Focus ST170 (My First Car)
Discussion
This is my first legal to drive car. Bought it in September. Not a bad car for a 17 year old 
only paid £550, passed MOT first time with only tyres as advisories (On Nankang NS2R's now anyway). 104k on the clock, what makes mine special is the history. My dad owned it new from 2003-2005, he traded it in for a 225 Leon for 2 reasons 1.) It refused to rev over 4K 2.) The suspension just bottomed out on every small bump. I remember going to test drive it after our 2000 Turbo was stolen, have some very good memories in it. I found it when I was on holiday, messaged the guy and told him the history, he offered to keep it for me until I came back. Test drove it to make sure the 2 issues it had new were gone, they are. Drove it home from Leeds to Liverpool that day. It was up for £700, he did it for £550 and drove infront of me to a petrol station on the way home. The guy was an interior upholsterer which I guess explains how the interior looks like it did 14 years ago. Overall I'm very happy, I have some big plans. Going to sort all the arches out, and a small piece of rust on the boot. Going to fix the panel gap on the front wing from where it was reversed into in 2004, wheels refurb, Miltek exhaust, Piper Cross induction system and some small odd jobs. Couldn't be happier, alot of family were shocked to see it again. Only gripes are the fuel economy which is poor (in the 20s), the seating position is quite high, although it does make it much easier to see out of I guess. Looking forward to the years of ownership. I plan on putting a private plate on before I sell it so I can keep the current reg for all my future cars. I'll update as I update the car.
Boot isn't mismatched, it's the lighting in the driveway, does it to every car
only paid £550, passed MOT first time with only tyres as advisories (On Nankang NS2R's now anyway). 104k on the clock, what makes mine special is the history. My dad owned it new from 2003-2005, he traded it in for a 225 Leon for 2 reasons 1.) It refused to rev over 4K 2.) The suspension just bottomed out on every small bump. I remember going to test drive it after our 2000 Turbo was stolen, have some very good memories in it. I found it when I was on holiday, messaged the guy and told him the history, he offered to keep it for me until I came back. Test drove it to make sure the 2 issues it had new were gone, they are. Drove it home from Leeds to Liverpool that day. It was up for £700, he did it for £550 and drove infront of me to a petrol station on the way home. The guy was an interior upholsterer which I guess explains how the interior looks like it did 14 years ago. Overall I'm very happy, I have some big plans. Going to sort all the arches out, and a small piece of rust on the boot. Going to fix the panel gap on the front wing from where it was reversed into in 2004, wheels refurb, Miltek exhaust, Piper Cross induction system and some small odd jobs. Couldn't be happier, alot of family were shocked to see it again. Only gripes are the fuel economy which is poor (in the 20s), the seating position is quite high, although it does make it much easier to see out of I guess. Looking forward to the years of ownership. I plan on putting a private plate on before I sell it so I can keep the current reg for all my future cars. I'll update as I update the car. Boot isn't mismatched, it's the lighting in the driveway, does it to every car
Nutty9000 said:
Nice first car but crikey I'd have hoped for more than 170 bhp for that much insurance. Did you get a quote on anything meatier?
I wanted a Leon 225, got similar insurance prices but couldn't afford to buy one. Looked at a 205 GTI too, but same issue as the Leon. Didn't want my parents to buy me a car, so only really had about £1000 to buy one. Gary C said:
Don't ever sell it, get your dad at least to buy it when you want to move on. I would kill for my first or second car back. They are so special and one with that history so unique I guarantee you will regret it.
I have my dads 911 and it's going nowhere.
And if anyone knows where a145axb is, let me know.
I can't see me selling it anytime soon. Even if I do, i'll keep the reg. I'd quite like to keep it alongside something else. I have my dads 911 and it's going nowhere.
And if anyone knows where a145axb is, let me know.
zarjaz1991 said:
Brilliant car to have as a first car, well done. The history makes it even more special.
That'll be the best Leeds to Liverpool drive you will ever do. Nothing ever comes close to that first long drive in your first car.
At the ripe old age of 26, I'll be the boring old fart who says "be bloody careful". At 17, even if you have the actual driving skill (which you clearly do), even if you understand the capabilities and limits of the car (which you clearly do), it's the lack of experience of the stupid things other people do on the roads that can often be teenagers' undoing.
Even more so given the car's history, drive carefully and sensibly in it. You'll regret it for life if you crash it. I don't mean go dead slow everywhere, just be careful and only drive it fast where it's appropriate to do so.
Thanks alot, I know my limits, and they come way before the car's limits do. I never really have the urge to open it up everywhere, not doing many miles until spring when the weather gets better anyway. That'll be the best Leeds to Liverpool drive you will ever do. Nothing ever comes close to that first long drive in your first car.
At the ripe old age of 26, I'll be the boring old fart who says "be bloody careful". At 17, even if you have the actual driving skill (which you clearly do), even if you understand the capabilities and limits of the car (which you clearly do), it's the lack of experience of the stupid things other people do on the roads that can often be teenagers' undoing.
