Photos FAST FORD ARCHIVES
WHY YOU WANT ONE…
■ ST250s are amazingly good all-rounders, as capable on track as they are blasting down B-roads, cruising motorways or popping to the shops. There’s even an estate ST available.
■ Tuning an ST turns it from family wagon into RS-chasing hot hatch, with even a basic Stage 1 remap making for massive grins.
■ Second-hand prices are starting to level out, so there are some real bargain STs on the used market – even previously-modified machines.
WHY YOU DON’T…
■ Tiresome comments will always come from people moaning it’s not a three-door and that they prefer the ST225’s burbling five-cylinder soundtrack. Ignore them: the ST250 is a better car in every other respect.
■ Say it quietly, but there’s a reason for the EcoBoom nickname… Still, a forged rebuild at least means you can add more boost.
■ Thieves are ultra-keen on the ST250 for joyrides, ram-raids and bank jobs. You’ll need to invest in security to keep your ST safe.
HOW MUCH TO PAY
PROJECT: £7000 TO £10,000
Rough ST250s can be picked up for less than £7000, but at this price you’ll be looking at cars with engine faults or Cat N/S damaged/ repaired examples. High-mileage (100k-plus) can be a bargain, but beware of abused ex-police cars.
GOOD: £10,000 TO £15,000
Facelift ST250s start at this point, albeit Cat N/S cars crop up for less – and need checking carefully. Choose your spec, choose your colour, and hold out for the right car. Add £1000-to-£2000 for the practical ST estate.
CONCOURS: £15,000 TO £22,000
We’re still seeing 2018 STs advertised above our top figure, but you don’t need to spend more than £20k unless there’s a specific ultralow-mileage machine that takes your fancy.
Brand new ST-1s were sold though brokers at £16,500 back in the day, so bear that in mind…
IDENTITY
ST250s are a favourite of light-fingered toerags – especially ST-3s with keyless entry. Loads have been nicked, and plenty are running around on fake IDs and cloned plates. Plenty have been repaired after being accident-damaged, and many are subject to outstanding finance – so paying the seller doesn’t buy ownership of the car. It’s absolutely vital to invest in a decent history check with guarantee (and not just a cheap phone app) before handing
