Is the Ford Focus RS too much for the road? | ReDriven used car review.

Check out the Ford Focus RS Cheat Sheet here: redriven.com/ford-focus-rs/
Looking for a used Ford Focus RS? - carsforsale.com.au/ford/focus
This week, Adam jumps behind the wheel of one of the most talked-about cars when it first launched in 2016, the Ford Focus RS. Specifically, we have the slightly spicier version, the RS Limited Edition which came with a couple of cosmetic and mechanical improvements.
But is the track-focused hot hatch still a weapon after it has thousands of kilometres on the clock? Is there anything you should look out for if you're in the market for one?
Check out the full video and let us know in the comments below what you think!
00:00​​​​ - Intro
01:37​​​ - What is it?
02:29​ - Does it look good?
03:48​​​​ - How's the interior?
05:10​​​​ - How's the tech?
05:43​​​​ - Is it practical?
07:08​​​​ - What goes wrong?
07:55​​​​ - Is it safe?
08:24​​​​ - What's it like to drive?
11:27​​​ - How much does it cost?
11:49​​​ - Running costs?
12:51​​​​ - Should you buy it?
#ford
#focus
#hothatch
Additional videos and images are used for illustrative purposes, under the provision of 'Fair Use'.
If you are the owner of any material, please contact us: [e-mail]
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At ReDriven, we’ll be taking you through the pros and cons of a huge range of used cars to see how well they’re going now that they’re a few years old, have thousands of kilometres on the clock, and are coming toward the end of their warranty, or maybe don’t have one at all.
Plus, thanks to our resident mechanic, Jim, you’ll find out what commonly goes wrong with them and what might need to be fixed.
Most importantly, we want to make ReDriven a voice for the most in-the-know used car experts there are...you guys.. See, you’re the ones that actually buy, live with, love and sometimes unfortunately hate the cars we’ll be reviewing.
So we want to hear your thoughts. Hit us up in the comments, or on Instagram and Facebook.
We’d love nothing more than for you to give us as much feedback as possible, so we can make this channel the best it can be.
Find us on:
INSTAGRAM: / redriven_official
FACEBOOK: / redrivenofficial

[@seannbarrett]

“They can be fuel efficient if you’re a really boring person” That should be stamped on every performance car 😂

[@bonk352]

Super unleaded is it's favourite drink

[@Bombaclock]

It should be put on a sticker or a T-shirt! :D

[@2theCore777]

Nobody ever bought a RS for fuel efficiency lol 😂👍

[@oroxil]

Got my RS in 2016 and still love it! As far as reliability, being one of the early builds it had the flawed head gasket. So I had it replaced at 18,000 miles. Now it’s up to over 81,500 miles with no issues.

[@ReDriven]

Awesome to hear mate.

[@bonk352]

That's sure some serious mileage over just five years!

[@Taylor40667]

81000!!!! You must have one of the highest Mines on 20k since new gets driven very very hard hasnt missed a beat

[@lisap1776]

I'm so jealous!

[@FreshlyBaked13]

My buddy had a st and even in that the seat height really bothered me. How is it having to live with that? Are there any aftermarket solutions? There is a RS LE in Red available near me and I'm very tempted.

[@Chefcouchon]

Had mine nearly 2 years now. Still puts a smile on my face every day

[@poker_18rs92]

I have an ST & for some reason I really just don't like it. I think it's a combo between the FWD & also that the entire car seems put together cheap. RS prices are high right now & they don't seem to be going down. I'd love to buy one though.

[@Producti0nhyper]

@@poker_18rs92 I feel you, I had a triple yellow ST and although I enjoyed it very much and very fun, The RS is great! If you live in a state(US) where you arent tied down to smog, you can get a RS engine swapped into a SE model. Same as ST engine into the sedans as well.

[@jordanbell6755]

same! such a fun little car

[@jamesevans6335]

@@Producti0nhyperMK2 all day

[@isabelle.c011]

@@poker_18rs92 if you don’t like the st you won’t like the rs

[@Producti0nhyper]

2017 Rs here with 12K miles. Love it. Don’t drive often, but when I do. I’m happy

[@ReDriven]

Congrats mate and thanks so much for watching and commenting

[@parkerlandsbergen6674]

Absolutely love my 2017 focus rs, it has been a dream car of mine. It's my only car and gets daily driven at least 20k miles per year on bad salty roads, through snowstorms, on-track events, and drifting in parking lots. The car has remained reliable through all of it.

[@tylernelson8917]

im thinking of buying a used 60k mile one would you suggest this is a good idea? Alot are at 100k miles but id rather put the money for half the milage

[@verjanssam]

I just bought one, so lets hope it’s ok lol

[@SPURTIS00]

Bought my RS new in 2017. Love it! It's an amazingly fun car to drive.