Even more so given the car's history, drive carefully and sensibly in it. You'll regret it for life if you crash it. I don't mean go dead slow everywhere, just be careful and only drive it fast where it's appropriate to do so.
After a quick wash today, I got some pictures. Put some Waxoyl on the main rust areas to prevent any issues throughout winter. Wheels need a refurb, which with everything else will be done after winter. Took the awful aftermarket radio out in favour for an original 6 CD multichanger unit, that arrives on Saturday. Got a set of 4 Nankang NS2R's to go on this weekend. Found the spare tyre check sticker from when we traded it in for the Leon in 2005, still there. Steering lock in the car is the one my parents bought for it after the Subaru was stolen, not been used since 2008. Not bothered doing the inside today because it's going to be full of people who I can't imagine will wipe their feet The Waxoyl looks awful on the car, but it's worth it to keep it rust free. Got some new number plates ordered which will look much better. The keyring is the one that came with the Leon spare key, I always had it on my house keys, thought it looked good on the car key. Once my parents get their new cars next year, I'll start storing the car in the garage again. I'll get some more pictures on a better day.
The Waxoyl looks awful on the car, but it's worth it to keep it rust free. Got some new number plates ordered which will look much better. The keyring is the one that came with the Leon spare key, I always had it on my house keys, thought it looked good on the car key. Once my parents get their new cars next year, I'll start storing the car in the garage again. I'll get some more pictures on a better day. Edited by aaron_2000 on Friday 22 December 15:05
SebringMan said:
It does sound dire when you consider what I get from an M3 etc. but I was never that frugal footed a driver. What other cars have you driven and what figures have you got?
Enjoy good sir!
I've driven family cars, my uncle's cars, and my cousins cars. Our 340i does about 40 tops. I'd say mine is getting 30 tops, although I never bought it for fuel economy so I won't discredit it on fuel economy either. I do like the smaller details, like the pedals spaced to heel-toe Enjoy good sir!
RobXjcoupe said:
Just a bit of maintenance advice. Make sure the drain holes in the bottom of the doors are kept clear of debris as they are small. Stops rust getting a hold.
The mk1 Focus used galvanised exterior panels so unless a bad repair or untreated deep scratch the body should be good for a long time.
Suspension arms front and rear do go rusty though. If you can budget new replacements it’s easier to keep the new rust free rather than battle with rusty originals
Mk1 focuses are well made though. I’ve only recently changed an 18 year old one for another slightly newer less miles car in estate bodystyle.
Good standard handling is the thing with a well maintained mk1 Focus
Thanks for the advice, saved it on Word. It did have a repair done after being reversed into in 2004, but it doesn't seem to be rusting there so I think it's fine. Didn't know about the drain holes, probably wouldn't've either, so thanks alot The mk1 Focus used galvanised exterior panels so unless a bad repair or untreated deep scratch the body should be good for a long time.
Suspension arms front and rear do go rusty though. If you can budget new replacements it’s easier to keep the new rust free rather than battle with rusty originals
Mk1 focuses are well made though. I’ve only recently changed an 18 year old one for another slightly newer less miles car in estate bodystyle.
Good standard handling is the thing with a well maintained mk1 Focus
drab1 said:
Is that the inlet manifold runner thingy? I keep hearing about this and have no idea how to check it...
Lovely looking car op, we must have bought them around the same time :-) I'll start a sister thread if I find the time.
Let me know if you're still looking for LEDs, I've replaced all mine and have some spares. It is Xmas after all!
I am actually, thanks Lovely looking car op, we must have bought them around the same time :-) I'll start a sister thread if I find the time.
Let me know if you're still looking for LEDs, I've replaced all mine and have some spares. It is Xmas after all!
mcm87 said:
Great car.
I had one of these what feels like ages ago. Wish I held onto it longer. Enjoy the crazy gear ratios!
I can’t remember the exact terminology as it was so long ago but as part of the VVT there’s an actuator connected to a flap in the manifold. This will almost certainly have failed by this age if not maintained and it usually gets stuck in the high revs/power position. My maintenance advice would be to check this ASAP - lots of material online. With it stuck it destroys the fuel economy in normal driving conditions and it’s hard to notice as it still pulls hard at the top end. My mpg increased to 35 or so from 22 (averages) when I sorted mine. It’s one of the reasons these cars get such a hard time on the mpg front as they all fail at some point and as they fall into cheaper and cheaper price brackets people stop giving them the TLC they need!
Have fun!
I think I'll get that checked out after Christmas, thanks for the tip I had one of these what feels like ages ago. Wish I held onto it longer. Enjoy the crazy gear ratios!
I can’t remember the exact terminology as it was so long ago but as part of the VVT there’s an actuator connected to a flap in the manifold. This will almost certainly have failed by this age if not maintained and it usually gets stuck in the high revs/power position. My maintenance advice would be to check this ASAP - lots of material online. With it stuck it destroys the fuel economy in normal driving conditions and it’s hard to notice as it still pulls hard at the top end. My mpg increased to 35 or so from 22 (averages) when I sorted mine. It’s one of the reasons these cars get such a hard time on the mpg front as they all fail at some point and as they fall into cheaper and cheaper price brackets people stop giving them the TLC they need!
