Focus ST3 Estate Petrol - Buying advice please
Discussion
My 2005 Focus estate 101,000 miles has recently blown smoke. Originally thought it was an injector seal but now possibly needing an engine strip down, so not economical to repair. I await news tomorrow, and likely have to purchase replacement pronto.
As it happens I was already looking for a new (second hand) car and had short-listed the Mondeo estate, until I saw the Focus ST3 came in estate version.
I only do 5,000 miles p.a. so looking for petrol/manual variant.
I looked recently at forums to see if this is a reliable car and recall problems with wiring loom, and an electric/engine stalling problem at junctions.
I have seen a 2013 Estate for £16k a trader with 4 months Ford warranty remaining.
I assumed any trader gives a warranty, but get the impression from this trade seller, they don't bother if manufacturer warranty is still outstanding. Is this reasonable? The Ford warranty may not cover all items that can be faulty when buying.
The trader is not local to me so concerned whether some aspects are not covered, so would need recourse to the trade seller and any warranty they offer?
What buying advice would you give me?
Good car to buy?
Any known issues/recalls I need to check are done.
Any known faults I need to double check?
What is 'sport mode' I saw in another ST3 thread, is that something on automatics only - I will be going for manual?
I haven't bought a car for 7 years, and hear lots of problem stories, so need to refresh my mind on any pitfalls.
I do know Pistonheads is the place to come for sensible advice (flattery will get me everywhere) ;-)
As it happens I was already looking for a new (second hand) car and had short-listed the Mondeo estate, until I saw the Focus ST3 came in estate version.
I only do 5,000 miles p.a. so looking for petrol/manual variant.
I looked recently at forums to see if this is a reliable car and recall problems with wiring loom, and an electric/engine stalling problem at junctions.
I have seen a 2013 Estate for £16k a trader with 4 months Ford warranty remaining.
I assumed any trader gives a warranty, but get the impression from this trade seller, they don't bother if manufacturer warranty is still outstanding. Is this reasonable? The Ford warranty may not cover all items that can be faulty when buying.
The trader is not local to me so concerned whether some aspects are not covered, so would need recourse to the trade seller and any warranty they offer?
What buying advice would you give me?
Good car to buy?
Any known issues/recalls I need to check are done.
Any known faults I need to double check?
What is 'sport mode' I saw in another ST3 thread, is that something on automatics only - I will be going for manual?
I haven't bought a car for 7 years, and hear lots of problem stories, so need to refresh my mind on any pitfalls.
I do know Pistonheads is the place to come for sensible advice (flattery will get me everywhere) ;-)
Thank-you for your comprehensive reply Oobster.
I looked at this thread this morning and did an F5 refresh, but hadn't seen your reply until now.. just back with a Tangerine Scream Pearl Focus ST3 Estate.
Stopped on way back for meal, after which I think is the car skid icon showing in orange and 'off' so have to check if this is something I pressed by accident, or is malfunctioning.
Yep spotted LED on scuff plate is only half illuminated passenger side.
I'll write more tomorrow, it has been a long day.
Thank-you again oobster.
I looked at this thread this morning and did an F5 refresh, but hadn't seen your reply until now.. just back with a Tangerine Scream Pearl Focus ST3 Estate.
Stopped on way back for meal, after which I think is the car skid icon showing in orange and 'off' so have to check if this is something I pressed by accident, or is malfunctioning.
Yep spotted LED on scuff plate is only half illuminated passenger side.
I'll write more tomorrow, it has been a long day.
Thank-you again oobster.
Thank-you again Oobster.
I will take a look at the wiring loom/gearbox later.
Tyre pressues - manual does not mention ST3, but door sticker has 35 all round, don't know how good/sensitive auto sensor is, so will check later.
Anti skid off icon no longer showing now, just started it to check out sat nav.
I have 2 ford focuses in recent years, petrol then diesel and some years ago had 2 Toyota MR2's Mk1, the only performance car I have driven.
First experience.
This is a Mar 2013 ST I bought from Sytner in Bristol. Car was in showroom, alongside an Elise a similar colour, Tangerine Scream - a powerful colour.
Test drive in traffic showed avg 16 mpg and acceleration seemed very good, not sure if I have fully floored it yet though.
