Mk II focus ST daily.
Discussion
I'm tempted to swap my current car for a MKII focus ST. What are they like as an everyday car? The running costs seem a little high - are they completely ruinous? I'm coming from a diesel skoda ovtavia VRS so my costs are definitely going to increase but I'm hoping if I do make the change the engine note and fun of having a proper hot hatch will make it worth it.
One local car that has caught my eye has the graham Goode 300 upgrade (engine only, no suspension or brake upgrade) what are these like? Is the power usable or does it disappear in a cloud of tyre smoke?
Cheers.
One local car that has caught my eye has the graham Goode 300 upgrade (engine only, no suspension or brake upgrade) what are these like? Is the power usable or does it disappear in a cloud of tyre smoke?
Cheers.
A lot will depend on the mileage you do.
I've just moved from a Mondeo ST220 (naturally aspirated 3.0 V6) to a Mk2 Focus ST with the Mountune 260 pack.
Amazingly, the Focus is actually better on fuel around town and gets similar economy on a decent run. That said, I typically only do 7500 miles a year.
If you're looking at a modified car, check to see if the clutch has been changed for an RS item - it appears to be a matter of time (reading other forums) before modified cars need them changed if it's on the standard item.
As for the GG300 - you'll need to drive it. The Mountune is a bit Jekyl and Hyde, so you can pootle around off boost quite easily.
I've just moved from a Mondeo ST220 (naturally aspirated 3.0 V6) to a Mk2 Focus ST with the Mountune 260 pack.
Amazingly, the Focus is actually better on fuel around town and gets similar economy on a decent run. That said, I typically only do 7500 miles a year.
If you're looking at a modified car, check to see if the clutch has been changed for an RS item - it appears to be a matter of time (reading other forums) before modified cars need them changed if it's on the standard item.
As for the GG300 - you'll need to drive it. The Mountune is a bit Jekyl and Hyde, so you can pootle around off boost quite easily.
Worth a read... http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
darren9 said:
I'm tempted to swap my current car for a MKII focus ST. What are they like as an everyday car? The running costs seem a little high - are they completely ruinous? I'm coming from a diesel skoda ovtavia VRS so my costs are definitely going to increase but I'm hoping if I do make the change the engine note and fun of having a proper hot hatch will make it worth it.
One local car that has caught my eye has the graham Goode 300 upgrade (engine only, no suspension or brake upgrade) what are these like? Is the power usable or does it disappear in a cloud of tyre smoke?
Cheers.
Well on one hand they are just a Focus, so as an every day car, that is exactly what they were designed for. I have to admit, it really puzzles me, why so many on PH worry about running regular mass produced cars as dailys??? One local car that has caught my eye has the graham Goode 300 upgrade (engine only, no suspension or brake upgrade) what are these like? Is the power usable or does it disappear in a cloud of tyre smoke?
Cheers.
The only downside is really mpg, and for at least in stock trim not a huge amount of power for the poor economy. I've read up many times about ST mpg and while if you drive like Miss Daisy you can eek 30mpg out of one, it seems far more consensus to be around the 22-24mpg mark with relative ease to drop into the high teens.
Also consider even a standard one will likely benefit from superunleaded and it will be required for a mapped one. As super unleaeded is more money to buy, this translates into higher pence per mile ratio. An easy way to look at this is, on superunleaded 22-24mpg in 'cost' terms would be like a car doing 20-22mpg on 95 RON.
In terms of the cars, they look good and make a nice sound and generally are pretty ok at most things. Although certainly one of the larger and heavier hatchbacks.
On a personal note I think the MK1 RS is a much better car, visually and performance wise. Similar money to buy at the moment, but more likely to retain it's value.
If you really ok with 20mpg running cost however, I think there are more entertaining or faster cars to be had. Be it an RX-8 if you still need 4 seats, or even a TVR if you don't.
300bhp/ton said:
Well on one hand they are just a Focus, so as an every day car, that is exactly what they were designed for. I have to admit, it really puzzles me, why so many on PH worry about running regular mass produced cars as dailys???
