Should I Buy a Focus RS?

I’m looking for a fun, manual car that fits the following criteria:

  • Must be a manual
  • Must be 4 doors
  • Must be AWD
  • Must be FUN to drive (subjective, I know)
  • Budget is $40k or less

The Focus RS seems to tick all these boxes. I’d love input from those who know these cars better than I do.

Questions:

  1. What are common issues?
  2. Are maintenance costs high?
  3. Are certain years better or worse? (e.g., 2016 vs. 2017 vs. 2018?)
  4. Is the aftermarket support extensive or limited?
  5. Is there any reason I should NOT buy an RS?

All years are good, but the 2018 has a front limited-slip differential, better dampers, and other refinements. Maintenance isn’t abnormally high if the car is treated well, and aftermarket support is strong. Test the Recaro seats—some people love them, others find them uncomfortable.

The RS is fun, but the suspension is stiff, and maintenance can add up over time. Issues like the head gasket (for early models), turbo noise, and trim rattles are known problems. Test drive to see if it suits your needs!

The RS is rare, with fewer than 10k in the US over 3 years, but aftermarket support is excellent. If you’re okay with the quirks and rarity, it’s a great choice.

Consider the ride quality. The RS is stiff, even in normal mode. If comfort is important, maybe look at a Type R (though it’s FWD). For harsh winters, the RS AWD shines.

Check for head gasket revisions on 2016-2017 models. Other issues include weather stripping, PTU leaks, and exhaust valve sticking. Despite the quirks, it’s a great performance car.

Thanks for the insights! It seems like the 2018 model might be worth the extra cost due to the added LSD and refinements. I’ll definitely test the Recaro seats before committing.

The RS is great if you’re okay with minor issues like weather stripping or rattles. If reliability is your top priority, consider an STI as well.

The 2018 RS includes RS2 package features like heated seats and steering wheel, black roof, and other refinements. It’s the best model year if you can find one in budget.

Thanks for all the advice. I’m planning to test drive both the RS and STI to see which one feels more fun. I appreciate all the detailed feedback!