So as another year of driving goes by I'm getting bored of my car and want something a bit faster. Not really interested in a Fiesta ST as its too similar to my current car. I've been looking at facelift Focus MK2 ST's however I can't believe the price of a non ruined model in a colour I want (not orange or black). Talking more than £9000 for an ST-3, that's if I can even find one in my area.

Started looking at mk3's as they're not much more, but don't really like the front grille/ bumper with the whole number plate setup. The facelift is much better but costs more than twice what I really want to spend.

Anyway does anyone have (or know anyone with) a 3 door mk2.5 ST for sale in the north west area (preferably an ST-3 and in white)? Either that or another car suggestion (Doesn't have to be Ford) that is fast and as subtle as a heard of elephants.

With rare cars youd want to be patient. I know myself when I was looking for my mk6 fiesta zetec s diesel. 

What about a mk2 mazda 3 mps? 2.3 turbo as found in the focus RS. I've heard people not liking the handling but it looks decent and cheap for what it is. @iantt had one so he can share his view. 

 

 

 

 

2 hours ago, zain611 said:

With rare cars youd want to be patient. I know myself when I was looking for my mk6 fiesta zetec s diesel. 

What about a mk2 mazda 3 mps? 2.3 turbo as found in the focus RS. I've heard people not liking the handling but it looks decent and cheap for what it is.

I had looked at those but not really convinced for some reason, not  sure if it was the interior.

The engine is not the same as the Focus RS one (I'd imagine there would be fewer MPS' for sale if that was the case lol). The RS uses the ecoboost engine from 2015 (which yes, was based on the L series engines like most ecoboosts I believe). It's been through quite a few changes so I'm not even sure you can call it an MPS engine anymore.

BMW 120d or 125d? 

I know, don't all hate me for suggesting a beemer here!! 😐

Want's a lairy car...in white!?   

There's a reason the Mk2.5 ST-3s hold so much value...they're probably the best lairy all rounder you can buy for under £10k.  

Does it need to be Focus sized?  The 1.4TSi Fabia VRS has 170bhp and looks great in that green colour...  You could also get a Mk6 Golf GTi for a bit less than the Focus ST but they are a bit boring looking imo and obviously they're really common.  How about a Polo GTi?

Or thinking outside the box...Volvo C30 R Design M...  

Hmm decisions decisions... Went to look at a new shape Astra VXR yesterday, but a bit expensive for my liking. Don't really fee like having the car worth half it's value by the time I sell it.

As you say VAG cars are pretty boring and very common. The hot hatch versions just look the same as the regular stuff and seems too sensible for me at this point (unless someone is going to give me £20k for a Golf R).

At least in white you don't look as much of a yobbo instead of a thrashed around bright orange ST off the council estate (sorry if you live on a council estate and drive an orange ST. 😂). May I draw your attention to this video @1:16. It just about sums up what I was trying to get at.

 

What about an audi S3? Audis hold their values but because of that they are overpriced compared to the other vag car brands. 

11 hours ago, Luke4efc said:

At least in white you don't look as much of a yobbo instead of a thrashed around bright orange ST off the council estate (sorry if you live on a council estate and drive an orange ST. 😂). May I draw your attention to this video @1:16. It just about sums up what I was trying to get at.

 

I've wanted an Electric Orange facelift ST225 since they came out...but I don't live on a council estate.   I feel it's something that the novelty would probably wear off quickly though.  But maybe a compromise of Performance Blue instead?  Anything has to better than white...  

If you're after something that looks cool and has over 200bhp without massive depreciation...how about a Kia Pro Cee'd GT?  

2 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

I've wanted an Electric Orange facelift ST225 since they came out...but I don't live on a council estate.   I feel it's something that the novelty would probably wear off quickly though.  But maybe a compromise of Performance Blue instead?  Anything has to better than white...  

If you're after something that looks cool and has over 200bhp without massive depreciation...how about a Kia Pro Cee'd GT?  

Nice looking car that newer kia cee'd. Probably the only car I know if a ' in its name. 

Just seen this while browsing ebay Luke, I know it's not local to you but is a white ST-3 with a decent spec and may go cheap as it's on auction...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Focus-ST/223141083695?hash=item33f43eba2f:g:w8EAAOSwPEFbl~oY

3 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

Just seen this while browsing ebay Luke, I know it's not local to you but is a white ST-3 with a decent spec and may go cheap as it's on auction...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Focus-ST/223141083695?hash=item33f43eba2f:g:w8EAAOSwPEFbl~oY

Is it not super risky buying a car unseen from an auction? Especially ones that cost aren't cheap to fix? I've been keeping a close eye on eBay etc. However every insurance company has suddenly decided to double it's prices overnight despite me only changing the date I want cover from...

Have to say though if I was travelling across the country to get a car I'm not paying the premium go get one from a dealer. Imagine if something went wrong and I had to return it lol.

crikey ive just noticed my insurance quotes have gone up after reading your post and having a look. gone up 25% since last time i checked in june!!! 

3 hours ago, Luke4efc said:

Is it not super risky buying a car unseen from an auction? Especially ones that cost aren't cheap to fix? I've been keeping a close eye on eBay etc. However every insurance company has suddenly decided to double it's prices overnight despite me only changing the date I want cover from...

Have to say though if I was travelling across the country to get a car I'm not paying the premium go get one from a dealer. Imagine if something went wrong and I had to return it lol.

Yeah.  I'd want to message the seller to ask about a few things and see if they seem genuine etc.  It should be fairly obvious if it's a scammer.  You could even phone them if that helps.

Sometimes in life you have to take the risk to get the reward....  So I'm told anyway!!

 

Might check my own insurance quotes now yours have both gone up!