Clearly because not everyone has the same view of what constitutes acceptable/affordable running costs. Clearly what the OP was trying to get a handle on is how much more one of these cars would cost to run than his current one. darren9 said:
Thanks for the replies. I would like a MK1 focus RS my dads got one that I can use when I want (as long as its nice weather he doesn't let it out in the wet) I just fancy something more fun and as juvenile as it is I really like the noise the focus makes.
Might be worth trying out some other cars too though. MPG wise a TVR S or Wedge or even early Chim won't likely be any worse and they all make a better noise than the Ford. E36 M3's are great VFM at the moment too and the RX-8. Still a 4 seat saloon car, but RWD with a lovely balanced chassis. An Impreza would also likely be a good alternative to the ST.I'd love a TVR and I agree that they make a much better noise. However I need a sensible vehicle for ferrying the family (including toddler), shopping trips etc. Which is why I'm looking at hot-hatches.
E36 M3 is a great car but Mrs Darren9 isn't keen.
RX8 - a couple of mates have had them and they don't do a lot for me, plus I'd be worried about big bills.
I'd also love an impreza but when we drove one the wife could barely see over the scoop and didn't like it. She would have to drive it too so we need to agree on the car.
I swapped a Mini Cooper S for an ST3 earlier this year and haven't regretted it one bit. Sure, my fuel costs are much higher (fill up every 2 weeks instead of every 3 with the mini) but the engine note and drive ability of it more than make up for this. It's probably worth noting that they currently appear to be a favourite target for car thief's due to a security flaw with the push button start system 
St is a very good all rounder & is more refined than the mk1 Rs
If upgraded then the clutch does tend to suffer although this does depend on the map as some bring the boost in much earlier causing extra strain on the clutch it's also worth noting they also tend to break driveshafts with these maps (mountune comes in much softer for this reason) the security thing is a recent issue & only effects the models with keyless go, unfortunately this is an issue with most vehicles with keyless go & is actually quite straight forward to prevent.
If upgraded then the clutch does tend to suffer although this does depend on the map as some bring the boost in much earlier causing extra strain on the clutch it's also worth noting they also tend to break driveshafts with these maps (mountune comes in much softer for this reason) the security thing is a recent issue & only effects the models with keyless go, unfortunately this is an issue with most vehicles with keyless go & is actually quite straight forward to prevent.
Only expensive parts i would worrie about was the driveshafts. Arround £500 each. Had to replace both on my ST that had done 74k thanks to the crappy cv joints. Other than that i owned for 4 years nothing else failed so cant complain really. Lovely car to drive so fuel wasnt so much of an issue for me to pay £60 per week.
Shame about your accident
This is expensive but really is the best option to sort out the driveshaft issues the st's have
http://www.carpartsexpress.co.uk/product.asp?strPa...
This is expensive but really is the best option to sort out the driveshaft issues the st's have
http://www.carpartsexpress.co.uk/product.asp?strPa...
Lumpyuk said:
Only expensive parts i would worrie about was the driveshafts.
Or a new engine when the liners crack :PIf you're considering a modded car, I'd highly recommend a block mod from somewhere. It involves 4 metal shims going between the cylinders and typically costs between £550-£750 depending on where you go.
I owned a 2006 ST from brand new up until a month ago. I loved mine. If you like them, the only negative is the fuel economy. 23ish round and maybe 30mpg on a run. It left me stranded once when the alternator packed up, which is a common problem. Other than that it was no trouble. Servicing is not expensive, and easy to do DIY if you are that way inclined. Mine was remapped which makes a big difference and I had no trouble with clutch, driveshafts etc.
A point about the engine. It might not be the most powerful in its class, but it more than makes up for that with character. It sounds great, has heaps of torque and burbles a bit on the overrun. It just feels a bit more special than a 2.0l four.
A point about the engine. It might not be the most powerful in its class, but it more than makes up for that with character. It sounds great, has heaps of torque and burbles a bit on the overrun. It just feels a bit more special than a 2.0l four.
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