Let's be real, finding a car that’s thrilling to drive every single day but doesn’t cost a fortune to run can feel like a search for the holy grail. You often have to choose between a sensible daily driver and a weekend toy. But then you come across a used Ford Fiesta ST-3, and you realise that you really can have your cake and eat it. This legendary little hot hatch wraps up everything that’s brilliant about performance driving into a package you can happily use every day.
Maybe it’s the aggressive body kit and those gorgeous Recaro seats that first grab your attention, or perhaps it’s the promise of a car that puts a massive grin on your face every time you get behind the wheel. Whatever it is that pulls you in, choosing a second-hand Ford Fiesta ST-3 means you’re getting one of the most celebrated and downright fun cars of the last decade, without the new-car price tag. It’s a way of joining a community of drivers who believe that every journey, no matter how short, should be an adventure.
The smartest part about shopping for a used ST-3 is that you let someone else take the biggest hit on depreciation. This makes a genuinely world-class performance car incredibly affordable. Whether you need an exciting car for your daily commute or a giant-slayer for your favourite B-road, the Fiesta ST-3 delivers in spades.
Why Buy a Used Ford Fiesta ST-3?
The Ford Fiesta ST-3 is a masterclass in affordable fun. When you’re browsing listings for used models, you’re looking at a car that delivers an unbeatable combination of laugh-out-loud performance, everyday usability, and fantastic value for money—a trick that many more expensive sports cars can’t quite pull off.
Many performance cars demand huge compromises. They’re often impractical, expensive to run, and uncomfortable on anything but a perfect road surface. The ST-3 smashes these stereotypes. Based on the UK’s bestselling car, the Ford Fiesta, it’s a doddle to drive around town, easy to park, and has enough space for your weekly shop. But when you find an open road, its turbocharged engine and incredibly sharp handling come alive, delivering a driving experience that’s pure, unfiltered joy.
From a financial perspective, a used ST-3 is one of the shrewdest performance car buys you can make. It shares its foundations with the standard Fiesta, so parts are cheap and plentiful, and servicing at a Ford specialist won’t break the bank. Its EcoBoost engine is also surprisingly efficient when you’re not driving it like a getaway car, meaning you won’t be spending a fortune on fuel.
For driving enthusiasts who need one car to do it all, the ST-3 is pretty much the perfect solution. It offers the thrills of a dedicated sports car with the running costs and practicality of a supermini. It’s proof that you don’t need a six-figure budget to own a car that makes you feel special every time you drive it.
Ford Fiesta ST-3 Overview
The Ford Fiesta ST, particularly in its top-spec ST-3 guise, is a car that has consistently punched well above its weight, earning rave reviews and a cabinet full of awards. It took the brilliant, fun-to-drive chassis of the standard Fiesta and turned everything up to eleven, creating a benchmark for the hot hatch genre.
The design is purposeful and aggressive without being over the top. The deeper front and rear bumpers, sculpted side skirts, rear spoiler, and twin exhausts leave you in no doubt that this is the fast one. The ST-3 trim often added unique alloy wheel designs and red brake calipers, enhancing its sporty look. It’s a car that looks like it’s ready for fun, even when it’s standing still.
Step inside, and the ST-3 treats you to a cabin that’s a significant step up from the standard Fiesta. The main event is the heavily bolstered Recaro sports seats, which are fantastic at holding you in place during enthusiastic driving and are surprisingly comfortable on long journeys. The ST-3 trim level packed the car with features, including satellite navigation, cruise control, climate control, keyless entry, and automatic headlights and wipers. It offered the equipment of a premium car with the soul of a rally car.
But the real heart of the ST is its performance. The turbocharged EcoBoost engines are famously punchy and responsive, delivering a surge of power that makes the lightweight Fiesta feel incredibly quick. This is matched by a chassis that is legendary for its agility, balance, and driver feedback. It’s a car that you don’t just drive; you feel properly connected to it.
Generations and Trim Breakdown
The Fiesta ST-3 has been the top-tier model across two incredibly popular generations, each one building on the success of the last.
Seventh Generation (2013-2017)
This is the car that cemented the Fiesta ST’s legendary status. Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 182PS (and more on overboost), it was an instant hit. The ST-3 trim was introduced as the flagship model. It took the already well-equipped ST-2 and added luxury and convenience features like keyless entry and start, satellite navigation, climate control, cruise control, and automatic lights and wipers. It was the ultimate version of a truly brilliant hot hatch.
