st 170 reliable?

st??? · 01-04-2009, 12:05 PM

Hey All,

Haven't posted on this site before, but I am doing a little research on a car I'd love to buy. 2003-4 focus st 170. I reckon they look great and have read the reviews including the comments re not enough grunt. I don't need a complete rocketship, just a car with enough power and handling to be an enjoyable drive. I had a Laser TX3 in the 90's and loved it (For 260'000 kms) and you had to punt it along a bit, but that was half the fun. Thing is, I'd like my warm hatch to be reliable as well, so here's where I'd love some help.

A few I am looking at are around 60-80 000 kms so any issues I should lookout for?? Or any suggestions re other cars?? (Bummer , can't afford an xr5)

Jeff

Tj-zetec · 01-04-2009, 03:44 PM

the only common fault I have heard about the LR focus is occasionaly the instrument cluster will pack it in. It's not that common really but there are a few cases on this forum.

So just look for the usual stuff like oil leaks (mine had a leaky valve cover seal but I don't know if that's common, easy fix reguardless)
Exhaust smoke on start will mean it's had a hard life, as will a dodgy clutch, but really there are things you look for in any car.

photn · 01-04-2009, 05:56 PM

also the other problems with the ST170 is the lack of available parts, and when you get some good parts available they cost a bomb!

apart from that they like any other car.

melbzetec · 02-04-2009, 08:37 PM

The good thing about the ST170 is that there is very little to mod. Most mods will make it go slower (apart from a turbo or supercharger of course!!). Apart from a tune, Ford basically got everything there was to be had out of the engine.

A problem in the basic LR Focus can be the cat, but not an issue in the ST170 as it has a different placement.

The only thing to look out for is to have the gearbox checked by a good mechanic prior to purchase. It is a Gertrag unit, but very pricey to replace if there are any issues in it.

Personally, I'd go for it. Excellent value examples around at the moment, and most will be one owner

fordel · 02-04-2009, 09:27 PM

In the 3 years or so of owning mine, had no problems with any instrument cluster.

Watch out for the gearbox, thats $10,500 parts alone if that goes.

The intake manifold on mine crapped itself, $2500 to replace that, then 2 months later the clutch went $3000 to replace that.

3 months out of warranty when the problems started, 5 months and ~$5500 later i traded it, and it only had 50k on the clock as well

http://www.stfocus.net/photography/c...s/chris-st170/

For the most part it was an awesome car, dont read to much into what the specs are on paper, nor that it is underpowered... it goes very well for what its got....

Mind you once we give all this info, im sure the OP will never return anyway, isnt it usually the way..

st??? · 03-04-2009, 07:35 AM

Hey All,

Thanks much for the info. Its all good stuff to have and I've been trolling websites all over the world getting to know the car 2nd hand. The gearbox issue especially sounds bit scary, so will have to find good mechanic for that test.

Sadly, while I've been learning, someone else has been buying , and I missed out on the sweet one at a dealer that I was looking at, but there'll be another.

Thanks again

Jeff

photn · 03-04-2009, 07:41 PM

ive got a spare gearbox with flywheel, clutch all in good nic - 1500 and its yours.

smee323 · 06-04-2009, 10:34 PM

Ours is fine.
Less than 50,000 on it. Just replaced all discs and pads for slotted. These again are different to the standard Focus.
It has a weird ABS system, and for the life of me, and the ford dealer they cannot get rid of the spongey pedal.
Asked about a replacement clutch theother day, and so far Ford are the only suppliers. This info was obtained from extreme in Adelaide.

Still, a very nice car.

Mullett · 07-04-2009, 03:56 PM

Can you source something out of the US? I'm sure they'd have plenty available over there, probably far cheaper than the Ford unit.

-RM.

Edit: *clicky*

Scroll down to the bottom of the page, lightweight flywheel and HD clutch for $500!

Mullett · 07-04-2009, 04:12 PM

Oh, and Auto One are distributors for LUK clutches in Australia, there may be others as well.

-RM.

FocusedST170 · 23-04-2009, 07:51 PM

Hey mate. I'm looking at selling my ST170 at the moment. It has done 79,000 km's. It has got a bodykit sideskirts and rear bar. Has a exhaust system, aftermarket headlights, aftermarket rear lights. I also have lots of extras to go with it including all the original parts and 18 inch chrome rims. If your interested please msg me back.

From FocusedST170
zeteced@hotmail.com

melbzetec · 23-04-2009, 09:18 PM

This needs to be posted in the For Sale section

NZ XR6 · 24-04-2009, 03:20 AM

I remember seeing one at the NZ Rally when the Focus was released in NZ. Great looking car.

Blue_ST170 · 02-05-2009, 07:04 PM

Im also looking to sell mine. 50,000 km with a panel filter, bluefin and high flow cat. Its just had new brakes and its in atm for the clutch so itll be brand new as well.

pm me if your interested......

ST170-VICCO · 28-05-2009, 04:33 AM

Mines 140 000kms down the road and it's had the following:

2 new thermostat housings (they go every 60 000 kms roughly for me). They are plastic and crack after a while. First sign is drops of coolant under the vehicle after sitting for a night. About $300 to replace one. I think this happens to all focii.

The dual stage inlet manifold thingy controller. Some box that was doing it's job but the computer couldn't see some sensor so it turned on the engine fault light. That was $1000 to fix.

All new pads and rotors just this week.

Squealing fan belt....that was pricey too.

I'm looking to trade mine in soon before anything drastic happens. I've also taken to driving it gently so as not to incur expense. Not really the point in buying a car like this though is it?