mk1 Focus RS - want now
Discussion
Not sure what the point of this thread is, just to say I want a mk1 Focus RS 
Looking to buy one end of April (26 April to be precise, my 21st birthday). I've read up a fair bit about them but would welcome any current owners/previous owners experiences.
I've never driven one but current car progression has been
Fiat Panda (learner
) > mk6 Fiesta Zetec S > Mondeo ST TDCI
Both fords so far have been diseasels but they are great, I can't imagine having a test drive and not loving the RS.
Oh, and if anyone knows of any good, honest RSs with low miles coming up for sale shortly in the South East drop me a PM
(ignore that last line if that isn't allowed)!
Looking to buy one end of April (26 April to be precise, my 21st birthday). I've read up a fair bit about them but would welcome any current owners/previous owners experiences.
I've never driven one but current car progression has been
Fiat Panda (learner
) > mk6 Fiesta Zetec S > Mondeo ST TDCIBoth fords so far have been diseasels but they are great, I can't imagine having a test drive and not loving the RS.
Oh, and if anyone knows of any good, honest RSs with low miles coming up for sale shortly in the South East drop me a PM
(ignore that last line if that isn't allowed)!Do a few insurance quotes before you get too excited.
That said, they are an amazing car, and I do miss mine. Have a look on the RSOC classifieds as many of the cars for sale have been treated very very well, and are imaculate. There are alot for sale at the moment so wait for the right one.
Make sure the Chargecooler pump is working by taking off the lid to the little reserviour and looking for the little jet of water. If its not there, or its empty, walk away.
For what they are they are pretty sturdy.
That said, they are an amazing car, and I do miss mine. Have a look on the RSOC classifieds as many of the cars for sale have been treated very very well, and are imaculate. There are alot for sale at the moment so wait for the right one.
Make sure the Chargecooler pump is working by taking off the lid to the little reserviour and looking for the little jet of water. If its not there, or its empty, walk away.
For what they are they are pretty sturdy.
I had one for a short while, great car and i do miss her.
The later mark II version did have double sticking on the seats, the orignals suffered from wear and came apart a little too easily.
Expect fuel economy to be around the 24/25mpg mark.
A very capable car, it's a shame i didn't have her for longer but a TVR was ah calling!
Don't rush in a buy one, do some research and try and find out about the owner.
The guy i bought it off loved his car, spent loads of money on her (receipts to prove) and was around 50yrs old. He took me out for a test drive and warmed the car up first before booting (a very good sign) unlike the dealer who i saw a few hours before.
Good luck and good choice of car sir
The later mark II version did have double sticking on the seats, the orignals suffered from wear and came apart a little too easily.
Expect fuel economy to be around the 24/25mpg mark.
A very capable car, it's a shame i didn't have her for longer but a TVR was ah calling!
Don't rush in a buy one, do some research and try and find out about the owner.
The guy i bought it off loved his car, spent loads of money on her (receipts to prove) and was around 50yrs old. He took me out for a test drive and warmed the car up first before booting (a very good sign) unlike the dealer who i saw a few hours before.
Good luck and good choice of car sir
They all come with start botton and a little plaque thingy with the model number.
Check for the usual things,
Full service history
No white smoke on start up
If you go on a test drive do it from cold so you can see if there is any hesitation
Check all tyres are the same make
Check the boost stays at 1 bar
On the test drive go through all the gears and make sure they are all smooth.
Other than that it's down to gut feel and some luck.
Check for the usual things,
Full service history
No white smoke on start up
If you go on a test drive do it from cold so you can see if there is any hesitation
Check all tyres are the same make
Check the boost stays at 1 bar
On the test drive go through all the gears and make sure they are all smooth.
Other than that it's down to gut feel and some luck.
peeves said:
I don't like them one bit. For a weekend car, it might be OK. Not a chance for an everyday driver though!
Rare enough and hold value well. Just not to my taste.
That's interesting to hear - it would be a weekend car for me, the Mondeo would still be used for short journeys/motorway driving etc, basically whenever I can't be bothered to get the rs out the garageRare enough and hold value well. Just not to my taste.
What don't you like about them? I've read they can be a handful at times but I quite like the sound of that to be honest!
I used mine as a daily driver for a year, and it was perfect. I don't have enough free time to enjoy a "weekend" car, so it was perfect for me. Civilised, yet still an occasion to be in and drive. Yes the interior (seats), are an acquired taste, but they grow on you.
It was immaculate and I really hope 0435 is still out there being pampered.
Torque steer does take a little to get used to, however it seems to decrease with power (any excuse to increase the bhp () )
It was immaculate and I really hope 0435 is still out there being pampered.
Torque steer does take a little to get used to, however it seems to decrease with power (any excuse to increase the bhp () )
Done over 50k in 5 years in mine absoulutly the best car ive owned (theres been quite a few 
) its soaked up being used in all weathers 1/4 miles & standing miles & been totally reliable (bar 1 instance with a broken gearbox roll pin, a common & very cheap fix) mine was stock when i bought it & i have slowly upgraded which has kept my intrest 
ashbaldrey has a nice looking one for sale which iirc is @ 300bhp.
The torque steer is reduced with a decent set of tyres & an increase in power i believe it is because the diff locks out quicker reducing the 'squirm'.
Dont be too hung up on mileage these cars seem to be less reliable at low miles than the ones that have been used & if your buying a modified one be sure to check exactly whats been done as there have been a few less than ideal bits been done by certain 'tuners' that can cause serious issues with what is otherwise a very strong engine.
The later cars have an extra line of stitching on the front seat bases a pink trumpet on the throttle cable an updated engine map & a engine start sticker around the start button, take no notice of build numbers in regards to early or later cars mine is 2376 but ive seen earlier cars with build numbers in the 4000's
i think Ford just threw all the numbers in a big bucket rather than use them in any order 
Turbos get tired at @ 60k but a good reason for upgrade front shocks are expensive & can knock (although could also be charge cooler bushes that are cheap) & when you need anything always look at the Rsoc or Focus Rs enthusiasts club as most parts can be had lots cheaper.
A few cars have had some corrosion issues mainly rear arches & the edge of the front wing where it reaches the bumper (normally n/side) so watch out for this.
Hope this all helps & doesnt put you off i genuinely believe there is no better allround hot hatch on the market buy well & you will have a truly great car & if you want any help or advice feel free to pm me
) its soaked up being used in all weathers 1/4 miles & standing miles & been totally reliable (bar 1 instance with a broken gearbox roll pin, a common & very cheap fix) mine was stock when i bought it & i have slowly upgraded which has kept my intrest ashbaldrey has a nice looking one for sale which iirc is @ 300bhp.
The torque steer is reduced with a decent set of tyres & an increase in power i believe it is because the diff locks out quicker reducing the 'squirm'.
Dont be too hung up on mileage these cars seem to be less reliable at low miles than the ones that have been used & if your buying a modified one be sure to check exactly whats been done as there have been a few less than ideal bits been done by certain 'tuners' that can cause serious issues with what is otherwise a very strong engine.
The later cars have an extra line of stitching on the front seat bases a pink trumpet on the throttle cable an updated engine map & a engine start sticker around the start button, take no notice of build numbers in regards to early or later cars mine is 2376 but ive seen earlier cars with build numbers in the 4000's
i think Ford just threw all the numbers in a big bucket rather than use them in any order Turbos get tired at @ 60k but a good reason for upgrade
front shocks are expensive & can knock (although could also be charge cooler bushes that are cheap) & when you need anything always look at the Rsoc or Focus Rs enthusiasts club as most parts can be had lots cheaper.A few cars have had some corrosion issues mainly rear arches & the edge of the front wing where it reaches the bumper (normally n/side) so watch out for this.
Hope this all helps & doesnt put you off i genuinely believe there is no better allround hot hatch on the market buy well & you will have a truly great car & if you want any help or advice feel free to pm me
neiljohnson said:
Done over 50k in 5 years in mine absoulutly the best car ive owned (theres been quite a few ) its soaked up being used in all weathers 1/4 miles & standing miles & been totally reliable (bar 1 instance with a broken gearbox roll pin, a common & very cheap fix) mine was stock when i bought it & i have slowly upgraded which has kept my intrest
ashbaldrey has a nice looking one for sale which iirc is @ 300bhp.
