I just want to say what a great review this was, I've owned my 16 focus RS for 8 months now and I will continue to own the car for the next 4 years easily. Everyone who thinks these "big issues" are such a problem then dont worry about buying it. Honestly when I had my head gasket changed it was no big deal and they fixed it and I havent had any other problems than that apart from tyre usage (like all cars do) The only other things you noted was the upholstery which hasnt happened on mine but I have the race bucket seats and that is it, everything else was extra modification issues :) I'm glad you'll be keeping your car as it is a beautiful spec 👌
people dont know what you are talking about if they dont have one, what they know is the 3% RS that got effected by the head gasket and keeps talking about it;)
I owned the 17 and sold it to get the 18 limited edition, the 17 got recalled because of the head gasket, nothing happened to both cars and they are soild
2 years ago I bought a 2017 Blue Ford Focus RS in Ponce, PR with 24 miles; now it has 31 thousand miles and I love it. Still after wathing your video, I'm taking it to the Dealer to change the head gasket, just to be on the safe side; thanks for sharing this video, GRACIAS.
Great update! Glad you are happy with this vehicle. I am also very happy and recently had the gasket replaced without any issues. They only put 3 miles on the car but I've driven it for almost a week now (about 60 miles per day) and there are no issues with coolant loss. Brake fluid on the other hand, I feel is something I will have to deal with. It seems to be a bit low. It was worse before I tightened the reservoir cap where there was fluid visibly streaking along the reservoir and up against the firewall. Curious if anyone else has had this issue. Other than that, no complaints other than everyone wanting to race! I can't seem to keep it in normal mode and get some more MPG...LOL!
Thanks for sharing. I’m looking for the exact same RS in Stealth Gray. I’Il be checking the maintenance history to ensure the head gasket was replaced.
I can’t wait to get an RS in stealth grey. I want the RS3 package w the sunroof an all. It is my absolute dream car and I can not wait to own one. Thank you for this video!
I bought one just little over a month ago. Absolutely loving it! I find it quite comfortable as a cruiser and a bit naughty when you put your foot down. Really wish I bit the bullet years ago as the valuation is so strong with little depreciation from new.
You're never dull Gary. It was great to see that you are still enjoying the car and interesting to hear your future plans. At one point recently I thought we were going to lose you to BMW 😉
Very enjoyable watch. I am thinking of getting one for my wife, I mean me, no wait, I mean my wife or could it be for me...nope it's for my wife...honest. The Focus RS looks amazing, I don't see it ever ageing. Thank you. Gee.
I’ll be honest, I gave up on the RS last year after all the issues. I decided to keep my Fiesta ST and take it up to stage 3, it’ll keep up with an RS now and it’s only been in the garage for new tyres, breaks, servicing and modifications (oh and a smashed fog light!), literally rock solid engine. Never want to see it leave but it’s not the most family friendly car and with baby number 2 on the way I’m thinking of packing in performance cars for the foreseeable future! Get myself a wagon haha
@rvidal0001 probably for practicallity? Makes more sense, the man would probably struggle to get 2 young kids aswell as everything for them in a fiesta st.... common sense really.
At 7:06 it is not smoke coming out of the exhaust pipes, but water vapour (condensation). When a head gasket blows, the pressurised water system forces water into the affected cylinder while the engine is off and cooling down. When you come to start it up again, the water in the cylinder has condensed onto the spark plug, shorting it out and causing the misfire. Rapidly moving air blows the plug dry so that it can fire again and all the water that leaked into the cylinder (and subsequently into the exhaust pipe) now heats up and vapourises, exits the pipes and condenses as the water vapour seen in your video. Smoke, on the other hand, is caused by burning oil which you did not have. To say "These cars smoke a lot on start-up" is misleading. My car always has plumes of water vapour or condensation on a cold and damp morning start-up but it never smokes at all.
I wasn’t aware of the different versions of head gaskets, and am surprised to hear the Mustang gasket is worse? I’m a Ford dealer tech, haven’t seen a single 2.3 Mustang with the head gasket failure yet
Nice vid again mate. Had my RS done last week thank god just wanted it over and done with! Nice to see u got a focus RS edititon and I got a Ford KA lol. I was talking to the technician at the garage and he said that Evans Halshaw Ford will guarantee your warranty with any dream science instalments. Better off double checking but that’s what I got told as I’m looking to install the imap myself.
This is the first video I’ve watched from you but a good update. Wish you’d have accelerated out the junctions mind! You’ve got an RS not a Titanium. Had mine 3 months now and 3k miles. Trying to be extra careful of the seat bolsters. 22mpg average fuel and fast increasing fuel bills is definitely becoming a consideration. Might have to give the ST a run for a little while until it drops back down.
I'm bursting at the seams with desire to buy me one of those. I don't know how expensive they are over there, but here in America, that car has actually gained value from msrp. Thanks for the video!
The prices aren't coming down...... Did you ever buy one? I bought a 2018 & it puts the 'fun' back into driving. The AWD system makes it 100x better vs. a Focus ST.
Every time i see one of these theres always some 16 year old kid driving it, especially the ST’s. One of the main factors that kept me from getting one, still an awesome car regardless
khf jvc Ford seems determined to make things right on this car. More than I can say for another American manufacturer who's having their pants sued off of them for covering up the fact they've been building death traps for the last 15 years.
