Ford Focus RS

[TheSentinel_]

Story Time!

Or just forget the story and browse through the pictures

This is a rather lengthy post, so be warned!

 

Two months ago I purchased a monster of a machine, I didn't really know what I was getting into - but I'm extremely glad I did. I had been debating about buying a new car for quite a while, however I wasn't looking at anything specific, just a variety of models and manufacturers. Mostly circling around Audi's, BMW's, Merc's, Subaru's and Vauxhall's (VXR's ). Truth be told, I hadn't even considered Ford whatsoever - until I found this. As soon as I set eyes on the car, I wanted it - simple as that. The child in me escaped and my alternative options went straight out the window. This was the car I wanted, and I wasn't going to take no for an answer. So here she is when I picked her up from the dealership:

 

 

 

 

(I apologize for the quality, clearly I was too busy shaking like a sh*ttng dog with excitement or something and forgot about waiting for my camera to focus ). I had reserved/put down the deposit on this car before even setting my eyes upon it in person, I took my chances with just the photo's. The dealership was (and still is) a four hour drive away from my house - which for your American's, in your huge country is a minor trip to the shops. Over here, that's classed as a long, marathon of a journey! I rang the dealership and after a few phone calls, I decided to put a £500 deposit on the car, for them to valet it and basically prepare it for sale. Now since the car was the distance it was, the very kind individual basically said "We'll take the £500, you come down at the weekend and view the car, if you like it, you drive away in it, if not, we'll give you your £500 back and off you go". So I chose to do exactly that. Me and my dad set off the day before, stayed in a hotel, I attempted to sleep but didn't really manage it before preparing to head to the dealership. When I got there, it's safe to say - pictures do not do this car justice. It is an absolute mint, gem, diamond - whatever you want to call it. My eyes lit up and that was that, before even properly viewing the car - which I don't recommend, I had purchased it fully, signed the papers and was ready to go on my way.

 

The four hour journey back, was probably one of the best journeys of my life. The shear power and instant pull off at the slight tap on the pedal is crazy, and the sound.. when the turbo kicks in at 2500 rev's is just erection making. It makes me smile every time I get in it, and it seems to have the same effect on the females too . Anyway, let's get a few more pictures in here:

 

 

 

 

 

The figures on this car also match the price (something I won't disclose ). It is a 300bhp, turbocharged monster - to put it simply. Running off a 2.5L, 5 cylinder, petrol engine, this car's 0-60 time is somewhere around the 5.9 mark, but I it definitely feels so much quicker. The top achievable speed is apparently 164/165mph - I personally have had the car, if you can call it a car, to 143/144mph for a few seconds until I took a quick peak at the MPG. Quite surprisingly it's still front wheel drive - much alike it's predecessor however the new RS (Which I absolutely hate the front of) has been converted to 4WD. Although it is only driven through the front, there is no holding on for dear life, no arm-snapping cornering, it all seems very smooth due to the implication of RevoKnuckle (I'll let the two of you who are actually reading this, look that up). The car I bought had pretty decent statistics too. It was registered in 2011, and considered they stopped making them in late 2010, that's quite rare in itself. At the time, it had 24,000 miles and two previous owners. In terms of standard gear, it has quick clear front windscreen - and I mean quick, automatic, auto-levelling Xenon headlights, heated/powered door mirrors, an easy-fill fuel system. Now the added equipment is also a welcomed addition. The monster has all optional extra's, a seven inch touch-screen unit embedded into the centre console, including reverse camera, built in sat nav, bluetooth phone connection - both luxury packs featuring dual climate control, rain-sensor wipers, parking detectors, tyre-deflation detection. The 'Ultimate Green' paint also cost extra at £695 when purchased new.

 

Now if that wasn't enough I wanted to arm my car like Fort Knox, so in doing so I had two immobilizers fitted, two alarms (one with a warn-away system) and a tracking device which can be tracked via an app on my phone, and by the company who monitor the devices. That was fairly pricey in itself, but with all the key-cloning clowns out there I'd hate to wake up one day to find my car had gone walk-abouts and the key that I possessed wasn't even linked to my own car.

 

It looked absolutely brand new when I bought it, as if it just rolled off the shop floor. Still does now, all be it a little dirtier. In terms of pro's and con's, here's a few things to bare in mind:

 

Pro's

- It's extremely quick, you'll feel the power before you know what's happening.

- The sound of the turbo is more than emphatic, it's so pleasing - especially with the turbo gage on the dashboard.

- It's surprisingly comfy, the seats literally wrap themselves around you, more so when applying the power.

- The cockpit is something similar to being in a fighter jet, with all the bells and whistles.

- Corners like a charm - even at speed, just grips, grips, grips and then carries on gripping.

- It's a head turner, people can't help it.. The colour, the sound.. People just look, and they know it.

- Nothing needs altering about it, no chip/tuning, it's ready to go. I will be keeping mine standard, as it'll be more valuable in the long run.

- The reverse camera itself is a god send, so easy to park in the tightest of spaces - just be aware of other careless drivers.

 

Con's

- Drinks fuel, chugs it. (If your worried about economy, this cars not for you.) 25mpg average. 9mpg at 100mph, 17mpg urban driving.

- Everyone tries to race you at the lights, even people you wouldn't expect.

- It's very low, probably not the best car for taking the grandparents out shopping - (although the boot is huge).

- Not the most practical of cars. (I have plenty of time in my older, more sensible, streetwise life to have a more practical vehicle).

 

 

Pretty much it, if I think of any other additional info worth putting down I'll add it. If anyone has actually read this far, congrats. Hope I haven't bored you guys too much, but thanks for reading. If you have any questions or input, you know what to do.

Edited August 25, 2015 by TheSentinel_

[DMC14]

nice, i like em. there's not many in australia. saw a few around when they were new havent seen one in ages.

 

never been in one.

[Niko Montana]

The Ford Focus RS is a great car, no question. My uncle owns a 2004 model, and unfortunately I don't really see too many of the new models, but the old ones are still quite popular over here.

[MyName'sJeff]

If you can afford it, why not, I do love seeing cars like this on the road. IMO, I'd love to see that in metallic white with black alloys. And 25 MPG average on that is actually pretty good for what it is. Yes its not economical obviously, but not too shabby. Grats on getting it.

[Spectacus]

I'm glad for you mate, it's a very popular car down in London.

 

Have you got any plans for it?

Edited August 25, 2015 by Spectacus

[Flachbau]

Congratulations on your purchase! I love that color to death I prefer this RS' design over the new one, honestly.

[TheSentinel_]

nice, i like em. there's not many in australia. saw a few around when they were new havent seen one in ages.

 

never been in one.

 

If you ever get the chance, jump at it sir. It's an absolute machine. There's not too many around here in all honesty, I don't know how many were made.

The Ford Focus RS is a great car, no question. My uncle owns a 2004 model, and unfortunately I don't really see too many of the new models, but the old ones are still quite popular over here.

 

The dealership where I got mine from have a few old ones lying around, and they have a rather old escort rs (I forget what model) but it basically didn't have a price on it - a very rare car. I have never seen an old RS on the road around here, well from what I can recall anyway.

If you can afford it, why not, I do love seeing cars like this on the road. IMO, I'd love to see that in metallic white with black alloys. And 25 MPG average on that is actually pretty good for what it is. Yes its not economical obviously, but not too shabby. Grats on getting it.

 

Yeah, the white ones look rather smart too, but for me the green sold it. It's nice and bright, easy to find in a car park, very flash and hard to miss. But yeah, for what it is, I'm very impressed. I've got plenty of time to get something more economical.. when I'm old. Until then, thanks man!

I'm glad for you mate, it's a very popular car down in London.

 

Have you got any plans for it?

 

I honestly don't plan to do anything to it, many have it chipped/tuned but na, not for me. The car was aimed at 300BHP for a reason imo, and I don't plan to go wrapping it around any tree's, so I think I'm pretty happy with how it is at the moment. In the long run, I think it'll be a bit more valuable, due to the fact it's got all the optional extras, and it's still standard - so there's no worries about anything going wrong in terms of after market parts/upgrades.

Congratulations on your purchase! I love that color to death I prefer this RS' design over the new one, honestly.

 

Thanks man. Yeah for me it was all about the colour, it looks immense. There were quite a lot of different colour schemes at the dealership, but this one was the one for me! I do sort-of like the new RS design, I will admit it has grown on me, but the front is still absolutely disgusting. I waited for the images of the new RS to be released before purchasing this model, just to be sure I know which one I wanted, and I'm very glad I chose this.

[Affalterbach]

Congrats mate, nice hatch!

[sivispacem]

I'll stick my head above the parapet and say I personally rather dislike how the Mk2 RS looks compared to the Mk1 and upcoming Mk3. They definitely had a "type" in mind as primary buyers and that's been affirmed IMO by some of the utterly knobbish behaviour I've seen from owners of them over the years. That said, the same goes for most hot hatches these day and I'm sure you don't tuck your tracksuit bottoms into your socks, do you?

