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Hi All--this is Jim from Laguna Beach. I currently drive a Focus SVT that I bought new in its first year (2002) that currently has 175k miles on it. It runs great despite the mileage and burns absolutely no oil.
As it was a first year, low production vehicle I expect my experience with this car may predict what will happen with the ST. Net, there were quite a few of the "unique" parts on the car that broke and were replaced by redesigned parts--this included the two stage manifold, the clutch/flywheel assembly, and most spectacularly the rear control arm. Turned out that the stiffer anti-roll bar put too much stress on the attachment point on the control arm--the result was a broken control arm and the rear of the car hitting the pavement. Luckily in my case this took place at 5 MPH. This was fixed for the 03 model year with a reinforced control arm.
Despite these problems (and many other replaced parts over time) I love the SVT and am very interested in the ST. I do believe however that there will likely be significant issues with Year 1.
As it was a first year, low production vehicle I expect my experience with this car may predict what will happen with the ST. Net, there were quite a few of the "unique" parts on the car that broke and were replaced by redesigned parts--this included the two stage manifold, the clutch/flywheel assembly, and most spectacularly the rear control arm. Turned out that the stiffer anti-roll bar put too much stress on the attachment point on the control arm--the result was a broken control arm and the rear of the car hitting the pavement. Luckily in my case this took place at 5 MPH. This was fixed for the 03 model year with a reinforced control arm.
Despite these problems (and many other replaced parts over time) I love the SVT and am very interested in the ST. I do believe however that there will likely be significant issues with Year 1.