So I really really want the new st but have to many cars, so been thinking about trading my car in towards the new car but would it be worth returning the car mostly back to stock or Trading as is the car is very heavily modified, short list is fully built engine about 7k miles on the engine, coilovers, wheels tires, larger front brakes and rear disc conversion, light weight flywheel hypo clutch. What are you opinions???

Stock. You won't get anything for the mods. Return to stock sell mods and you'll end up with more cash

That's what I figured, what about option b sell car privately?

Private sale is by far your best option.
IMO, it's too much work to return it to stock. And odds are you'll have to replace something else along the process. There are plenty of stock Foci out there, but finding a correctly mod'd one for sale is tough.
Providing the car is in good shape, runs strong and the miles aren't too out of hand; I'd say you should be able to ask $5,500 for it and haggle from there. If that's a good price to you I have no idea. I know it's less than you have into it, but you also have to look at what a dealership would give you for trade in value as it sits; probably around $2,500 if that.

The problem will be competing with the F/I cars for sale. but in all honesty I haven't seen many that I would even consider buying lately. Body damage, high miles, missing parts, just plain dirty. The few that are clean are fetching a higher price, nearer to $10K.

And FWIW, I paid $4,500 for my new car. 2000 w/ mods and low low miles. I'm very pleased I bought it.

Thanks for your input that's about what I was looking to get out of it, I will deff list it here first and then on c list

You COULD also try Ebay. I know it's a long shot but you could find a serious buyer there. That might be willing to travel to you.

Is it the look or performance your looking for. Other than looks I see no point in paying hundreds of dollars for years to come. I'd boost my car and blow away the new STs. Just my opinion.

good luck with sale/buy