Overview

If you’re tempted by a Ford Fiesta ST Mk7 as your next used car, we can’t blame you. With a fast-track to being a genuine modern classic it’s a full-on ‘Fast Ford’, and one of the best hot hatches of its generation.

Superb to drive, with brilliant handling and a fantastic 182hp 1.6-litre turbo engine delivering exceptional performance – 0-62mph takes just 6.9 seconds. You even get 15 seconds of ‘overboost’, which takes power up to almost 200hp, to help with overtaking. Be in no doubt, it’s a potent hot hatch indeed.

The latest in a long line of fast Fiestas, it was celebrated when new and is even more tempting as an affordable used car buy – particularly as, being a Ford, it should prove relatively affordable to run. Claimed fuel economy is a surprisingly good 48mpg, with 138g/km CO2 keeping it in a relatively affordable bracket for VED (road tax) as well.

Ford Fiesta Mk7 buying guide

Ford sold it in three trims. ST-1 has 17-inch wheels, air con, DAB, Recaro seats and a full ST bodykit, plus a standard six-speed gearbox. ST-2 has part-leather Recaros, rear privacy glass and a cool starter button (this was the most popular Fiesta ST when new). ST-3 adds climate control, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, power-fold door mirrors and, on some cars, sat nav. All have sports suspension 15mm lower than standard, and clever torque vectoring to aid handling.

If you spot a car with dark metallic alloys, red brake calipers and door sills with illuminated ‘ST’ logos, that’s a car with the optional Style Pack fitted. They’re quite desirable, but bear in mind fast Ford values depend on originality so if buying for investment, make sure you have the paperwork to show the pack is original, and all the parts fitted are in good condition.

Cars from 2016 ride a little better, as Ford tweaked the suspension: a five-door alternative to the core three-door was also introduced. But whichever Fiesta ST you choose, you’ll have a star car that’s a thrill-a-minute behind the wheel and a guaranteed future classic. Here are 10 top tips to help you find a good one.

Ford Fiesta ST Mk7 known faults and common problems

Overall the Fiesta Mk7 is better made, and more sophisticated and refined than any previous Fiesta. It continues to keep others from claiming the top spot as our Parkers Used Car of the Year because of its availability, quality and value for money – and those foundations mean the Fiesta ST is already ahead of the game for used hot hatch buyers.

1. Check for accident damage on any Fiesta ST

It’s a hot hatch, likely to be driven in an exuberant way: there’s a fair chance it may have suffered crash damage. It’s important to give the bodywork a full once-over, looking for mismatched paint, dodgy finishes, uneven panel gaps and anything else that doesn’t seem quite right. Look beneath the bonnet, the boot floor and even beneath the car itself for evidence of scuffs, breaks or cheap repairs. If you see them, walk away.

2. Stolen Fast Fords – the Fiesta ST is a target

The Fiesta ST is a bit of a magnet to car thieves, so it’s worth making a series of background checks to make sure it’s not been stolen. Sadly, keyless entry makes this easier than ever these days. It’s not just the car itself, either: try to get a feel for the seller – if they want to meet in a layby rather than at home, and won’t give you their mobile number, and have ‘lost the V5’, run!

3. Vague steering

The steering should be scalpel-sharp – this was a great trait of the Fiesta ST when it was new. If it’s not, it could point to worn track rods, a common weakness on this car. Any knocking from the steering, particularly over ripples and bumps in the road, is another giveaway.

4. Fiesta ST 1.6-litre engine – recall

Early Fiesta STs built between 2012 and the end of 2014 were subject to a recall, due to the risk of localised overheating in the cylinder head, leading to cracking. A series of updates included fitting a new coolant level sensor, which included an audible and visual alarm. Check the service history to see if it’s been carried out – and also check the coolant level and listen to the engine itself for any odd noises or performance that’s not quite what you’d expect.

5. Fiesta ST engine mount wear

The engine mounts can wear and even fail. A shuddery engine is a sign of this: on really bad examples, you can actually rock the engine on its mounts under the bonnet – and if it’s not fixed, it leads to accelerated wear in other mechanical parts, too.

6. Fiesta ST technology – DAB radio

Check the DAB radio works as it should. There were a faulty batch when new, many of which were replaced by Ford when owners complained. It’s probably too late to get a free one from the blue oval now, so hope a previous owner has already had it done.

7. Fiesta ST wheels and tyres

This is a powerful front-wheel drive hot hatch, so tyre wear is likely to be greater than on a regular Fiesta. Kneel down and take a look at the tyres – and also look out for excessive wear of the inside shoulder of the front tyres, which points to the wheel alignment being out. Look at the brand of rubber too: they came with Bridgestone performance tyres from new, and enthusiast owners will still use high quality tyres. More budget-conscious types, won’t, though…

8. Service history, timing belt and updates

Servicing is required every year or 12,500 miles. The 1.6-litre turbo is a strong and robust engine, but this is no excuse for any gaps in the service history. Cambelt changes are required every 125,000 miles. Ford dealers are pretty competitive in terms of pricing, and there are no end of specialists out there to look after your ST.

9. Aftermarket tuning: Fiesta ST Mountune or ST200

If a classified advert mentions the Mountune pack, this is an engine tune-up that added around 30hp for an affordable £600. Mountune cars may have a little yellow badge on the tailgate. It was an official Ford-approved modification, so is nothing to worry about (and the extra power cuts half a second from the 0-62mph time).

2016’s Fiesta ST200 provides a similar upgrade, delivering the 200hp ‘overboost’ as the default output. A limited edition, buy carefully and make sure the car’s identity has not been stolen or used to make a fake from an accident-damaged car.

10. Bodywork: door seals

Ah, our old Ford foible, door seals. They can easily work loose, which can lead to an excess of wind noise at speed, or the door not closing properly due to the seals getting in the way. But sometimes, the looseness is more subtle – but enough to imperceptibly allow water into the cabin when it rains. So feel around the footwells for dampness. They’re also a good giveaway for cars that have been repaired on the cheap, as refitting the door seals after a respray is almost impossible…

What’s the Fiesta ST Mk7 like to drive?

Read on to find out all about the ST’s engine, performance and interior and whether we recommend buying one.