Replacing my Focus ST170

[bumbles]

My beloved 2003 Focus ST170 is finally dying, after 170,000 miles of dutiful service.

It has been a great car, and am looking to replace with similar. Doesn't need to be the highest spec engine wise, but have some decent poke and interior.
Looking at something up to 3 years old.

Ford seem to have had quite a few versions of the ST in recent years with varying reviews.
Any advice on best model performance/pricewise or similar cars from different manufacturers?

[ZX10R NIN]

Once you let us know your budget we can give some opinions, if you look for ST-3 Focus's you'll be on the right track.

[bumbles]

Sorry for delayed reply - new members couldn’t post.

Budget up to about 15k

[Steve91]

bumbles said:

Sorry for delayed reply - new members couldn’t post.

Budget up to about 15k

Fiesta ST200? Will hold its value really well and will be noticeably more pokey than the ST170. Interior is probably the weak point on them though.

Otherwise if you were set on a Ford it'd have to be a MK3 ST3. They're lovely inside and have plenty of toys if that's your bag

[ZX10R NIN]

A Focus ST-3 is the logical next step & they're a very good choice, also if you can find one that's had the Mountune upgrades then that's a real added bonus.

ST-3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Estate

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The next option is the Kia Cee'd GT these are what you'd class a warm hatch but they're a decent steer come loaded with a huge amount of kit, you'll also get one that'll have 5-7 years of Manufacturers Warranty which is a lot of peace of mind.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Pro Cee'd GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Also the Peugeot 308 GTI by Peugeot Sport represents a cracking value:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alfa Giulietta QV (the QV is the warm hatch version)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Civic Sport VTEC Turbo

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Seat Leon Cupra 280/290

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

All of the above are reliable & are good options, my first choice would be the Focus (hopefully with some Mountune goodies) then the 308 GTI is impossible to ignore at that price & finally the Kia which is the smartest buy of the three.

[ninjag]

Sub 5 second Golf R?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[dmsims]

or a GTI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[bumbles]

Thanks for all the tips....as much as I have loved the ST170, I don’t know if the ST3 is too sporty for my needs- and a waste of money for power I won’t utilise.

Like the look of the Kia’s- anyone else had any experience with these, of how they feel- not too plasticy? And good acceleration? Also I think the first one in link has a handbreak and the others don’t- is that the case with their newer models? Quite like an old fashioned handbrake but realise I may have to bring myself into the 21st century!

[ZX10R NIN]

bumbles said:

Thanks for all the tips....as much as I have loved the ST170, I don’t know if the ST3 is too sporty for my needs- and a waste of money for power I won’t utilise.

Like the look of the Kia’s- anyone else had any experience with these, of how they feel- not too plasticy? And good acceleration? Also I think the first one in link has a handbreak and the others don’t- is that the case with their newer models? Quite like an old fashioned handbrake but realise I may have to bring myself into the 21st century!

No they don't feel cheap the acceleration is quick & I can't see you finding it slow, all of the Kia's have conventional Handbrakes, they're a decent steer too get down to your local dealer to take a look around one.

If you're looking for a warm hatch then the Astra is well worth a look, not as good a steer as the Kia & obviously not as good a warranty.

Astra Elite

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or the 1.5T Focus:

Titanium X

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...