Eighth Generation (2018-2022)
The all-new Fiesta ST arrived with a controversial but brilliant new engine: a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit producing 200PS. Despite having one less cylinder, it was even more powerful and characterful than the old engine, thanks in part to clever cylinder deactivation technology for better fuel economy. The ST-3 model was once again the top of the range, packed with technology like an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, a premium B&O sound system, and advanced driver aids. Most importantly, it offered the optional and highly desirable Performance Pack, which included a Quaife limited-slip differential, transforming the car’s handling and traction.
Body Style and Trim Comparison
While the Fiesta ST-3 is all about performance, Ford offered it in two body styles to add a dose of practicality.
3-Door: The classic hot hatch shape. The three-door model has a sportier, more coupe-like profile and is the purest expression of the ST’s design. The long doors and sleek lines give it a more focused look. Access to the rear seats is a bit tighter, but for those who prioritise style and the classic hot hatch experience, the three-door is the one to have.
5-Door: For those who need a bit more everyday usability, the five-door version is the perfect answer. It adds two rear doors, making it much easier to get passengers or child seats in and out of the back. Crucially, Ford’s engineers worked hard to ensure that the five-door model lost none of the three-door’s handling magic or structural stiffness. It’s the ideal choice for enthusiasts with a family, offering all the fun with fewer compromises.
What to Look for When Buying
Full Service History: This is absolutely critical for a performance car. A complete service history is a non-negotiable. Check that all services have been done on time, using the correct specification of oil. Look for evidence that the car has been cared for by enthusiasts or specialists.
Performance Pack (Eighth Gen): If you’re looking at the later 2018-on model, check if it has the optional Performance Pack. This is a must-have feature for keen drivers as it includes the Quaife limited-slip differential, launch control, and performance shift lights. Cars with this pack are more desirable and worth paying a little extra for.
Modifications: Fiesta STs are very popular to modify. While some upgrades can be well-chosen, be wary of cars with extensive or poor-quality modifications. Stick to cars that are as close to standard as possible for the best reliability. A quality aftermarket exhaust or induction kit is generally fine, but be cautious of engine ECU remaps unless they are from a reputable tuner like Mountune.
Wheels, Tyres and Brakes: Check the alloy wheels for kerb damage. More importantly, check the condition of the tyres. Mismatched budget tyres are a red flag that the owner may have been cutting corners on maintenance. The brakes should feel strong and bite hard.
Interior Wear: The Recaro seats are a highlight, but check the prominent side bolsters on the driver’s seat for wear and tear from getting in and out of the car, as this is a common weak spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price of a used Ford Fiesta ST-3?
Prices for a used Ford Fiesta ST-3 offer incredible performance for the money. An early seventh-generation model can be found from around £8,000, while a good, clean example will be closer to £10,000-£13,000. The later eighth-generation models start from around £16,000 and rise to over £20,000 for a low-mileage car with the Performance Pack.
Where can I find a used Ford Fiesta ST-3 for sale near me?
Cazoo offers a fantastic selection of high-quality used Ford Fiesta ST-3 models. Our online platform makes it easy to browse cars from all over the UK, check their specification and history, and have your chosen vehicle delivered right to your door.
What should I check when buying a second-hand Ford Fiesta ST-3?
The three most important things are a flawless service history, checking for signs of abuse or poor-quality modifications, and ensuring any eighth-generation model has the desirable Performance Pack. A thorough test drive to check the engine, gearbox, and clutch is essential.
Is the Ford Fiesta ST-3 a reliable car?
Yes, when properly maintained, the Fiesta ST is a very reliable car. The EcoBoost engines are robust, and because it’s based on the regular Fiesta, many of its parts are proven and durable. The key is to find an example that has been looked after and not thrashed.
How can I finance a used Ford Fiesta ST-3?
Cazoo offers a range of flexible finance options to help make buying your dream hot hatch a reality. We offer both Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), with clear, transparent terms to suit your budget.
Is the ST-3 expensive to run?
For the performance on offer, it’s remarkably cheap to run. The EcoBoost engines are capable of over 40 mpg on a gentle run, insurance is reasonable for a hot hatch, and servicing costs are on par with any other mainstream Ford.
For most people, yes. On the used market, the price difference between an ST-2 and an ST-3 is often small, but the ST-3 comes with a lot of extra big-car features like navigation, climate control, and keyless entry that make it a much nicer car to live with every day.
How does the three-cylinder engine compare to the old four-cylinder?
It’s fantastic. Many people were sceptical, but the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine in the later ST is an absolute gem. It’s more powerful, sounds brilliant, and is more economical than the old 1.6-litre unit. It’s a real highlight of the car.
