Pre- or Post-Facelift Focus ST?
Discussion
late 2007 pre facelift cars can be found with slighlty improved spec. I had an august 2007 pre lift ST3, it had the upgraded sony (orange lit) dials and head unit, and apparently larger intercooler. Facelifts always seemed to be a fair bit more expensive than pre. I thought the facelift exterior softened the aggression and also the interior had lots of fake carbon...
Late 07 pre-facelift ST-3 comes withi xenon and 'smoked' headlights. As above you also get a better stereo and dials.
If you can, go for the facelift ST-3. Keyless entry, push button start etc. They are great cars, very reliable. I've had two (one pre, one post facelift ST-3) and all that went 'wrong' was the elements in the heated windscreen failing. This is fairly common across the Focus range though.
I'd avoid a pre 07 if you can.
If you can, go for the facelift ST-3. Keyless entry, push button start etc. They are great cars, very reliable. I've had two (one pre, one post facelift ST-3) and all that went 'wrong' was the elements in the heated windscreen failing. This is fairly common across the Focus range though.
I'd avoid a pre 07 if you can.
Last run had alot of the options included as standard on the ST-3 at least (auto wipers, lights, climate control, 5door electric windows etc.) but if you're looking at £11k top it won't be a last run car.
Main difference is exterior looks, slight differences interior wise; can have push start, keyless entry, carbon fibre effect surrounds, bigger storage in armrest, different dials. Some pre-facelifts had keyless entry but these are pretty rare tbh.
Outside, every panel is different bar the roof, includes a diffuser on the back.
Engine wise there's still alot of debate going on, older engines have popped, standard and chasing bigger power, newer ones have went in similar circumstances, but newer engines should be more reliable. If it's newer then it should have a revised oil filter diaphragm housing on it, so that shouldn't be a problem, but if you get an older car which hasn't had it done, put aside at least £150 to fix that yourself, or more if you pay a garage. Older cars means unless they've already been changed, the front wishbone bushes will be shot, mine were dead and contained no oil in them whatsoever when it came to swap them for polybushes earlier this year. Everything else should be fine, alternator might be a problem at some point, mine is still alright after 5 years.
Main difference is exterior looks, slight differences interior wise; can have push start, keyless entry, carbon fibre effect surrounds, bigger storage in armrest, different dials. Some pre-facelifts had keyless entry but these are pretty rare tbh.
Outside, every panel is different bar the roof, includes a diffuser on the back.
Engine wise there's still alot of debate going on, older engines have popped, standard and chasing bigger power, newer ones have went in similar circumstances, but newer engines should be more reliable. If it's newer then it should have a revised oil filter diaphragm housing on it, so that shouldn't be a problem, but if you get an older car which hasn't had it done, put aside at least £150 to fix that yourself, or more if you pay a garage. Older cars means unless they've already been changed, the front wishbone bushes will be shot, mine were dead and contained no oil in them whatsoever when it came to swap them for polybushes earlier this year. Everything else should be fine, alternator might be a problem at some point, mine is still alright after 5 years.
tkoh12 said:
The pre face lift have stronger clutches than the facelift too!
I had an 07 pre-facelift ST3 and the clutch slipped with a remap. It seems that the earlier cars (55/06) had stronger clutches although they are the same part number.If I was to get another one which I was going to modify I would get a facelift as they use the same block as the RS and are far less likely to crack cylinder liners.
Watch out for the engine whistling on tickover as this may indicate a failed oil filter diaphragm housing. Mine never went but my friend's did but it only costs around £120 and they replace it with the newer upgraded item.
Overall they are a nice car and quick once modded (mine was 289bhp before I upgraded from Dreamscience DSCi map to Mod C). They are very thirsty for their power output though compared to equivalent cars but they make a much better noise than the usual 4 cylinder turbo models used by competitors.
Had mine for 3 years from new and would recommend one to anyone
Chris
Gassing Station | Ford | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff