Ford Focus RS This forum is for discussion of all things pertaining to the Ford Focus RS Range.

mk 1 frs - talk to me

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-04-2013, 04:26 PM
  #1  
-beefy-
formerly beefy-rst-2
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
-beefy-'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: cleveland rsoc
Posts: 10,072
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default mk 1 frs - talk to me

as lifes alot better now in the beef household ,

been talking to anne marie about getting bk into rs ownership ,

now a highly strung cossie isnt going to cut it , its going to be my or her daily , depending


so realistically im thing the mk 1 focus rs it seems to tick most the boxes , and still leaves a bit of room for tinkering here n there .

just after opinions , do n donts prices ect

no doubt ill be selling / trading the passat ..


beef
Old 06-04-2013, 04:33 PM
  #2  
drsrst2zvh
I've found that life I needed.. It's HERE!!
 
drsrst2zvh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: oxford
Posts: 1,374
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Buy on condition not mileage and don't be afraid to buy a modded one. Personally sold mine at the start of January, and I can't fault them as cars I'd have another in a heartbeat. Sabre are at the forefront of live mapping them ATM, with silly results from very little mods 350bhp is easily gained for not a lot of money.
Get yourself in the mk1 frs room on rsoc a lot of very friendly, very knowledgable people.
Old 06-04-2013, 04:54 PM
  #3  
jamest8
I'm Finding My Feet Here Now
 
jamest8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Kent
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

As above on buying on condition. Check thermostat housing as they are plastic and crack. I enjoyed mine when I had it, very quick with little input!
Old 06-04-2013, 05:07 PM
  #4  
gingeRS
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
gingeRS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: london baby!
Posts: 7,443
Received 26 Likes on 22 Posts
Default

Yup I bought mine on 95k 5 years ago, never looked back, easy 300bhp and a great drive, prices have bottomed now so it's the time to buy one, 7k will get you a good one, and as said, get a modded one
Old 06-04-2013, 05:12 PM
  #5  
-beefy-
formerly beefy-rst-2
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
-beefy-'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: cleveland rsoc
Posts: 10,072
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

cheers guys , looking for the back end of summer
Old 06-04-2013, 05:17 PM
  #6  
pee vee
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
pee vee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Wiltshire, Bath, chippenham area!
Posts: 7,428
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

They are great. Not a lot goes wrong on them really!
And when they do go wrong, it's nothing like cossie prices to fix.

But a Few things to look out for..
Classic ford rust... Usual places, wheel arches, bottoms of doors,
But they are way better on that front that any of the old ford cars.

Any sign of water leaks
Thermostat housing will leave coolant marks on gearbox casing,
Metal pipe in drivers side wheel arch can corrode and leak.

Sumps can rust out and leak oil..

Other than that, just look for everything you'd look for on any car.., worn out bits. Lol


Can't think of anything else at the mo.

Even the higher mileage ones seem to be great on the engine front.
My mates has near on 150k on the clock, running 300 bhp
And shows no signs of wearing out just yet. No oil use. Original everything.
Old 06-04-2013, 05:25 PM
  #7  
stevos
Advanced PassionFord User
 
stevos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BONNY SCOTLAND
Posts: 1,721
Received 46 Likes on 44 Posts
Default

love mine mate i picked it up in november with 44k on it for 7.5k few stone chips and the usual small marks here and there but they are in the process of being sorted just now.
Great cars to drive just took the window tints off of mine as they look shit with them in my view. was a right ball.
Take the cap off of the charge cooler reservoir there should be a continuous jet of water.
rust as well in the usual focus places under the wing mirrors, arches etc.
Old 06-04-2013, 05:30 PM
  #8  
Rod-Tarry
Happily retired
 
Rod-Tarry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 7,707
Received 237 Likes on 151 Posts
Default

Great to see you back again Beefy. Keep it simple mate .
Old 06-04-2013, 05:58 PM
  #9  
Rsmat
300+

iTrader: (2)
 
Rsmat's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: either at work or on way :)
Posts: 27,259
Received 583 Likes on 516 Posts
Default

I've owned two now and after selling the first me and wife said WTF have we done.. So bought another standard low mileage one and its faultless
Old 06-04-2013, 06:07 PM
  #10  
AJC
10K+ Poster!!

iTrader: (6)
 
AJC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Preston, Lancs
Posts: 13,366
Received 83 Likes on 73 Posts
Default

Love mine beef!
Old 06-04-2013, 07:49 PM
  #11  
gingeRS
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
gingeRS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: london baby!
Posts: 7,443
Received 26 Likes on 22 Posts
Default

Yup I bought mine on 95k 5 years ago, never looked back, easy 300bhp and a great drive, prices have bottomed now so it's the time to buy one, 7k will get you a good one, and as said, get a modded one
Old 06-04-2013, 07:57 PM
  #12  
CrOwSoN15
Ben
 
CrOwSoN15's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 4,853
Received 55 Likes on 52 Posts
Default

PF has a cracking buyers guide in it this month, well worth a read mate.
Old 06-04-2013, 09:39 PM
  #13  
adsrs1
Regular Contributor
 
adsrs1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: North east
Posts: 282
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

Can't fault mine have had it 4 years now and every time I drive I it puts a smile on my face with little money you can bring it to life
Old 07-04-2013, 12:34 AM
  #14  
HarryRS
Regular Contributor
 
HarryRS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Maidenhead
Posts: 303
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Before I sold my one I bought another just to replace it lol!!
Awesome cars and easily tuned as said don't look on mileage! Condition is most important and ensure it's got the correct history and serviced regular etc.
Buy quick as these are going to go up in money soon.
Old 07-04-2013, 02:32 AM
  #15  
botters
competant bodger
iTrader: (2)
 
botters's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: preston
Posts: 6,234
Received 23 Likes on 21 Posts
Default

i work on a couple of black top zetec 2 litres and allthough not turbo models both have done in excess of 300,000 miles and only one of them has ever been opened up and that was for a headgasket after a split coolant hose on motorway, good engines
as above though check for rust especially around the rear axle as these can rust badly but all axle parts are still available new and cheap too
Old 07-04-2013, 10:55 AM
  #16  
S1
...............
 
S1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Essex
Posts: 2,663
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Still got mine 9 years on. Cant bear to part with it even though Ive bought a Mk2 500 as well.
Old 07-04-2013, 10:58 AM
  #17  
Sticky.
20K+ Super Poster.
iTrader: (4)
 
Sticky.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 23,349
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I must be the only one who doesn't see what the fuss is all about.
Old 07-04-2013, 11:09 AM
  #18  
S1
...............
 
S1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Essex
Posts: 2,663
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Just to add, it's really funny how peoples views of the Mk1 FRS has changed over the years. If you asked the same question years ago, the general concensus was it was crap compared to a Cossie and didb't handle cos it was Fwd. Now more people have experienced them they know it's a cracking little car that goes well, responds to tuning and is actually quite reliable and cheap to run.
Old 07-04-2013, 11:12 AM
  #19  
gingeRS
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
gingeRS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: london baby!
Posts: 7,443
Received 26 Likes on 22 Posts
Default

It'll also run rings around an escos on a track
Old 07-04-2013, 02:10 PM
  #20  
Daviet
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
Daviet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Scotland,Edinburgh
Posts: 4,463
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by Sticky.
I must be the only one who doesn't see what the fuss is all about.
Maybe because you got a shitter??

You bought what would have been a 4k focus if that and not a decent one.
Old 07-04-2013, 02:17 PM
  #21  
PT
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
PT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: .
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Sticky.
I must be the only one who doesn't see what the fuss is all about.
I had one 6 years ago with 11k miles and standard. Didnt set my heart on fire tbh. Spent a few grand and got it to 265bhp, sold it 6 months later. Meh.
Old 07-04-2013, 02:22 PM
  #22  
IanC
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
 
IanC's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: st helens
Posts: 617
Received 16 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

Cracking cars took mine from standard to 360+ for just under a grand! Can't fault it done 113k and still going strong as said above buy on condition not miles I have test drove a few 26 and 30k cars and they don't drive as well as mine!
Old 07-04-2013, 07:25 PM
  #23  
lowman
I've found that life I needed.. It's HERE!!
 
lowman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: norway,stavanger
Posts: 1,153
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

i enjoy ownership of my focus rs mk1 also
so far its been kinda faultless..

but people say buy a tuned one...do not aggree on that.
i would prefer a non tuned one..and do stuff to the car yourself..and a tuned car will at some point be less atractive..and possibly more trouble
and as an everyday car..i would not run around in a tuned version..at least not more than a bluefin one..cause its not thaaat cheap to run.

but...make shure you check the car anyways..like you would do when you buy a car.

and make your own choice on what you are going to do with the car..and what use its gonna get.

cheers from norway
Old 07-04-2013, 07:46 PM
  #24  
Sticky.
20K+ Super Poster.
iTrader: (4)
 
Sticky.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 23,349
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Daviet
Maybe because you got a shitter??

