So I haven’t had a manual in a few years and I want to get one again but I want it to be fun but also practical so, I have my choice set on a Ford Focus RS. Is this a good choice and what are things to look out for in getting one?
Sorry if this is the wrong subreddit to post this one but it’s the only one I can think of.
Besides the head gasket issues these had, finding one nowadays that’s been well-maintained and not totally overpriced will be an issue
Godofdagames127
Good luck finding a decent one. I’d recommend either a Civic Type R or an Integra Type S. Maybe even the GR Corolla.
HiTork
If you are talking about the North American market, the 2018 models received a new front Quaife differential, and apparently, the headgasket issues from the inaugural North American 2017 model year were resolved. The slight downside to this is that the color palette was reduced – yes, we gained Race Red for 2018, but we lost the black, white, and grey (or was it silver?) from 2017. So for 2018, your only factory options for paint was Nitrous Blue and Race Red (the former being an extra cost option if you bought the car new).
A_Sock_Under_The_Bed
The RS is probably the coolest hatchback ever built. They suffered from some issues with bad headgaskets, so make sure that was done. They burn through catalytic converters really fast. Just make sure you keep the warranty stuff for the cat if you have to get it replaced. Other than that, theyre pretty solid cars. Dont run a sketchy tune tho, that motor is pretty finicky.
T-pizzle
Can get a VB WRX for a steal right now. In terms of bang for buck it’s hard to beat. At least worth a look of you’re considering other AWD cars.
411592
The ST and RS are starting to get dogged out and clapped out like Subarus. There’s a bunch of them running around where I live. One thought he wanted some until I let loose of all 411 cubic inches
ChimneyNerd
The stick shift and clutch in these are super easy to use, so I’d say yeah based on just that.
DittoGTIYT
Yes! Love the Focus RS
Robean_UwU
Either a Civic Si or a GR Corolla should do well
PracticableSolution
I drove that when it came out and there are few cars I’ve hated more. It’s a cheap car with a lot of expensive upgrades the cheap car chassis can’t handle piloted from the most uncomfortable seat I’ve ever sat in, and I’ve driven a 1983 Plymouth Champ. As a bonus, it’s famously unreliable and supported by the standard substandard Ford service.
If you want practical fun in a stick shift, look at something like a used S4 or a Challenger. Avoid this piece of shit
BcuzRacecar
People say the 18s are more reilabile but they seem kinda expensive to me especially since gr corrollas go for msrp now
d3m01iti0n
Buy an 18+. King of the hot hatch segment by a mile.
LuxuryCarConnoisseur
I drove one at one of my old jobs when I had little experience with stick. It’s actually surprisingly easy to drive stick with, as the clutch is fairly manageable in terms of feel and the turbo isn’t high strung enough to need laser fast shifting (I had driven a Hyundai Genesis coupe with a turbo engine beforehand, that is NOT beginner friendly). The big issue is just finding a one of these that isn’t beat to snot, overpriced, or both (It’s also not a great daily IMO, the recaro seats are VERY uncomfortable if you don’t fit in them exact and the ride is rock hard).
Own-Fox9066
Don’t listen to anyone suggesting the typer r,si,wrx
RS is AWD and makes 50+hp over the others and is noticeably faster
It’s atleast 1/2 second faster 0-60 than all the rest and clocks the fastest 1/4 time
Ford performance parts are available that don’t void the warranty so you can get upwards of 400hp
Early head gasket issues should’ve been fixed by the recall for free at the dealer
Compared to the others I’m willing to bet the RS value over time will also be better
The 2 things I hated about my focus were the terrible steering radius, u turns were often 3 point turns, and the trunk is disappointingly small, my gym bag took up half the space
![[Audi Sport Quattro] spotted in Wilmslow, 15th October 2023](https://www.evshift.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1719932406_grhcwrf2v3ad1-770x515.jpeg "[Audi Sport Quattro] spotted in Wilmslow, 15th October 2023")
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15 Comments
Get a Type R
Besides the head gasket issues these had, finding one nowadays that’s been well-maintained and not totally overpriced will be an issue
Good luck finding a decent one. I’d recommend either a Civic Type R or an Integra Type S. Maybe even the GR Corolla.
If you are talking about the North American market, the 2018 models received a new front Quaife differential, and apparently, the headgasket issues from the inaugural North American 2017 model year were resolved. The slight downside to this is that the color palette was reduced – yes, we gained Race Red for 2018, but we lost the black, white, and grey (or was it silver?) from 2017. So for 2018, your only factory options for paint was Nitrous Blue and Race Red (the former being an extra cost option if you bought the car new).
The RS is probably the coolest hatchback ever built. They suffered from some issues with bad headgaskets, so make sure that was done. They burn through catalytic converters really fast. Just make sure you keep the warranty stuff for the cat if you have to get it replaced. Other than that, theyre pretty solid cars. Dont run a sketchy tune tho, that motor is pretty finicky.
Can get a VB WRX for a steal right now. In terms of bang for buck it’s hard to beat. At least worth a look of you’re considering other AWD cars.
The ST and RS are starting to get dogged out and clapped out like Subarus. There’s a bunch of them running around where I live. One thought he wanted some until I let loose of all 411 cubic inches
The stick shift and clutch in these are super easy to use, so I’d say yeah based on just that.
Yes! Love the Focus RS
Either a Civic Si or a GR Corolla should do well
I drove that when it came out and there are few cars I’ve hated more. It’s a cheap car with a lot of expensive upgrades the cheap car chassis can’t handle piloted from the most uncomfortable seat I’ve ever sat in, and I’ve driven a 1983 Plymouth Champ. As a bonus, it’s famously unreliable and supported by the standard substandard Ford service.
If you want practical fun in a stick shift, look at something like a used S4 or a Challenger. Avoid this piece of shit
People say the 18s are more reilabile but they seem kinda expensive to me especially since gr corrollas go for msrp now
Buy an 18+. King of the hot hatch segment by a mile.
I drove one at one of my old jobs when I had little experience with stick. It’s actually surprisingly easy to drive stick with, as the clutch is fairly manageable in terms of feel and the turbo isn’t high strung enough to need laser fast shifting (I had driven a Hyundai Genesis coupe with a turbo engine beforehand, that is NOT beginner friendly). The big issue is just finding a one of these that isn’t beat to snot, overpriced, or both (It’s also not a great daily IMO, the recaro seats are VERY uncomfortable if you don’t fit in them exact and the ride is rock hard).
Don’t listen to anyone suggesting the typer r,si,wrx
RS is AWD and makes 50+hp over the others and is noticeably faster
It’s atleast 1/2 second faster 0-60 than all the rest and clocks the fastest 1/4 time
Ford performance parts are available that don’t void the warranty so you can get upwards of 400hp
Early head gasket issues should’ve been fixed by the recall for free at the dealer
Compared to the others I’m willing to bet the RS value over time will also be better
The 2 things I hated about my focus were the terrible steering radius, u turns were often 3 point turns, and the trunk is disappointingly small, my gym bag took up half the space