Ford Focus ST mk3 - Anyone own one? Your views please.
Discussion
I'm thinking of getting a Ford Focus ST, the new face-lift model, mk3.
If I was to get 2nd one it would be 2014/15 plate.
What are these cars like to own long term? Good points or any bad points,
Any desirable options to look out for when buying one and what's the difference in spec between the st2 and 3?
If I was to get 2nd one it would be 2014/15 plate.
What are these cars like to own long term? Good points or any bad points,
Any desirable options to look out for when buying one and what's the difference in spec between the st2 and 3?
We have a 2015 ST2-NAV but its the diesel. Its a good enough car. The Diesel is obviously no where near the performance of the petrol but returns for us with mixed driving about 45MPG.
The recaro seats are rather nice, but huge which means with kids in the back that need child seats leg room for them is either cramped or for the folk in the front that have to put their seats forward (PS I'm not even that tall @ 5'11).
The Nav adds the Sync 2 with full touch screen display, DAB, bluetooth etc and its pretty easy to use, works well worth spotify etc. I wish I had optioned the premium speaker upgrade but ours was a stock car on lease so went with how it came.
Fit and finish is much better than previous generations of focus especially the interior. Its not as nice a place to sit when compared to the likes of Golf GTI's \ Rs, hot 1 series etc but all round nice enough.
The appearance pack I like with the bigger wheels, tints etc but even standard it looks quite nice. Would I have another, probably not, but I rarely would buy \ lease the same model twice.
The recaro seats are rather nice, but huge which means with kids in the back that need child seats leg room for them is either cramped or for the folk in the front that have to put their seats forward (PS I'm not even that tall @ 5'11).
The Nav adds the Sync 2 with full touch screen display, DAB, bluetooth etc and its pretty easy to use, works well worth spotify etc. I wish I had optioned the premium speaker upgrade but ours was a stock car on lease so went with how it came.
Fit and finish is much better than previous generations of focus especially the interior. Its not as nice a place to sit when compared to the likes of Golf GTI's \ Rs, hot 1 series etc but all round nice enough.
The appearance pack I like with the bigger wheels, tints etc but even standard it looks quite nice. Would I have another, probably not, but I rarely would buy \ lease the same model twice.
I have a 2015 ST-3 Petrol Estate with the Mountune MP275 'kit' on it. Owned since new (was 1 yr old last week) and I have done 10,000 miles in it.
Previous to that I had a MK3 pre-facelift Petrol Hatch ST-3, also owned from new, was 2.5yrs old when I got rid of it.
I had a few issues with my pre-facelift car but (so far) no real issues with my facelifted car, apart from a VERY loud hiss coming through the stereo once - an issue that other owners with the Premium Sound option have raised on the ST Owners Club forum. The issue sorts itself after a few minutes with the car locked.
My pre-facelift broke down twice within the first 2 months of ownership, the Ford dealer was absolutely terrible (mis-diagnosed after 1st breakdown, I was then lied to in between, finally diagnosed and repaired properly after 2nd breakdown). The illuminated sill scuff-plates went faulty too, then caused a fuse to blow that covers almost all interior lights + all the switches on the drivers door card. Had to also pull the fuse LOTS of times on the Ford Sync system which is also a extremely common issue on the forums.
My facelifted car is a fair bit better than the previous ST. Less torque steer, slightly better interior, the massive bonnet/bumper gap has also been sorted on the facelift. The only thing I miss about my last car is the sunroof - it isn't possible to spec the estate with a sunroof.
I get approx 30mpg and I do tend to drive it fairly hard (well, as hard as is possible when commuting during morning & evening rush hour!)
The biggest issue with buying a Ford is, in my opinion, the dealers. They really are terrible.
Previous to that I had a MK3 pre-facelift Petrol Hatch ST-3, also owned from new, was 2.5yrs old when I got rid of it.
I had a few issues with my pre-facelift car but (so far) no real issues with my facelifted car, apart from a VERY loud hiss coming through the stereo once - an issue that other owners with the Premium Sound option have raised on the ST Owners Club forum. The issue sorts itself after a few minutes with the car locked.