Miatacrosser... it took a couple weeks for ford to get the parts in but once the parts arrived they set me up with an appointment and my car was back to me within the same week. No problems with the car before or since. I don’t have anything bad to say about my experience with my RS. Ford did right by me. So I’m good. Happy motoring.
Hello Gary, great video, I too have an RS now and you have helped me again as I have had issues with the driver mode unavailable error. Only had the car for Two weeks so I’ll be getting in touch with my ford dealer tomorrow. 👍
Thanks for the video! I've recently come in to a new job with more money and have been seriously considering picking an RS up! Thanks for the insight on ownership.
There is always something to a review done by a UK RUclipsr. Great run down on the car, I was quite surprised that you remember the sequence of it. Awesome review.
Mine has over 21k miles on it and I have had no problems with it. I also do not have any mods and I have not taken it to the track. Ford is going to replace the head gasket and head for free but I have not had issues with it. The only problem I have is people at work dinging up the paint or having idiots swipe my fenders. I love the car but might have to sell it as I am getting ready to have a baby. My tires still look good even though I do like to drive around the windy roads in the Bay area. My only gripe on the vehicle is the steering wheel controls should be reversed so I can keep one hand on the wheel and still adjust volume of the radio.
Good to know. I have super long legs so I put the seat all the way to the back. I take my friends kid around for a drive every now and then and he loves the car. Maybe my kids will too :)
I have the st with the same recaros it’s under warrantee but it’s a 3 year old car I had the same problem with my seats I wonder if ford will look at them
Thank you for sharing your journey up until now. Looks good in grey, although the nitrous blue has to be its best colour if you don't mind drawing attention. Test drove one and the cornering feel is something special. Enjoy. Pity Ford is killing this, the Focus ST and the Fiesta ST in the states. Considering we don't have access to the Renault Megane, Seat Leon Cupra, Peugot, or I30N (only the Veloster N) etc. we really needed this amazing hot hatch.
I feel like your lucky from some of the stories out there about cracked blocks. I was RIIIIIIIIIIGHT on the edge of buying one, but it was right around when the internet blew up about the engine problems. So I kept my '11 WRX which has been totally bulletproof except for the blown engine. lol
@@CarFocused ill 2nd that, the recaro racing shell seats look awesome, but they aren't as comfortable and less adjustable. Height adjust with the basic seats makes them a winner if youre tall as you can seat yourself lower down in the car.
Glad you got it all sorted in the end - a blown head gasket (albeit due to the wrong head gasket fitted by some muppets) would bum me out on 1st year of ownership, just from the idea of the engine bay having to be ripped apart to replace it. But if you have no problems now and all is working and driving well - then its no biggie in the long run.
Hi Gary, received this response from Jared at Dreamscience re the 0-62mph figure for the Ultima map - “We have not done timing but some on the forum have got down to flat 4 second or very close”. Keen too hear your results when you get a chance to test...:)
I'd definatley ask ford if you have an RS. Not 100% sure on it's validity as I don't own one but I'd ask. Sometimes these recalls take a while to come up. Doesn't hurt to check and ask.
the block open deck design was possibly causing "scrubbing away" of the headgasket between the cylinders due to expanding and contracting from the heating and cooling cycles. A guy had posted a video about this being the possible cause.
Does every single 2016-2017 Focus RS eventually need a head gasket replacement? The used ones online aren't showing active recalls on their CARFAX reports, so I'm confused on this?
Interesting experience with your seat. My car wore through its very thin leather seat covering in 900 miles on the shell seats. Replaced under warranty. Then, the reupholstered seat wore through in another 3000 miles or do. After battles and battles with Ford customer services they pretty quickly denied a second warranty claim, and then tried to claim the first claim was never authorised. My first Ford RS and my last. Sold after 13 months as the build quality, reliability and customer service with Ford in my experience falls significantly below expectations.
yes, i agree. to be fair, my local dealer that did the servicing was first class and i couldn't fault them. the supplying dealer (a ford store) where quite dreadful in all respects. the car was fine apart from the unacceptable build quality, but just didn't drive as well as i'd hope for my style of driving. it's a shame as my local dealer was battling on my behalf also but were very much letdown by ford CS having no interest at all in customer retention. like i say, just didn't work for me, but the experience tainted me so much that i wouldn't ever consider an RS again. good luck on your car, enjoy it.
Just to set the record straight for other potential buyers - my RS has done over 40,000km and you really need to look very hard to see where the blue piping has lost a tiny amount of colour on the bolster. It must be the difference between my body size and yours , or the way that you get in and out of the car.
I would say for the majority of people commuting to work, it wouldn't be a good daily driver. Keep in mind it's a manual, a turbo, 19" wheels and poor fuel economy... and the heavily bolstered seats in the US. For those of us who know what it is, it's a great daily driver & the AWD system allows you to put the power down w/o any surprises.
Bought the Dreamscience Imap basically on your recommendation in your last video. Loving it. Running the Ultima 2 map on a stock car. The lower maps were good but a bit underwhelming. Not game to go to the 2+ map without any mods. Car goes in for HG on May 7. No issues with the car so far 9000km.
