Focus ST170 questions..

[DEEMAN1]

Hi guys,

Thinking of getting an ST170, just have a few concerns, the main one being fuel consumption as I hear they are pretty thirsty. Does anyone have any experience of this?

Also the one im thinking of getting is an early 2002 model, is that a bad thing?

Any input is much appreciated

[Macadoodle]

Hi. I bought one new in 2003. The fuel consumption was always around 30mpg. A bit less round town or if I toed it a little.

Overall a good warm hatch. The chassis could obviously cope with more power, but if you're not expecting to set your pants on fire you'll be glad you got one. IIRC third gear was good for overtaking - drop down from sixth to get swiftly past others sat at 70mph. The steering was great, the car felt solid and was practical enough for a family with a baby. I had mine for two years and 45k miles, and I still remember it fondly. I had one of the first 'Imperial Blue' cars in the country at the time and the colour turned quite a few heads.

Hope this helps, and good luck finding one!

[AndyT77]

I've not had a ST170, but had a 1.8 and missus currently runs a 1.6 Focus. We struggle(d) to get 30mpg in either, so I'd not expect much from an ST170. At a guess 25mpg max based on everyday driving.

[okie592]

have a look on focusowners.com lots of owners on there, mpg will not be more than 30mpg at best, its not that fast, a bit lardy.

they suffer with clutch, flywheel and dmf failures alot, dont get a ropey one, make sure you find one with xenons, recaros, climate control and rear spoiler.

watch out for a notchy gear change, gearboxes can go.

overall they are okay, also have a look at the fiat stilo abarth, i have one after testing a st170 and its much the same just rarer and makes a nicer noise from the 5 pot engine.

[iloveboost]

I imagine they would be great handling but everyone seems to prefer the Fiesta St overall. Slightly faster accelerating and more nimble. Plus they are slightly cheaper to run and insure. Unless you really need the space.
Everyone seems to say that the slightly gutless and characterless engine is the worst part about the St170. No idea about what the Fiat Stilo Abarth is like probably even thirstier but I should think they sound nice.
Also today I learned something - petrols can have dual mass flywheels. Never knew that thought it was purely a diesel thing.

[turboteeth]

Wife has had an ST170 since 2008 - it now has 130k miles and still not a bad drive. Ours has always been a bit tappetty and it is not a fast car as such - but build quality ok and handling great. Recaros and Zenons are rare! Fuel consumption is fine - not sure how many mpg though but £30 a week is enough for the Mrs

[JimmyConwayNW]

How much are you looking to spend on one?

I think they are quite a complete package and handle nicely. Not overly bad on fuel and the car revs quite high. For the money they go for I think they are a good choice.