Cheap, chuckable and very tunable,
the ST is one of the most enjoyable Fiestas money can buy. Here's everything
you need to know...
History
Addictive, affordable, practical, reliable
and tunable, the original Fiesta ST boasts lively handling and refined manners,
all wrapped up in a neat performance package.
Launched in winter 2004, the ST was Ford's
TeamRS's first production car, and aimed at the junior hot hatch market. Okay,
its I48bhp output sounded mild, but the ST's 2-liter Duratec power-plant
provided plenty of shove. A variable intake and free-flowing exhaust meant bags
of torque, while an uprated gearbox coupled with a lightened flywheel and quick
shift enhanced engine flexibility.
Fiesta
ST
Performance was strong racing to 60mph in
7.9secand rising to a 129mph maximum speed. TeamRS lowered and stiffened the
Fiesta's suspension, sharpening its steering and uprating its stoppers. Discs
were fitted all-round, with ST170 calipers behind 17in alloys and 205/40ZR17 tyres
for terrific grip. They looked great alongside the ST's chunky body kit,
comprising new bumpers, skirts and roof spoiler. Finished in a choice of lively
colors, the Fiesta ST could also be dressed with GT40-inspired roof and/or side
stripes.
Fiesta
ST’s design
The ST treatment continued in the cockpit,
with half-leather trim and sports steering wheel. A facelift arrived in
November 2005, bringing bulbous headlamps and soft- touch dashboard.
Enthusiasts were quick to fall for the
Fiesta's charms, with tuners producing an array of upgrades. Even Ford got
involved, offering warranty-approved Mountune Performance packages. And not
forgetting the UK-only ST500 limited edition in Panther Black with silver
decals, black alloys and carbon fiber-pattern trim.
Today, with prices low and a funky image,
the Fiesta ST is a real fast Ford bargain. Grab one while it's hot!
Buying one
What to look for
Color will probably be your first choice -
all are equally desirable, although Performance Blue occasionally fetches more
and the Panther Black ST500 adds an obvious premium. Stripe kits on other STs
are down to personal preference.
Color
will probably be your first choice - all are equally desirable, although
Performance Blue occasionally fetches more and the Panther Black ST500 adds an
obvious premium.
Most buyers favor the post-November 2005
facelift, which added useful standard kit including a trip computer. Optional
extras are worth looking out for, too - including stereo upgrades, heated
leather seats and ESP (which is arguably not worthwhile). The Technology Pack
boasted auto headlamps and wipers plus power- folding mirrors. The Reflex Pack
included extra airbags and rear-center headrest, while the early Interior
Styling Pack meant shiny trim and ST-branded mats.
Fiesta
ST’s interior
More importantly, a dealer-supplied
Mountune conversion is worth paying extra for. A choice of stages included the
MP165 (CAIS, remap, sports cat and exhaust system), MP185 (adding uprated cams
and valve springs) and MR200, which also provided a Mountune intake manifold
and 60mm throttle body.
Other official Mountune options included a
KW suspension upgrade and sexy Recaro front seats in black Ambler leather with
black Dinamica suede.
If you're planning future modifications,
don't shy away from a ready-converted car. A Fiesta ST that's been worked on by
a reputable specialist could save you money in the long run. That said, you'll
need to check carefully that it's not been thrashed mercilessly. So make all
the normal used-car inspections, and look for the best condition car you can
afford. A full service record and clean history report are obvious plus points.
If
you're planning future modifications, don't shy away from a ready-converted
car. A Fiesta ST that's been worked on by a reputable specialist could save you
money in the long run.
What to avoid
Despite the Fiesta ST's remarkable
reliability, some are eight years old-so wear, neglect and abuse are a worry.
Walk away from an accident-damaged Fiesta, or anything that's been hammered.
Don't be put off by high miles if the price is right-an ST that's been looked
after should be fine.
Your biggest concern should be nasty noises
from the engine. Knocking from the bottom end suggests bearing failure, usually
caused by oil starvation. Potentially it can mean a new crankshaft or
replacement engine is needed...
Rust is another Fiesta enemy, notably
around the rear wheel arches where the side skirts attach, but sometimes the
front arches too. You should also check the door bottoms (the drain holes get
blocked) and passenger foot well (poorly-sealing pollen filters lead to damp)
in case of corrosion.
Despite
the Fiesta ST's remarkable reliability, some are eight years old-so wear,
neglect and abuse are a worry.
Check all the electrical equipment works -
it's not catastrophic if the heated windscreen/ mirror elements have packed up
or the auto wipers/lights have failed (all are common), but a good bartering
point nevertheless.
Interiors don't wear well, and may sound rattly.
Inspect the folding seat catches operate properly, and make sure the half-leather
trim hasn’t become too saggy.
Don't be alarmed if the gearshift seems
stiff from cold - it should feel fine once the oil has warmed up but not
sloppy, and certainly showing no signs of clutch slip.
Suspicious rumbling or clonking noises are
likely to be worn wheel bearings, collapsed bushes or a broken coil spring.
Listen, too, for noise from the PAS pump when hot-it could be about to expire.
How much
$3,750 to $5,250
Fiesta
ST
The bottom of the budget is where you'll
find pre-facelift models, high-mileage machines and tatty or abused STs -
although there are lots around.
$5,250 to $7,500
2006
Ford Fiesta ST
The middle range of ST prices often means
2006 models, or clean, low-mileage earlier cars. Well-used ST500s and many
modified Fiestas are under $7.5k.
$7,500 to $11,250
Ford
Fiesta ST 2008
For this you can expect to bag a
low-mileage 2007/08 model, preferably loaded with decent spec. Supercharged STs
and ST500s may also be available.
Where to get one
Fiesta STs are popular on the second-hand
market, and you may strike it lucky searching local used-car dealers for
something suitable. A few very late, low-mileage examples remain in the main
dealer network, although you'll probably need to pay top dollar.
For most buyers, sourcing a Fiesta ST means
scouring the Internet to find the most suitable candidate. The usual classified
ad sites plus owners' clubs and forums, which are ideal for picking up tuned
cars and parts. Private sellers often put modified STs back to standard before
advertising, so if you're thinking of upgrades, look out for a bargain by
saving them the effort.
On that note, tuners themselves can often
help find you a car too - if a customer is changing models (from a Fiesta to a
Focus, let's say). Big-spec cars often change hands this way.