Thanks for posting the video. I have a 2009 mk2 (North America) focus ses. 120k with no engine issues at all. After the gaskets have been replaced I would not worry about a thing on the Ford... Btw the duratech blocks are Mazda tech (bought during the separation). Though you said you keep car's only 3 years tops so... Enjoy whatever you pay for next, and 3 years later next...... You get the point $$$$$$
I completely agree took a mustang gt for a test drive and it did not make me smile like the rs dose I do plan on buying a mustang gt with the roush super charger
Good to see you back 👍a remap vid update would be good, my Scorpion valved cat back arrives tomorrow 👍 did buy the axle back exhaust but parcel forced lost it:-( cheers steve
Good review mate.The ford dealership sounds amazing compared to ours in Australia although ford Australia just increased there warranty from 3yr 100000kms to 5yr unlimited because of all the problems.But eveytime i have a problem with my or my wifes Ford they dont want to know a thing about it as there is always problems with the plastics fading due to our strong uv.
Nice looking car and nice to see Ford make good on warranty repairs. Most people don't realize that Ford has nearly pushed this motor to the limit...nice car mate.
Hi Gary, thanks for another great vid. Really enjoy all your videos as I am close to buying an RS and find your videos very informative. I wondered if you had tested the 0-62mph figure after the map?
I was close to buying a blue one...but with the issues plastered all over social media re engine/cooling probs, I stuck with my Mk2. It is a shame, but hopefully these cars will slowly get sorted..
Although I’ve had zero problems with my focus ford still replaced the gasket with the proper one and addressed the potential issue and had my car back to me in three business days. Still loving my car and having fun with it. Things happen and ford really did correct any concerns of mine before things went south. I’m keeps my my RS and I will buy ford again.
Hi great video re : rs I've put a deposit on one like yours a stealth grey purchasing private its had head gasket done . The cars look great but so many dont rate them cos of issues. Am I doing the right thing in buying one it's a 2016 with 14k . Many thx in advance
Great video. I feel other then the headgasket issue their pretty solid cars. I'd like to know more about life with the focus such as how is it for passengers how is it on fuel/ mpg could you lay the seats down and take it for groceries around town. It's a great rally looking car but how does it daily.
Interested in your story on the RS. Im curious why the dealership didnt deny you warranty due to modifications...did you remove them before going to the dealership?
Have you mentioned the veering steering in any of the earlier video. It kicks in as the overboost kicks in at about 5200rpm. Some call it torque steer, but I'm not so sure considering my other car is an Impreza with similar power/torque and lighter older generation technology. This tracks straight at 80mph in 3rd whereas my RS is a bit of a fighter.
I'm wondering if it's camber and toe related. The standard settings have quite a wide tolerance. I think the RS runs quite an aggressive camber and I know when I ran -1.5 on my Impreza it did tug around on ruts and road camber/wear made my HGV. Knocking it back to around -1.2 sorted it. When I get the chance to pull my Subaru out into daylight I'll run the RS into my garage and get my camber gauge on it.
Tire pressure is a big factor too. I was running 46psi(3.2bar) in the front in and rear, and the bumps/camber in the roads would influence my steering quite a bit, torque steer would pop up too. Then went down to 41psi(2.8) in the front and 38psi(2.6) in the rear and it was like night and day. This is with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cups 2's in a 2017 RS.
FYI, if you're consuming engine coolant, then the visible change in your exhaust gases is most likely due to condensing water vapour, and not 'smoke'. When making a claim to a garage (maybe not the garage you mentioned in the vid), best not to appear uninformed or you might get palmed off with some botch-it job.
Another great video Gary👍 I’ve just replaced springs on mine for eibachs from pumaspeed and 12.5mm spacers, looks so much better and handles even better, I went for the rally armour mud flaps which do look good and stop loads of crap flying down the side of the car, I was gonna go mountune but kept reading the logos wear off quickly👎
Car Focused I bought them from kenny on the mk3 owners club, think they were £138 delivered, yes expensive but very good quality, easy to fit and do their job well👍 I think the mountune ones are very similar but I’m not a lover of all that yellow on them👎
Car Focused cheap enough mate👌, I’ve got the mountune intake too, as I got it with the m380 kit, I didn’t do my research very well and then found out it wasn’t warranty approved😡😡 now gone like you with DS, no trace and won’t effect the ignition counter , perfect👌
Car Focused I never put the 380 map on as was worried about the warranty, I done a lot of research after making the mistake of purchasing it and went DS as it can’t leave any trace where as the 380 would! I run the ultima map, I’ve tried the 2 and 2+ but think they are better suited to a decat and intercooler as I felt a flat spot at 2.5 k
great video mate :) I'm tossing up between a second hand RS LE, a new i30N or maybe (if I'm feeling rich) even an M140i at the moment, but this gives me a good idea what the Ford is like to live with and own. Cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)
@@drsipp407 None of the above LOL..... I ended up with a MY20 Golf R. I didn't fit well into the 140i, the i30N had too much front axle tramp in the wet and I really wanted a Focus RS, but my wife can't drive a Manual Car, so bought the Golf R instead..... after having owned the Golf R for over a year, she has only driven it once..... so I should have just bought the RS!!!
@@drsipp407 no, they stopped building the Focus RS in 2017 and we ran out of stock early 2018, so I was looking at second hand ones. I ordered my Golf R in Aug 2019 and took delivery in November 2019. Yes, not in the US. I live in Western Australia. What do you drive DrSipp?