My pre-facelift broke down twice within the first 2 months of ownership, the Ford dealer was absolutely terrible (mis-diagnosed after 1st breakdown, I was then lied to in between, finally diagnosed and repaired properly after 2nd breakdown). The illuminated sill scuff-plates went faulty too, then caused a fuse to blow that covers almost all interior lights + all the switches on the drivers door card. Had to also pull the fuse LOTS of times on the Ford Sync system which is also a extremely common issue on the forums.
My facelifted car is a fair bit better than the previous ST. Less torque steer, slightly better interior, the massive bonnet/bumper gap has also been sorted on the facelift. The only thing I miss about my last car is the sunroof - it isn't possible to spec the estate with a sunroof.
I get approx 30mpg and I do tend to drive it fairly hard (well, as hard as is possible when commuting during morning & evening rush hour!)
The biggest issue with buying a Ford is, in my opinion, the dealers. They really are terrible.
Had a pre-facelift ST-3 MK3. Only a couple of minor irritants but nothing major and overall a decent enough car. Software update fixed an issue with something electrical staying on and draining the battery (easy fix but dealers struggled to diagnose). Illuminated sill guards stopped working (wasn't particularly bothered but might want to check) and a ticking noise from the brake lights. The rear light clusters on the refresh look smaller to me. I'll admit I'm intrigued whether these still make a noise or not or even if it was just my car :-)
I've had one for a few months now, '63 plate so pre-facelift. I'm delighted with it, seems a really well put together car. I really like the interior vs. Fords of old, and if you're looking at the facelift it's even better. I like the tuning potential but even as standard it's a fun car and comfortable cruiser.
I've had a 15 plate ST3 for coming up to a year now. Great car and haven't had any problems with it. Looks a ton better than the pre facelift model and the ST3 with full leather Recaros and Sync2 touch screen is really good. As others said the interior isn't to the standard of Golf R and other rivals I also looked at but the list of kit gives you far more bang for your buck. 27-30mpg is my average with nearer 40 on longer motorway drives with the cruise control on. Can be driven round normally as a very nice little commuter car but when you put the foot down the (fake) noise sounds decent and it really pulls.
That said I'm looking at chopping it in soon but thats more because I want something different than something wrong with the car itself.
That said I'm looking at chopping it in soon but thats more because I want something different than something wrong with the car itself.
Yeah I have heard that the Ford dealers are pretty pap, my Wife's father has a Fiesta and has had loads of issues from our local Ford dealer like leaving a car running on 3 cylinders after a service and blamed it on a dodgy spark plug and also telling him that there was a nail in the tyre after they had driven it back to his house to drop it off after the service!!
Anyway
Many thanks for the response and feedback. I didn't realise they did a facelift between 2014 and 2015. They look very similar to me, what differences in styling is there to easy ID the two different versions?
Also looking at all avenues but what is the Diesel versions like? Worth a look at or avoid at all cost?
Also whats insurance like too?
It seems that the Facelift model is the one to go for.
Anyway
Many thanks for the response and feedback. I didn't realise they did a facelift between 2014 and 2015. They look very similar to me, what differences in styling is there to easy ID the two different versions?
Also looking at all avenues but what is the Diesel versions like? Worth a look at or avoid at all cost?
Also whats insurance like too?
It seems that the Facelift model is the one to go for.
Turnip Farmer said:
I didn't realise they did a facelift between 2014 and 2015. They look very similar to me, what differences in styling is there to easy ID the two different versions?
Biggest exterior difference is the front bumper & lights. The pre-facelift has a semi-circle above the Ford badge and a matching semi-circle 'dent' at the bonnet. The gap between the bonnet and the front bumper on the pre-facelift cars are (generally) HUGE. Facelifted cars have a straight gap between bonnet and front bumper with a much smaller gap.
Biggest interior difference is relocation of the handbrake to a more sensible location.
The front lights are the biggest give away, the difference may not look all that great in these pictures but in the metal it is quite pronounced:
Facelift:
Pre facelift:
Along with that the abysmal panel gap between the nose and the bonnet has been all but done away with, it was awful IMO and would genuinely have stopped me buying one.
