Thanks guys, it seems that the wet oil belt drive isn't too much to worry about then.

I know that all cars have a few issues, it is just a case of getting to the facts and being realistic about the chances of anything happening.

 

I'll personally worry when mine's 10 years old and I'm buying the bits to do the job. Until then, forget about it. I wouldn't do it early either. The manufacturers build a safety margin in for these things.

 

I found this article useful for converting your VIN to the date of manufacture

ARTICLE: Find your car's date of manufacture (VIN)

ARTICLE: Find your car's date of manufacture (VIN)

www.team-bhp.com

From that I was able to work out my car was manufactured in July 2019, guess I need to check the plate on the engine to see when it was manufactured.

 

If you want to know if your engine has a gear or belt driven oil pump, the timing covers are different - see p2 of this thread 👍

 

uh oh...this has been an eye opener, I've just put big deposit on a 2023 ST3 .... no turning back .. I just hope things turn out ok

 

Yes do not worry, maybe opt if it is still possible for the extended warranty. I have it on mine and I'm doing all the services at the Ford dealership in the 12 months period - not looking at the mileage. That's the only way to "maybe" have your back covered in case of a catastrophic failure. Also if you want to be even more covered you can do an oil + filter change inbetween the services. Be only sure to have the filter replaced with a Ford original one and do not say anything at the delaer if you're not doing it there - they may hook to this thing not to pay you out