Focus ST 170 - would you?

Focus ST 170 - would you?

Author
Discussion

RobXjcoupe

3,151 posts

90 months

Friday 7th September 2018
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Mk1 Focus was the first Ford to be built with galvanised body panels.

blade7

11,311 posts

215 months

Friday 7th September 2018
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greenarrow said:
blade7 said:
Around 10 years ago I was considering an ST170 or a Fiesta ST for her indoors. Spoke to someone I knew that worked at the factory, they said the Fiesta was a much better car than the Focus.
We've got a 2005 Fiesta ST funny enough. Went through its MOT yesterday with just an advisory of worn tyres (on the inside bizarrely) and its a tough little car and fun to drive. Feels very fresh tbh, after 13 years. I do feel Fords are much better built than they used to be. Ours is on 79,000 miles which is well below average so maybe we should just hang onto it as our "future classic ST Ford".

I do fancy another Mk1 Focus however, just as a run around hack...they're so cheap now that you can just buy one and chuck it away if you get a big bill.
05 Fiesta ST is what I bought, you're right they are tough. Just a couple of broken springs in the 6 years we had it. Around town and for short trips it was great, but it was thirsty, and the 5 speed gearbox didn't help. If there had been an easy 6 speed conversion we'd probably still have it.

FK

161 posts

63 months

Friday 14th December 2018
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Afternoon all,

I drove an ST170 many years ago, shortly before I bought my first MK 1 Focus 2.0.

Although the ST did steer very well and look good, I'm not sure that the extra performance is worth the massive hike in insurance. It didn't feel that much faster than the standard 2.0 (at normal speeds, might be different on a track etc).

I now have a different MK 1 Focus 2.0. Simple to run, enjoyable to drive (even on the daily commute), cheap and relatively stress free to maintain. One of Ford's high points in my view. I'm even getting 35 miles to the gallon!

At this point, I probably wouldn't swap it for an ST170