2007 Focus St Review
A Stage 2 tune to around 300bhp shouldn't require strengthened internals but expect evidence of such work beyond this. When looking at an early ST, and especially a tuned one, check the oil filler for oil andwater sludge and the clutch for slipping. Pre-facelift and modified cars are known for splitting their cylinder liners and cooking the clutch; the 2008 facelift resolved many of these problems.
Given the number of used Mk2 STs on the market, you can afford to be picky – not just over condition but specification and options too. Among the latter, those worth seeking out include privacy glass, parking sensors and an electric sunroof. Prices of three- and five-door STs are broadly the same. Colour- wise, the plainer shades emphasise the car's nicely understated looks. Whichever hue you choose, a full book of service stamps and premium tyres are essential, and beware the Cat C and D write-offs out there.
How to get one in your garage:
An expert's view, Steve Bennett, ST-FOCUS.COM: "To my mind, the Focus ST Mk2 is the greatest hot hatch ever. I love the idea that one day a Ford exec said: 'I know, let's chuck this big old five-cylinder motor in a Focus.' I've been selling them for more than eight years and I've sold hundreds. It has its niggles – split liners, weak clutch, whistling oil filler – but they're rare. On the whole, it's reliable. Prices for the best late cars have stabilised. You'll easily pay over £11,000. Partly it's because the current car isn't as good and partly because late, low-mile Mk2 STs are getting rarer. Buy one while you can."
Buyer beware...
ENGINE: On pre-2008 STs or modified cars, check for oil-filler mayonnaise, misfiring or white smoke indicating split cylinder liners. A whistle at idle when cold is air being drawn through the oil filler due to a split diaphragm in the oil filter housing. If the boost gauge needle won't pass beyond a quarter, check the solenoid boost valve (a healthy turbo reads to half- way; a mapped car to three-quarters). On early cars, check the health of the alternator–flickering lights or a battery warning are giveaways.
TRANSMISSION: Check clutch operation on early cars – it's a weak unit. Replace with the stronger RS clutch upgrade – it's not that expensive but you'll also need the dual-mass flywheel, slave cylinder and thrust bearing. Check driveshaft boots aren't split.
SUSPENSION: Listen for knocking caused by worn front anti-roll bar droplinks and leaking wishbone bushes. Check for inner tyre shoulder wear and excessive torque steer. Also non-premium tyres suggest penny-pinching elsewhere.
BODY: Check the boot for dampness (rain can get in via the seam near the tailgate hinges) and screen wash bottle for leaks. Check sideskirts are secure and look for corrosion where rear arches meet the bumper and on boot bump stops where the paint flakes. Check for crash repairs (orange-peel paint finish, overspray, new wing bolts etc).
INTERIOR: Check seat bases for cracking.
Also worth knowing...
Some modified STs will have had their liners shimmed – what's called a 'block- mod'. It's only done to a sound engine. Expect to pay around £800 for the job (it involves removing the head to push shims between the cylinder liners), a new timing belt and a new water pump. Try motorsport-developments.co.uk.
How much to spend:
£2500-£3995: Mainly 2005-06 ST-2s but also some ST-1s. Mileages from 80-200k, service histories patchy.
£4000-£4995: More 05-07 ST-2/3s with 100k or so and full service history; some 07 ST-1s.
£5000-£6495: Loads more tidy 07- and 08-reg ST- 2/3s with around 70k miles, full service history, and new timing belt and clutch.
Source: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-cars-used-car-buying-guides/used-car-buying-guide-ford-focus-st
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