@@DonsShed I have a 2012 NA veloster with the 6 speed manual. I just got out of school and started working under contract as a mechanic for BMW so I’m in a tight spot But I’m hoping to upgrade next year. Maybe to a veloster N or focus RS. I might even settle for an ST honestly
Have you had any issues with the steering snatching in your hand and a feeling the nsf wheel has movement? I have replaced every bush and joint on the whole of the front upgraded to polly including both lower wishbones and still have the same problem my only next step is change steering rack but for want £1700 to do it and worried the problem may still be there do you have any thoughts?
He only had one real issue at the time he made this video, and that's the head gasket (the RECARO seat problem wasn't a big deal, but since the car was still under warranty why not address it for free). All his other mechanical problems stemmed from that gasket issue, and Ford has since corrected it on future RSs.
I've had mine for 2 years and 8 months. Over 50k miles on it, and it's given me *no* issues. I was in the head gasket recall because it was one of the first ones built (delivered in the US June 4th, 2016), but I never saw any problems from it.
Mine already scrapes on many speed bumps and ramps in and out of driveways, so there is no way I would ever make it any lower. It already looks aggressive enough for me and I doubt that it would handle any better unless you also stiffened the suspension, which is already more than stiff enough for me.
The marker pen mark on the engine coolant, does that mean the head gasket has been checked or changed? Ive just got my 66 plate 2nd and it has that same scribble
Hi I'm thinking of getting a mk3 focus RS and keep hearing about this block mod. Did you ever have to have that done because they say standard or modifying RS this needs to be done. How long did you have your RS for and what do you think pro's and cons are and if you would actually buy another. Thank you very much video 10/10
Glad your enjoying the car mate.Thinking of getting the wheel spacers also.If you keep a car after the finance is finished you get at least a few years with no monthly finance bills 😊
i have been away from RS for years and years , i used to have a Mk2 Mexico when i was a kid , but now i have the bug again , i am looking at a mk3 RS same colour as yours 18 plate with Mountune FPM375 Upgrade with Certificate, fitted from brand new, (Ford Approved and Warranty Friendly). Mountune cat back exhaust Mountune Quaife Differential Girodisc 2 Piece Front Discs Mountune uprated re- circulating valve. Mountune Sport Spring Kit. Mountune Billet Oil Dipstick. Mountune Billet Oil Filler Cap. Mountune Rear Grooved Discs. Mountune Billet Short Shift Arm. Mountune Mudflaps. Mountune Car Mats. DMB Gel Badges. Bonnet Struts. Climair Air Deflectors. It is going to be like i say my 1st RS is £29999 , a good price & is it going to make me smile like a cat from cheshire ?????? good video thanks Kris
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I just want to say what a great review this was, I've owned my 16 focus RS for 8 months now and I will continue to own the car for the next 4 years easily.
Everyone who thinks these "big issues" are such a problem then dont worry about buying it.
Honestly when I had my head gasket changed it was no big deal and they fixed it and I havent had any other problems than that apart from tyre usage (like all cars do)
The only other things you noted was the upholstery which hasnt happened on mine but I have the race bucket seats and that is it, everything else was extra modification issues :)
I'm glad you'll be keeping your car as it is a beautiful spec 👌
you still have it ?
Great update. I’m coming up on 2 years in July with mine and just over 38,000 miles. I love this car! Makes me smile every time I drive it as well.
Any issues with your RS?
people dont know what you are talking about if they dont have one, what they know is the 3% RS that got effected by the head gasket and keeps talking about it;)
I owned the 17 and sold it to get the 18 limited edition, the 17 got recalled because of the head gasket, nothing happened to both cars and they are soild
I have the same reaction every time I get into mine. Always a smile and always enjoy the ride.
thats the best thing of the RS and ford really made it happen, its all about the joy
I think you told the story well. I wasn’t bored listening. I like the color of your RS.
2 years ago I bought a 2017 Blue Ford Focus RS in Ponce, PR with 24 miles; now it has 31 thousand miles and I love it. Still after wathing your video, I'm taking it to the Dealer to change the head gasket, just to be on the safe side; thanks for sharing this video, GRACIAS.
Very interesting journey, love the look of the RS!
Car Focused yeah fingers crossed haha!
Great update! Glad you are happy with this vehicle. I am also very happy and recently had the gasket replaced without any issues. They only put 3 miles on the car but I've driven it for almost a week now (about 60 miles per day) and there are no issues with coolant loss. Brake fluid on the other hand, I feel is something I will have to deal with. It seems to be a bit low. It was worse before I tightened the reservoir cap where there was fluid visibly streaking along the reservoir and up against the firewall. Curious if anyone else has had this issue. Other than that, no complaints other than everyone wanting to race! I can't seem to keep it in normal mode and get some more MPG...LOL!
Thanks for sharing. I’m looking for the exact same RS in Stealth Gray. I’Il be checking the maintenance history to ensure the head gasket was replaced.
Can't put a price on a smile ☺️ I have a ST the same year and love it.. great video.s you do!
I can’t wait to get an RS in stealth grey. I want the RS3 package w the sunroof an all. It is my absolute dream car and I can not wait to own one. Thank you for this video!
I bought one just little over a month ago. Absolutely loving it! I find it quite comfortable as a cruiser and a bit naughty when you put your foot down. Really wish I bit the bullet years ago as the valuation is so strong with little depreciation from new.
You're never dull Gary. It was great to see that you are still enjoying the car and interesting to hear your future plans. At one point recently I thought we were going to lose you to BMW 😉
Good man!
What’s the point? they both unreliable , might as well look at Audi rs3 or cla45 AMG at least its reliability better then bmw and ford
I can dig what you said about it putting a smile on your when you drive it. I still hope to get one, I'm not afraid of used. Thanks
Very enjoyable watch. I am thinking of getting one for my wife, I mean me, no wait, I mean my wife or could it be for me...nope it's for my wife...honest. The Focus RS looks amazing, I don't see it ever ageing. Thank you. Gee.
Had an Fiesta ST, loved it. Would surely love this one.
So you sold it? Regret it? Happy you sold it? What did you not like about it?
I’ll be honest, I gave up on the RS last year after all the issues. I decided to keep my Fiesta ST and take it up to stage 3, it’ll keep up with an RS now and it’s only been in the garage for new tyres, breaks, servicing and modifications (oh and a smashed fog light!), literally rock solid engine. Never want to see it leave but it’s not the most family friendly car and with baby number 2 on the way I’m thinking of packing in performance cars for the foreseeable future! Get myself a wagon haha
@rvidal0001 probably for practicallity? Makes more sense, the man would probably struggle to get 2 young kids aswell as everything for them in a fiesta st.... common sense really.
Thanks for posting. I'm going to test drive. It looks great.
At 7:06 it is not smoke coming out of the exhaust pipes, but water vapour (condensation). When a head gasket blows, the pressurised water system
forces water into the affected cylinder while the engine is off and cooling down. When you come to start it up again, the water in the cylinder has condensed onto the spark plug, shorting it out and causing the misfire. Rapidly moving air blows the plug dry so that it can fire again and all the water that leaked into the cylinder (and subsequently into the exhaust pipe) now heats up and vapourises, exits the pipes and condenses as the water vapour seen in your video. Smoke, on the other hand, is caused by burning oil which you did not have. To say "These cars smoke a lot on start-up" is misleading. My car always has plumes of water vapour or condensation on a cold and damp morning start-up but it never smokes at all.
Type R does it for me. RS was my second choice, but after a year of research, test drives, and arguing with the wife, I got the Type R lol
I wasn’t aware of the different versions of head gaskets, and am surprised to hear the Mustang gasket is worse? I’m a Ford dealer tech, haven’t seen a single 2.3 Mustang with the head gasket failure yet
Jesus Christ!!! ALL THAT IN THE FIRST YEAR?!!!!! Damn, thanks for the heads up. I'm gonna stick with my Subie.
Damn, i did 15’000 Miles in 2 1/2 months in my ST. Lol these cars are just to damn fun to drive!!
Nice vid again mate. Had my RS done last week thank god just wanted it over and done with! Nice to see u got a focus RS edititon and I got a Ford KA lol. I was talking to the technician at the garage and he said that Evans Halshaw Ford will guarantee your warranty with any dream science instalments. Better off double checking but that’s what I got told as I’m looking to install the imap myself.
This is the first video I’ve watched from you but a good update. Wish you’d have accelerated out the junctions mind! You’ve got an RS not a Titanium. Had mine 3 months now and 3k miles. Trying to be extra careful of the seat bolsters. 22mpg average fuel and fast increasing fuel bills is definitely becoming a consideration. Might have to give the ST a run for a little while until it drops back down.
As a future possible owner thankyou for the information.What a beautiful looking car
I'm bursting at the seams with desire to buy me one of those. I don't know how expensive they are over there, but here in America, that car has actually gained value from msrp. Thanks for the video!
The prices aren't coming down...... Did you ever buy one? I bought a 2018 & it puts the 'fun' back into driving. The AWD system makes it 100x better vs. a Focus ST.
@@poker_18rs92 oh man I wish 😂 I ain't got the money for it though
@@captaintraction4024 70k miles for 25-18k near me, not terrible
Great vid pal . Got the head gasket and the fpm 375 package. Put on at the same time. Car is absolutely flying now
Car Focused not half pal . Like you said feels a lot stronger too .
Every time i see one of these theres always some 16 year old kid driving it, especially the ST’s. One of the main factors that kept me from getting one, still an awesome car regardless
Love this car & colour!
Great video. Mine currently in for the recall. Hopefully every RS will be sorted soon and we can all forget about the whole thing.
khf jvc Ford seems determined to make things right on this car. More than I can say for another American manufacturer who's having their pants sued off of them for covering up the fact they've been building death traps for the last 15 years.
Miatacrosser... it took a couple weeks for ford to get the parts in but once the parts arrived they set me up with an appointment and my car was back to me within the same week. No problems with the car before or since. I don’t have anything bad to say about my experience with my RS. Ford did right by me. So I’m good. Happy motoring.
Hello Gary, great video, I too have an RS now and you have helped me again as I have had issues with the driver mode unavailable error. Only had the car for Two weeks so I’ll be getting in touch with my ford dealer tomorrow. 👍
Thanks Gary, I’ll mention it later on this morning and see what they say. I look forward to your next video. 🙂
Thanks for the video! I've recently come in to a new job with more money and have been seriously considering picking an RS up! Thanks for the insight on ownership.
There is always something to a review done by a UK RUclipsr. Great run down on the car, I was quite surprised that you remember the sequence of it.
Awesome review.