 

That said, they're astonishingly competent and very very fast, and on flowing A-roads there's very little in their class that even gets close in performance or enjoyment. They really are fantastic cars...Once your inside them and don't have to look at all the silly wings and fins that is

 

Enjoy! I have it on good authority that thanks to the ATB Quaife diff 300bhp is definitely not "too much". You should also look into the Whiteline Anti-Lift Kit; if the difference it made on my Leon is anything to go by it's well worth the £150-odd cost for improving turn-in and decreasing the tendency for the nose to push out when cornering under hard acceleration. And more of an aesthetic thing, but some narrow spacers (maybe 6mm) will reduce the slight tuck at the rear and give it an even meaner stance.

[Dottie]

Nice ride. I had the fortunate experience of seeing one in the united states a few months back (LH drive) in the same green. They are really nice looking cars for sure.

[Adrenalist]

Love the color, the muscular bodywork, those louvers (all of them), and those wheels! That car looks great! Grats!

[TheSentinel_]

Congrats mate, nice hatch!

 

Thanks matey, I hope you have an AMG sir. Or are aiming to get one!

I'll stick my head above the parapet and say I personally rather dislike how the Mk2 RS looks compared to the Mk1 and upcoming Mk3. They definitely had a "type" in mind as primary buyers and that's been affirmed IMO by some of the utterly knobbish behaviour I've seen from owners of them over the years. That said, the same goes for most hot hatches these day and I'm sure you don't tuck your tracksuit bottoms into your socks, do you?

 

That said, they're astonishingly competent and very very fast, and on flowing A-roads there's very little in their class that even gets close in performance or enjoyment. They really are fantastic cars...Once your inside them and don't have to look at all the silly wings and fins that is

 

Enjoy! I have it on good authority that thanks to the ATB Quaife diff 300bhp is definitely not "too much". You should also look into the Whiteline Anti-Lift Kit; if the difference it made on my Leon is anything to go by it's well worth the £150-odd cost for improving turn-in and decreasing the tendency for the nose to push out when cornering under hard acceleration. And more of an aesthetic thing, but some narrow spacers (maybe 6mm) will reduce the slight tuck at the rear and give it an even meaner stance.

 

But I thought tucking my tracksuit bottoms into my socks was cool . But yeah, I respect your opinions/views. It's not for everyone, and I can completely agree about the nob-heads who drive similar cars. I mean I'm probably one of them, but I adore it, and 'no ragrets'.

 

And thanks for the recommendations, if the time comes - I'll look into it. As for now, she's staying as she is.. Monster.

Nice ride. I had the fortunate experience of seeing one in the united states a few months back (LH drive) in the same green. They are really nice looking cars for sure.

 

Yessir! They definitely turn heads, the engine just purs, even at low revs. If you don't see it (somehow), you'll definitely hear it.

Love the color, the muscular bodywork, those louvers (all of them), and those wheels! That car looks great! Grats!

 

Thanks matey! Yeah, I love the entire package too, simply nothing I'd change. My friends are pretty envious because in their later teen years they spent quite a fair bit of cash on taking polo's, golf's, clio's, leon's, 106's, etc.. and spending even more modifying/customising them - distastefully, might I add, whilst I've been sitting on my savings, ready to buy a car I don't need to do anything to, has all the bells and whistles, and is simply a dream to drive. I think I did the right thing.

[Adrenalist]

Thanks matey! Yeah, I love the entire package too, simply nothing I'd change. My friends are pretty envious because in their later teen years they spent quite a fair bit of cash on taking polo's, golf's, clio's, leon's, 106's, etc.. and spending even more modifying/customising them - distastefully, might I add, whilst I've been sitting on my savings, ready to buy a car I don't need to do anything to, has all the bells and whistles, and is simply a dream to drive. I think I did the right thing.

You absolutely are. It took me quite a few wasted years, cars, and cash to understand that premise. Outstanding that you've learned that just through observation. Very cool.

[TheSentinel_]

 

Thanks matey! Yeah, I love the entire package too, simply nothing I'd change. My friends are pretty envious because in their later teen years they spent quite a fair bit of cash on taking polo's, golf's, clio's, leon's, 106's, etc.. and spending even more modifying/customising them - distastefully, might I add, whilst I've been sitting on my savings, ready to buy a car I don't need to do anything to, has all the bells and whistles, and is simply a dream to drive. I think I did the right thing.

You absolutely are. It took me quite a few wasted years, cars, and cash to understand that premise. Outstanding that you've learned that just through observation. Very cool.

 

 

Most of my wisom/outlooks in life are actually passed on from my dad, but we all learn from mistakes.

