THE MK2 FOCUS ST BUYERS GUIDE

THE MK2 FOCUS ST BUYERS GUIDE
In this video, we run through the TOP 10 things you need to know when in the market to buy a Mk2 Focus ST, these tips should help you even if you already own a Focus ST too so don't worry, sit back, relax and absorb my previous mistakes and experience so you don't have too.
The Focus ST225 quickly became one of the most popular FWD Hot Hatches of its time and even now to this day the Mk2 Focus ST225 / XR5 still has a massive place in the car scene.
Don't worry these tips apply to the XR5 also, so everyone in Australia can use these tips too.
THE MK2 FOCUS ST BUYERS GUIDE
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#st225 #mk2focusst #focusst

[@DazOwen001]

Owner of a 55 plate ST3 here (very early model) for nearly 10 years, I thought I'd add my thoughts on this topic. Bonnet locks are prone to break, I've replaced 2 in the nearly 10 years ownership/40k miles. Coolant hoses from the header tank are common also, unfortunately I had to order these direct from Ford and they're not cheap. Driveshafts are another big one, however mine are still original and I'm over 100k miles. Alternators are prone to die, especially on the early models like mine, was replaced around 100k so I guess I was lucky. Lower arm bushings and rear training arm bushings are prone to cracking, my advice is replace them will Polly bushes and then you won't need to worry about them again. Block mod is recommended but I'm on over 100k with the stock engine and touch wood I've had no issues. Car will eat through front tires. Rear bumper sag is common which causes rust between itself and the rear arch, mine has just started at 14 years old. Seat bases are common to crack which means the seat will rock sightly, small welding job required. Bolsters on the leather seats wear prematurely but you can help this by cleaning and moisturizing the leather often to keep it moist. Oil filter diaphragm will go on pretty much every car, don't drive it if this is the case and get it towed to a garage or you'll blow your cam seals. All these things aside, it's a fantastic car and I doubt I'll ever sell it, it's a classic in the making in my opinion.

[@GCMYT]

Wish I’d mentioned all these

[@mohamedabdelrahman3889]

GCM you are amazing 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@richardts8858]

Mine st3 is on 130k no block mod either.full service history from new all up date.no smoke no coolant loss,engine is perfect.keeping oil changed is a must .The reason my engine is so good without issue.

[@Crypto_bull82]

I'm having the block mod done now at 120k but only because my head gasket was failing, barley no issues with my car what so ever...touch wood lol

[@simonfearing4907]

@Dogs Bollocks I assume he means the oil separator diaphragm if it’s that the car will whistle untill you remove the dipstick then it will stop I think it cost me about £130 to buy part and can’t remember. How much to be fitted it was years ago

[@iam2decka924]

From someone who has spent years modifying my own as well, I feel you delivered this information really well. People will do well to listen to you and keep going with the videos dude. One thing I'd also mention is how different an LSD can make the car, especially when mapped. Yes it has a big price tag but my God is it an underrated modification.

[@adsmith2k]

Love this bud, will be so helpful to new buyers and even us with them. Glad you covered the point on buying a slightly higher mileage car with general maintenance done rather than a lower mileage car that will need the same work done. It's something I always look at when buying a car. Keep up the good work. After reading through the comments would love a 'Part 2' of this video ✌

[@andypoole9261]

Great tips there. Bought my 3 years ago with 73000 miles and now as 82000 miles. done the block mod and RS clutch as I took people's advice and got it sorted as I wanted to increase the power and now is at Stage 2. Great videos. Love the car and cannot stop spending money on ST.

[@victorstoulm3356]

Hello what do I need for Stage 2 suggested by you ?

[@juliuschandler6931]

Totally agree, just got my ST 225 and yes is heavy on petrol but the smiles and happiness I get from burning that fuel doesn't bother me one bit

[@peteshergill]

Great video! Totally agree, YOLO, and bang for buck, smiles per mile...not much else out there! Personally, prefer as a third car; has everyday usability, but get most fun when driven to its potential.

[@MyMarko81]

Just purchased my Mk2 st. Followed all of these tips. Excellent video.

[@johnmartin3718]

GREAT VIDEO , I have owned from new my ST 225 since 2007 I am from Australia and they are called and Focus XR 5 here , I love driving mine every day , i have just given it a new tune map from a Dreamscience controller and it is now a beast , it now has around 206 Kw(166Kw before) or 280 BHP , the map also tightened up the gear box and changes way more smoothly , plus it seems to use less fuel , the only negative with the map was its lost its rev limiter and replaced by a simple arrow on the dash when you hit 7000RPM , I have a new 3 "exhaust on the way , which will give me a few more HP ...... cant wait to bolt it on ........................... cheers from Qld ,Australia

[@mrpreciousmanners6341]

You are a pro at this, focus st info and more 💯

[@ed40lew]

Great video, looking at getting an ST225 & to be honest, didnt have a clue apart from the block mod thing on these, so will def be using this info now prior to purchasing.

[@ak2k930]

Finally my dream came true! You finally did a video!!!! Lool well done!

[@RGS243]

George, your last point about smiles per miles is absolutely true. I've got a Volvo C70 T5 (same 2.5T) with an exhaust and induction kit and was thinking what other cars are out there for the money that sound as good with a turbo and can also be a convertible other than the expensive German alternatives.

[@JBELLERS15]

As always, top quality video, thanks for the pointers, I'm hoping to buy one at the end of this year so this helps massively. Cheers

[@simonlowe4013]

Nice video there fella, one other thing to mention is, Cam belt and water pump as you DONT want that to fail 🙂

[@EDGUK]

Great video mate.. I am looking for my first ST at the moment. You have got your self a new sub. 👌👌

[@michaelbourne2546]

Very well delivered clear advice! 👍

[@Alexiooo]

Really engaging & informative video mate! If you were doing it all from memory and didn’t have any notes/bullet points to cover, then that’s even more impressive!! 👌🏼

[@ukunboxings2242]

Excellent video, loving the videos especially at this lockdown. 😊

[@guidobolink]

I am 56 years old, father of 2 sons 26 and 22 years old and i bought a simular black Mk2 ST just a month ago. I really must say its YOLO! So happy with my ST and really nothing wrong with. It’s graceful en enjoy to drive every single mile (km) the car looks still how it’s come put of the factory so I have Plans to Lightning it up a little

[@P4Reece]

Top video mate, I don't even own a mk2 st or are in the market for one but this video was really educational and proper interesting!

[@siphephelogcabashe5274]

Top advice! These are mostly points I've been coming across in my research as well. I may or may not be getting a certain 5 pot myself in the near future...

[@vassilisraikopoulos7515]

Awesome tips mate! That exhaust sounds awesome! Cheers!

[@stephenstyles4938]

My boost hit half way george love the sound and the circulation valve

[@01dimster]

Great video I went to view a ST this week after watching your video and based on everything you've advised......... I walked away from buying a potential lemon lol cheers 😁

[@OhWellMusic]

perfect video to watch as im looking at buying another one

[@Roadwarrior92]

Looks like you are finally starting to enjoy the ST. Fairplay nice guide

[@MrStreetboy80]

Iv always been into classics like escort rs turbo, had a few. Iv wanted to get another but getting drawn in by the mk2 focus st. Watching your videos I think il end up with one soon 😂 they look fun to modify and more importantly to drive!

[@luckyluckee9715]

Sweet amount of info mate, thanks 🙂 time to hunt for new st

[@deanpedley]

Thanks for making this video m8 👍👍👍👍👍

[@80sChild1987]

Really informative, thanks and enjoy !

