New age 'Barn find' - Ford Focus ST170
Discussion
Hello all,
I wanted to share with you my recent purchase. As per the title I have bought what I would consider as a barn find of the modern era. Sort of.
It's a 2003 Ford Focus ST170. 1 owner, garaged its entire life by the previous owner, covering less than 2000 miles a year. Full Ford Dealer history. The exact same dealer that is. Religiously year on year. the condition of this car is incredible. I would call it near concourse. Not a spec of rust, nor a single dent or even a stone chip.
Interior is imaculate and the engine bay looks like it hasn't ever seen a road. I'm convinced that this has to be the lowest mileage, cleanest, original ST170 left in existence.
I wasn't in the market for this car. I have been searching for a few weeks for a car that I would enjoy to own and would feel special. The thing is, I wasn't expecting to buy a car which feels special in this kind of way. If you know what I mean?
It feels brand new. But it's nearly 13 years old. Even when you open the door you get that new car smell. It's like the thing has never, ever been sat in. Truly astonishing.
I haven't driven it too much yet but from what I have it feels great. I'm used to turbo charged, petrol powered cars. So the instant throttle response in this makes the car feel extremely urgent. It is however rathy thirsty considering the displacement and output.
On a recent drive I stopped and took a few photo's (re-sized for happy viewing):
I wanted to share with you my recent purchase. As per the title I have bought what I would consider as a barn find of the modern era. Sort of.
It's a 2003 Ford Focus ST170. 1 owner, garaged its entire life by the previous owner, covering less than 2000 miles a year. Full Ford Dealer history. The exact same dealer that is. Religiously year on year. the condition of this car is incredible. I would call it near concourse. Not a spec of rust, nor a single dent or even a stone chip.
Interior is imaculate and the engine bay looks like it hasn't ever seen a road. I'm convinced that this has to be the lowest mileage, cleanest, original ST170 left in existence.
I wasn't in the market for this car. I have been searching for a few weeks for a car that I would enjoy to own and would feel special. The thing is, I wasn't expecting to buy a car which feels special in this kind of way. If you know what I mean?
It feels brand new. But it's nearly 13 years old. Even when you open the door you get that new car smell. It's like the thing has never, ever been sat in. Truly astonishing.
I haven't driven it too much yet but from what I have it feels great. I'm used to turbo charged, petrol powered cars. So the instant throttle response in this makes the car feel extremely urgent. It is however rathy thirsty considering the displacement and output.
On a recent drive I stopped and took a few photo's (re-sized for happy viewing):
Talking of the gearbox, alot of forums mention that the gearboxes on these are terrible. After spending some time with it, it is clunky but once used to it I find myself enjoying it. You have to use it differently to the Volvo (shown in the final photo).
The throw is way shorter, which is nice. And a 6th gear is definitely handy. I have found a short shifter kit which is very tempting as I do enjoy making subtle changes to cars which I own.
However. I have decided to keep this car completely standard apart from the head unit. These Ford units are dreadful! When comparing to the Dolby Pro Logic in the Volvo it sounds even worse.
Thanks for the comments guys.
The throw is way shorter, which is nice. And a 6th gear is definitely handy. I have found a short shifter kit which is very tempting as I do enjoy making subtle changes to cars which I own.
However. I have decided to keep this car completely standard apart from the head unit. These Ford units are dreadful! When comparing to the Dolby Pro Logic in the Volvo it sounds even worse.
Thanks for the comments guys.
I knew someone would spot the tyre! Car came with 4 Continental's but on the way home from collection I had a puncture. Drove to the nearest tyre shop and the only premium brand they had available was Goodyear.
Not ideal, but I had to get home. Hence the mismatch tyre. I'm going to have to replace the other 3 now.
Not ideal, but I had to get home. Hence the mismatch tyre. I'm going to have to replace the other 3 now.
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