Hi guys,
Can I say first and foremost, that what I am about to say is a genuine honest opinion, my opinion alone and should not deter any one elses thoughts! Plus don't want to create trouble etc!!!!

But...

I joined the forum last night whilst reading up reviews on ST's. I have sat in a few, but yet to drive.
I had even arranged to buy one in Essex, a 4 hour round trip for me! so was deadly serious.

This morning I went to my local dealer to take one out for a test drive.

Good points..
It looked amazing, I had the choice of 2 ST's, a silver and a blue one, they both looked stunning and would be hard picked to choose between the two.


Bad Points
The seating position is far too high, I am close to 6ft tall, so granted a tall chap! but I was hoping for a lower seating position, Yes the steering wheel can be lifted, but just loses the effect. The seats almost feel like they they have bolted to a breeze block.

The Test Drive...
Having let the sales guy take the ST off the pitch we pulled up in a residential area.
Granted it was a 30mph limit so took it steady. He then decided to take us over those terrible speed bumps. My teeth almost fell out! My god, how hard is that ride!!! We then moved onto a more speedy road, and I 'tried' to open it up. Maybe its just me but it didnt feel fast?!
But when I selected 5th gear it felt like it needed a 6th! Also when accelerating in 5th it didnt exactly light me up. I have been in a type-r which leaps forward in any gear. The ST just did, well nothing to excite.

I had to drive the ST further, so went round for another 20 mins, and I just couldnt get excited.
I went back to the Ford garage and pulled it up, got out and kicked the floor. I was so disappointed. Why why why????? I am not a happy bunny. He asked me to score it out of 10, i struggled to give it my score of 6.5/10.

I drove away feeling so jacked off. My ST dream has been smashed. I am a young 34 year old guy who loves driving. Our current car (1.8T Audi Cab is 50 times more enjoyable to drive).

Please try not to slate me guys! I know you love your cars. I have owned 3 XR2s before and loved them - so have Ford in my heart.

Maybe any of you can pull it back for me???
But as it stands, I will not be the 'proud' owner of a Fiesta ST.

Thanks for reading.
Steve

If you have driven a faster car before it will never feel as fast.
Yes the suspension is hard and the fuel economy means you will make friends at the local garage.
I am just over 6ft and don't feel the seat is to high. There is a seat height adjuster on the right hand side of the drivers seat which may have been jacked up to the roof so that could be the problem.
Agree with the 6th gear but I don't have a problem with 5th at 80mph (I mean 70mph), I don't find it loud at all.
It may not feel that fast but it does 0-60 in 7.9 so it is fairly quick, you must admit.

But, everyone has there own thoughts. You can't please 100% of everybody all the time.

If it doesn't feel right then don't go for it, can't blame you for that.
Have you thought of trying any of these:
Focus ST
Clio 182 (I like it in light blue with the cup stripes)
Pug 180
?

And the handling is really good to.

Just been out in the wet and can't fault it, even on the 2 slippery roundabouts that are next to the petrol station

And, according to a list of 1/4 mile times I have here, it is as fast as or faster than this lot believe it or not:
Mazda MX-5 1.8iS
Honda CRX VTi
Alfa Romeo 156
VW Golf 2.3 V5
Mercedes C280 Auto
Citroen Saxo VTS
Renault Clio Williams
Morgan 4/4
Mercedes 230 Sport Coupe Kompressor AMG Auto
BMW 330d
Subaru Forester 2.0 XT
Mercedes S500 C
BMW 740i Auto
Ford Mondeo 24v Ghia
BMW 320i
Nissan Almera GTi
Aston Martin DB4
Mini Cooper S
Audi A4 Cabrio 3.0 Sport CVT
Saab 9-3 2.0 Vector
Audi A3 1.8T Sport
Vauxhall Vectra Super Touring
Peugeot 206 GTi
Seat Ibiza 1.8 GT 16v
Rover 800 Vitesse
Rover 620ti
Renault Megane Coupe 16v
Honda Prelude 2.2 VTEC Auto
Mercedes CLK 320 Elegance Automatic
Ford Probe V6 GT
Ford Capri 2.8i
Porsche 928 Automatic
Seat Leon GT
Alfa Romeo GTV
Mercedes CLK 230
Ford Escort RS Turbo
Vauxhall Carlton GSi
Honda Prelude 2.3i
BMW 840 Ci Auto
Dodge Omni GLH Turbo
Audi A8 4.2 Tiptronic
Peugeot 306 Rallye
Volvo 850R
Saab 9-3 Turbo SE
Toyota Celica GT Cabrio
Mercedes E320 Cdi Auto
Saab 9000 CS 2.3 Turbo S
Honda Accord 2.0 Executive
Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf
Mercedes E280 Auto
Subaru Legacy 2.5 GX
Honda Legend Coupe
BMW 528i SE Auto
Jaguar XJS 4.0 Auto
Fiat Punto HGT
BMW 323Ci Cabrio
Mercedes E270 CDi Classic Auto
Mercedes CLK Cabrio Auto
Lexus LS400 Auto
BMW Z3
Lotus Esprit
Alfa Romeo 156 JTD 2.4
Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9
VW Lupo GTi
Peugeot 306 GTi-6
Honda Civic 1.8 VTi
Fiat Bravo HGT

