Ford Focus Hatchback (1998 - 2004) 2.0 ST170 5d (2002/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
It says that I wanted a Mitsubishi EVO but couldnt swallow the insurance or servicing costs. Seriously though, I love the subtle look of the car. To most people its just a Focus...but I know better.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Fiancee likes it because its a nice car to be driven in. Nice comfy seats, air con, good sound from the speakers. Friends like it because it goes fast! Mum likes it because its a silver one.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Maybe...would rather have the RS Turbo next time. Faster and meaner!
What are you likely to buy next?
Intend to keep the ST170 for a few years. I still aspire to owning an EVO....
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£8,300
When did you buy the car?
February 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Got a reasonable deal. Pester the salesman to go and speak to his/her boss lots and they soon get fed up and drop the price some more! Only thing I didnt like about the deal was the poor offer they gave me on my Saxo VTS...so I sold it private.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Had a Saxo VTS, but wanted something with a bit more power and a bit less of a boy racer image. Did not set out to buy a ST170...it just kind of happened.
What was the dealer like?
Professional. Had problems with the cars exhaust soon after I bought it, dealer replaced the CAT free of charge!!
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very smooth. Car feels planted, and handles brilliantly. Unusually for a petrol engine, there is plenty of torque around the 2500-3500 rpm range. Sit in 6th gear on the motorway and you can cruise at 70mph with the revs under 3000 rpm which helps fuel economy if your into that sort of thing. The 6 speed gear box has very tall gearing allowing you to do 70 mph in second gear...this does not help fuel economy. I have made a few modifications to my car pushing it to around 190 BHP, and now I feel the ST170 performs in the manner it should have done to begin with! Less smooth, more savage please!
What's it like to park?
Parking is easy. Good visibility. Only gripe is the gargantuan turning circle!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Metal plate securing the exhaust to the chassis has caused me grief. It had snapped clean across and was making a hideous rattle. Sorted by plate-welding it back together.
What's most practical about your car?
Very spacious with a decent sized boot.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Im not really a gadget person...it has air-con...you can turn off the traction control =)