Facelift:
Pre facelift:
Along with that the abysmal panel gap between the nose and the bonnet has been all but done away with, it was awful IMO and would genuinely have stopped me buying one.
I've had my pre facelift ST2 estate for over a year, bought at 2.5 years old.
No issues in the last year, but then you would hope not at this age!
Good bits:
Fun practical estate
Bit different
Good engine for a 4cyl turbo
Good ride - firm without being crashy
Great value
Quick steering - bit odd and artificial at first but you get used to it and then it's quite good.
Bad bits:
Traction on damp/wet roads, just don't mash the pedal! (Facelift may be better)
Interior a bit fussy (sorted on the facelift)
Turning circle of a cargo ship
Narrow recaros don't suit fatties (I'm not and find them comfy)
The estate looks better than the hatch in my view, but neither are fantastic lookers.
Pre facelift ST3 gets you full leather and xenon's over the ST2, plus some other packs as standard like parking sensors. I'm not fussed about full leather, and while the better headlights would have been nice the right car for me came up at the right time and was otherwise quite well specced. Facelift I assume would be similar but don't know for sure. Well worth having the big screen nav I would have thought.
No issues in the last year, but then you would hope not at this age!
Good bits:
Fun practical estate
Bit different
Good engine for a 4cyl turbo
Good ride - firm without being crashy
Great value
Quick steering - bit odd and artificial at first but you get used to it and then it's quite good.
Bad bits:
Traction on damp/wet roads, just don't mash the pedal! (Facelift may be better)
Interior a bit fussy (sorted on the facelift)
Turning circle of a cargo ship
Narrow recaros don't suit fatties (I'm not and find them comfy)
The estate looks better than the hatch in my view, but neither are fantastic lookers.
Pre facelift ST3 gets you full leather and xenon's over the ST2, plus some other packs as standard like parking sensors. I'm not fussed about full leather, and while the better headlights would have been nice the right car for me came up at the right time and was otherwise quite well specced. Facelift I assume would be similar but don't know for sure. Well worth having the big screen nav I would have thought.
We have a 2013 ST3 Estate. Its very high specced. Nav, tints, reverse camera, Bluetooth, telephone etc.
As a family hack it is tremendous. Lot of torque steer though if ESP is fully on rather than sport mode.
I had the resonator removed and replaced with a straight pipe. Sounds great now with zero drone.
DO IT. I think as a family car versus my M3 it's a great compromise for hauling wife and kids.
As a family hack it is tremendous. Lot of torque steer though if ESP is fully on rather than sport mode.
I had the resonator removed and replaced with a straight pipe. Sounds great now with zero drone.
DO IT. I think as a family car versus my M3 it's a great compromise for hauling wife and kids.
Turnip Farmer said:
I'm thinking of getting a Ford Focus ST, the new face-lift model, mk3.
If I was to get 2nd one it would be 2014/15 plate.
What are these cars like to own long term? Good points or any bad points,
Any desirable options to look out for when buying one and what's the difference in spec between the st2 and 3?
Facelift came around 2015 time so it's unclear which one you're looking at. I have pre-facelift ST3 estate on a 62 plate. ST3 gets full leather and xenons as standard (which are very good and worth having) plus some other good stuff, none of which you get with the ST2. The premium audio pack is worth getting if you like music on when you're driving as the standard audio is pretty pants as it lacks a lot of depth and detail. Note that cruise control is an option and doesn't come as standard on the ST3. It's something I miss on mine.If I was to get 2nd one it would be 2014/15 plate.
What are these cars like to own long term? Good points or any bad points,
Any desirable options to look out for when buying one and what's the difference in spec between the st2 and 3?
Pre-facelift (and also affecting the facelift too from reading forums) has a known ECU wiring loom splice issue with bad crimps on some of the wires which cause running issues (rough idle, sometimes cutting out etc). It's starting to cause some issues on mine actually but luckily it's an easy DIY fix if you're any good with a soldering iron and there is a good youtube video on the issue and shows you how to fix. Certainly don't let it put you off buying.