[@user-rd7rl8jh6e]

I think the rs is one of the greatest cars of the last years and definitely a future classic

[@ReDriven]

Completely agree mate. Thanks for watching and commenting too mate.

[@slyonme]

funny comment

[@vmxg8052]

The rear seats do fold flat. You have to lift up the bottom cushion and fold it forward.

[@ReDriven]

Bugger, sorry mate, should have checked that. Thanks for the heads up

[@paulosullivan9171]

Yes, also note in the American version at least, you have to remove the headrests to do as you describes. I know...I curse everytime I have to, mostly because you can't remove or reinstall the headrests if the rear seatback is fully up because of height of the headrest posts keep from inserting the headrest into the seatback due to ceiling height/clearance.

[@luckyrYtArd]

thats right :D

[@deepakkv303]

@@paulosullivan9171 Mine live in the garage. Between the freedom to put the seats down and the added visibility out of the back, headrests will remain in the garage.

[@shaunwolfe7665]

Do the Ford focus ST??do the same

[@cmckinley024]

Have had my RS in the US since 2017. Also affected by the head gasket recall, so got that replaced. Mine has been tuned for most of its life at a little over 400hp to the crank. Currently at 67,000 miles and the car performs and runs beautifully. Only thing that has gone wrong is one of my axles is bad/needs replaced. I blame that on being on a stiff coil over setup and driving on crappy/rough Midwest roads.

[@StarryBoar]

Looking at buying one right now over in the states. It's really interesting seeing the opinion of someone over in an different part of the world since the RS is no longer being manufactured here. I've been in love with the RS since we got it over here and they have finally come down to a reasonable price. Hoping for the best in locating one that hasn't been totally trashed like the I've seen with US STs and of course the Subaru scene. Loved the video and thanks for your insight! 🤘🏻

[@SheddysGaming]

I've spent a year going from G37, genesis, a few pickups, mustangs, Veloster.. a whole bunch of different ideas. And this is what I've landed on. I'm happy with my decision now I just have to find one :)

[@btzemat210]

Love my 2017 RS2 frozen white. No problems with the car yet. I don't garage and save it, but enjoy every minute as a daily driver.

[@skeeter012]

Great video. Picked up a '17RS with low mileage in November of 2019 and love it. They will be a collectors item soon.

[@ReDriven]

Cheers mate and huge congrats, we're bloody jealous!

[@BlueSkyCrystals]

I’m picking up a 2016 with 19k miles and I hope you’re right 😆

[@garrettsmith6549]

Hell yeah they will. Honestly I think the fiesta st’s will too. They retain their value over in the US really well. 2014-2018 sell for the exact same price almost everywhere which is only a little below msrp even after years of them being out. Nobody bought them in the US! So there aren’t many left. Plus the ones that are out there are getting wrapped around trees 😂

[@BlueSkyCrystals]

@@garrettsmith6549 A month ago I sold a 2015 Fiesta ST with 45k miles for only $1k less than when I bought it 3 years ago at 8k miles 😆 That’s how I bought my RS. Prices for the RS have also spiked recently so I just snuck in before it happened.

[@SkylerB17]

It might be too late for me by the time I can trade my car in next year 😭😭

[@kenocontreras]

Bought a 2018 two days ago, It was my dream car since its release in 2016 and I finally was able to get it. I'm so happy rn with this beauty

[@ReDriven]

Huge congrats mate, well done! - AK

[@bonk352]

I've just bought another one, should never have sold the old one, but you live and learn. You've made a sound choice and hope you have many more years Focus RS ownership to come!

[@realxflare]

Got my 2016 about a year ago, with 49k miles, head gasket was already done. Currently at 79k miles. Only issues were new clutch n flywheel not long after I got it (previous owner must’ve abused the car a bit) and a master cylinder about $400 to have a shop fix that. Obviously brakes, tires, n oil (every 3,000 miles) like every other car. It is a race car, so I drive it like a race car in sport/track mode all the time. Zero issues with the power train, it is built really well! As a side note, it is completely stock mechanically, I don’t use launch control very often, and I almost never use drift mode, but they work great the few times I do!

[@vitorharalambus6537]

3 years in with my 2017 NB RS still love it as much as the first day I bought it 👌🏼

[@ReDriven]

G'Day Damon, awesome to hear mate and thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@michaelchan1081]

nice video. mine is a 2017 that i took delivery in jan 2017. waited 13 months on a pre-order. have since put 90k+ miles, so it is not a low mileage kit now. MPG across all types of driving is a cumulative 25. a dream to drive everyday. it begs to be driven.

[@tarmac_terror_rst]

Had mine 2.5 years running 420bhp, love every bit, amazing on the track! Have fitted a lowering kit for the seat and a whole bunch of mods

[@filipbojkovic2217]

I know its an old comment. But do you have any issues with reliability? I want this car so much but all the forums and hearing about the car blowing up are scaring me....

[@MercilessHurricane]

I'm starting the new year with a MK3 RS with mods bringing it to 400hp~. Great break down of the Focus mate and cheers for teaching me a couple of things 🤙

[@autonerd1991]

I bought a RS in April. And he makes so much fun, one of de best hot-hatch ever. Greetings from Switzerland.

[@Chrisrg97]

The Salmon bit earned my like lol Have daily driven a ‘17 RS for 3 years and I love it! Intake, tune, and exhaust with shifter solid bushings (must have) and not a single major issue besides a bad sensor at 25k miles. People have reported same mods at high mileages, so I look forward to similar results!

[@Spleego]

What kind of horsepower are you getting with just those mods? Just bought mine this year, 2016 with only 7k miles I couldn't be happier and don't wanna do a lot to it but want a couple upgrades.

[@maxwell3476]

Loved the salmon anaology - also love the premise of this channel. Used cars are under appreciated by professional reviewers.

[@Deiondrick]

Hello from the USA 🖐🏾. Love the video. The rear seat backs do fold flat. On the side of the actual seats you’ll feel a handle to flip the seat forward. Then you can lay the seat backs flat.

[@ReDriven]

Hey Deiondrick! Thanks so much for commenting mate. Really?? Ours seemed physically impossible to fold flat. We might have to try harder next time. Glad you enjoyed the vid, thanks again for commenting!

[@rossgehrig976]

@@ReDriven you have to pull the bottom of the back seats up first. you can also take the foam out from under the boot and get another 4 inches of depth. It holds a sub woofer but not in the aus model, only holds a pump and goop for a flat tire

[@chirpywiggins5796]

Respect for the Focus RS, it will be mine one day ! At the moment though I’m having loads of fun in the new mk8 Fiesta ST. A very worthy little bother 👊

[@ReDriven]

Mate, an incredible little brother and to be honest, after driving both, I think the Fiesta is more genuine fun than the RS. Yes the RS is faster but for smile per dollar, nothing comes close to the Fiesta. Brilliant brilliant car. Congrats.

[@andyh5666]

Haha, I've got the mk8 Fiesta in Aus and love it. My Bro in law just got the Auto Focus ST (Auto, I know......), and my sister is about to pick up a 2017 RS in this same blue, lol. Quite the Ford performance family..

[@bonk352]

The new and very good, yet very light feeling Fiesta ST has a fun and interesting drive and excellent sounding exhaust note (similar to mk 3 focus RS), yet the RS is a much more muscular and sturdier motor. It's very fast with much more substance and ability. The fiesta seems more well mannered and rounded, but the RS is more angry like (in a good way) and a force to be reckoned with.

[@EverydayZach]

As a RS owner for a month, I say YES! Already have a stage 2 kit pushing 28 PSI, 400 ish HP and 420 FPT. Now I have to upgrade the clutch to stage 2 because stock cannot handle it.

[@damilolaakanni]

I think Ford's decision to discontinue the Focus RS in the US was a bad idea. This could have been a Type R beater...especially in the looks department.

[@ianashmore9910]

I would kill for a new ST. My 2013 is showing it's age.

[@Gronkhsau]

not only in the US discontinued.... sadly also in europe

[@durhamdf]

So I’ve had my 2016 RS for just over 4 years and so far this is what has gone wrong: 1. Head gasket recall, they ended up replacing the headers at 10K miles. 2. Power brake booster went out, out of nowhere at 30K miles while I was doing 90mph on a freeway off-ramp! Thank god there was no traffic either waiting or going through the light at the end of the ramp! 3. Broke 2 different exhaust brackets, the exhaust separated from the down pipe and the second one I nearly lost the muffler both at or around 40K miles. 4. Bent a couple rods and warped a cylinder at 55K miles and got a complete engine swap, long block, with 5K miles left on the warranty! Thanks for the new engine Ford! And still, by far, my favorite car I’ve ever owned and a pure joy every time I get behind the wheel!

[@tobiasmattsson7]

Never seen your channel before but the content is amazing, keep it up! Earned a subscriber

[@ReDriven]

Oh mate thanks so much! We're only new to this and that means so much.

[@jaimininorath5760]

Really well put together videos and presentation. Would have never guessed that you would be from Newcastle. Hell yea, put us on the map.

[@ReDriven]

Cheers mate! Proud Novocastrian!! - AK

[@kanesanders6669]

You know I love a Ford Focus, Adam. Watched this about 30 seconds after it was uploaded.

[@ReDriven]

Awesome mate!

[@joegreen678]

Brought one and love it, great video.

[@ReDriven]

Cheers Joe, appreciate the compliment!