ANNNNDDDDD,

If you spend a few £££ on it like someone on another forum you can get 1/4 miles times that will beat equal these:
BMW 528i SE
Honda Prelude 2.2i VTEC
Nissan 200SX Turbo
Fiat Coupe 16v Turbo
BMW 325i Convertible
Jaguar XJ6 Sport 4.0
Chrysler Crossfire (New!)
BMW 540i Auto
Mazda RX-8
BMW X5
Aprilia RS125
Kawasaki VN1500 Classic
Honda SR125
BMW 328i SE
Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4
Skoda Octavia RS
MG Maestro Turbo
Volvo S60 T5
Reliant Scimitar 1800Ti
Lexus SC430 Automatic
Mitsubishi FTO GPX
Lotus Excel SE
Subaru Legacy Turbo
Audi A4 2.8 Quattro
Maserati Biturbo 425
Mercedes E320 Auto
Volvo 850 T5 Estate
Audi A8 4.0 TDi Automatic
Rolls-Royce Flying Spur
Lexus LS400 Auto
Mercedes SLK 320
Vauxhall Astra Coupe 888
Jaguar S-Type V8 Auto
Porsche Boxster Tiptronic
Audi A8 4.2 Quattro Tiptronic
Porsche Boxster
Caterham 7 K-Series
BMW 325i Compact
Bentley Continental T

I think you have the remeber just what the ST is about. Its not just about its performace, but the way it handles and round twisty roads it is fantastic. I think if you were trying to compare it to an Type R then you had the wrong car in mind to compare it to. You cannot compare something like the ST with 150bhp to a type R which has 201bhp. Its bound to kickl the hell out of it in acceleration. The seating position is high i'll agree with you there and it seems to be a common complaint about the ST but I guess you just get used to it after a while. I think you may have been expecting to much out of the ST. At the end of the day though its all down to how you want a car to be, and if you don't feel like its the right choice then don't buy one as it will only be a waste of money. Try test driving some of its competitors and I think you might be more plesantly suprised.

LOL gr1340!!!
The handeling did seem fair, but only what I expected.
Having said that, right after handing the keys back for the ST, for the hell of it, I tried the Zetec S CDTi!!
I wont harp on about it, as dont want to ruffle any more feathers, but honestly thought it was better! how did that happen.

The seat on the ST was dropped to the lowest point, like wise with the Zetec S.

But apart from the wheels, engine, stripes and embroidered St logo, they looked pretty much the same. Unless anyone can tell me different.
Yes they are 2 different cars for a different purpose. But I am still kicking the cat that I couldnt fall for the ST.
I want one badly, I think this forum is great, and enjoy being part of a 'clan'!
But if I decide to go for the Zetec S, please don't shoot me!!!

Cheers
Steve

hi there,
what miles were on the clock on yourst demo car, really you need
over 1000mls on to fully loosen up the engine,then you will feel
a difference in power.shame you were not taken by it though,
i have to say i cherish mine .
yours iceman.

CDTi? - Where were you, a Vauxhall garage?

Sorry, only joking.

The ZS TDCi hasn't got body coloured door mouldings.

I nearly went for Zetec S (petrol) but I knew if I had it, I would have wished I had the faster ST.