[@ralphpurves]

Had my very rare 5 door ST500 for nearly 2 years, paid way too much for it but after letting my Scooby go ( having test driven one when we got the Scooby 12 years ago ) just had to have one in our lives ( my wife’s car ). As has been mentioned below make sure the cam belt has been done or get it done as we did during purchase. Only issue we’ve had is the air con needs repair but everything else is sweet and at 79k miles still feels tight and buttery smooth. Would love to do some subtle mods but frankly have way to many other life priorities that take my coin. Still love it and as a std car hope as with all fast Fords will eventually start going back up in value ( in another decade 😂 ). Even as a stock car it’s so much fun and being an ST500 does get plenty of enquiring looks. My advice to all looking to get one is simply to keep the servicing up to date and if it looks like it’s been ragged to death or has questionable mods with no receipts walk away as if you don’t know what’s been done you will spend forever and plenty of wedge putting them right. Nothing wrong with a well modded car done by professionals that work well together as you can trust your car is safe and your not likely to damage it prematurely. One final thing, yes they’re thirsty and have a small tank so make sure you have a rewards card for your local juice station 😁. Ford hit it out of the park with the 5 pot and for me the newer ones just don’t have the personality that these have 👍

[@Tom3294.]

I so need to test drive one of these!

[@simonround9965]

Ive always wanted the mk2 st but always worried about huge repair bills , i generally drive an estate which is the focus 2 litre petrol with the st wheels lol but may be encouraged to have this as a weekend car . This video is very encouraging 👍

[@boabm6522]

Repair bills have been no higher than any other Focus I've owned 👍

[@danhowarth7573]

Great video I’m purchasing my first performance car soon this will help

[@boabm6522]

Good vid mate 👍

[@MrDwhite1973]

Fantastic video. This settled it I want one. Cheers

[@DemonKitty666_]

My Dream car!! Was joking about buying my mates ST off her but deep down I'm deadly serious. I'm looking to be on the road between 2023/2024 and proving my stepdad wrong and that I can drive despite having Dyspraxia.

[@lewishorton2180]

Hi mate thank you for your knowledge on what to look for when buying an ST I'm on about buying a focus ST 225. When covid is over.

[@jameslangran7925]

Very helpful! Hoping to pick a ST225 very soon 👍👍

[@siphephelogcabashe5274]

In the same boat buddy!

[@kempo4359]

Watched, understood, liked and subscribed 😀

[@kellysworld2850]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Literally spent the whole video nodding!!!!

[@cianwoolley9073]

First 😂 love your vids keep it up as this is all i watch in quarantine 👍

[@GCMYT]

Love you bro. Thanks

[@stephengreatbatch1269]

Another great job all true all the things you need to know apart from the bonnet lock that I’ve had to do build a lock up from ford to fit your key takes a lot of time 😂And another thing your hair I feel for you 😂😂I do mine my self just the blade for me stay safe keep up the good work 👊

[@stainfordkalinda1625]

That makes a lot of sense

[@bez750]

Good review. Love my 5 pot, however it's worth mentioning that most modded cars will suffer clutch slip. Number 11 is RS clutch conversion with the duel mass flywheel. Then your good for 400bhp 💪

[@mathewwade1415]

hence why mine is in tues for rs clutch, remap and 2 month later it slips in 5-6 gear. prices are varied though. prices ive got this month are £650-£1350 for the rs full kit fitted. 90% use the same luks kit, i just got the items numbers and got the kit my self for £400, then phoned arround and got fitment for £200.

[@Crypto_bull82]

Smiles per gallon not miles per gallon, getting 16mpg out of mine and its completely standard, if your concerned about the running costs of a car the st isn't for you, great videos by the way makes me want to go out and spend loads of money on my car 😁

[@ScenicWanders]

I'm looking into buying my first ford focus xr5 turbo this weekend, it's my dream car. Love at first sight and when I heard the engine I was hooked. I'm so over the moon excited that I'm finally(!) Able to seriously look at one of these beautiful cars! I'm hopefully getting an orange one :)

[@MartinJones123]

Did you end up buying one? Also, to reply to your other comment, the "block mod" refers to thin metal shims being installed into the block itself...