The low base sound of the engine is great and doors have a solid feel/sound, extending suto door protectors are a nice touch but it other cars opening doors in to mine that need them ;-)
I thought tyres were coming off the rim, but low profile, with a flared edge to reduce chance of kerbing /scuffing wheels.
They look low on tread, so likely have a shock on price.
For my 'retired to scap' old 2005 focus, I had just put 2 new tyres on for £150. ST3 will no doubt be TAD more.
On long drive home, I had icon to change to higher gear as soon as I went over 2000 rpm, so 5th around 40 mph and wanted me to go to 6th. Presumably very low revs is key to fuel economy, assuming a constat speed.
Wipers came on 2-3 times even though sign of rain.
Light switch took ages to find whilst driving, (and didn't come on automatic) it is mounted quite low.
I like the door unlocking automatic.
Seats are snug/tight on sides and I'm average to slim build, so don't know if the side support is adjustable, as would otherwise be tight for some.
By the time I got home, mpg had crept up to 30.5 mpg.
Mirrors took in automaticly upon locking, and I notive they have a small light on the underside.
Commitments mean I can't go play until Sunday.
More later.
I will take a look at the wiring loom/gearbox later.
Tyre pressues - manual does not mention ST3, but door sticker has 35 all round, don't know how good/sensitive auto sensor is, so will check later.
Anti skid off icon no longer showing now, just started it to check out sat nav.
I have 2 ford focuses in recent years, petrol then diesel and some years ago had 2 Toyota MR2's Mk1, the only performance car I have driven.
First experience.
This is a Mar 2013 ST I bought from Sytner in Bristol. Car was in showroom, alongside an Elise a similar colour, Tangerine Scream - a powerful colour.
Test drive in traffic showed avg 16 mpg and acceleration seemed very good, not sure if I have fully floored it yet though.
The low base sound of the engine is great and doors have a solid feel/sound, extending suto door protectors are a nice touch but it other cars opening doors in to mine that need them ;-)
I thought tyres were coming off the rim, but low profile, with a flared edge to reduce chance of kerbing /scuffing wheels.
They look low on tread, so likely have a shock on price.
For my 'retired to scap' old 2005 focus, I had just put 2 new tyres on for £150. ST3 will no doubt be TAD more.
On long drive home, I had icon to change to higher gear as soon as I went over 2000 rpm, so 5th around 40 mph and wanted me to go to 6th. Presumably very low revs is key to fuel economy, assuming a constat speed.
Wipers came on 2-3 times even though sign of rain.
Light switch took ages to find whilst driving, (and didn't come on automatic) it is mounted quite low.
I like the door unlocking automatic.
Seats are snug/tight on sides and I'm average to slim build, so don't know if the side support is adjustable, as would otherwise be tight for some.
By the time I got home, mpg had crept up to 30.5 mpg.
Mirrors took in automaticly upon locking, and I notive they have a small light on the underside.
Commitments mean I can't go play until Sunday.
More later.
Thank-you again Ron.
Yes, I quite agree.
My 2005 Focus had 2 new front tyres 3 weeks ago, only had 107 miles on them and now destined for scrap/salvage.
Even though I was planning to sell, I put good tyres on it, as your neck is worth more than any price difference.
I always ask for 'good in wet' tyres, rather than durability, along with a brand I know/trust.
I haven't seen the alloy saving tyre flange before, but gather this is on most/all tyres suitable for the ST3.
Yes, I quite agree.
My 2005 Focus had 2 new front tyres 3 weeks ago, only had 107 miles on them and now destined for scrap/salvage.
Even though I was planning to sell, I put good tyres on it, as your neck is worth more than any price difference.
I always ask for 'good in wet' tyres, rather than durability, along with a brand I know/trust.
I haven't seen the alloy saving tyre flange before, but gather this is on most/all tyres suitable for the ST3.
I assumed tyres would be a hot/popular topic, but search on PH and elsewhere has revealed little apart from:
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyres_For/Ford/Focus-...
which looks like a handy reference tool, complete with reviews, so perhaps why its not a topic on PH.
It indicates 4 tyres 'all green' for a shortlist (Ron - includes your Eagles).
The linked prices seem to be delivered, rather than fitted.
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyres_For/Ford/Focus-...
which looks like a handy reference tool, complete with reviews, so perhaps why its not a topic on PH.
It indicates 4 tyres 'all green' for a shortlist (Ron - includes your Eagles).
