Ford Focus Hatchback (1998 - 2004) 2.0 ST170 5d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I like a good, reliable and nippy car. And only seen one ST170 in imperial blue so can always spot where I'm parked in a busy retail car park, so that's handy. Usually see them in boring colours grey and black.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Everyone likes the car, no bad comments about it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, good all round car.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'll be sticking with this car for another good few years as there is nothing wrong with it. But if I had to choose MK1 RS.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,000

When did you buy the car?

April 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was a good deal, the car had only done 29,000 miles when I purchased it in 2009. It was in excellent condition and in the best colour imperial blue.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The mk1 focus looks better than the mk2 focus and wanted something that was fast, fun and reliable. I got the ST170 due to the mk1 RS having a £9,000 price tag.

What was the dealer like?

It was a private sale, and he was only selling due to his young son who he had bought the car for not being able to afford to run it, insurance costs etc.

What's it like to drive?

When I first drove the car after purchase it was standard. It didn't set the road alight when accelerating and you have to be above 3,000rpm in second gear to get going. Its a very nice car to drive but if you want the best out of it you'll have to do engine modifications for example bigger throttle body, performance exhaust system and panel air filter. Bluefin chip, uprated ignition system etc all of which I did to mine over the years.

What's it like to park?

Very easy to park and has parking sensors to help you.

Have you had any problems with the car?

In the six years of owning the car the biggest and most expensive thing to go faulty was the IMRC (Inlet manifold runner control). It only went faulty this summer though so 10 years its been working from new. A new unit around £350, but can get refurbished units which I did for £90 and works perfect. The alloy wheels paint has a bad finish and corrodes and flakes so check before you buy. Apart from that its general maintenance/replacement of parts when they need renewing. Parts costs are quite reasonable to if you shop around and don't go directly to Fords.

What's most practical about your car?

The car is comfortable and smooth to drive, and you can get a good mpg if you don't hammer it around the roads. For example you can do 70mph on the motorway in 6th gear at around 3,000rpm.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Full leather recaro heated seats.