[@carguy9276]

good video forgot 1 thing the rs clutch upgrade if your wanting to upgrade power wise standard clutch will start slipping at certain power

[@stephenstyles4938]

I know aww nice making me smile

[@philiphutchinson4210]

On my second Focus ST and apart from the alternator on my original 55 plate and diaphragm filter... no problems.. well as I drive ... vigorously I do get through Continental front tyres rather quick. Second ST now on 70,000 and full history... goes like stink still.. As an oldie I do enjoy your vids but happy with my standard ST. Do like the exhaust mod though... whoosh

[@qaza007qaza]

That was great George just wish you had explained more about your boost issues have you got an old vlog on them issues?Mine has got plenty of issues only had it 2 months but was my dream car in asbo orange and can't wait until it's sorted and we can all get to a Ford meet want to meet up with as many of the St KZbinrs.Great work and your St sounds epic and looks mint

[@GCMYT]

I deleted the clip going into detail on the boosting. I replaced spark plugs, coils and sensors.

[@stephenhendrie4856]

Nicest looking st I’ve seen, are you running spacers with the RS wheels👍

[@mickwolf1077]

I got a 2008 XR5 (AU), bloody love it :)

[@emptyzone8542]

best cars out there mate

[@markpayne4067]

Very good video advice. For the focus Rs mk2 must be pretty much the same advice?

[@psmart4948]

great for selling on as well id say. always be a buyer for a standared st as the yrs progress. iv never kselling a car be a plesant experience

[@markholyoak9790]

well said geoge

[@attilahanak67]

Cool video many Thanks for it. Attila

[@sammy4124]

Isnt a cracked liner white smoke where the water around the cylinders leaks in through the crack.. as a sign of liner crack is loss of coolant .. misfire and white smoke

[@crunchtimeasmr67]

All in all then you would recommend one as a second hand car. I'm looking to get one. Will be around 95k miles I recon.

[@karensinclair9668]

Thanks for the info...from an Asbo owning KAREN....

[@yusufermis5516]

I love going car shopping. I would love to help my friends buy a car

[@thewaxhamslayer2521]

1. Has the Cam belt and water pump been done? 2. Dose the bonnet lock work? 3. How rusty are front/rear subframes or arches? These would be mine.

[@GCMYT]

Yes I should have mentioned these

[@carswithsean7967]

Great video George really informative and helpful. 2 things 1st of all I’m really considering getting a st as a toy I drive an x5 as a daily as I have 4 kids my wife tells me I’m too old for an st now I’d look like I’m having a mid-life crisis I’m (37) what is peoples thoughts on this? And number 2 if I go ahead and go for an st I live in south Brent and am a Plymouth lad so does your offer to come look at any potential st’s still stand mate?

[@TheBladerunner73]

Great great channel. Have been driving around in Bmw 325s for the last few years and bored senseless of them and picking up a focus st within a couple of months. Thinking of spending no more than 6k. Would you go for the st3 or 2? I know that you get heated sets and leather with the st3 but is it really worth the extra buck. What would be your recommendations as the St thing is new to me

[@scorcha100]

In a nutshell 👌🏾

[@alexsiu7305]

Mate are you located in UK? I am going to settle in UK and also want to purchase a five-door Focus ST MK2. Thank you for your tips.

[@boughey16]

When I went to get my mk2 st225 it had the block mod done, timing belt and somthing els not to sure, it had a set of brand new drive shafts In the boot, fitted them and then changed the discs and pads (brembos) and give it a service (134,000) miles on clock too... what you think...

[@r3v1l75]

Thanks to you I now own a mk2 st225 😂🤣😂

[@chrisgift7508]

I am in a pursuit of buying my first mk2 facelift, I want to keep it stock. How do I prevent my car from having cracked liners

[@taffcarnage7354]

Loved my focus st only problem I ever had was coolant hoses splitting.