The linked prices seem to be delivered, rather than fitted.
neiljohnson said:
Had mine for 18 months from new, only issue has been the near side mirror packed up which was replaced without issue under warranty & a steaming up fog light that was also sorted.
I have just replaced the front tyres after 10k with michelins which has been a huge improvement over the Goodyear
Thank-you Neil.I have just replaced the front tyres after 10k with michelins which has been a huge improvement over the Goodyear
Please can you elaborate on why they are a huge improvement?
oobster said:
I may be able to offer some advice.
........
I owned, for 2.5 years, a late-2012 MK3 Focus ST-3 Petrol hatchback. I bought it brand-new and had a few issues with it:
1) Wiring loom near the gearbox was touching the gearbox casing when cornering, rubbed through the insulation in quite a short time (approx. 600 miles if I recall) which resulted in a short-circuit, blown fuse, left me stranded at the side of the road (twice) - incompetent Ford dealer mis-diagnosed the first break-down, fobbed me off when I had issues inbetween the two breakdowns (which were ultimately directly linked to the wiring issue) then correctly diagnosed the issue after the 2nd breakdown. Dealer was worse than hopeless. Only ever heard one other owner having this issue with the wiring loom.
.........
Hi Oobster,........
I owned, for 2.5 years, a late-2012 MK3 Focus ST-3 Petrol hatchback. I bought it brand-new and had a few issues with it:
1) Wiring loom near the gearbox was touching the gearbox casing when cornering, rubbed through the insulation in quite a short time (approx. 600 miles if I recall) which resulted in a short-circuit, blown fuse, left me stranded at the side of the road (twice) - incompetent Ford dealer mis-diagnosed the first break-down, fobbed me off when I had issues inbetween the two breakdowns (which were ultimately directly linked to the wiring issue) then correctly diagnosed the issue after the 2nd breakdown. Dealer was worse than hopeless. Only ever heard one other owner having this issue with the wiring loom.
.........
Given that it is transverse, I don't know which side the greabox is.
Standing at front of car I can see belts to engine left, but no sign of any loom when looking down. Viewing from underside is covered in. Can you give a pointer which side/angle I need to look at.
I have a dentist style mirror on a stick at the ready :-)
On subjest of cornering, the steering lock seems less than my old 2005 Diesel estate.
I don't know if all focuses are 'less' or if they had to foresake a tad, to squeeze the 2.0 engine in.
Thank-you Hub.
What is an ipod? ;-)
I copied some cd's I have on pc to usb stick and find it easy to play from the aux button.
I'd read somewhere you had to go deep into menus to use it, possibly that was a different verion.
I've got Matt Monroe 'Days like these' lined up for when I find a switchback mountain road (hopefully digger free).
You need to be a film buff to understand that.
I'll leave it to another poster to throw back the catch phrase. :-)
I have bridgestone on front and eagles on back, circa 18,600 miles all on limit.
I guess the front are 2nd set to explain difference, unless some go for different maybe softer front tyres as driving wheels.
Naturally would normally go with same all round, unless there was a known good reason to differ.
Is there a standard tyre make/type from new?
What is an ipod? ;-)
I copied some cd's I have on pc to usb stick and find it easy to play from the aux button.
I'd read somewhere you had to go deep into menus to use it, possibly that was a different verion.
I've got Matt Monroe 'Days like these' lined up for when I find a switchback mountain road (hopefully digger free).
You need to be a film buff to understand that.
I'll leave it to another poster to throw back the catch phrase. :-)
I have bridgestone on front and eagles on back, circa 18,600 miles all on limit.
I guess the front are 2nd set to explain difference, unless some go for different maybe softer front tyres as driving wheels.
Naturally would normally go with same all round, unless there was a known good reason to differ.
Is there a standard tyre make/type from new?
Aha, I have the gear change display, so the name on the mats is just for show.
Thank-you.
On subject of mats,I want to put muddy bikes in the back of the estate. I have seen boot space protectors on eBay/Amazon,but need something to cover all back including upturned squab and sides. I will get a thick plastic sheet from wickes in short term, but looking out for something better.
Thank-you.
On subject of mats,I want to put muddy bikes in the back of the estate. I have seen boot space protectors on eBay/Amazon,but need something to cover all back including upturned squab and sides. I will get a thick plastic sheet from wickes in short term, but looking out for something better.
Thank-you Neil.
Re Boot protector found:
http://www.ford-accessories.co.uk/focus/2011/prote...
but on clicking the log picture in boot, bottom right, 'not found' so possibly discontinued.
Most of the protectors I have seen only cover the boot space not the back seats down area, with dog owners seemingly the main market.
Edit.
Just found this, but boot only:
http://www.ford.co.uk/OwnerServices/FordAccessorie...
Re Boot protector found:
http://www.ford-accessories.co.uk/focus/2011/prote...
but on clicking the log picture in boot, bottom right, 'not found' so possibly discontinued.
Most of the protectors I have seen only cover the boot space not the back seats down area, with dog owners seemingly the main market.
Edit.
Just found this, but boot only:
http://www.ford.co.uk/OwnerServices/FordAccessorie...
Edited by DR_SMITH on Monday 30th November 08:32
Hi All that Jazz aka Pie muncher ;-) Personally I'm a pastie mucher.
I had to look up DRL (daytime running lights), I didn't notice them for a few says and thought that it was sidelights. I've noticed the headlights don't come on automatic when I expect them too on dark afternoons presumably DLR deemed sufficient.
Re flickering, does you phone have video? Record slickering with a newspaper alongside (to date it) and prove it was faulty prior to warrantee expiry. If you can find anything else on the same fuse, maybe that will also show dodgy connection and help find the cause, though under warranty you shouldn't have to spend your own time on it.
Re bonnet aligment, mine has a large gap above grille, but doubt it can be lowered as other bits wouldn't then line up, but interested to hear the outcome. Wasn't sure if it was for extra airflow.
Yesterday, I was trying to leave a parking bay in car park, with tight spacing. I couldn't drive out to one side as lock wasn't sufficient, but OK the other way so I could escape. Maybe the lesson is better to drive nose in for more manouverability to get out of tight spaces.
I had to look up DRL (daytime running lights), I didn't notice them for a few says and thought that it was sidelights. I've noticed the headlights don't come on automatic when I expect them too on dark afternoons presumably DLR deemed sufficient.
Re flickering, does you phone have video? Record slickering with a newspaper alongside (to date it) and prove it was faulty prior to warrantee expiry. If you can find anything else on the same fuse, maybe that will also show dodgy connection and help find the cause, though under warranty you shouldn't have to spend your own time on it.
Re bonnet aligment, mine has a large gap above grille, but doubt it can be lowered as other bits wouldn't then line up, but interested to hear the outcome. Wasn't sure if it was for extra airflow.
Yesterday, I was trying to leave a parking bay in car park, with tight spacing. I couldn't drive out to one side as lock wasn't sufficient, but OK the other way so I could escape. Maybe the lesson is better to drive nose in for more manouverability to get out of tight spaces.
Thank-you again All that Jazz.
I have the xenon with LED strip. I assumed they were on auto by deafult, but from your comment, I have checked the manual and see it is the 'A' setting on light ring.
I downloaded some ST photo's to make up some PC wallpaper, including a Cosworth version.
Each photo has a largish gap above the grille, except one, an artist style impression, so I'm inclined to believe this isn't fixable, and there isn't a like gap above the lights though I do see what your Mechanic says.
Tyres: Short list for me was down to Eagle F1 (£466.32) or Michelin PS3 (£540), so other things equal I went for the Eagles.
Prices include fitting/balancing etc at F1.
The old tyres oddly had about 1.5mm on the right (front and rear) more than the left (3.5 compared to 2).
Due to clockwise roundabouts maybe or a side effect on the anti-skid gizmo, god knows.
I have the xenon with LED strip. I assumed they were on auto by deafult, but from your comment, I have checked the manual and see it is the 'A' setting on light ring.
I downloaded some ST photo's to make up some PC wallpaper, including a Cosworth version.
Each photo has a largish gap above the grille, except one, an artist style impression, so I'm inclined to believe this isn't fixable, and there isn't a like gap above the lights though I do see what your Mechanic says.
Tyres: Short list for me was down to Eagle F1 (£466.32) or Michelin PS3 (£540), so other things equal I went for the Eagles.
Prices include fitting/balancing etc at F1.
The old tyres oddly had about 1.5mm on the right (front and rear) more than the left (3.5 compared to 2).
Due to clockwise roundabouts maybe or a side effect on the anti-skid gizmo, god knows.
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