If you're going to be looking at the facelift I advise you to be careful with the wheel sizes. The 18s give a firm ride but is still comfortable. A work mate recently leased a new 65 plate estate in tangerine scream and his is on 19s and the ride is imho harsh as f
k to the point where you wince when you see an unavoidable pothole looming. He hates the ride that much that he's offered me money to buy my 18s! 
The glossy black centre console (pre-facelift) is very marmite; personally I'm not a fan of it and find that it's one huge mess of random buttons but it serves its purpose I suppose. Leather recaros are - as mentioned - not suited for fatties. Being a bit of a fatty myself (16.5 st and 6'2) I physically did not fit in between the upright side bolsters and I very nearly didn't buy it, however the salesman assured me that they will mould to your body and sure enough by the time I'd driven the 100 miles home I was perfectly comfortable and they never cause me any problems now.
Driving wise I can't fault it. It does everything superbly and is definitely a driver's car. It drives and handles beautifully whether you want to have a bit of a mad session or just want a nice steady relaxing drive. If I really had to be picky the clutch assistance annoys me when pulling away or changing gear (ECU gives you a little bit of acceleration without you pressing the pedal) and the aforementioned torque steer and wet road traction issues when booting it (pre-facelift only) also irritate but these are minor niggles on an otherwise great car.
Expect 27-29mpg long term average with a mix of fun and steady driving. Mid to low 20s if you boot it everywhere. Can push 30-31mpg on V-Power and the throttle response is noticeably improved too. Obviously with this being Pistonheads you won't even be considering a dirty coal burner and anyone driving a coal burner with an ST badge on the back should be ashamed of themselves.
Also worth mentioning that they are big thief magnets. If you don't shell out for additional security such as a Disklok, expect it to not be there when you wake up one day as they're easy to take without the keys. The ST3s are in insurance group 36 of 50 by the way
so you could be in for a shock depending on your age and location.ETA: No pics of mine but it's identical to Hub's here apart from mine has the anthracite colour alloys rather than silver: http://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?car...
Edited by All that jazz on Thursday 4th August 05:22
FN2TypeR said:
No standard cruise control on the top spec? That's a bit tight of them. Do they make you buy an expensive radar/automatic one or is it just the bog standard cruise that you have to stump up for?
Seems a bit mean of them either way.
Bog standard I believe however it is standrad on the facelift ST3, just the prefacelift where it was an option.Seems a bit mean of them either way.
My wife currently has a 16 plate ST3 diesel. Mechanically it's sound, feels quick enough and holds the road well, however cosmetics aren't great. After 3 months/4000 miles the paints not wearing well and the drivers seat is squeaking as you drive. Been back to the dealer 4 times for these issues and they don't want to know, so have gone direct to Ford.
However all that being said I love it, even though it's diesel it feels like it wants to be driven hard (and I just turn the stereo up to drown out the noise from the seat).
However all that being said I love it, even though it's diesel it feels like it wants to be driven hard (and I just turn the stereo up to drown out the noise from the seat).
I'm on my second one now. Bought a brand new ST3 in March after having a 62 plate ST-2 and it really is an improvement. It's a nice car and I do a 200 mile commute in mine. It's a nice place to be.
The dealer in Perth where I bought the car are spot on and I've always had good service.
The dealer in Perth where I bought the car are spot on and I've always had good service.
Won't be doing high mileage so probably won't go for the diesel.
After taking you suggestions, had a good look and do prefer the face-lift for looks.
The dilemma I have now is do I go for prefacelift st3 or face-lift st2 as I think the face-lift st3 might just be out of my budget.
Hmm decisions decisions.
Gotta to work out which direction to go.
Gonna go for test drive this weekend.
After taking you suggestions, had a good look and do prefer the face-lift for looks.
The dilemma I have now is do I go for prefacelift st3 or face-lift st2 as I think the face-lift st3 might just be out of my budget.
Hmm decisions decisions.
Gotta to work out which direction to go.
Gonna go for test drive this weekend.
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