MK1 FRS Buying Advice UPDATE!!
Thread Starter
On a tangent
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 38
From: Driving Cadillac's in my dreams...
Evening Gents..
Right ive decided its time to grow up, i want a MK1 focus rs, been in love since i first saw one and tbh ive nippers so my FRST just dont cut it in the safety stakes no more, it should just be a toy for me..
Now Ive found one im gonna pop in an look at 2moz..
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...2-0-rs/1437102
What we reckon..?
Now im thinking of going the finance route as tbh it'd be a Looooooooooooong term keeper so does Anyone reckon i could finance it at less than £200pcm??, could put 1500 down if need be.
But Ive NEVER had car finance so advice on this would be great an all if poss..
So ontop of ALL the above i Just wondered if anyone could also point me to a Buyers guide, or can give any input into living with one daily, what to look for when buying as i beieve there are two versions of them(facelift??), what special bits and bobs one should have, like tags, service wallets.............................
So if anyone would be so kind as to share there experience's it would as always be very greatly appreciated
Many Many thanks in advance fella's
Right ive decided its time to grow up, i want a MK1 focus rs, been in love since i first saw one and tbh ive nippers so my FRST just dont cut it in the safety stakes no more, it should just be a toy for me..
Now Ive found one im gonna pop in an look at 2moz..
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...2-0-rs/1437102
What we reckon..?
Now im thinking of going the finance route as tbh it'd be a Looooooooooooong term keeper so does Anyone reckon i could finance it at less than £200pcm??, could put 1500 down if need be.
But Ive NEVER had car finance so advice on this would be great an all if poss..
So ontop of ALL the above i Just wondered if anyone could also point me to a Buyers guide, or can give any input into living with one daily, what to look for when buying as i beieve there are two versions of them(facelift??), what special bits and bobs one should have, like tags, service wallets.............................
So if anyone would be so kind as to share there experience's it would as always be very greatly appreciated

Many Many thanks in advance fella's
Last edited by Fraggle...; Jun 14, 2013 at 11:45 AM.
There ya go mate
I would say no matter how good it is your still going to have to spend money on it.
They are good cars don't get me wrong but boy do they try your patience some time.
http://www.rsownersclub.co.uk/rsocbb...d.php?t=369127
I would say no matter how good it is your still going to have to spend money on it.
They are good cars don't get me wrong but boy do they try your patience some time.
http://www.rsownersclub.co.uk/rsocbb...d.php?t=369127
Last edited by stevos; Jun 12, 2013 at 04:55 PM.
Thread Starter
On a tangent
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 38
From: Driving Cadillac's in my dreams...
There ya go mate
I would say no matter how good it is your still going to have to spend money on it.
They are good cars don't get me wrong but boy do they try your patience some time.
http://www.rsownersclub.co.uk/rsocbb...d.php?t=369127
I would say no matter how good it is your still going to have to spend money on it.
They are good cars don't get me wrong but boy do they try your patience some time.
http://www.rsownersclub.co.uk/rsocbb...d.php?t=369127
Your a Gent, many thanks
Also check the front wings for rust mate especially where the attatchment to the bumper.
Check the sills behind the side skirts for rust as there is only paint on them and it chips and flakes off.
Get it out and give it a good drive right up through the rev range as they can develop different issues throughout the rev range.
If its a standard car the boost guage should show just under 1 bar and hold it fairly steady
Check the sills behind the side skirts for rust as there is only paint on them and it chips and flakes off.
Get it out and give it a good drive right up through the rev range as they can develop different issues throughout the rev range.
If its a standard car the boost guage should show just under 1 bar and hold it fairly steady
Im sure the car in the first link is one Ive detailed recently . If so the bonnet and front bumper could do with respraying and there are some dent marks in the n/s rear quarter plus the paint isnt good on that panel either and the wheels needed a refurb but not terrible .
Looks like it still needs the Focus badge replacing too.
If you go for it knock him down from that price they paid a good bit less for it .
Looks like it still needs the Focus badge replacing too.
If you go for it knock him down from that price they paid a good bit less for it .
Last edited by opposite lock; Jun 12, 2013 at 05:41 PM.
For me it looks ok priced for the mileage and condition in the pics. But perhaps a little high on the price side.
I've had one now for 18 months now and it's just ticking round the 75k miles mark and it's been relatively trouble free motoring.
Remember it's just a Mk1 Focus with a few bling bits added to it so don't expect anything else, it's slow in comparison to most modern cars - but if you're going from a Fiesta RST it will feel head and shoulders above a 1990 Fiesta.
What you can expect is a smile even in standard trim as they're so capable.
The things that you will want to replace or will need replacing while you own it are:
Charge Cooler Pump - £70-£100 DIY
Heater Matrix Hose - £60 DIY but its a pain
Cam Belt/Water Pump - but only if it starts leaking and then just replace it with a Zetec pump to avoid silly costs.
If they've already been done it's the sign of a well looked after car by a knowledgeable owner which must be a good thing.
The RSOC buyers guide is good but don't pay too much attention to some of the stuff as you're looking at an 11 year old 77k mile car and it is likely to be just that.
Enjoy - I think they're great.
I've had one now for 18 months now and it's just ticking round the 75k miles mark and it's been relatively trouble free motoring.
Remember it's just a Mk1 Focus with a few bling bits added to it so don't expect anything else, it's slow in comparison to most modern cars - but if you're going from a Fiesta RST it will feel head and shoulders above a 1990 Fiesta.
What you can expect is a smile even in standard trim as they're so capable.
The things that you will want to replace or will need replacing while you own it are:
Charge Cooler Pump - £70-£100 DIY
Heater Matrix Hose - £60 DIY but its a pain
Cam Belt/Water Pump - but only if it starts leaking and then just replace it with a Zetec pump to avoid silly costs.
If they've already been done it's the sign of a well looked after car by a knowledgeable owner which must be a good thing.
The RSOC buyers guide is good but don't pay too much attention to some of the stuff as you're looking at an 11 year old 77k mile car and it is likely to be just that.
Enjoy - I think they're great.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
On a tangent
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 38
From: Driving Cadillac's in my dreams...
CheeRS for all the input fella's 
Would LOVE one but tbh they are a bit out of my league financially, insurance is soppy and tax is a bit erm steep.
And atleast with a frs i could just about do most works myself..

And atleast with a frs i could just about do most works myself..
£800 to service an M3!!! Who services it, God? My local Indy charges half that for an inspection 2!
And I've seen plenty of good m3s with new rear subframes for that price.
Tax is no more expensive than an frs if you get one pre tax band changes.
But, you want an frs, so get one and enjoy it!
And I've seen plenty of good m3s with new rear subframes for that price.
Tax is no more expensive than an frs if you get one pre tax band changes.
But, you want an frs, so get one and enjoy it!
Have a look at this one. The lad is on the RSOC as well.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...--2410/1387207
http://www.rsownersclub.co.uk/rsocbb...d.php?t=539880
https://passionford.com/forum/cars-f...rs-2410-a.html
With regards to finance etc..... I had a personal loan with ZOPA not so long ago. Good APR and money was with me within a few days. Perks of a personal loan as well is if you change your mind after a few years you can sell the car and get something different. With finance the money is tied up in the car so the balance needs to be payed off otherwise it will come up on a HPI report.
http://uk.zopa.com/borrowing/landing...ce=AFFPPCBrand
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...--2410/1387207
http://www.rsownersclub.co.uk/rsocbb...d.php?t=539880
https://passionford.com/forum/cars-f...rs-2410-a.html
With regards to finance etc..... I had a personal loan with ZOPA not so long ago. Good APR and money was with me within a few days. Perks of a personal loan as well is if you change your mind after a few years you can sell the car and get something different. With finance the money is tied up in the car so the balance needs to be payed off otherwise it will come up on a HPI report.
http://uk.zopa.com/borrowing/landing...ce=AFFPPCBrand
Last edited by mattyharman; Jun 13, 2013 at 02:36 PM. Reason: Links added
You need to look at a bank loan, as due to the age of the car most finance houses won't be interested, and those that all will be very high apr. Then you can look at private vehicles to..
£800 to service an M3!!! Who services it, God? My local Indy charges half that for an inspection 2!
And I've seen plenty of good m3s with new rear subframes for that price.
Tax is no more expensive than an frs if you get one pre tax band changes.
But, you want an frs, so get one and enjoy it!
And I've seen plenty of good m3s with new rear subframes for that price.
Tax is no more expensive than an frs if you get one pre tax band changes.
But, you want an frs, so get one and enjoy it!





You can get high mileage ones granted but it will probably have had a tough life

I taxed mine today and it was £230 for 12 months...granted insurance is a tad higher than most cars but its a performance car
Last edited by DanCossie; Jun 13, 2013 at 03:07 PM.
A main stealer is more than £800 Mike.!.When was the last time you had your E46 M3 Serviced??? you can get them cheaper but if its all about price we would all be driving round in Dacias wouldn't we 



You can get high mileage ones granted but it will probably have had a tough life
I taxed mine today and it was £230 for 12 months...granted insurance is a tad higher than most cars but its a performance car




You can get high mileage ones granted but it will probably have had a tough life

I taxed mine today and it was £230 for 12 months...granted insurance is a tad higher than most cars but its a performance car
I agree that some of the cheaper E46's are going to be rough / high in the miles, but not all are. I know of one (SMG :\) for £7500 with FSH and 95k miles on a 2002. still less than 10k a year.
Thread Starter
On a tangent
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 38
From: Driving Cadillac's in my dreams...
Im sure the car in the first link is one Ive detailed recently . If so the bonnet and front bumper could do with respraying and there are some dent marks in the n/s rear quarter plus the paint isnt good on that panel either and the wheels needed a refurb but not terrible .
Looks like it still needs the Focus badge replacing too.
If you go for it knock him down from that price they paid a good bit less for it .
Looks like it still needs the Focus badge replacing too.
If you go for it knock him down from that price they paid a good bit less for it .
You could well be right fella, is heavy peppered on bonnet,bumper, few scuffs on wheels, didnt see any obvious dents though...
SO i went an had a quick blast in it, OMFG im love




Seems to pull very well, no obvious faults as yet, although if the deal can be done im gonna be fine toothing her 1st.
Things i wernt to happy on were the key is worn heavy, no obvious signs of the spares yet...not mats or wallet, again as of yet and fuck me they tramline

Its what it is, a 10 owner RS, number 508 iirc so is an early one, but i can see potential in it, only got hrs rent though so that need sorting...
Gotta say though it felt very solid, drivers seatbelts a bit slack though

Its a rough an ready RS, so im armed fully with a hit list(MASSIVE thanks to all who've pointed me to advice

)..and if the plan can happen i'll get on it pronto.So Roll on the weekend, fingers crossed...................................
If you were to get a personal loan instead of finance mate there are really nice ones out there. I paid 7500 for mine with 45k on it in November. I have painted the front end though as mine was stone chiped all over
Already said that above,, the car sounds over priced for how youve descibed it... I would deffo be looking at others and not buying the first youve seen
Thread Starter
On a tangent
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 38
From: Driving Cadillac's in my dreams...
Mate ive tried, sadly as i dont have credit atall, thats a negative for a loan

..Finance is the only way if even possible..its 50/50.
Although im hoping that if the finance can be done even if the car aint up to scratch, i might find another one..again its all down to who will lend what if at all aint it
its got 74k an in fairness feels very tight, just abit rough round the edge's, if they wont budge, then hmmm i may loose out on the dream.
Thread Starter
On a tangent
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 38
From: Driving Cadillac's in my dreams...
as above mate, ive looked at a couple but thats 1st FRS ive actually pedal'd..
I aint soppy enough to jump in, learnt that once and that was enough for me
Mate ive tried, sadly as i dont have credit atall, thats a negative for a loan

..Finance is the only way if even possible..its 50/50.
Although im hoping that if the finance can be done even if the car aint up to scratch, i might find another one..again its all down to who will lend what if at all aint it
its got 74k an in fairness feels very tight, just abit rough round the edge's, if they wont budge, then hmmm i may loose out on the dream.

..Finance is the only way if even possible..its 50/50.
Although im hoping that if the finance can be done even if the car aint up to scratch, i might find another one..again its all down to who will lend what if at all aint it
its got 74k an in fairness feels very tight, just abit rough round the edge's, if they wont budge, then hmmm i may loose out on the dream.
Thread Starter
On a tangent
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 38
From: Driving Cadillac's in my dreams...
Guessing you need a coffee mate?

Sorry where have i said ive tyre kicked at a private sellers?
And the term Tyre kicking??
Id call viewing a car THOUROUGHLY on a DEALERS forecourt, esp a RS a good idea, so thats a problem how?
Never mind i'll just borrow 7k, hand it over and jog on blind then shall i whilst wondering why i need another 1k to buy its original mats and all the other things it should have, all the very things i would want as thats what makes it a "bit" more special imop
But...fuck it i'll see if they have a diesel version for 12k

ive looked at one or two on the street and at shows,and when ive seen one parked up i'll wonder over for a drool, looked at one MANY moons ago on a forecourt but again was just a mooch...never driven one till tuther day

And yes IF i had a PERSONAL loan then i would view private cars, but im not looking for a loan, nor could i get one id be happy with for the cash id want...
hence FINANCE ON A FORECOURT car and hence FORECOURTS are where ive started looking..
Sure finance was one of the questions im sure i asked about above iirc
Guessing you need a coffee mate? 
Sorry where have i said ive tyre kicked at a private sellers?
And the term Tyre kicking??
Id call viewing a car THOUROUGHLY on a DEALERS forecourt, esp a RS a good idea, so thats a problem how?
Never mind i'll just borrow 7k, hand it over and jog on blind then shall i whilst wondering why i need another 1k to buy its original mats and all the other things it should have, all the very things i would want as thats what makes it a "bit" more special imop
But...fuck it i'll see if they have a diesel version for 12k

ive looked at one or two on the street and at shows,and when ive seen one parked up i'll wonder over for a drool, looked at one MANY moons ago on a forecourt but again was just a mooch...never driven one till tuther day
And yes IF i had a PERSONAL loan then i would view private cars, but im not looking for a loan, nor could i get one id be happy with for the cash id want...
hence FINANCE ON A FORECOURT car and hence FORECOURTS are where ive started looking..
Sure finance was one of the questions im sure i asked about above iirc


Sorry where have i said ive tyre kicked at a private sellers?
And the term Tyre kicking??
Id call viewing a car THOUROUGHLY on a DEALERS forecourt, esp a RS a good idea, so thats a problem how?
Never mind i'll just borrow 7k, hand it over and jog on blind then shall i whilst wondering why i need another 1k to buy its original mats and all the other things it should have, all the very things i would want as thats what makes it a "bit" more special imop
But...fuck it i'll see if they have a diesel version for 12k

ive looked at one or two on the street and at shows,and when ive seen one parked up i'll wonder over for a drool, looked at one MANY moons ago on a forecourt but again was just a mooch...never driven one till tuther day

And yes IF i had a PERSONAL loan then i would view private cars, but im not looking for a loan, nor could i get one id be happy with for the cash id want...
hence FINANCE ON A FORECOURT car and hence FORECOURTS are where ive started looking..
Sure finance was one of the questions im sure i asked about above iirc
When I mean tyre kicker I mean someone who looks but doesn't actually intend to buy due to lack of funds/no real interest etc... not saying you don't have interest as you clearly do btw
Thread Starter
On a tangent
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 38
From: Driving Cadillac's in my dreams...
It has been a long day granted but maybe I read it wrong I thought you took someones out who was selling it and as you say 'peddeld' it

When I mean tyre kicker I mean someone who looks but doesn't actually intend to buy due to lack of funds/no real interest etc... not saying you don't have interest as you clearly do btw
When I mean tyre kicker I mean someone who looks but doesn't actually intend to buy due to lack of funds/no real interest etc... not saying you don't have interest as you clearly do btw
You did


and yes Apologies as always for me spellinz chaps
I meant "Pedal'd"(
) as in driven, NOT spanked it like a cunt.end of day it aint my car regardless if dealer or not, besides at 4k i started leaking, 6k id have soiled it.
But yeah ive got the intrest for one, been lusting since TG showed one... And MAYBE the funds too.......
but chickens an counting an all that is my mantra, hey its a dream, and YUP im looking to use finance, but i earn, work hard, and i know that you borrow you pay back, and i know i can for as long as im lucky to be employed, and could pay off if not, im lucky.
Finance aint ideal BUT for some reason i cant borrow bank debt as i aint got none, and thats a negative nowadays so atleast the banking morals are coming back slightly, if not slightly double standarded..but its understandable as well...just

Oh and im 30 (








) tomorrow so to own one however or wherever its from is my dream and the milestone goal, hope you can empathise with that 
Oh i Wish we could just be friends Mr DC, you make me use so many icon's when you come picking me up in threads

Last edited by Fraggle...; Jun 14, 2013 at 04:52 PM.
didnt see any obvious dents though...
Seems to pull very well, no obvious faults as yet, although if the deal can be done im gonna be fine toothing her 1st.
Its what it is, a 10 owner RS, number 508 iirc so is an early one, but i can see potential in it, only got hrs rent though so that need sorting...
.
Seems to pull very well, no obvious faults as yet, although if the deal can be done im gonna be fine toothing her 1st.
Its what it is, a 10 owner RS, number 508 iirc so is an early one, but i can see potential in it, only got hrs rent though so that need sorting...
.
The paint has been polished thoroughly and transformed its appearance .
I glazed it then addded 1 coat of Zaino sealant and my partner layered 3 coats of Megs wax for awsome water repellancy.
Good luck with it dont forget to barter the final price.
Last edited by opposite lock; Jun 14, 2013 at 05:48 PM.
Thread Starter
On a tangent
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 38
From: Driving Cadillac's in my dreams...
Appreciate that flush, its deffo still an option im contemplating..
The 2 dents are there if you look for them and you will notice unsatisfactory paint finish but its subtle .
The paint has been polished thoroughly and transformed its appearance .
I glazed it then addded 1 coat of Zaino sealant and my partner layered 3 coats of Megs wax for awsome water repellancy.
Good luck with it dont forget to barter the final price.
The paint has been polished thoroughly and transformed its appearance .
I glazed it then addded 1 coat of Zaino sealant and my partner layered 3 coats of Megs wax for awsome water repellancy.
Good luck with it dont forget to barter the final price.
Really really do appreciate the heads up fella

TBH if i could get it at 5.5k, FULL tank of juice, 12mths rent, clean'd, hpi and "cat register clear" for 150pcm id be chuffed, id forgive the finickty/missing bits as long as its HPI clear, no cat recordings and is SAFE and solid, end of day my nippers will be in it, so safe is paramount hence i went looking as a FRST just dont cut it no-more..
Oh well let the waiting begin..
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
oilman
Trader Parts for Sale.
5
Aug 30, 2015 08:37 AM
Ben26
Pictures, video & Photoshop Forum
10
Aug 27, 2015 08:56 PM