I am not really comparing it to the type-r, what i meant was acceleration in any gear. ie when in 5th and floor it. it was just hoping for a bit more.

at the end of the day the looks could just not beat the others points i wasnt happy with.
i will look at other cars now, and maybe, just maybe bounce back to ford afterall, watch this space.

thanks though guys for being honest with me.
really good of you.
Steve

The demo ST had 7300 on the clock.
So was hoping it had been bedded in.

yeh, i thought that about disel and cdti dcti tcdi or whatever it is.
maybe i am longer in the tooth than i thought!

trust me - if i was 21 again and on my own i would have snapped there hand off.

i only use my car 3 days a week to take the bin lids to school.
other than that it would stand on the drive.
the audi gets used otherwise.

maybe i am being hard on the little fella. i still think it looks great.
but cant afford to pay loads a money just to look at a car! LOL

I would recommend taking another one out for a drive and really give it some in the first 3 gears. I seem to find mine pulls more after 4000RPM, try really hammering one, its fun!

As said above, with the ST you have to think of what it sets out to be, an affordable nimble little car. There are plenty of better cars about, but then you normally have to start to pay the extra dollar. I got my ST nearly fully loaded for around £11,500. Say for a honda civic type S you'd be looking much closer at the high teens, and then for a new type R, when its out (if it isn't already) you'll be looking at pushing towards £20,000. Then there is insurance and running costs to think of. Focus ST owners seem to struggle to get 20mpg out of it for example. If you can afford the better cars, I'd defo go for them, but the ST has a "bang for your buck" thats pretty damn hard to beat.

As for your points on ride height, yep its a little high, I'm a 6ft'er too, but I have always liked a high seating position, I think it is something you get used to, and it certainly isn't uncomfortable. I think the high seating position also lends itself to the ST feeling slower than it is. But as stated before the stats show its pretty good. If it feels slow at any point take it to the ST strength, some windy roads. I read that the Fez ST was keeping up with the focus RS round the test track in the corners, and that says a lot.

I hope that you don't drop the idea of an ST altogether, but I hope you get a car that you can enjoy!

watcha cocker,
i took a test drive in the new clio 192 before i got the ,
but there were no discounts at all, the salesman said we don,t
need to discount the 192 it sells its self , year sure it does.
iceman.

Must say, your comments are a big help! and very much appreciated.
I think when I look at the bigger picture it doesnt make great sense to get one anyway...

1) why waste an ST on the drive for 4 days out of a week
2) i only take the kids to school in 'my' car
3) other car is a fast car anyway!
4) why pay high insurance, road fund tax and running costs for a car i would hardly use / appreciate?
5) is the diesel Zetec S the answer 'for me'?

Renault = unrealiable french rubbish, no thanks
Vauxhall = i am only 34!
Honda = too expensive
Mini = as above
Citroen = whats one of those
Mitsubishi = what they got cZT??? phhaaaaaaa
Audi = mmmmmmmmmm - maybe! but which model for ST prices, prob none
Toyota = (see vauxhall)
Fiat = oh dear, say no more
Mazda = terrible depreciation, running costs ie RX8
BMW = no car available M1 - too dear
Merc = as above again! - i need 5 seats!

Thanks guys HEEEEELLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!
Steve

I have been looking at Clio 182's, you can get a good one for about £10,000 and they are so much faster than the ST. I know you said "french rubbish" but i'm sure it would be ok up to the 4 year point. My mate has one and has had no problems. Sounds great too!

Maybe I was rather harsh!
I just think I have a bad one.
Had big coil probs with current Megane!
It puts ya off for such a new car.
My has had Renault also, and had same problem!!!

Will check out the Clio 182!!!
Thanks KeithST!

When I was looking to buy a car I was looking at a fast little car went I look at lots of different cars like the Toyota Yaris TS too slow, Citroen C2 VTS too small, Ibiza FR more expensive than a ST and not that much faster, Lupo GTI too small but look great! Mni CooperS too expensive, Honda Type R too expensive to buy or insure, Peugeot 206 GTI, RC don't like peugeot RC too expensive for what it is, Clio 172, 182 too much around 182 too expensive insurance a no! no! The ST cheaper than those car except the TS, or same Price has a Peugeot 206 GTI or Second Hand Clio, lots of equipment over here anyway, not the slowest one, one of the best handling around and fun to drive! not see many around in my area anyway. I think the ST is the best in performance/Price and none of those car can beat that!

Sorry you felt that way about the ST.

When I test drove the ST I could barely get above thirty due to the fact that I couldn't get out of town and it wasn't run in. However, I still bought it on the looks and what people were saying about it.

