If you're looking at buying a MK6 ST here are the basics to look out for...
Feel free to add to this with anything else you can think of!
Also, take a look at this thread made by Yarde, states a whole raft of upgrades, specs and information on the MK6 ST; http://www.fiestasto...ns/page__st__15
Pre Facelift = up to 55 plates, a few 06 plates - Defining features = "flat" headlights and a black plastic dashboard
prefacelift.jpg 150.29KB
14 downloads
Facelift = 55 plates onwards - Defining features = bobbly headlights and a soft touch dash in Grey, Blue or Red.
Facelift.jpg 94.53KB
23 downloads
ST500 = As above but with fake carbon fibre interior trim, uprated Sony headunit, bonnet decal, full leather seats, red calipers and black alloys
ST500.jpg 89.66KB
14 downloads
More information on the updates on the facelifts can be found here: http://www.fiestasto...celift-updates/
Pre Facelifts can suffer from a starting issue where the engine won't start first time. This can be resolved by an ECU/PCM update from Ford for around £90 (price can vary, just a guide)
CD players - Facelifts have a CD6000 or the optional extra which is the CDC6006 6 disc changer. For '08 onwards, there was the optional extra Sony DAB.
Power steering fluid in all models can "boil". Check it for it's colour, it should be a bright cherry red. If it is black then it needs replacing ideally. Symptoms can be a loud whining noise then steering the car. Easy to do yourself with this guide; http://www.fiestasto...steering-fluid/
Check any additional features work such as heated front screen. Pre Facelifts only have a heated front screen, heated rear screen + wing mirrors and the usual heater features.
Facelifts can come equipped with auto lights and wipers, so check they work too. A common fault for the lights is they will begin to constantly change level/height and wear the motors out. The power folding mirrors on facelifts can have a tendancy to "click" when you lock the car (immobilise) motor doesn't know when to stop so keeps trying to fold them in after they have done so...causes the clicking noise. Anyone able to post the cure/fix for this? Believe this might be of some use now; http://www.fiestasto...ing-come-on-in/
Gears can seem stiff when cold, this is quite common and will ease up as the car warms up.
In general these car will feel a bit "jerky" to drive when cold, they need to be warmed up a bit to perform more smoothly.
Check for the likes of the tyres are all the same...a basic sign of if the previous owner really cared about the car!
The seat catches can both break (plastic connection on the underside) or the cables can come loose and so they won't work. Simple check...try and tilt the seats forward.
Check the suspension over, especially if the car has been lowered on lowering springs. Check the springs for any cracks and shocks for any splits/leaking oil from the top.
Check for signs of rust, mainly around the wheel arches as they are the most susceptible area for this.
Just found this out...glovebox's are different between pre facelift and facelift models. The PFL is held on by 2 screws on the underside whereas the FL version clips in place below. Bear this in mind when it comes to buying spares/replacements (a few other parts are different too)
Shall start it now and can add to it Happy buying!!