Focus ST

[The Apprentice]

Hi guy's.
Not sure if this is the right place but here goes.

I'm after a new car in the next few weeks. I'd love. Focus ST2, but I've heard mixed reviews on them.
A friend at work has an 06 model and say's he does about 150 miles per week and only puts £60 in every two weeks. However, a friend of my cousin has told me to steer clear of one as an everyday car, as he uses about £20 a day on fuel!?
He has a Dreamscience map and a few other mods though, much difference?

I've looked at old posts on the net, but petrol has shot up since.
I do around 200-250 miles a week, 95% of them being urban, mixed driving (eco & fun).

I've test drove one and loved it, but I don't want stupid fuel bill's. I know peopld will say "don't bother looking if your worried about mpg etc.. but I'm only 21 and not on great money.

Just hoping you's could give me a rough idea of how much cash I'd be using a week.

Also, any reviews on Astra and Corsa VXR will be nice too.

Cheers .

[Rovinghawk]

The Apprentice said:

I'm only 21 and not on great money.

Just hoping you's could give me a rough idea of how much cash I'd be using a week.

Fuel or insurance?

RH

[_rubinho_]

I's reckon you'll never insure it in a million years...

[The Apprentice]

Fuel really pal.
It's £1800 but I've got that sorted.

[escie]

_rubinho_ said:

I's reckon you'll never insure it in a million years...

4 years no claims, mom/gf on insurance also with considerable no claims through admiral then ye 1800 sounds about right!

Im guessing?

[Podie]

They do like a drink if you drive them properly...

A mate of mine has one, and the mild tuning mods (to circa 280bhp didn't really affect fuel economy, but it's still worse than my 3.0 V6... and I get low 20's around town in that.

[revhed]

If you're doing that mileage per week you'll be filling the tank evey week at about £60 a go. I get an indicated 18-19mpg on a 4 mile urban commute (stop start) and about 35mpg on very light foot on a motorway cruise ~65mph. That will drop to 30mpg at 80 mph.

They are thirsty and a remap doesn't increase consumption though you may well be tempted to press the loud pedal more often!

All round they are pretty good and practical as any other focus.

• I'm assuming you mean the 2.5 5cyl mk2 not 2.0 mk1.

[ic0n]

If you get 20mpg and travel 250 miles per week, it'll cost you ~£75.00 per week.

[DanDC5]

I had the VXR not long ago, that was running around the 290bhp mark, worst I ever got out of that was 25mpg giving it beans. Usual day to day driving it was doing 30-32mpg. The VXR is more revvy aswell, the Focus delivers it's power very low down, useful at times but no fun when pressing on.

[The Apprentice]

Sorry for the late replies, I'm at work on my phone!

Cheers for the replies

Insurance...2yr NCB with female cousin (Physio so low insurance )
Girlfriend and a good postcode so not too bad.
Astra VXR is £1480 Fully comp.

I was getting 180 miles out of 40 quid in my VTR with the daft gearbox.

Was the Astra an uncomfortable day to day car?

Sorry about all the questions but no one will give me a test drive due to my age.

The Focus I'd love is the MK2 yep, looking a tad bit thirsty atm tho

[philmots]

I'd imagine you'll not get over 250 miles out of a full tank! So £60 a week.

[300bhp/ton]

The Apprentice said:

Hi guy's.
Not sure if this is the right place but here goes.

I'm after a new car in the next few weeks. I'd love. Focus ST2, but I've heard mixed reviews on them.
A friend at work has an 06 model and say's he does about 150 miles per week and only puts £60 in every two weeks. However, a friend of my cousin has told me to steer clear of one as an everyday car, as he uses about £20 a day on fuel!?
He has a Dreamscience map and a few other mods though, much difference?

I've looked at old posts on the net, but petrol has shot up since.
I do around 200-250 miles a week, 95% of them being urban, mixed driving (eco & fun).

I've test drove one and loved it, but I don't want stupid fuel bill's. I know peopld will say "don't bother looking if your worried about mpg etc.. but I'm only 21 and not on great money.

Just hoping you's could give me a rough idea of how much cash I'd be using a week.

Also, any reviews on Astra and Corsa VXR will be nice too.

Cheers .

Focus ST I really like, nice engine note, good performance, practical, easy to maintain and run.

BUT....

unless you have 2 point 4 children


Why would you want to buy a MASSIVE 5 seater family car?

