Swap my mk5 GTI for a mk4 Focus RS?
Discussion
Greetings from Norway!
So I find myself in the peculiar situation of having my wife pushing me to buy a Focus RS...
For context, we live in Norway so would really like 4 wheel drive, and with a baby on the way we need something practical.
Im also an absolute fanatic about manual gearboxes, so the Focus ticks a lot of boxes. (The Golf R wasn't available with a manual in Norway).
Thing is, she wants me to swap it for my dear 2005 golf gti, which I did a minor restoration to last year so its in really good condition.
Shes keen on the focus because of the 4 wheel drive and modcons such as reversing camera and all that stuff, and just having something a bit newer.
Im torn though. I love the GTI, its cheap to run looks good and drives really well with a few mods on it.
What do you guys think? Is the RS a good everyday family car as well as a fun sports car? Am I stupid to sell the GTI now that its probably hit rock bottom in terms of values and might even increase in the future?
Any thoughts and experiences running an RS as a family car would be much appreciated
Heres a photo of my gti, just cause
So I find myself in the peculiar situation of having my wife pushing me to buy a Focus RS...
For context, we live in Norway so would really like 4 wheel drive, and with a baby on the way we need something practical.
Im also an absolute fanatic about manual gearboxes, so the Focus ticks a lot of boxes. (The Golf R wasn't available with a manual in Norway).
Thing is, she wants me to swap it for my dear 2005 golf gti, which I did a minor restoration to last year so its in really good condition.
Shes keen on the focus because of the 4 wheel drive and modcons such as reversing camera and all that stuff, and just having something a bit newer.
Im torn though. I love the GTI, its cheap to run looks good and drives really well with a few mods on it.
What do you guys think? Is the RS a good everyday family car as well as a fun sports car? Am I stupid to sell the GTI now that its probably hit rock bottom in terms of values and might even increase in the future?
Any thoughts and experiences running an RS as a family car would be much appreciated
Heres a photo of my gti, just cause
Yeah the RS isn't practical. Tiny boot and rear seat space isn't great either. I went from a Mk5 GTI to a MK3 Focus ST estate due to growing family - the boot on the estate is really good, but it was very tight in the back with rear facing child seats, worse than the Golf.
Edit - I assume you mean a MK3 RS?
Edit - I assume you mean a MK3 RS?
Edited by Hub on Thursday 24th December 16:43
The Focus divides opinions, on forums it’s the work of the devil but most respected magazines etc say it’s brilliant.
I think the head gasket issues put most people off, there are a couple of you tubers that loved the car but have sold theirs on for this very reason.
Not sure it would make a great family car to be honest but as an all round daily it’s hard to beat.
I’m considering going from an Edition 30 to one late next year as I’ve always fancied one.
I think the head gasket issues put most people off, there are a couple of you tubers that loved the car but have sold theirs on for this very reason.
Not sure it would make a great family car to be honest but as an all round daily it’s hard to beat.
I’m considering going from an Edition 30 to one late next year as I’ve always fancied one.
Thanks for the replies and the compliments for the gti!
Yeah its a bit weird the mk3 rs, opinions seem very divided, and it sounds like its a lot better at being a sportscar than it is as a family car.
Anyway, booked a test drive of one for tuesday so we'll see if I like it, ill keep you posted!
R32 and WRX are not really and option as the former is too old and I don't think I can live with interior of the latter
Cant really go for the cheap 4wd option as we already have an e golf for daily duties, and the hot hatch need to fill the need for longer trips and my sportscar addiction
Yeah its a bit weird the mk3 rs, opinions seem very divided, and it sounds like its a lot better at being a sportscar than it is as a family car.
Anyway, booked a test drive of one for tuesday so we'll see if I like it, ill keep you posted!
R32 and WRX are not really and option as the former is too old and I don't think I can live with interior of the latter
Cant really go for the cheap 4wd option as we already have an e golf for daily duties, and the hot hatch need to fill the need for longer trips and my sportscar addiction
)I've had three Ford's now.
MK1 focus zetec 1.6
Puma 1.7
Mk7 fiesta ST3 (current car)
None have been disappointing in any way. In fact they've all been great to drive and cheap to run.
Aside from a very early Polo which was my second car I've never been that interested in VAG. Whenever I've looked at them they are a bit dull and seem very expensive for what they are.
Focus RS is out of my league. It's probably a bit OTT as well. Surely a good car though.
MK1 focus zetec 1.6
Puma 1.7
Mk7 fiesta ST3 (current car)
None have been disappointing in any way. In fact they've all been great to drive and cheap to run.
Aside from a very early Polo which was my second car I've never been that interested in VAG. Whenever I've looked at them they are a bit dull and seem very expensive for what they are.
Focus RS is out of my league. It's probably a bit OTT as well. Surely a good car though.
Trackdayer said:
Having owned both I'd say the Golf is better built, better handling, better spec'd and better looking. The Ford is just a disappointment, as most Fords are.
Obviously a vag fan then, having owned a mkv golf albeit at GTTDi I’d say factory spec was very basic, looks wise the focus wins and my Golf rattled and didn’t wear its miles well. What colour was your RS ?Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff