Mk3 Focus ST

[steve-5snwi]

Is anyone running a Mk3 Focus ST (petrol) i'm thinking i might replace the Clubman Cooper S with one. I'd be looking at the ST3 and at somepoint put the Mountune 275 kit on. I'd be looking at a facelift car.

Any things to look out for, any worthwhile tweaks ?

The other option is to wait for the new Fiesta ST to drop in price .....

[steve-5snwi]

Stealth grey, orange, red and blue are my preference heated steering wheel is a must have too ...

It’s good to know the 19’s don’t affect the ride too much either. How does the ride compare to the mk7 fiesta st ?

[steve-5snwi]

I'm not too fussed about quality too much compared to Germans, i had a Cupra before the Mini and loved it.

What exhaust are you running ? I would be looking at either Milltek or Mountune.

The only spanner in the works is i really wanted an auto next ... but there is nothing i fancy other than a clubman but they are 20k upwards.

[steve-5snwi]

ScoobyChris said:

I ran a PFL ST3 for a year (coming from an E87 120d) but it didn't drive much differently from the facelift cars I test drove so I'll offer my opinon.

The good:
- Lots of toys as standard
- Engine sounds good and is eager to rev
- Lovely supportive seats
- Pretty quick as standard and lots of aftermarket shiny stuff if you want to make it faster

The bad:
- Driving position is too high and it's a shame the seat doesn't go lower
- Interior is an improvement in later cars but still naff (flat bottomed wheel!)
- Servicing is expensive at a Ford dealer and seems to be one of the few cars still on annual servicing rather than variable
- Ride on 18"s is hard and jittery and made the M-Sport suspension and runflats feel soft and compliant
- Not particularly economical

In the end I chopped it in after a year for another 1-series which is more economical, faster and a better steer

Chris

Thanks, servicing isn't an issue, ride is ..... seat height is but going from a Mini anything is going to feel high up.

Given the choice, hatch or estate ?

[steve-5snwi]

I'm 6'4" and drive a Mini so should be fine, a genuine Ford full service kit is around £30 and we have ramps at work

I've enquired about a stealth grey estate today ... just not sure if i should spend the extra on a Mini Cooper S clubman as I always said my next car would be an auto.

[steve-5snwi]

the trouble is an F54 Cooper S is 20k (I want auto) then i would need to change the wheels as i would want 18's and no run flats ..... the current F54 is actually wider than the Focus.