[@GCMYT]

I had the same issue a few times before replacing

[@bradjoseph1623]

I've read that after April 2008 the block was revised so the block mod isn't necessary, can anyone shed light on this?

[@lIlPedrolIl]

Good advice G! I have a mk6 fiesta st atm and I'm about to upgrade, Would love an ep3 but might save another 1k for one of these for about 3.5k 🤷‍♂️

[@alfoly2214]

Did you end up upgrading in the end? I have a mk6 fiesta ST snd am looking at upgrading soon? Any thoughts compared to the mk6?

[@PoxyMoxon97]

I bought my completely stock EO pfl ST3 (just how I wanted it) with 96K on the clock for £5600, but that did involve new timing belt kit, fresh MOT, and a couple of other small bits. Would have been £5200 otherwise 🙈 It was completely solid though so don't let the mileage scare you! Oh and my Fuel economy is stonks! I've got 400 miles out of tank onnine, the car is definitely one to have!

[@euanscotland]

Dod you push it down a hill. ? 400 miles??? No you didn't lol

[@PoxyMoxon97]

@@euanscotland Definitely didn't push it ;) I've done it twice now, once with a Dump Valve and once recently without - I did make sure to capture the proof and share on the Facebook groups lol 😂

[@sardav160479]

Wish I had been given information about block mod before I bought my st in August as 4 months later my engine has failed.

[@garethdavies8194]

👌🏻

[@browner5452]

‘Go marry a karen’ lol! I’m subbing for that comment. Cool vid dude

[@victorstoulm3356]

Ok my current ST boost to Halfway, but previous done it to the end from 0 boosting smoothly. Because of mod done on turbo ??

[@sambeal1214]

@GCM what was the cause of your boost cut please?

[@psychotropik2]

Hi guys!! I have a question... Focus ST mk2 or Fiesta ST mk7? I will buy my next car and I want a funny car, powerfull and a good sound Thanks friends!!

[@ScenicWanders]

Sorry I'm from Australia, but when you say block mod do you mean the head gasket?

[@georgebelcher1051]

I’m picking my st up in 5 days 🤩

[@acko8016]

How was the st

[@noseyparker6622]

@@acko8016 Obviously not that good 🤣

[@philippeferrer4188]

Hello I'm about to buy from France an English 2006 ST on 25th october and Because of covid i can't have any test of it. I only trust in my saler who lives in Walsall near Birmingham. Does anyone here know this white car prepared with Mountune stage?

[@Sloposse]

Ive just got a 6 plate st3 and been watching a lot of these great gcm videos, why? Cos im not married to a karen

[@purpleronnie1487]

Hi George, no mention of the clutch ?, probably an essential upgrade, thanks for the vids, enjoy ! :)

[@kevinwebb492]

check my profile picture for diagnostics on my 09 ST, told to change position senser, is this correct? any more help thanks Kevin Hood Gym

[@JA-wy1zv]

Cheers mate great guide, I'm selling my Civic Type R FN2, I want an ST but haven't got a Scooby about ford, this was really insightful. Thanks Can you also recommend a good forum? Subscribed

[@kaitilston7979]

you should call your st the black widow bea-st

[@LeonAyalaPaviour]

I am planning on buying one next year. so much to take in, you've made me think is it worth it...?

[@siphephelogcabashe5274]

From what I've read online, every car has its own share of issues. The issues with some cars are more tolerable than others. Again, based on what I've read, the issues with the MK2 Focus ST lean more towards the tolerable side. Also, there's a strong online presence of enthusiasts (like George!) who are sharing a wealth of knowledge on the car, things to work on, things to look at when buying, etc. By getting one, you're basically buying into this community. Take it all in, read the forums, watch the other channels that George recommended as well and use your gained knowledge to make an informed decision. I did/have and IMO though it's totally worth it!

