144 replies to this topic

[AMc]

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!!

[NottsST]

Another thing to look out for:

Heated front window - make sure it works, a lot of them only have a small portion working i.e. just the drivers side

[junglistjames]

can get facelifts on 55 plate as well, also my old 06 facelift had the starting problem too and was jerky when cold, cross over of parts i assume

[bensommer]

Check to see if both folding seat catches work

[AMc]

Check to see if both folding seat catches work

Remembered this one last night just after I turned my laptop off! haha Will get it added to the list

[AMc]

Anybody know what the radio specs are which came as standard/optional extras...pre facelift/facelift/ST500 etc...?

[forster1993]

Anybody know what the radio specs are which came as standard/optional extras...pre facelift/facelift/ST500 etc...?

I don't know about pre facelifts but facelifts had the CD6000 or the optional extra CDC6006 6 disc changer, for 08 on there was the optional extra Sony DAB that's in the 500

Edited by forster1993, 25 December 2012 - 12:21.

[forster1993]

Rustin arches is another big thing to check especially on cars over 5-6 years old, mines showing some signs off rust at the top of the front arch and on the rear arch where the arch meets the side skirt (common on all mk6s)

[James h]

Rust on the mark 6?? Now you got me worried ha

[AMc]

Rust on the mark 6?? Now you got me worried ha

Sadly it's true!

[James h]

I'm quite shocked at that! Last thing I want to see on my ST is rust, well another thing to be paranoid about! Oh well lol

[AMc]

They are made of metal after all Spot it soon enough and you can take some action on it. Or, before it even happens do something to prevent it.

Preventitive > reactive.

[Benji_ST]

I get the first time starting issues with my pre-facelift, not every time though so I might have to look into the update, cheers

[forster1993]

Well we've got a fiesta finesse on our forecourt and that had a rusted rear arch, we had it cut out new metal welded in an painte for £80, so it's not expensive

[itsybitsy]

another ford bright idea same as puma and new focus st the rear arch liners are like carpet/astro turf they basically hold water crap etc like poo to a blanket ford always say its where the seam is it starts excuses best thing is to chuck the rear arches good clean then get a tin of hamerite waxoyl etc give good coating also although fiddly take rear door cards of spray waxoyl etc into as far as you can on inner panel/arches its been a ford problem on most fords escorts mondeos etc and warranty wise ford dont want to no rear arch rust problems

Edited by itsybitsy, 26 December 2012 - 17:47.