The torque steer is reduced with a decent set of tyres & an increase in power i believe it is because the diff locks out quicker reducing the 'squirm'.
Dont be too hung up on mileage these cars seem to be less reliable at low miles than the ones that have been used & if your buying a modified one be sure to check exactly whats been done as there have been a few less than ideal bits been done by certain 'tuners' that can cause serious issues with what is otherwise a very strong engine.
The later cars have an extra line of stitching on the front seat bases a pink trumpet on the throttle cable an updated engine map & a engine start sticker around the start button, take no notice of build numbers in regards to early or later cars mine is 2376 but ive seen earlier cars with build numbers in the 4000's i think Ford just threw all the numbers in a big bucket rather than use them in any order
Turbos get tired at @ 60k but a good reason for upgrade front shocks are expensive & can knock (although could also be charge cooler bushes that are cheap) & when you need anything always look at the Rsoc or Focus Rs enthusiasts club as most parts can be had lots cheaper.
A few cars have had some corrosion issues mainly rear arches & the edge of the front wing where it reaches the bumper (normally n/side) so watch out for this.
Hope this all helps & doesnt put you off i genuinely believe there is no better allround hot hatch on the market buy well & you will have a truly great car & if you want any help or advice feel free to pm me
Pretty much spot on. Any excuse for an upgrade ) its soaked up being used in all weathers 1/4 miles & standing miles & been totally reliable (bar 1 instance with a broken gearbox roll pin, a common & very cheap fix) mine was stock when i bought it & i have slowly upgraded which has kept my intrest ashbaldrey has a nice looking one for sale which iirc is @ 300bhp.
The torque steer is reduced with a decent set of tyres & an increase in power i believe it is because the diff locks out quicker reducing the 'squirm'.
Dont be too hung up on mileage these cars seem to be less reliable at low miles than the ones that have been used & if your buying a modified one be sure to check exactly whats been done as there have been a few less than ideal bits been done by certain 'tuners' that can cause serious issues with what is otherwise a very strong engine.
The later cars have an extra line of stitching on the front seat bases a pink trumpet on the throttle cable an updated engine map & a engine start sticker around the start button, take no notice of build numbers in regards to early or later cars mine is 2376 but ive seen earlier cars with build numbers in the 4000's
i think Ford just threw all the numbers in a big bucket rather than use them in any order Turbos get tired at @ 60k but a good reason for upgrade
front shocks are expensive & can knock (although could also be charge cooler bushes that are cheap) & when you need anything always look at the Rsoc or Focus Rs enthusiasts club as most parts can be had lots cheaper.A few cars have had some corrosion issues mainly rear arches & the edge of the front wing where it reaches the bumper (normally n/side) so watch out for this.
Hope this all helps & doesnt put you off i genuinely believe there is no better allround hot hatch on the market buy well & you will have a truly great car & if you want any help or advice feel free to pm me
Thank you both for the replies, very informative and not off-putting in the slightest!
I have spoken to Ash about his, I hadn't realised it was modified - I think I would prefer it to be standard (to start with;)) though I won't rule anything out just yet - I will keep you guys posted on progress, and I'm sure I'll have a few more questions between now and purchase time!
I have spoken to Ash about his, I hadn't realised it was modified - I think I would prefer it to be standard (to start with;)) though I won't rule anything out just yet - I will keep you guys posted on progress, and I'm sure I'll have a few more questions between now and purchase time!
mackay45 said:
Thank you both for the replies, very informative and not off-putting in the slightest!
I have spoken to Ash about his, I hadn't realised it was modified - I think I would prefer it to be standard (to start with;)) though I won't rule anything out just yet - I will keep you guys posted on progress, and I'm sure I'll have a few more questions between now and purchase time!
You could always get his & wind the boost down then when your ready just turn it back up again I have spoken to Ash about his, I hadn't realised it was modified - I think I would prefer it to be standard (to start with;)) though I won't rule anything out just yet - I will keep you guys posted on progress, and I'm sure I'll have a few more questions between now and purchase time!
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