Hey all, I’m a big car fan and tend to stick with used cars (currently driving a 2002 Mustang and a P71 Crown Vic). I test drove a Subaru Impreza, but it didn’t feel right – clutch was squeaky, and it threw a possible leak/misfire code on my scanner. So, I just test drove a Ford Focus ST, going for $12K with 103K miles. It was super clean and had some mods (COBB tune and exhaust) that sounded awesome! The seller was super confident it’s been maintained well. I loved it, but wanted to ask if anyone here knows of any common issues with these.
You might get even more feedback on this in the Focus ST forum.
I’ve had a bunch of Mustangs myself (01, 05, 08, and 19), and the Focus ST is a fun little car with a few simple mods like an upgraded intercooler, tune, and RMM to tighten it up. Handles really well, too, with the torque vectoring that makes it feel almost like RWD in turns.
As for the 2.0T engine, it’s solid. A tune like E30 or adding a big turbo, and it’s a blast. Overall, mine has been super reliable, even with a bigger turbo. Only real recurring maintenance has been the purge valves, but those are cheap and an easy fix. Just a heads up about COBB’s access port – while it’s great, the OTS tunes are kinda risky because they bypass Ford’s safeguards. I’d stay away from an ST that’s been running on COBB’s OTS tunes for a while, but reputable custom tunes are good to go.
Edit: If you do get one, check us out in the ST forum!
@Sam
Thanks! And haha, I’m actually a girl, but all good! I might just look for a stock one and do the mods myself, like I’ve done with my other cars. Thanks for the advice! 
@Sam
Yeah, I want to avoid potential engine issues if I can. Sticking to stock OEM for now seems like the best plan. Appreciate the heads up!
Ever considered the Fiesta ST? It’s super lightweight and feels very raw on the road.
Flint said:
Ever considered the Fiesta ST? It’s super lightweight and feels very raw on the road.
Agreed! I actually prefer the Fiesta ST over the Focus ST after driving both.
I’ve had an ST since 2015. It’s been mostly reliable, but they do have some common issues. My brake master cylinder went out one day and took the clutch with it. Hood latches also tend to fail but are an easy fix. Mine is lightly modded and tuned, and it’s a blast to drive!
From my experience, Fords have about the same repair rate as any other car, but the parts tend to be affordable.
Can’t speak to the COBB tune specifically, but I’m usually cautious of non-custom tunes. For a Focus ST, I’d prefer a stock tune or a reputable custom tune. Many people keep the mods, so finding a stock one can be rare, but some people here might know more about the COBB tune. Just seems a bit risky without knowing how the car’s been tuned.
For what it’s worth, I daily drive an RS, so I’d say an ST would make a solid daily too.
@Nash
Cobb’s OTS tunes aren’t great. Custom tunes from reliable places like Stratified or Edge Autosport are fine. Avoid an ST running only on a Cobb OTS tune.
Emerson said:
@Nash
Cobb’s OTS tunes aren’t great. Custom tunes from reliable places like Stratified or Edge Autosport are fine. Avoid an ST running only on a Cobb OTS tune.
Exactly. I’d rather get fewer gains with a trusted tuner than risk it with a generic tuning device.