My ST has done almost 4000 miles now and I don't regret buying it one bit.
One thing I have noticed about the ST is that sometimes it doesn't feel that quick but you're going quicker than you think. You could never compare it to a Type R, particularly when the second set of valves come into play and performance wise the Clio will have it well licked as well. However, the ST is a quick little car that likes to be revved, sounds great (even with the standard exhaust), handles brilliantly and looks far better than anything else - watch all the young lads and lasses stare as you drive past!

Mine is used as a second car and I get about 34 to the gallon. It's got plenty of space for 2 child seats in the back and despite being 2 door they're easy to access. It is not expensive to insure although I am a few years older than you.

The choice is yours. However, wqhy not think again!

Regards

Steve

How about A Seat Ibiza, the FR or the Cupra?? I've just test driven an FR and I loved it. I did have an ST but had soo many problems with it that I'm now getting a refund and buying something else. I looked around loads of cars to decide what else to get. The renault, in my opinion, is disapointing. Yes its fast but it dosen't look particulaly nice, the interior is very disapointing. I looked at the peugoets, renaults, vauxhall etc and none of them came any where near the ST. The Seat Ibiza FR is a fab little car. It's faster than the ST especially in the lower gears as it has a turbo, and I think now they've given it a bit of a face lift it looks great, really meaty. I havent driven the cupra as I cannot afford to insure it, but that would probably fly. Not quite as fast as the renault but faster than the ST as it has 30 extra BHP and again it is a turbo.

I've had a Cooper S for 3.5 yrs and now I'm buying an ST.

On test driving it, it's more comfortable, better built, just as fun and feels almost as quick - I did miss the 6th gear, but then I hardly do any m-way or A road driving to make a huge difference.

It'll be cheaper to run and insure and for 10.5K plus the costs of some toys it really is a bargain. I have looked at everything else and short of spending another 8-15K on top, which I don't have, I can't find anything better. Roll on the ST mark II - hopefully turbo-charged and with a DSG box option that Ford are working on...

M

markant, hi mate
you serious about an ST being better than a cooper s???

better built?

more comfortable?

well i am surprised at that verdict tbh!
but each to their own.

i have since been looking at coopers and just think that the extra bits like stereo upgrades are nice little touches.
having said that, i am not exactly sure of what ST upgrades you can get.

so what else had you looked at???
have you looked at the zetec s diesel??? with added chip?
i have been told they rock!!!
but hey, i dont always listen to what i am being told.

cheers
steve

The Mini Cooper s isn't that fantastic you know!!
My brother's got one and the ride is much harder than the ST and the ESP light was coming on all the time which means the chassis must be crap.
Also, what I always remind my brother, it's built in the same factory by the same people that used to build Morris Marinas!!

I would have thought all the people who built morris marinas were dead!
Current Minis have Chrysler engines, as for the new ones are BMW, ie the new facelift 2007 model.

Wouldnt mind a go in one to see. But at least the seating position isnt like sitting in the crows next of a sailing ship.

I think i am gonna wait for a concours winner 1989 XR2 mkII.
Loved them all my life. Owned 2, and arguably the best cars I have had.
But then again I was a young lad back in those days, the latest hot hatch at the time.
Maybe if i stepped in one now, that soft spot would become, well, not so soft!!!

Cheers
Steve

hey i used to own a solid white xr2 (e reg)way back in 1989, superb car in its
day, iceman.

yep, same here mate!
well, this is what i have owned.. (gone off subject slightly, but who cares!)

MkI XR2 - X Reg, white

MkII XR2 - F Reg, white

MkII XR2 - E Reg, gunmetal grey - best of the bunch!

Maybe a Zetec S would be more like the old Xr2, afterall, Ford were going to call the ZS the new XR2!!!
Not so sure that would have gone down so well.

Anyway, Cooper S & cZT test drive Saturday. So can compare against the ST.
I really hope I can pull it back!!! I want an ST badly!!!!!!!

Steve

I feel the same about the mk2 xr2 i had 2 a 'd'rg in red and an 'f'reg it tasmin blue i felt some buck at the age of 18 razzing around ,i also had an 'h'reg xr2i god those were the good days!!!!!!

My Cooper S has been rattling from day one, despite several dealer fixes and bumps and shakes over every but the smoothest surfaces, the new one may be better built and slightly softer suspension but having had 2 already im not gonna give BMW another 18K for a potential lemon!

