Mk 3 Focus RS

[RSstuff]

I've been looking for a Mk3 RS Focus for a while now, based on the great reviews that they get. But dig a bit deeper and it seems that there could be more to the engine issues, than just the wrong head gasket being fitted by Ford. There are rumours that just changing the head gasket wasn't a permanent cure. And that the block and or head could also distort, and that there's no long term fix for that?

[Belle427]

There is enough info on the internet to read but i have not seen many reports of block issues.
They are what you call an open deck design which was the same as the MK2 which did have some issues with overheating too, the block mod as it was called was carried out to these.
If the engine has the correct gasket fitted and has been running well for a while you cant do any more really.
Some had the heads replaced too I believe as part of the recall.
Not many specialists are favourable about this engine, there was a channel on You Tube I used to watch called BD Performance who were always working on them and generally not very complimentary.
Any car can be a risk so i would just do your research and make sure any recall work has been done, a warranty would be a bonus if possible.

[twing]

I haven't been on in a while but https://www.focusrsoc.com/forums/ used to be a mine of info

[Jamescrs]

Don’t know much about the engine but I do know BD performance referenced above, they did loads of work on my Mk2 Focus ST 10 or so years ago and they do know what they are talking about where fast Fords of that era are concerned. I’d be listening to them if they say there are inherent engine issues.

[RSstuff]

I watched some youtube clips, and it seems the open deck RS 2.3 block isn't as strong as the later ST 2.0 closed deck version. This make me think a lower mileage unmodified car may be a better option.

[Belle427]

I would try to find a standard one personally, I know the Mountune stuff was Ford approved but I would still prefer to see one that has not been messed with too much.

[RSstuff]

I recently looked at a one owner low mileage RS a Ford main dealer had taken in p/ex. They didn't tell me it had a Milltek exhaust fitted though. I like a fruity exhaust, but the bangs on the over run were ridiculously loud, and too much for me.

[Belle427]

I would not let it be a deal breaker as it is easily rectified.

[RSstuff]

Belle427 said:

I would not let it be a deal breaker as it is easily rectified.

It had been lowered on what felt like even stiffer springs too. Not sure about spending nearly £34k on a car, I then had to start changing parts on. If it was nearer £30k maybe.

[Belle427]

Not sure i would spend that on one, £25k should get you into something nice.

[RSstuff]

Belle427 said:

Not sure i would spend that on one, £25k should get you into something nice.

I'm looking for blue with shell seats, forged wheels, less than 20k miles and not many owners. The Ford RS tax is steep on those...

[Belle427]

Something always turns up, may be worth joining the facebook groups they are fairly active and cars come up for sale now and again.
You could even ask there if anyone is thinking of selling, I had a decent response a while ago when I was looking.

[lee1610]

I’d definitely test drive one first. I wanted to scratch the itch for one but it left me underwhelmed.

Sound good on paper but I’d always be worried of it going bang.

Plus side is you probably wouldn’t lose any money on one.

[RSstuff]

lee1610 said:

I d definitely test drive one first. I wanted to scratch the itch for one but it left me underwhelmed.

Sound good on paper but I d always be worried of it going bang.

Plus side is you probably wouldn t lose any money on one.

I've driven 2 lowish mileage cars recently, and neither felt that it had any thing like 350 bhp. If they're all like that, perhaps the awd setup has more drag than a Haldex car.