Thinking of an ST220

[Smanks]

After a year or so with my current car ('97 328iS) I fancy a change, but my criteria is quite specific:

Petrol
Ideally a nice sounding 6 pot
£3k maximum purchase price
Comfortable
Reliable, but not overly expensive if things go wrong
Reasonable insurance
Nice to potter about in, but capable of a B-road blast

I realise this is prime 5 Series territory, but I have owned a 528i in the past, and have had three BMWs in a row, so a change would be nice. I think the ST220 is a very handsome car, and having had a quick look into ST220s they seem to have a decent following on here. The other option I think would be an MG ZT.

The running costs are very important, not so much the fuel as I will be doing <3k p.a., but general maintenance costs must be reasonable, ideally with little chance of surprise expensive bills.

Am I in the right ball park with the Mondeo? Any opinions would be appreciated.

[Smanks]

How long ago was that? I would imagine now that £2.5k would buy one in good condition

[Smanks]

What year did they get a facelift? I assume that a 2005 model would be better if they are subject to higher tax from 2006

[Smanks]

Thanks a lot. Seems it was late 2003 for the facelift, really am very keen on these now

[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?

[Smanks]

Excellent, thanks again

[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