Mine has over 21k miles on it and I have had no problems with it. I also do not have any mods and I have not taken it to the track. Ford is going to replace the head gasket and head for free but I have not had issues with it. The only problem I have is people at work dinging up the paint or having idiots swipe my fenders. I love the car but might have to sell it as I am getting ready to have a baby. My tires still look good even though I do like to drive around the windy roads in the Bay area. My only gripe on the vehicle is the steering wheel controls should be reversed so I can keep one hand on the wheel and still adjust volume of the radio.
Good to know. I have super long legs so I put the seat all the way to the back. I take my friends kid around for a drive every now and then and he loves the car. Maybe my kids will too :)
I actually like the steering controls the way they are, I can change the cruise controls with just one hand lol
find your workmates or so called..and stick the nut on them....soon stop
I have the st with the same recaros it’s under warrantee but it’s a 3 year old car I had the same problem with my seats I wonder if ford will look at them
Thank you for sharing your journey up until now. Looks good in grey, although the nitrous blue has to be its best colour if you don't mind drawing attention.
Test drove one and the cornering feel is something special. Enjoy.
Pity Ford is killing this, the Focus ST and the Fiesta ST in the states. Considering we don't have access to the Renault Megane, Seat Leon Cupra, Peugot, or I30N (only the Veloster N) etc. we really needed this amazing hot hatch.
I feel like your lucky from some of the stories out there about cracked blocks. I was RIIIIIIIIIIGHT on the edge of buying one, but it was right around when the internet blew up about the engine problems. So I kept my '11 WRX which has been totally bulletproof except for the blown engine. lol
Thanks mate. Own one and must say you’d love the racing seats
@@CarFocused ill 2nd that, the recaro racing shell seats look awesome, but they aren't as comfortable and less adjustable. Height adjust with the basic seats makes them a winner if youre tall as you can seat yourself lower down in the car.
Thanks for sharing. The moral of this story if you want a hot hatch make sure it comes with a warranty.
Glad you got it all sorted in the end - a blown head gasket (albeit due to the wrong head gasket fitted by some muppets) would bum me out on 1st year of ownership, just from the idea of the engine bay having to be ripped apart to replace it. But if you have no problems now and all is working and driving well - then its no biggie in the long run.
Good video. Thank you for posting. Very informative
Not boring at all, welcome back. Cool video
I have had mine for a year 75k shes doing great 👍 😊
Hi Gary, received this response from Jared at Dreamscience re the 0-62mph figure for the Ultima map - “We have not done timing but some on the forum have got down to flat 4 second or very close”. Keen too hear your results when you get a chance to test...:)
Hahahahaha...thanks for your quick response. I’m looking forward to seeing the video!
Interesting video buddy and it's good to hear your ups and downs you've had with the car so far.
I heard that the block is under recall , that it's great for cooling but sacrificed by the wall construction causing additional issues.
I'd definatley ask ford if you have an RS. Not 100% sure on it's validity as I don't own one but I'd ask. Sometimes these recalls take a while to come up. Doesn't hurt to check and ask.
the block open deck design was possibly causing "scrubbing away" of the headgasket between the cylinders due to expanding and contracting from the heating and cooling cycles. A guy had posted a video about this being the possible cause.
Does every single 2016-2017 Focus RS eventually need a head gasket replacement? The used ones online aren't showing active recalls on their CARFAX reports, so I'm confused on this?
Interesting experience with your seat. My car wore through its very thin leather seat covering in 900 miles on the shell seats. Replaced under warranty. Then, the reupholstered seat wore through in another 3000 miles or do. After battles and battles with Ford customer services they pretty quickly denied a second warranty claim, and then tried to claim the first claim was never authorised. My first Ford RS and my last. Sold after 13 months as the build quality, reliability and customer service with Ford in my experience falls significantly below expectations.
yes, i agree. to be fair, my local dealer that did the servicing was first class and i couldn't fault them. the supplying dealer (a ford store) where quite dreadful in all respects. the car was fine apart from the unacceptable build quality, but just didn't drive as well as i'd hope for my style of driving. it's a shame as my local dealer was battling on my behalf also but were very much letdown by ford CS having no interest at all in customer retention. like i say, just didn't work for me, but the experience tainted me so much that i wouldn't ever consider an RS again.
good luck on your car, enjoy it.
Just to set the record straight for other potential buyers - my RS has done over 40,000km and you really need to look very hard to see where the blue piping has lost a tiny amount of colour on the bolster. It must be the difference between my body size and yours , or the way that you get in and out of the car.
Good video,you explain things properly and honestly 👍
Car Focused no mate i own a mp215,i still enjoyed this video because you told a honest good review
Im getting a hatch the next few months , but i really can't decide yet , it's either this focus or a scirocco , but really want the wrx hatchback
Glad you are enjoying it! I love my Mk2 RS - might go Mk3 one day 😍
Mk2 beast....
Would you consider this as an good dailydriver? And how does it handle in cold climate (I live in Finland)?
I would say for the majority of people commuting to work, it wouldn't be a good daily driver. Keep in mind it's a manual, a turbo, 19" wheels and poor fuel economy... and the heavily bolstered seats in the US. For those of us who know what it is, it's a great daily driver & the AWD system allows you to put the power down w/o any surprises.
Would love one but is it worth the extra cash compared to the ST as a daily driver?
Bought the Dreamscience Imap basically on your recommendation in your last video. Loving it. Running the Ultima 2 map on a stock car. The lower maps were good but a bit underwhelming. Not game to go to the 2+ map without any mods. Car goes in for HG on May 7. No issues with the car so far 9000km.
