Focus RS Mk1 as a daily driver?
Discussion
I do an 80 Mile commute - exacly half motorway, half B roads. I want something a little bit special and have been keeping my eye on Mk1 RS's.
I know it's a shame to put 20,000 miles on one (plan to keep it for a year and then try something else or buy something else and make it my friday/weekend car).
Thoughts? Experiences?
Thanks
I know it's a shame to put 20,000 miles on one (plan to keep it for a year and then try something else or buy something else and make it my friday/weekend car).
Thoughts? Experiences?
Thanks
Quite a few users on the RSOC forum that run them as daily drivers and in various stages of tune, with no real problems other than keeping on top of the maintenance, as you'd do with any car really 
If you get a chance have a flip through some of the threads on the forum as they tend to cover a number of the usual problems/issues that can crop up. Things relating to the chargecooler pump, etc.
http://bbs.rsownersclub.co.uk/
If you get a chance have a flip through some of the threads on the forum as they tend to cover a number of the usual problems/issues that can crop up. Things relating to the chargecooler pump, etc.
http://bbs.rsownersclub.co.uk/
That's exactly it. Every journey an event.
I ran an E30 325i for a year doing an epic commute (pembrokeshire to London weekly) and loved every minute of it (right up until the cylinder head cracked and then the 'new' replacement cracked within 2 weeks of me paying £700 to get it fitted etc etc). It was the time off the road that did for it - we (wife and I) both needed cars so me taking hers for the week really didn't work.
But I want that buzz again; that feeling when you walk up to your car and you can't wait to get in it and get going.
I ran an E30 325i for a year doing an epic commute (pembrokeshire to London weekly) and loved every minute of it (right up until the cylinder head cracked and then the 'new' replacement cracked within 2 weeks of me paying £700 to get it fitted etc etc). It was the time off the road that did for it - we (wife and I) both needed cars so me taking hers for the week really didn't work.
But I want that buzz again; that feeling when you walk up to your car and you can't wait to get in it and get going.
Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:
I know it sounds odd but I'm also considering an ST220 too. I know they are completely different cars but thought I'd throw it out there. Got to be careful with the road tax though of course.
Think the big road tax came in around 55/06 plate.Mine's been tinkered with (Focus ST brakes, JP exhaust) and it's a comfy cruiser, and surprisingly nimble on the B-roads but it's a very different kettle of fish to the RS Mk1!
If you find yourself Northampton way, you're more than welcome to come for blat.
Thank you Podie! Love to! Sadly however I've never actually visited Northampton (or had cause to) in my 40 (well 39 yrs, 11 months!) years.
I know the ST is a completely and utterly different kettle of fish (more a barrel in comparison to the kettle that is the Focus) but I had a diesel 2007 Mondeo and it handled really well. The B roads I have to use aren't the greatest so am looking for something that handles really well.
Any thoughts much appreciated. Also like the Golf Mk IV R32 , Seat Leon Cupra R 225 (BAM engined one), EP3 civic Type R, Renaultsport Megane dci (the 175bhp version)....the list goes on.....! In fact I've got a list of over 15 cars I'd consider plus the other scenario where I throw some money (about £1,500) at the current 190,000mile 5 series touring I've got and then buy an E36 M3 as a Friday/weekend car or an E30 325i sport (same scenario).
I know the ST is a completely and utterly different kettle of fish (more a barrel in comparison to the kettle that is the Focus) but I had a diesel 2007 Mondeo and it handled really well. The B roads I have to use aren't the greatest so am looking for something that handles really well.
Any thoughts much appreciated. Also like the Golf Mk IV R32 , Seat Leon Cupra R 225 (BAM engined one), EP3 civic Type R, Renaultsport Megane dci (the 175bhp version)....the list goes on.....! In fact I've got a list of over 15 cars I'd consider plus the other scenario where I throw some money (about £1,500) at the current 190,000mile 5 series touring I've got and then buy an E36 M3 as a Friday/weekend car or an E30 325i sport (same scenario).
Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:
Thank you Podie! Love to! Sadly however I've never actually visited Northampton (or had cause to) in my 40 (well 39 yrs, 11 months!) years.
I know the ST is a completely and utterly different kettle of fish (more a barrel in comparison to the kettle that is the Focus) but I had a diesel 2007 Mondeo and it handled really well. The B roads I have to use aren't the greatest so am looking for something that handles really well.
Assuming it was the Mk3 shape, then the ST220 had revised suspension and thicker ARBs.I know the ST is a completely and utterly different kettle of fish (more a barrel in comparison to the kettle that is the Focus) but I had a diesel 2007 Mondeo and it handled really well. The B roads I have to use aren't the greatest so am looking for something that handles really well.
It's a big old bus, but with the geometry set correctly and decent tyres they are surprisingly capable. Certainly worth a test drive.
I've run mine as a daily for over 6 years & have added near on 70k (on 100 now) its been a very reliable & enjoyable experience ive modified it over the years to over 300bhp & it had remained a reliable car just a bit more fun 
I e had a couple of problems but nothing you would not expect for the miles & in all that time I have only broken down once
I e had a couple of problems but nothing you would not expect for the miles & in all that time I have only broken down once neiljohnson said:
Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:
Neil - fantastic effort fella - you still achieving 30mpg ish despite 300bhp under your right foot?!
never! I get @ 24mpg as a rule but when the wife uses it she gets around 32mpg so it's certainly possible I didn't want to calculate mine!
I thought I'd get a laugh by posting 30mpg!
I'd really like one but the thought of putting 20k miles a year on one (and thus destroying the value and the car in the long term); not sure I could do that to an RS.
Maybe I should buy the ST170? cheap - throw away - doesn't matter if it goes to the moon and back. But then part of me thinks - you're going to be sat in it every day, driving it every day. Why compromise?
I'm now edging towards an R32 (mkiv) but again - have the same feelings. I don't want to buy an anonymous euro box but can't bring myself to add too many miles to a collectible either.
I'd really like one but the thought of putting 20k miles a year on one (and thus destroying the value and the car in the long term); not sure I could do that to an RS.
Maybe I should buy the ST170? cheap - throw away - doesn't matter if it goes to the moon and back. But then part of me thinks - you're going to be sat in it every day, driving it every day. Why compromise?
I'm now edging towards an R32 (mkiv) but again - have the same feelings. I don't want to buy an anonymous euro box but can't bring myself to add too many miles to a collectible either.
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