You bought what would have been a 4k focus if that and not a decent one.
Nothing to do with that at all, if I'd got a decent one I doubt I'd be impressed.
Old 07-04-2013, 08:08 PM
  #25  
Mark_
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
Mark_'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: london
Posts: 5,023
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Is it risky leaving these on the road?

Do these have to be garaged like cossies?

I wanted one before I bought my Cupra R but I thought it was safer to leave the Cupra on the street rather than a FRS.
Old 09-04-2013, 01:24 PM
  #26  
stevenr
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
 
stevenr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Inverness
Posts: 675
Received 20 Likes on 20 Posts
Default

Keeping an eye on these just now too,torn between a Saph and Focus just now.

I have the chance of a very cheap 2wd Saph but it needs paint and quite possibly some welding,was solid enough to pass a test the last time I saw it but that was about 6 years ago,it's been run up to temperature but not driven in that time other than out of the garage and back in again.

Thinking it could be a money pit and a Focus would be a better bet.
Old 09-04-2013, 06:31 PM
  #27  
Mark_
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
Mark_'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: london
Posts: 5,023
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by stevenr
Keeping an eye on these just now too,torn between a Saph and Focus just now.

I have the chance of a very cheap 2wd Saph but it needs paint and quite possibly some welding,was solid enough to pass a test the last time I saw it but that was about 6 years ago,it's been run up to temperature but not driven in that time other than out of the garage and back in again.

Thinking it could be a money pit and a Focus would be a better bet.




I know of a very tidy Saph which is going up for sale shortly if your looking,

Not mine, I wish it was though.
Old 09-04-2013, 06:48 PM
  #28  
craig rst kid
PassionFord Regular
 
craig rst kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: birmingham
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I loved mine financial difficulties was the reason it went and dont be afraid to buy modded if its been looked after propperly very quick with dream science race plus map forge bue spring actuator tubular mani mine ran fine at 22psi remember to check cooler reservior for the jet as the charge cooler pump is a common fault and as above thermostat housing
Old 09-04-2013, 07:18 PM
  #29  
stevenr
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
 
stevenr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Inverness
Posts: 675
Received 20 Likes on 20 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Mark_
I know of a very tidy Saph which is going up for sale shortly if your looking,

Not mine, I wish it was though.
Not looking quite yet,need to save a bit more cash first but thanks
Old 11-04-2013, 12:29 AM
  #30  
STAFFY OWNER
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
STAFFY OWNER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NORTHANTS
Posts: 4,868
Received 48 Likes on 37 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by S1
Just to add, it's really funny how peoples views of the Mk1 FRS has changed over the years. If you asked the same question years ago, the general concensus was it was crap compared to a Cossie and didb't handle cos it was Fwd. Now more people have experienced them they know it's a cracking little car that goes well, responds to tuning and is actually quite reliable and cheap to run.
I remember not long after they first came out they got very poor reviews but all of those opinions seem to have totally reversed now. TBH i never really used to like them but for the money there's no other similar range car that i would swap mine for now. You can see peoples heads turn as you go by, i doubt that you get that with a Scooby as every other car on the road is a Scooby.

Go for it beefy, you won't regret it. Most people that have ever owned one hardly have a bad word against them.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NZWINRZ
Ford Focus RS
4
28-01-2020 09:24 PM
gcfcos
General Car Related Discussion.
59
06-10-2015 05:04 PM
rsguy
General Car Related Discussion.
44
29-09-2015 03:29 PM
IanC
General Car Related Discussion.
2
05-09-2015 09:38 PM



Quick Reply: mk 1 frs - talk to me



All times are GMT. The time now is 09:21 AM.