Have fun!
drab1 said:
aaron_2000 said:
drab1 said:
Is that the inlet manifold runner thingy? I keep hearing about this and have no idea how to check it...
Lovely looking car op, we must have bought them around the same time :-) I'll start a sister thread if I find the time.
Let me know if you're still looking for LEDs, I've replaced all mine and have some spares. It is Xmas after all!
I am actually, thanks Lovely looking car op, we must have bought them around the same time :-) I'll start a sister thread if I find the time.
Let me know if you're still looking for LEDs, I've replaced all mine and have some spares. It is Xmas after all!
Doesn't let me email you, I think you'll have to PM me 
Got the interior lights, fitting them tomorrow. Thanks again . I've driven the car enough now that I've started spotting out some things I do dislike on it. The seating position is absolutely terrible. I sit as low down as it will go and I still feel high up,except I can't see where the nose is and it makes it horrid to park, that with the worst turning circle I've ever experienced makes it a nightmare in car parks, being a pretty new driver, I had one of those 'oh s
t' moments in a tight car park when I was about 5cm away from the car next to me, I really thought I wouldn't be able to get it out being at an angle it does sound pretty crap at high revs too but that's really nitpicking, bought brand new centre caps ready for the wheel refurb, the original radio is back in too. Looking to upgrade the exhaust to a Scorpion front to back system, I've heard them in person and they're not too loud, just raspier. Recently completed a 200mile round trip where I figured out I have a fuelling issue, 90 miles exactly on half a tank of petrol in normal driving. In the next couple of months I'll be booking it in with a specialist like Graham Goode to get all of that sorted out, including a new clutch/flywheel. Keep meaning to get the stone chips and rust sorted out, that's probably going to happen next month or 2. Not got anymore photos yet, but the more I drive it, the more I enjoy it. A Ford Ka will be joining it soon as I'm going to be buying one to clean up and sell, more to get more in depth on working in mechanical stuff again as I don't wanna learn on mine.
. I've driven the car enough now that I've started spotting out some things I do dislike on it. The seating position is absolutely terrible. I sit as low down as it will go and I still feel high up,except I can't see where the nose is and it makes it horrid to park, that with the worst turning circle I've ever experienced makes it a nightmare in car parks, being a pretty new driver, I had one of those 'oh st' moments in a tight car park when I was about 5cm away from the car next to me, I really thought I wouldn't be able to get it out being at an angle it does sound pretty crap at high revs too but that's really nitpicking, bought brand new centre caps ready for the wheel refurb, the original radio is back in too. Looking to upgrade the exhaust to a Scorpion front to back system, I've heard them in person and they're not too loud, just raspier. Recently completed a 200mile round trip where I figured out I have a fuelling issue, 90 miles exactly on half a tank of petrol in normal driving. In the next couple of months I'll be booking it in with a specialist like Graham Goode to get all of that sorted out, including a new clutch/flywheel. Keep meaning to get the stone chips and rust sorted out, that's probably going to happen next month or 2. Not got anymore photos yet, but the more I drive it, the more I enjoy it. A Ford Ka will be joining it soon as I'm going to be buying one to clean up and sell, more to get more in depth on working in mechanical stuff again as I don't wanna learn on mine. Mr Tidy said:
Great first car OP. 
And given the family connection that makes it really special.
The first generation of Focus is by far the best looking, and they handle really well.
I know what you mean about the seats being too high - my mother had a string of Fiestas and my sister had an 02 plate Focus, and I couldn't get the seat as low as I wanted it in any of them.
I thought about looking at an ST170 back in 2003, but got the chance to buy an ex-company Seat Leon Cupra from my employer at a price I couldn't pass up!
Good luck with the spanner practice on the Ka.
Thanks, I was looking at 225 Leons, pretty much the same to insure, but they were too expensive and just a bit too much for a new driver. And given the family connection that makes it really special.The first generation of Focus is by far the best looking, and they handle really well.
I know what you mean about the seats being too high - my mother had a string of Fiestas and my sister had an 02 plate Focus, and I couldn't get the seat as low as I wanted it in any of them.
I thought about looking at an ST170 back in 2003, but got the chance to buy an ex-company Seat Leon Cupra from my employer at a price I couldn't pass up!
Good luck with the spanner practice on the Ka.
S.H.A.D.O. said:
sorry but this made me smile.
Ford Ka is great for learning the basics, simple mechanicals and easy to work on, corrosion will be the main issue, buy a mig welder and learn how to use it. Always fanced one of those yellow millenium ones as my runabout, oh and the Ka has probably the coolest looking timepiece ever fitted in a car imo.
Enjoying the thread!
Thanks, always quite liked the Ka, they're still dirt cheap so I figured why not?Ford Ka is great for learning the basics, simple mechanicals and easy to work on, corrosion will be the main issue, buy a mig welder and learn how to use it. Always fanced one of those yellow millenium ones as my runabout, oh and the Ka has probably the coolest looking timepiece ever fitted in a car imo.
Enjoying the thread!
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