I fell in love with Ford a few years ago after owning a Fiesta ST—it was the best car I’ve ever had. Unfortunately, I had to trade it in for a 5-door due to family needs. Naturally, I thought the Focus ST would be the right upgrade, but it just didn’t give me the same feeling.
Now, I’m in a position where I can consider a Focus RS, but I’m worried I might have missed the boat. The car I’m looking at is a 2016 model with only 20,000 miles. My family, however, is concerned about the cost of an 8-year-old car. They’re worried it’ll become a money pit, and finding parts might be difficult since the RS has been discontinued.
I’ve also read about the infamous head gasket issue on the 2016 RS. Is there a reliable way to check if this car has already had the problem fixed?
I’ve always dreamed of owning an RS, but now I’m second-guessing myself after hearing everyone else’s opinions. What do you guys think?
Parts might be hard to find and pricey. I’ve got a 2014 Astra VXR, and the lack of aftermarket parts has made repairs crazy expensive. Just to give you an idea: I needed front brake discs, and the only place that had them was Vauxhall for £2500! Thankfully, I found a smaller shop that sold them for £800. If you go for the RS, just keep in mind that some parts could get rare and expensive, even though it’s just a Focus.
Remington said: @Blaze
I can’t believe anyone would pay £2500 for brakes, let alone for a Vauxhall!
Honestly, I love my VXR. It’s quick, looks great, and has been reliable for six years. I’ve only done routine maintenance, and it’s paid off, so I’ll be keeping it for a while.
Remington said: @Blaze
I can’t believe anyone would pay £2500 for brakes, let alone for a Vauxhall!
Yeah, I had a similar issue with my Porsche back in the day. Parts cost a fortune, and every little noise made me worry about another expensive repair. Eventually, the engine failed, and that was the end of it. Never again!
@Lex
That’s what puts me off cars like these. They’re fun, but the repair bills can ruin the experience. It’s why I’d hesitate on something like the RS.
I’ve had my Focus RS for 14 years now. Bought it new in 2009 and kept it in great shape with full service history. There are some parts that are harder to find, but it doesn’t bother me.
The 2016 RS almost certainly came with the faulty head gasket. Most likely, the previous owner already replaced it, but you can check yourself by looking at the gasket tabs sticking out of the engine. Here’s a guide: link.
If you can afford it and it’s your dream car, go for it. 8 years isn’t that old for a car, especially if it’s in good shape. Don’t let family members who don’t know much about cars talk you out of it. They’ll always have something to say.
One thing to think about is security. RS models are still very desirable to thieves. I’ve heard of people breaking into homes at night just to grab the keys. It’s a shame, but if you live in a high-risk area, it’s something to consider.
Have you thought about the Mk4 Focus ST? It’s the same engine as the RS but detuned to 280bhp. You could tune it up to around 330bhp if you wanted. It’s FWD, but it has a great diff and rev-matching. For the same price, you’d get a newer car with fewer potential headaches, though it won’t have the AWD fun of the RS.
I bought a 67-plate RS last year and had the same concerns. Ultimately, I went for it because this is likely the last petrol/manual RS they’ll ever make. It’s been amazing, and I don’t regret it. Just be aware that the ride is rough and the sport suspension setting is borderline unusable on UK roads.
The head gasket issue on earlier RS models should be resolved by now. There’s a rivet you can check to confirm it’s been fixed (there are YouTube videos about it). 2016 models are still holding their value, so if you’re going to buy one, now’s the time before prices go up in the summer.