ChrisNightingale

Hi all, I have just placed my order for my Blue Focus ST2 from Hartwell Ford in Dunstable (Beds). I took along some pictures of bad examples of colour mismatching and showed them to the salesman saying "What's wrong with these pictures". After some pointers he eventually worked it out and was very sympathetic and helpful to the dilemma. He said that he totally agrees that if the car's colour doesn't match to my satisfaction then it was totally in my right to refuse it and that he wouldn't really want to sell a car in that state anyway. I also pointed out the colour mismatching on a norma

Ooo, that sounds even more exciting then. That's rather a cool (sorry for that pun!!!) feature. Thanks for that, Chris

I think the normal "manual" aircon is standard if you don't mind turning the aircon on and off when it gets to cold or hot, but the DEATC is more like climate control (you know - set a single temperature and leave it to do the work!!) and this seems to be an extra Thanks, Chris

Hi Kevin, Thanks for the advice. I'm going to test drive one tomorrow so will hopefully be able to get a good look at at least one of them (knowing my luck it will be in black and without and mismatch!!!). I'll take my credit card just in case!!!! What I might do is have a look at a few Ford garages as there are 2 Hartwell Ford garages fairly near each other. Thanks again, Chris

Well sorry for this silly question but.... If you refuse the car due to colour mismatch or something else and "walk away" what happens to your deposit (as I am under the impression that a minimum deposit of £250 is required to place the order)? Do you forfeit it or are you entitled to all your money back. I can't imagine many dealers being very cooperative when you ask for all your money back. Thanks, Chris

Hi there Fury, Thanks for the reply - that's all i needed was a little reassurance!!! :D Now I need to rid myself of this colour mismatch paranoia!!! Thanks, Chris

It looks like the ST isn't the only one to suffer. Have a look at the Focus in this thread: http://www.ffoc.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=73988 I do wonder how much of it is down to the camera making it look worse. I do see a lot of Audi's with the same problem. Thanks, Chris

Hi 12r Thanks for that. It's useful to know that because my current car is a Ford Puma and I drove it very carefully for the first 1000 miles - maybe too carefully. Although it goes really well so can't complain - just wanna upgrade to the big boys toys!!!!

Hi 12r, When you say vary the rpm, between what values should this be done because I'm sure I have heard or read (can't remember exactly!!!) that you shouldn't go above 3000? Is this correct or can it be extended to 4000 or 5000 Thanks, Chris N

Hi everybody, I'm new to this forum as I have only just discovered it so hello to everybody. :) Well after seeing that episode of Top Gear which had the Focus ST, I suddenly want to get one (going for a test drive on Saturday - woohoo!!). If I get one (which is probably likely!!!), I will go for the ST2 as well as the DEATC (climate control I assume is a more common term). Anyway my question is this. Are there any likely reliability issues with having this fitted. My only concern is getting extras that are nice luxuries but that might be more trouble than they are worth if they go w