Thanks for posting the video. I have a 2009 mk2 (North America) focus ses. 120k with no engine issues at all. After the gaskets have been replaced I would not worry about a thing on the Ford... Btw the duratech blocks are Mazda tech (bought during the separation). Though you said you keep car's only 3 years tops so... Enjoy whatever you pay for next, and 3 years later next...... You get the point $$$$$$
Best color choice.
Nice review.Clear and simple “Tesco,no frills” edition 👍
Keep them coming,subscribed & liked.
I completely agree took a mustang gt for a test drive and it did not make me smile like the rs dose I do plan on buying a mustang gt with the roush super charger
Good to see you back 👍a remap vid update would be good, my Scorpion valved cat back arrives tomorrow 👍 did buy the axle back exhaust but parcel forced lost it:-( cheers steve
How comfy are the seats
ford honor warranty after mods and mapping how . correct me if i am wrong i thought that voided warranty
Good review mate.The ford dealership sounds amazing compared to ours in Australia although ford Australia just increased there warranty from 3yr 100000kms to 5yr unlimited because of all the problems.But eveytime i have a problem with my or my wifes Ford they dont want to know a thing about it as there is always problems with the plastics fading due to our strong uv.
this is fantastic car , I wish I had this car.
Nice looking car and nice to see Ford make good on warranty repairs. Most people don't realize that Ford has nearly pushed this motor to the limit...nice car mate.
Hi Gary, thanks for another great vid. Really enjoy all your videos as I am close to buying an RS and find your videos very informative. I wondered if you had tested the 0-62mph figure after the map?
I was close to buying a blue one...but with the issues plastered all over social media re engine/cooling probs, I stuck with my Mk2. It is a shame, but hopefully these cars will slowly get sorted..
Although I’ve had zero problems with my focus ford still replaced the gasket with the proper one and addressed the potential issue and had my car back to me in three business days. Still loving my car and having fun with it. Things happen and ford really did correct any concerns of mine before things went south. I’m keeps my my RS and I will buy ford again.
Car Focused Definitely is a great car.. I hope you have no further issues and can just enjoy it stress free
Great colour
Im torn between the rs and the cupra 290. What are your thoughts on the better car. I know the focus will hold its value better .
Hi great video re : rs I've put a deposit on one like yours a stealth grey purchasing private its had head gasket done .
The cars look great but so many dont rate them cos of issues. Am I doing the right thing in buying one it's a 2016 with 14k .
Many thx in advance
Great video. I feel other then the headgasket issue their pretty solid cars. I'd like to know more about life with the focus such as how is it for passengers how is it on fuel/ mpg could you lay the seats down and take it for groceries around town. It's a great rally looking car but how does it daily.
Interested in your story on the RS. Im curious why the dealership didnt deny you warranty due to modifications...did you remove them before going to the dealership?
Have you mentioned the veering steering in any of the earlier video. It kicks in as the overboost kicks in at about 5200rpm. Some call it torque steer, but I'm not so sure considering my other car is an Impreza with similar power/torque and lighter older generation technology. This tracks straight at 80mph in 3rd whereas my RS is a bit of a fighter.
Fitting the Quaiff LSD cures that issue.
I'm wondering if it's camber and toe related. The standard settings have quite a wide tolerance.
I think the RS runs quite an aggressive camber and I know when I ran -1.5 on my Impreza it did tug around on ruts and road camber/wear made my HGV. Knocking it back to around -1.2 sorted it. When I get the chance to pull my Subaru out into daylight I'll run the RS into my garage and get my camber gauge on it.
When iam giving mine the beans i have to hold on to it like my life depended on it, mental but still good fun!!
Tire pressure is a big factor too. I was running 46psi(3.2bar) in the front in and rear, and the bumps/camber in the roads would influence my steering quite a bit, torque steer would pop up too. Then went down to 41psi(2.8) in the front and 38psi(2.6) in the rear and it was like night and day. This is with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cups 2's in a 2017 RS.
Should’ve put Ppf on the front. I didn’t on my s3 and regretted it. Did put ppf on my RS3 saloon and would defo do it again
Dude instant sub. Awesome video!
Great video mate. Wish your would up load more
You**
FYI, if you're consuming engine coolant, then the visible change in your exhaust gases is most likely due to condensing water vapour, and not 'smoke'. When making a claim to a garage (maybe not the garage you mentioned in the vid), best not to appear uninformed or you might get palmed off with some botch-it job.
Hi. What's your average consumption? Considering all factors: fun, city, outside city, etc, summer with AC, winter, etc.
Another great video Gary👍 I’ve just replaced springs on mine for eibachs from pumaspeed and 12.5mm spacers, looks so much better and handles even better, I went for the rally armour mud flaps which do look good and stop loads of crap flying down the side of the car, I was gonna go mountune but kept reading the logos wear off quickly👎
Car Focused I bought them from kenny on the mk3 owners club, think they were £138 delivered, yes expensive but very good quality, easy to fit and do their job well👍 I think the mountune ones are very similar but I’m not a lover of all that yellow on them👎
Car Focused cheap enough mate👌, I’ve got the mountune intake too, as I got it with the m380 kit, I didn’t do my research very well and then found out it wasn’t warranty approved😡😡 now gone like you with DS, no trace and won’t effect the ignition counter , perfect👌
Car Focused I never put the 380 map on as was worried about the warranty, I done a lot of research after making the mistake of purchasing it and went DS as it can’t leave any trace where as the 380 would! I run the ultima map, I’ve tried the 2 and 2+ but think they are better suited to a decat and intercooler as I felt a flat spot at 2.5 k
Nice little vid Gary. You forgot to mention when you were getting it on track though.....!
what was the mapping to the car ?