Edited by 300bhp/ton on Tuesday 22 November 14:56

Edited by 300bhp/ton on Tuesday 22 November 14:57

[300bhp/ton]

The Apprentice said:

Fuel really pal.
It's £1800 but I've got that sorted.

From what I've read, expect 22-24mpg average from an ST. But it's capable of lower and not a lot higher, not in real world use and normal driving.

A remap will also mean superunleaded, so 22-24mpg on super is like 19-21mpg on 95 RON.

There are a lot of much more powerful and/or faster cars you could have for these running costs.

[300bhp/ton]

revhed said:

If you're doing that mileage per week you'll be filling the tank evey week at about £60 a go. I get an indicated 18-19mpg on a 4 mile urban commute (stop start) and about 35mpg on very light foot on a motorway cruise ~65mph. That will drop to 30mpg at 80 mph.

They are thirsty and a remap doesn't increase consumption though you may well be tempted to press the loud pedal more often!

All round they are pretty good and practical as any other focus.

• I'm assuming you mean the 2.5 5cyl mk2 not 2.0 mk1.

18mpg is pretty shocking for that type of car and performance though

truly shocking...

[The Apprentice]

I just love them mate, I dint need the space, just think they're smart.

I like Astra VXR's too. Any idea's on them? MPG, everyday car etcm.?

[MoonMonkey]

Agreed with the above and budget on a tank of fuel a week at least.

[anonymous-user]

revhed said:

If you're doing that mileage per week you'll be filling the tank evey week at about £60 a go. I get an indicated 18-19mpg on a 4 mile urban commute (stop start) and about 35mpg on very light foot on a motorway cruise ~65mph. That will drop to 30mpg at 80 mph.

They are thirsty and a remap doesn't increase consumption though you may well be tempted to press the loud pedal more often!

All round they are pretty good and practical as any other focus.

• I'm assuming you mean the 2.5 5cyl mk2 not 2.0 mk1.

I don't think 19 round town and 30 on a run is that bad at all! Certainly when you compare that to something like an RX8 it looks almost economical. Probably quicker too

[300bhp/ton]

The Apprentice said:

I just love them mate, I dint need the space, just think they're smart.

I like Astra VXR's too. Any idea's on them? MPG, everyday car etcm.?

It just amazes me how many so called motoring enthusiasts fall head over heels for an old persons/family car.

Something as a base design is 100% a compromise for performance. Everything about the Focus is designed for packaging, from the fwd layout to the blobby styling.

I like them, I do. But they ain't pretty, they ain't striking to look at, they ain't subtle and sleek.

The ST looks good for a Focus and ok for a hatch, but in the grand scheme of the motoring world it's a bit of a potato - bland and indistinct (although the ASBO orange is a bloody good colour imo ).

If you want fast - there are better ways.

[anonymous-user]

300bhp/ton said:

The Apprentice said:

I just love them mate, I dint need the space, just think they're smart.

I like Astra VXR's too. Any idea's on them? MPG, everyday car etcm.?

It just amazes me how many so called motoring enthusiasts fall head over heels for an old persons/family car.

Something as a base design is 100% a compromise for performance. Everything about the Focus is designed for packaging, from the fwd layout to the blobby styling.

I like them, I do. But they ain't pretty, they ain't striking to look at, they ain't subtle and sleek.

The ST looks good for a Focus and ok for a hatch, but in the grand scheme of the motoring world it's a bit of a potato - bland and indistinct (although the ASBO orange is a bloody good colour imo ).

If you want fast - there are better ways.

I had the old shape ST170 and I thought it was a great car (especially in the rain on a trackday at Bedford when everything rear wheel drive was falling off the track left, right and centre )

[The Apprentice]

300bhp/ton said:

The Apprentice said:

I just love them mate, I dint need the space, just think they're smart.

I like Astra VXR's too. Any idea's on them? MPG, everyday car etcm.?

It just amazes me how many so called motoring enthusiasts fall head over heels for an old persons/family car.

Something as a base design is 100% a compromise for performance. Everything about the Focus is designed for packaging, from the fwd layout to the blobby styling.

I like them, I do. But they ain't pretty, they ain't striking to look at, they ain't subtle and sleek.

The ST looks good for a Focus and ok for a hatch, but in the grand scheme of the motoring world it's a bit of a potato - bland and indistinct (although the ASBO orange is a bloody good colour imo ).

If you want fast - there are better ways.

The ST in the garage is orange

Any idea's on the VXR mate? I know they're more expensive (used), are they worth it?