[turbocharger]

Only your excitement and enthusiasm put a big smile on my face. I can only imagine how you feel. I'm happy for you, and I'm happy for the car, because it seems to me it's in good hands. And yes, you did not only the right, but also the smartest thing you could by saving the money and buying a real car instead of jumping right away at a Polo, Clio etc. It's something where many people mistake at and only few, smart ones do what you did. Patience and money saving. It's hard but rewarding, like abstinence.

Drive it, love it and take care of it. Regular maintaining, detailed cleaning and you're golden. Don't be afraid to step on it, tho, that ride was born for that.

 

I wish you much luck and many great memories with the car, enjoy it.

[TheSentinel_]

Only your excitement and enthusiasm put a big smile on my face. I can only imagine how you feel. I'm happy for you, and I'm happy for the car, because it seems to me it's in good hands. And yes, you did not only the right, but also the smartest thing you could by saving the money and buying a real car instead of jumping right away at a Polo, Clio etc. It's something where many people mistake at and only few, smart ones do what you did. Patience and money saving. It's hard but rewarding, like abstinence.

Drive it, love it and take care of it. Regular maintaining, detailed cleaning and you're golden. Don't be afraid to step on it, tho, that ride was born for that.

 

I wish you much luck and many great memories with the car, enjoy it.

 

Thanks man. I take pretty good care of it, it's crystal clean at the moment But yeah I know I made the right choice by saving up for something that needed no tuning, no modifications, no nothing - it's not necessary! It's got everything I need and more and I would advise anyone thinking about buying car to modify, just take a second to think about how much you're going to put in and consider the car's downfall in price. Quite a few individuals also modify it to their tastes, completely unaware that it is a personal preference and not everyone will like what you've done - often the major issue when it comes to selling. Although I absolutely cherish it, I do have a tendency to put my foot down, just hearing the turbo roar and feel the car take off is so satisfying! Can't actually resist it. But thanks again matey!

[Outcast]

Looks really nice man, congrats.

[Svip]

300 bhp on a FWD car? Particularly with the turbo, doesn't that give a lot of torque steer?

 

I don't mean to be a downer, I am just very curious about that.

[Sean O'God]

^Its LSD is supposed to help with that.

 

Super nice RS. It's wicked you got the car you wanted!

[TheSentinel_]

Looks really nice man, congrats.

 

Thanks matey, I try to keep her that way! Nice and clean

[TheSentinel_]

300 bhp on a FWD car? Particularly with the turbo, doesn't that give a lot of torque steer?

 

I don't mean to be a downer, I am just very curious about that.

 

Nope! I understand your thinking, and I was exactly the same, very sceptical as to how this thing actually turns at high speeds, but as I mentioned above it uses RevoKnuckle. The implementation of the RevoKnuckle actually cuts out the torque steer - not completely, but lessens it more than enough to corner quickly - the grip it has is rather insane. Here's a pretty presentation of diagrams that help explain it (If you're actually interested in the equipment) http://www.not2fast.com/chassis/revoKnuckle.pdf

^Its LSD is supposed to help with that.

 

Super nice RS. It's wicked you got the car you wanted!

 

Thanks chief! And I hope you have a GTR!

Or at least drive the Elegy around in GTA.

Edited August 31, 2015 by TheSentinel_

[chris]

Boss motor you got yourself there mate, you're clearly buzzing and that's what matters, ive been beaming from ear to ear for over a month since getting my new car, ironically about two weeks after i got it i had a few drag races with some random bloke in a mk2 RS, the front does look lovely... from my rear view mirror

[TheSentinel_]

Boss motor you got yourself there mate, you're clearly buzzing and that's what matters, ive been beaming from ear to ear for over a month since getting my new car, ironically about two weeks after i got it i had a few drag races with some random bloke in a mk2 RS, the front does look lovely... from my rear view mirror

 

Goodman! Glad to hear you're having the same feeling as me. 'If you get out of it, and don't look back at it.. It's not the car for you.'

[richard1997jones]

I like the RS but its a bit pricey.

[TheSentinel_]

I like the RS but its a bit pricey.

 

Yeah it is rather pricey, especially if you want one in the best of conditions. But that's just how it is I'm afraid. I bit the bullet and went for it, and yeah.. still no regrets..

[epoxi]

On the bright side, at least they hardly depreciate. A well kept 2003 model from the last generation still gets comfortably more than £10,000.

Edited October 4, 2015 by epoxi

[TheSentinel_]

On the bright side, at least they hardly depreciate. A well kept 2003 model from the last generation still gets comfortably more than £10,000.

 

Mhm. The dealership I got mine from had two first generation RS's laying around, along with two sierra cosworth's.. Didn't put a price on them though - just stored gaining money in the showroom!