WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO INSURE?

It depends – on how old you are, where you live, and even which spec you buy: ST-1s are in insurance group 34, ST-2s are in 35, and the ST-3 reaches 36. There aren’t massive price differences in the real world, but try an online comparison site where the ST is seen as an ordinary 2.0-litre Focus rather than a turbocharged tearaway. Bear in mind the Mountune MP275 has its own insurance rating if converted from new.

WHERE DO I FIND ONE?

Some later-model ST250s are still in the Ford network but don’t pay more for the privilege – you’ll usually get better service from a non-franchised dealer. Try private sellers (Auto Trader, eBay, Facebook) if you want to save cash. You might even grab a bargain before it’s put back to standard for sale (as so many tend to be).

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RUN?

You’re in luck. A hard-driven ST250 will average 25mpg, and even a tuned example will cruise at 80mph/30mpg. Road tax isn’t especially cheap, but servicing and parts prices are pennies compared with German rivals.

WILL VALUES RISE OR FALL?

ST250 values are currently similar to they were five years ago, but the recent roller-coaster of used-car prices is bound to stop soon, and values may plummet. In the longterm, though, the ST is a future classic.

SHOULD I MODIFY IT?

Definitely. Simple upgrades to brakes, suspension and ECU software transforms the ST250 into the car Ford should have built. Add more, and you’ll give an RS a run for its money – at a fraction of the price.