[@LeonAyalaPaviour]

Siphephelo Gcabashe yeah that sounds wise. Thanks bro :)

[@Yii00T]

What about clutch m8 that's really important before modifying these cars 👌🏻

[@GCMYT]

Yes agreed!

[@psmart4948]

Or if u just appreciate the car as standared, like me. no need to worry about any of the conversions mentioned above. just worry where the funds will come from to tax and fuel the fcuker up. dont buy as a daily runner is my top tip. only replaced the brake pipes in 18 months .

[@laszlovona]

well .. if someone need advice to check exhaust smoke and some stuff you listed certainly he/she should NOT think about buying an st. imho.. at least I think these cars are for car guys petrolheads you name it..

[@pauljohns4013]

more block mod hype,nevr cracked a liner, mine is 14 years old on original driveshafts as well

[@itzartros9350]

Can just depend on luck of the day, some just go without a single heads up :)

[@hydraflyer]

Great timing. If you're planning on keeping the ST225 stock I guess the need for block mod isn't so essential. I know it can still happen but is less likely as running less power?

[@rylandwiltshire5572]

Yes it's far less likely running less/stock power, I modded mine to 310 bhp and I carcked 2 cylinders as I didn't have it blocked modded but I went down the route of having it cylinder sleeved and bought back to life wasn't cheap. So defo get the block mod to anyone running close to 300 not worth the risk.

[@Focusstmk2.5]

My mate has had 3 st mk2 the first two where both standard both had crack liner not at the same time a d the 3rd was sweet. I haven't got a blockmod in mine but I'm only running 265bhp nothing spectacular lol. Just warm it up properly b4 booting it and let it cool down after driving b4 turning it off

[@hydraflyer]

@@Focusstmk2.5 I always do that with any turbo car and I would get the blockmod done on the next belt interval. Just don't see a rush for it when if it's a few years away and completely standard and not being ragged 👍

[@Focusstmk2.5]

@@hydraflyer yeah man I'm thinking of getting blockmod and rs clutch at same time might do injectors but not sure as im not waint to run to much power well I'd like 360ish maybe 400 bit then it's getting a turbo lol

[@jordansmyth3540]

Carl Lewis you cant run 400 on a standard block nor get 360 out of a standard turbo fella

[@AcornElectron]

22 Vauxhall owners disliked this..

[@dominichaley4343]

Looking to buy one in West Yorkshire if any one selling

[@Fordfocusstmk3250]

Hello, I'm looking to buy a focus St, stage 1, would you recommend a block mod? I do drive quite hard quite often also tbh lol

[@GCMYT]

Defo bro. Always worth doing if you plan on having modifications done .)

[@Fordfocusstmk3250]

@@GCMYTOK thankyou, love your videos also keep it up mate 😊

[@garryhorsepower3190]

How can I get my GF to want an ST3. My dream car

[@vinnyrea5608]

, I've got one sat on my drive. It's been sat here three years and only done nearly 1000 miles in this time. I have it insured at £430 a year, tax is £ 315 yearly and I don't get to use it cos I'm at work all the time. It's a very expensive garden ornament. I wash it every few weeks and the neighbours think I'm mad. I think I am.🤔. It's only done 3200miles on an 11 plate in white. I'm beating my self up thinking should I sell it or not. Have to agree George they are top cars.👍

[@mrjoshua275]

The Karen comment at the end 👌🏻

[@thomasodoherty8173]

Not a great guide to buying a ford focus st mk2. All u need to know buy one that's not modified, lowest miles as possible, also no rust on rear arches as its a big problem with them. One that has been already sealed underneath as they are prone to alot of road rash and rust very quickly. If ur looking to modify a nice cat back exhaust with a stage 2 remap should put the car round 260-290 below the 300 mark the car will never put any more than that power though the front wheels so 400 - 500 hp is a bit of a waste of money . Modified focus st go for less money than the boys that keep theirs close to the originals that's a fact hope so day they will have the following like the mk2 escorts and Sierra just my veiw on it😊 stay safe folks