PubBurgers
PubBurgers SuperDork
9/23/24 9:34 a.m.

Hey there. I find myself in a position where purchasing a Focus RS is a feasible thing and I'm just about to pull the trigger. It seems like 2017 models with around 40k miles are most common in my price range.

 

I hear the suspension is stiff but I work from home and only drive around 4,000 miles a year so that doesn't bother me. It'll be replacing a 2017 Focus ST (which replaced a base Focus hatch) so I know what I'm getting into in the interior department. 

 

Mostly it'll be a driveway queen grocery getter with the occasional autocross thrown in. Why do I need a 350hp driveway queen? Because it's awesome.

 

With 40k on the clock is there anything in particular I should be on the lookout for that wouldn't be glaringly obvious? Any common maintenance items coming up? Anything quirky and breaky with the AWD system? I'd be going with a dealer so no vibes from the PO. I appreciate any advice the hive mind has!

 

 

RacetruckRon
RacetruckRon SuperDork
9/23/24 10:52 a.m.

In reply to PubBurgers :

Sit in one first, the RS2 seats are horrible compared to the FiST and FoST base seats/ST2 Recaros.  I haven't ever sat in ST3 leather seats so I can't compare to those.  But I didn't like the seat base angle adjustment when I sat in one.

The 2018 models all got a real deal LSD from the factory, but those are a bit more coveted for that.

Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
9/23/24 10:57 a.m.

No personal experience, but we do have a buyer's guide:

Make your Ford Focus RS faster | Expert tech tips

PubBurgers
PubBurgers SuperDork
9/23/24 10:59 a.m.

In reply to RacetruckRon :

Interesting. I've got the Recaros in my ST and really like them. Just assumed the RS was using the same seats.

Snrub
Snrub Dork
9/23/24 1:47 p.m.
RacetruckRon said:

In reply to PubBurgers :

The 2018 models all got a real deal LSD from the factory, but those are a bit more coveted for that.

I'm not an expert on these cars, but I think you might mean front LSD? I think the rear had a trick e-diff in all cases.

Pete. (l33t FS)
Pete. (l33t FS) MegaDork
9/24/24 9:32 a.m.

In reply to Snrub :

The 2018 had a Torsen in the front, which I will pedantically point out is a variable torque bias open diff and not a LSD.

Still more better than a fixed 50/50 diff (arguably better than an LSD for this application) and is probably why 2018s are worth so much more than 2016/2017s.

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