Which Model ST?

[Mr Prototype]

I am in the market for a fast Ford and would like some help on which to buy.

ST200: I've seen quite few examples on eBay and the like for around the grand mark for a relatively clean example with full history (there's one such tempting example in the county near me)
Like the style of the car and I haven't seen many on the road ( not sure how many were made), the sound of the V6 is appealing but the does that reflect in the running costs?

ST220: Heard there were around 900 made (for the UK?) and haven't seen as many on the road, in performance blue anyway, however I expect my insurance to take a hit going from 2.5 litre V6 to a 3 litre V6.


I know there are other options with the ST220 as the Ghia X and Titanium X can come in 2.5 and 3 litre V6. Has anyone driven ST220 and Ghia X 3lt, is there a noticeable performance difference between those two and 2.5 V6?

I haven't forgotten about the ST TDCI. I've worked on a lot of the MK3 diesel Mondeos and have encountered said EGR, DMF, Injector and although I wouldn't mind fixing any problems that crop up but what I do mind is the £283 per injector (Parkers).
£283 per diesel injector vs £74 per ST220 injector, really?


Owner's opinions and advice would be welcome!

[BlackST]

I have a ST TDCi.
I think the main factor is how many miles a year you do.
If it is less than 12,000 then get a ST220. Any more then I'd suggest a ST TDCi.
The ST220 average MPG is 20-25. TDCi is 40-45.
V6 noise or tractor chatter?

[MH82]

I went from an ST24 to an ST220. The ST24 was a superb car, the ST220 builds on this and is better in every way, the only thing that annoys me is the fact that they limited the power/torque in 1st and 2nd gear on the ST220.

The differences:
ST220 revs better and has better mid range and high end pull
ST220 has loads of equipment (I have the Nav and parking sensors + 6 spd box)
ST220 feels a lot more grown up and is a larger car
Handling, not much in it. the ST24 was smaller so was nimbler but the ST220 isn't bad.
MPG is noticeable, ST24 average with mixed driving was 28mpg, ST220 is around 24mpg

[MH82]

Oh, and I went from a late ST24 to a late ST220, you seem to get more stuff on the later runs within a model as they try and get rid. The ST24 also had some ST200 bits from the factory (Lower inlet manifold) which made them a little perkier

[RichGault]

My ST200 is now back on the road, enjoying it again after a long lay up. After recommisioning the car the only real cost has been go juice at around 26-30mpg, which considering the engine and where it makes it's power isn't too bad. Having not had any experience of the 220 but having looked at the various threads concerning them in this forum, one of the major differences concerning the engine is the more usable midrange torque from the 3.0 lump, to get my car moving you do have to get the rpm's up.

But like you say, a 200 , for the money is terrific value, leather interior, decent looks, decent power and handling. All that for a grand.

However with the budget,a decent 220 would be sitting on the drive as well

[a_bread]

It wasn't clear to me if you thought there was just one 3.0 V6 engine. In fact there are two, and only the ST220 gets the 226hp one.
Haven't driven the predecessors but the ST220 is a superb drive, especially for the money, and I rate mine more highly than the 330Ci sport that I had before it. I also had a drive in another, non-ST mk3 mondeo and although much less sharp/responsive, the range definitely deserves its reputation for good handling.

[dowsett]

The 220 is smooth but has power when needed. Its as calm as a normal mondeo around the town until you hit the 3.5-4k rev range then you get a burst of power.

I have a ST220 in performance blue for sale on PH classifieds just thought id throw that in there

[Podie]

Had an ST200 and followed it up with an ST220.

The 200 was a fun car and actually felt more special than the 220 that I replaced it with - but the 220 is the better all round car IMO. Can't be too many straight 200s about these days, sadly.

In terms of running costs, both were good to me - I don't do a huge mileage and they were both reliable.

As for the 220 vs the Tit X - as mentioned the 220 has a more powerful engine and you DO notice that if you drive them. It also handles far better and is worth the extra.

The ST TDCi is a badging exercise - it looks like the ST220, but doesn't have the thicker ARBs.

[Magic919]

I think the figure of 900 might be the number of ST220s registered in a year. No way is that the total.

I think the ST200 is too old to buy and I say the same of pre-facelift ST220. 04 is nice, 56 on even better looking.

I ran a 2.5 Ghia X Mk2 and replaced that with the ST220. Go for a saloon or the estate to be a bit different.

[dowsett]

Jeremy Clarkson once said that the ST220 is a rarer car than a DB9 as there were fewer made.

[Magic919]

He didn't. He said there were fewer registered in 2005.