The ST handles poor surfaces better than the S and seemed more solid - it certainly didn't rattle!

M

Re the z-s diesel, I didn't try it as I'm not a fan of truck engines, for noise, immediate power and environmental reasons...having worked for mercedes and porsche in the past I have driven just about every brand and model of car over the years and am pretty quick to spot a duff or sub-standard car - the ST is neither.

Having got out of my S to drive it, then back into it after, It didn't feel a lesser car in any way, I presumed I would notice the power difference - but I really didn't and I tested it purposely on some of Herts's worst unmaintained road's.

M

The noise to be fair on the ZS diesel was not very load at all.
Whereas the ST engine rev's far too high. I common moan easily found on any forum, hence making it 'need' a 6th gear.
Is this the reason why the juice gets supped quickly?

Have owned a Merc before, and that was Ok apart from when it was in the garage!

I do fancy taking another ST out for a proper spin on my own, rather than having a twitchy sales guy next to me. It wasnt that i thought the St rattled, it was just because of the stiff ride, making you feel every minor pot hole.

Going to also take a Cooper out. Got to test the water with all of them now before making up my mind.
One thing that hasnt got mentioned is the Megane Sport 210 or what ever the bhp is.
Anyone had one of those b4??

Have a good weekend all.
Cheers
Steve

Its a Renault megane RS 225 BHP but there a new one with 5BHP extra,(230BHP) I think its the F1 edition, come in blue with black alloys and sport pack which is on option on the Basic RS there also a light version with a sport pack as well but with only 225BHP its call (I Think) Synergie RS or someting like that and its the cheapest one and the F1 version the msot expensive If I correct! its a good car good handling with sport pack version (more direct steering response, different suspension set up and sharper engin response. but the Golf GTI is better than the megane and what about a Focus ST!

When i test drove the ST i was a bit disapointed too, it's not lightning quick, but it is reasonably fast but you do have to work it a bit. I usually drop a gear if i want a bit of accelaration for an overtake or something. It handles brilliantly though and that is it's strength over other cars, which have the bhp and the turbochargers. It is really fun to drive on a nice twisty A-road, more so than a big A4 would be i would have thought. It's more fun in those circumstances than my Dad's Beemer, which i drive too, anyway.

Cheeks - I suggest you borrow a 1.8T Cab for an hour mate.
Drop the multi-tronic in 'S' mode, whic drops the car and ups the power.
The Audi is a big car, but handles like a dream, trust me.

Today I took a brand new Mini Cooper out on a test drive.
Have to be honest again, it was times better than the ST, I would even say not in the same league for seating position and comfort. My decision has gone to a Cooper, going to get one in a week or two.
Sorry chaps, no comparison. Handling yeh, prob similar, but nothing else.
ST might be faster, but its a Fiesta at the end of the day, and over-priced one at that.

Well, I hope you enjoy your new cooper, only trouble with them is that there are so many about, every other car I pass is a new mini.

Every other!
Blimey, do you live in Mini land.

Know what you mean, there are a few about, but there must be a reason! unlike ST's!

The Mini does have advantages over the ST, not least depreciation and brand cache, but I hope for your sake the MK 2 is better built than the first! The seats on the last generation were nowhere near as comfortable as the ST, so it looks as if they've improved that, alongside the fuel economy and suspension.

But as for being overpriced, I just bought an ST for £10.5K, as far as i'm aware the cooper starts at a shade under £13K with no discount possible, they have an equal-ish standard spec, but the ST is much faster and comes with a 6 cd and heated screen as standard - another £500+ option for the mini.

Coming from an S, I couldn't face the lack of power in a cooper, but if your not used to a fast hatch then it probably won't make any odd's - either way enjoy, i'm sure you'll find lots of advice on the mini2 forums!

M

cheers for that markant!
the power didnt seem too bad on the cooper.
i think the biggest judgement was on the seating position.
i was just too high up on the ST, however the Mini i was on the deck!!!
just how i like it!!!

i think you never get an investement in any car purchase, you are always going to lose money.
really impressed though that all you guys are opened minded and dont take things to heart!
unlike silly football forums where people act like kids!

you have my respect as fellow forum member, one which i will keep in my faves, purely because of the great friendly banter! right that enuff a55 licking!!!
laters dude.
Steve