Me: "Holy shit what a horror story!!!"
Video: "So there has been no horror story during the first year"
Do you feel any change in engine and power if you put fuel from a different petrol station and which is the best in your opinion?
Hello have you look into putting a remote start ?
Fuel economy. Is it terrible or not to bad
great video mate :) I'm tossing up between a second hand RS LE, a new i30N or maybe (if I'm feeling rich) even an M140i at the moment, but this gives me a good idea what the Ford is like to live with and own. Cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)
What did you end up getting
@@drsipp407 None of the above LOL..... I ended up with a MY20 Golf R. I didn't fit well into the 140i, the i30N had too much front axle tramp in the wet and I really wanted a Focus RS, but my wife can't drive a Manual Car, so bought the Golf R instead..... after having owned the Golf R for over a year, she has only driven it once..... so I should have just bought the RS!!!
@@DonsShed damnnn man. Do they still make the RS where you live? I see you mention the i30 and the m140 so it’s safe to assume it’s not the US lol
@@drsipp407 no, they stopped building the Focus RS in 2017 and we ran out of stock early 2018, so I was looking at second hand ones. I ordered my Golf R in Aug 2019 and took delivery in November 2019. Yes, not in the US. I live in Western Australia. What do you drive DrSipp?
@@DonsShed I have a 2012 NA veloster with the 6 speed manual. I just got out of school and started working under contract as a mechanic for BMW so I’m in a tight spot But I’m hoping to upgrade next year. Maybe to a veloster N or focus RS. I might even settle for an ST honestly
so they fixed your head gasket and then it still burned coolant x amount miles later?
Have you had any issues with the steering snatching in your hand and a feeling the nsf wheel has movement? I have replaced every bush and joint on the whole of the front upgraded to polly including both lower wishbones and still have the same problem my only next step is change steering rack but for want £1700 to do it and worried the problem may still be there do you have any thoughts?
I'm here because I saw a blue focus RS at my local tescos today
I'd dump that thing before the warranty ends. That's a scary amount of issues, I'd be worried what else will break in the future.
He only had one real issue at the time he made this video, and that's the head gasket (the RECARO seat problem wasn't a big deal, but since the car was still under warranty why not address it for free). All his other mechanical problems stemmed from that gasket issue, and Ford has since corrected it on future RSs.
Other than the Gasket issue, these cars are stellar. The 2018's have zero issues.
I've had mine for 2 years and 8 months. Over 50k miles on it, and it's given me *no* issues. I was in the head gasket recall because it was one of the first ones built (delivered in the US June 4th, 2016), but I never saw any problems from it.
Definitely get it lowered will make it look even more aggressive and handle even better!
Mine already scrapes on many speed bumps and ramps in and out of driveways, so there is no way I would ever make it any lower. It already looks aggressive enough for me and I doubt that it would handle any better unless you also stiffened the suspension, which is already more than stiff enough for me.
Did changing the air intake and flashing your ECU not invalidate your warranty? I would like to to both but dont want to lose my warranty
Good to know, thank you for the reply.
The marker pen mark on the engine coolant, does that mean the head gasket has been checked or changed? Ive just got my 66 plate 2nd and it has that same scribble
Ok cheers i will have to check the head gasket myself for them holes you are on about, great videos
Evans halshaw, i check that soon as i finish work cheers
I also have the dream science map on my car. When you flashed it back to stock was their any issues from ford. Could they tell?
Even though you have mods does the ford warranty still apply?
Hi I'm thinking of getting a mk3 focus RS and keep hearing about this block mod. Did you ever have to have that done because they say standard or modifying RS this needs to be done. How long did you have your RS for and what do you think pro's and cons are and if you would actually buy another. Thank you very much video 10/10
Glad your enjoying the car mate.Thinking of getting the wheel spacers also.If you keep a car after the finance is finished you get at least a few years with no monthly finance bills 😊
Car Focused it will look like a right beast! 😉🏁
How far can you modify this car without it affecting your warranty from Ford?
I honestly thought those seats were from your mk1 because of the condition they are in
i have been away from RS for years and years , i used to have a Mk2 Mexico when i was a kid , but now i have the bug again , i am looking at a mk3 RS same colour as yours 18 plate with
Mountune FPM375 Upgrade with Certificate, fitted from brand new, (Ford Approved and Warranty Friendly).
Mountune cat back exhaust
Mountune Quaife Differential
Girodisc 2 Piece Front Discs
Mountune uprated re- circulating valve.
Mountune Sport Spring Kit.
Mountune Billet Oil Dipstick.
Mountune Billet Oil Filler Cap.
Mountune Rear Grooved Discs.
Mountune Billet Short Shift Arm.
Mountune Mudflaps.
Mountune Car Mats.
DMB Gel Badges.
Bonnet Struts.
Climair Air Deflectors.
It is going to be like i say my 1st RS
is £29999 , a good price & is it going to make me smile like a cat from cheshire ??????
good video
thanks
Kris
Does the re-map not affect your warranty?