 said:

OT, what is the cost to upgrade using new parts from Ford? I'm guessing eye watering? Also, is it a straight bolt on? I seem to recall washers being required? Ta

Correct, eye watering is right. Second hand calipers can still be £200 easily. New Ford discs are £50/each and Ford pads about £45 IIRC. If going down this route make sure you get calipers with carriers as if you don't you will have a long wait a big bill from Ford for new ones. Mod is a bolt off, bolt on job.

[Smanks]

Thanks everyone for the contributions; the amount of comments on the Focus ST brake upgrade is interesting, will keep that in mind, although I guess it probably would not be too difficult to find one with the work already done. Would the maximum of £3k get a decent 2004-5 example?

[PaulD86]

Smanks said:

Thanks everyone for the contributions; the amount of comments on the Focus ST brake upgrade is interesting, will keep that in mind, although I guess it probably would not be too difficult to find one with the work already done. Would the maximum of £3k get a decent 2004-5 example?

Yes, it would. Things to look out for:

Clutch - has it been changed? These tend to get replaced anywhere from 65k to 85k, though some have reported them lasting to well over 100. Either way, worth thinking about if looking at cars of that sort of mileage.
Wheels - original finish was diamond cut. These corroded badly and by this age most will have been painted or powder coated etc but if they are diamond cut then don't expect them to last long.
Rear bumper - often these sag leaving big gap to lights. This is a DIY fix.
Heated seats - prone to failures. If you think you'll use them, check they work correctly.
Optional extras - a lot of 220s came with the Technology pack that added auto lights, wipers and a few other bits. Nice to have. Rear park sensors are a big plus too as the back of the car is quite high and when reversing up to a small car behind you often find you can only see its roofline.

Basically if you go for it, then look for a well maintained one. Engines are strong but can have issues if they get low on oil so check service history for regular maintenance. Usual buying 2nd hand car stuff really.

[Podie]

Also watch for claims of "loads of extras" when the kit (cruise, heated seats, etc) are standard!

[Smanks]

Excellent, thanks again

[fjord]

I second the 'loads of kit' comment.

Xenons are quite rare on them, but good. The xenons on mine were great. Get one with nav too if you can find it.

[nottyash]

I paid 200 for 2nd hand callipers off an 09 car and bought Brembo discs and brembo pads. I think it was about 140 pound, which isn't bad.

[Podie]

fjord said:

I second the 'loads of kit' comment.

Xenons are quite rare on them, but good. The xenons on mine were great. Get one with nav too if you can find it.

Check the date on the nav disc - they're about £200 for an update from Ford.

[a_bread]

I have one and don't regret it at all. Great driving machine, and so far nothing important has gone wrong in almost 3 years.

Compared with the jag equivalent, and the merc / Audi offerings in the 3 litre category at the time it's a lot better to drive. BMWs - it's more debatable, but I came from a 330Ci and I'm happy.

[Smanks]

a_bread said:

I have one and don't regret it at all. Great driving machine, and so far nothing important has gone wrong in almost 3 years.

Compared with the jag equivalent, and the merc / Audi offerings in the 3 litre category at the time it's a lot better to drive. BMWs - it's more debatable, but I came from a 330Ci and I'm happy.

That is why I am considering one, after 3 BMWs in a row I do fancy a change

[a_bread]

Smanks said:

That is why I am considering one, after 3 BMWs in a row I do fancy a change

I think the only things id say are a slight step down are mpg and build quality. The ST220 interior doesn't feel quite so well put together or thought out. But it's quite luxurious and very well equipped (by the time you've specced an e46 up to that level it'll weigh a fair bit more) and a great place to be.

Handling wise I prefer it even though its fwd (I came from an e46 sport). It's got better steering and a better ride. Also although the engine is not as torquey as the 330 it's a lot more rev-happy, punches a bit harder at the top end and sounds better although is not as smooth.