[nickb45502]

Hi,

So I'm looking at potentially trading in my current car for an ST. I'm wondering if there are any general things I should be concerned about with these cars. I'm also wondering if there were any major suspension changes or anything like that that I should be aware of that should attract me from one year to the next. My intended use is as a DD and maybe an occasional AutoX but nothing too serious. Also what is the difference between ST1, ST2, and ST3.

Any help would be great

Thanks
Nick

 

[jam360nml]

Only suspension difference is the early 13 model and even then it is just the tower mounts which can be changed to the newer style if I recall correctly. Issues have mostly been addressed through recall fixes. ST1 has cloth seats, ST2 has partial leather recaros, ST3 has full leather recaros. Also the newer ST2 and ST3 have HID headlights. I believe the 13-15 have standard headlamps on all but ST3 models. The packages also contain different Ford Sync packages if I recall correctly.

I am sure somebody else will chime in with some more details and possible corrections or further elaborations of what I have outlined. Hope this helps!

 

[Chubbs]

They had a brake change in April of 2014, they went to larger rotors but a less effective pad. It's not really a big deal though, they all have pretty effective brakes.

Mechanically, mine was always a good car. I had an oil leak when the car was almost new, and the rear motor mount was swapped for the E-focus mount, both of which were warranty issues. Besides that, it was bulletproof for 80+ thousand miles.

The only thing I would watch for would be interior issues. The leather on my rear seat kept coming loose from the metal frame, and my car had numerous rattles in the headliner, which was frustrating. Both are minor issues, but something to watch for. This is a focus after all, and it suffers from the usual econo-car build quality issues.

Finally, as usual for a cheap hot rod, I'd be skeptical of one that has been modified. I'm sure others have differing opinions, but when I see a car with a loud exhaust system, intake mods, and a tuner, I see a car that has been beat on. If i'm buying an ST, I'm looking for one close to stock.

 

[Cowlynz]

If you get a used ST with Navigation, make sure it has the latest updated nav card.

Of course a new ST (2016+) will have the Sync3 system, which is much more responsive than the Sync 2 system.
Good luck in the search!

 

[Lou64]

Supposedly the suspension was "retuned" in '15, but I'm pretty sure that was just some marketing bs.

 

[pasta]

As of now as stated only difference is bigger rotors for 2014 and up.

 

[AndyH]

Only reason I can't recommend it to friends is the idle stumbling issue that is apparent in all model years. It rarely happens in my car, and the car has never stalled, but when it does stumble, the entire car shakes because the idle is so low. The idle immediately goes back to normal, but its a bit alarming when it happens. Ford tried to resolve it with an engine splice recall for early builds, and later with software updates, but as I said, the issue is present in all model years although not all owners experience it. Other than that, its a fun and practical daily driver.

 

[brian60]

Also 2015+ ST3's have a backup camera option and 2016+ has a heated steering wheel.

All ST3's with full leather Recaros have heated seats, as do the ST2s I believe.

 

[Unfitproduct]

Tint the vehicle and buy a rear motor mount if your going to auto x

Here are a few places to start... http://edgeautosport.com/2013/ford/focus/st.html
http://www.fordpartsquick.com/auto-parts/2013/ford/focus/st-trim/2-0l-l4-gas-engine/electrical-cat

http://www.focusstshop.com/2013-15-Ford-Focus-ST-2-0L-Turbocharged-Performance-Parts-a-s/2210.htm

 

[Blackula]

Also 2015+ ST3's have a backup camera option and 2016+ has a heated steering wheel.

All ST3's with full leather Recaros have heated seats, as do the ST2s I believe.

2015 ST3 has heated steering as well, and get a front traction bar from TB Performance or FSWerks to go along w/ your RMM.

 

[brian60]

2015 ST3 has heated steering as well, and get a front traction bar from TB Performance or FSWerks to go along w/ your RMM.

I'm looking into making my own traction bar shortly with a buddy of mine. If we go through with it I'll have to post pictures. I don't see it being worth the money for a single bar of metal even if it makes a great improvement.

 

[scrub_radius]

Supposedly the suspension was "retuned" in '15, but I'm pretty sure that was just some marketing bs.

Significant steering changes for 16MY+