Big grin!

[hunt808]

The misses and I test drove a Focus ST yesterday and really liked it. Nice engine note, comfy seats, pulled like a train etc. We've had a Focus before and it was a really good car so we were seriously considering the ST. Then we drove a GTi for the first time...bloody hell, what a car. We were both instantly impressed with the cabin, build quality and perfect seating position.

I had literally driven 200 yards down the road and I started laughing. Couldn't help myself - the car just felt so brilliant, it was hilarious! Any thoughts of the ST were thrown right out of the window. Then I put my foot down a little and it felt better and better (bear in mind I also own a Porsche, so I know what a decent sports car should feel like).

The funniest thing was that the misses had EXACTLY the same reaction after we swapped seats. She stepped out of the car with a massive grin on her face and basically said, "were's having one of these!"

I'm just so impressed with this car, I can't tell you. Now I understand why people love them so much.

We have a couple of very nice ones to look at this weekend, and boy, am I excited  :-)

[Kalpsn2000]

Yes I remember the massive smile on the face the first time I drove it   Actually it still puts a big smile on my face when I drive it now (after nearly 2 years)

By the way did you drive a mk5? (I assume so as you have posted on this forum)

[hunt808]

Yes, it was a bog-standard, unmodified 2008 mk5.

J

[chrisr763]

Yes, it was a bog-standard, unmodified 2008 mk5.

J

Beautiful! Update us with lots of photo's and modifications when you get one!  How much are you looking to spend?

[hunt808]

Yes, it was a bog-standard, unmodified 2008 mk5.

J

Beautiful! Update us with lots of photo's and modifications when you get one!  How much are you looking to spend?

I'll definitely post some photos when we're sorted.

Looking at the £8k to £10 range - 2006 to 2008 cars with 50,000 to 70,000 on the clock. Some lovely cars out there for the price of a three year old 1.6 Focus!

J

[chrisr763]

Might be lucky and spot an ED30 for that price range? Would that be somthing you would look at?

[hunt808]

Might be lucky and spot an ED30 for that price range? Would that be somthing you would look at?

Yes, would consider an ED30, but I'd be very happy with a standard GTi. It's more important for us to get a solid car with lower age/miles as it's going to be a daily driver, not a garage queen  ;-)

The misses really wants leather seats, and I'd like Xenons, but that's about it.

J

[GrayMK5GTI]

If your talking about the 5 pot, watch out for cracked cylinder liners - those engines arent strong enough to handle the 225bhp they were given (Volvo ran the engine at 208bhp and gave ford a word of warning when they upped the power)  

There has been loads of them going (on guy on the forum is on his 3rd engine). A mate that works at Ford sees loads coming in with that engine cracking liners. Although Jamsport have made a "fix" which costs £1k

I had one a few years back and really enjoyed it, great cars to drive, sound AMAZING and handle really well. A better all rounder than the GTI IMHO.  

I just couldn't live with knowing there was a ticking time bomb under the bonnet  

They have problems with the oil breather diapham splitting ( like our DV's), alternators going after 3 years and clutches slipping after a remap (just like a GTI  )

[Kregiel]

great story!

I was the same when buying mine

Post some pics once you get one

Paul

[RobboGTI]

If your talking about the 5 pot, watch out for cracked cylinder liners - those engines arent strong enough to handle the 225bhp they were given (Volvo ran the engine at 208bhp and gave ford a word of warning when they upped the power) 

There has been loads of them going (on guy on the forum is on his 3rd engine). A mate that works at Ford sees loads coming in with that engine cracking liners. Although Jamsport have made a "fix" which costs £1k

I had one a few years back and really enjoyed it, great cars to drive, sound AMAZING and handle really well. A better all rounder than the GTI IMHO. 

I just couldn't live with knowing there was a ticking time bomb under the bonnet   

They have problems with the oil breather diapham splitting ( like our DV's), alternators going after 3 years and clutches slipping after a remap (just like a GTI  )

The cracked liners were only an issue on 2007 cars as ford tried to coat them to make them stronger but had the opposite effect. Facelift ST's are good strong engines.
Part of the reason I sold my ST was because it was a 2007 running 319bhp
Was scared for the engine but never had a problem with it!!

[MC71]

The misses and I test drove a Focus ST yesterday and really liked it. Nice engine note, comfy seats, pulled like a train etc. We've had a Focus before and it was a really good car so we were seriously considering the ST. Then we drove a GTi for the first time...bloody hell, what a car. We were both instantly impressed with the cabin, build quality and perfect seating position.

I had literally driven 200 yards down the road and I started laughing. Couldn't help myself - the car just felt so brilliant, it was hilarious! Any thoughts of the ST were thrown right out of the window. Then I put my foot down a little and it felt better and better (bear in mind I also own a Porsche, so I know what a decent sports car should feel like).

The funniest thing was that the misses had EXACTLY the same reaction after we swapped seats. She stepped out of the car with a massive grin on her face and basically said, "were's having one of these!"

I'm just so impressed with this car, I can't tell you. Now I understand why people love them so much.

We have a couple of very nice ones to look at this weekend, and boy, am I excited  :-)

Great post fella! Know where your coming from.    

They are great cars and if when you get one you'll love it, I do.

I've had a few cars, some faster, some better looking but none as well rounded all over. If you can stretch to at least £10k, get an Eddy as the headroom in regards to future tuning as immense, around 40% due to much bigger Turbo and other engine components that were upgraded over the standard GTI. 300 horses are only a stage 1 map away (plus a CAI and TBE).

I thought this one would just be another "6 month car" but its a keeper now! Had an ST a while back, good car but no GTI, the RS on the other hand is a monster and I love the way it drives and in that case i would be torn then.

 

[JackG]

Jumped in mine this morning and even with it in limp mode it still feels spot on 

[GrayMK5GTI]

If your talking about the 5 pot, watch out for cracked cylinder liners - those engines arent strong enough to handle the 225bhp they were given (Volvo ran the engine at 208bhp and gave ford a word of warning when they upped the power)  

There has been loads of them going (on guy on the forum is on his 3rd engine). A mate that works at Ford sees loads coming in with that engine cracking liners. Although Jamsport have made a "fix" which costs £1k

I had one a few years back and really enjoyed it, great cars to drive, sound AMAZING and handle really well. A better all rounder than the GTI IMHO.  

I just couldn't live with knowing there was a ticking time bomb under the bonnet  

They have problems with the oil breather diapham splitting ( like our DV's), alternators going after 3 years and clutches slipping after a remap (just like a GTI  )

The cracked liners were only an issue on 2007 cars as ford tried to coat them to make them stronger but had the opposite effect. Facelift ST's are good strong engines.
Part of the reason I sold my ST was because it was a 2007 running 319bhp
Was scared for the engine but never had a problem with it!!

I think you've been mis-informed matey, it was anything up to 2008/9ish before they were strenthened (forgot the engine codes that were supposed to be stronger) .

I don't think it was actually confirmed that some were coated, possibly just another forum rumour. My mate had a 2006 (06) and that cracked a liner  

[GarethB]

Graeme - Without meaning to go further off topic, does this 'issue' affect the Mk2 RS??? (considering a switch in the new year  ) - please pm if more appropriate 

[GrayMK5GTI]

Graeme - Without meaning to go further off topic, does this 'issue' affect the Mk2 RS??? (considering a switch in the new year  ) - please pm if more appropriate 

Haha no it doesn't, there haven't been any cracked liners with the MK2 RS 

Good choice Gareth  theyre capable of 500bhp +