[@valvebounce2874]

Just bought one and collecting mine on Tuesday 😎 It feels like my birthday and Christmas rolled into one

[@iancareless1094]

Owned mine from new 2016 great car , just the head gasket issue which ford sorted asap with no hassle , apart from that absolutely no issues regular service and a future classic 👍👍

[@ReDriven]

Awesome Ian, so great to hear.

[@danielalcorn9761]

Bought a slightly used 2018 red RS 8 months ago and absolutely love it

[@ReDriven]

Awesome Daniel, congrats man!

[@ManilvaRS]

Have an Edition here in Spain. 36k on the clock and absolutely nothing has gone wrong so far. I fitted the lowered subframe on the driver side and literally transformed the car.

[@ReDriven]

Awesome mate. Love to try one with the lowered seat

[@lcn2snipe]

Just sold mine. Loved it the whole time for 3 years. Biggest down side for me was garbage paint by ford as i winter drove it in canada. Sold it cause ive got some other projects and the prices were sky high. Will miss driving it

[@deganellis]

Stumbled across this channel. Have been looking for a channel that helps you make informed decisions about used cars with the same level of humour as the boys and girls over at CarExpert deliver consistently. Found it! SUB'D! AK, great job mate. 👍 Keep up the awesome content!

[@ReDriven]

Ah thanks so much Degan. Funnily enough, Sam and I used to work with the guys at CarExpert when we were all at CarAdvice. - AK

[@deganellis]

@@ReDriven ah thought I recognised you. You guys should do a Collab. Quality used car content like yours would be a cool addition to an already great site.

[@jessebudelman]

I have a 17’ ST2 with Recaro’s (NA market) and I love the MK3 interior, everything is still solid after 125k miles (bought with 60 miles) looking to upgrade after 4 years and looking at a 18’ LE RS in Race red.

[@jimmyholster]

Picking up 2017 model on Tuesday! Can't wait!

[@poker_18rs92]

Nice bro, congrats! I'm looking at getting one myself, but they're so hard to find.

[@jimmyholster]

@@poker_18rs92 super excited! Pick it up tomorrow!

[@poker_18rs92]

@@jimmyholster Pick up? Did you buy it online sight unseen? There was a '17 blue RS on Vroom w/ only 6.9k miles for 32k recently. Did you buy that one? I thought about it lol, but I'm not sure I can handle nitrous blue lol

[@ReDriven]

Congrats man!!!!

[@andrejunior378]

Hi i enjoyed the video, keep it up. Ford Focus RS is what a hot hatch should be like, fun, fast, reliable. I think because of the value for money you get from it. don't forget this was awarded Top Gear hot hatch and car of the year 2016, AutoExpress and many other impressive awards. meaning that it was deemed better compared to any other car in the world.

[@ReDriven]

Cheers Andre, thanks so much for enjoying it.

[@ethanurowsky8846]

Great vid mate

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much man

[@DM-ru9bw]

Awesome review, legend.

[@ReDriven]

Oh you!

[@scottandrew6012]

I got to drive one for less than 20 minutes and holy, it’s my new dream car honestly I was all smiles the entire time.

[@christopherbassit2757]

Same

[@graememonie468]

I own a 2016 Focus RS Mk3. Without doubt the best car I have ever owned. It is fantastic and I cannot imagine driving anything else. 😉👍🤘

[@ReDriven]

So jealous mate. It was horrible having to hand the keys back on this one

[@bonk352]

I sold one but about six months later, I bought another, albeit it a year newer. You may hear comments about it being perceived by some as almost second rate and some commenters moaning about it when there's nothing to moan about. These vehicles are still currently increasing in value. They are track based cars for the road, unlike a mk 7 Golf R which is a road based car for a fast road

[@boxedmilk]

Love this production value! Gorgeous shots of a gorgeous car presented so well. Would love to see an episode on a 2011-2014 wrx sti!

[@ReDriven]

Oh mate thanks so much. Really appreciate the kind words. Awesome request, I'll start trying to hunt one down.

[@kieranrowe4524]

Thanks for the video, I’m going to download the app for sure. Looks like some useful info. But the back seats can go completely flat. 👍 if you slot your hand between the lower portion and back rest portion of the rear seats, you can cup your hand around the lower portion and pull the lower seat. It will un fasten and hinge about the front edge of it. You can rotate around 90deg and then lay the backrest portion dead flat. Nice bit of design work by Ford 👌

[@ReDriven]

G'Day Kieran. Yeah I bloody forgot to check the seat folding scenario when we shot this, my bad, sorry about that. And at the moment the cheat sheets are a PDF but we're currently working on getting our website live and an app will happen down the track.

[@bonk352]

Seats are reasonable and straightforward enough to tilt and fold back just like any other mk 3/3.5 Ford Focus. They may be ever so slightly higher than the boot lining itself, but would not pose a problem for folks.

[@RedAnsyn]

I daily my blue 2018 LE RS and you would be absolutely insane to part with one by choice; they are _fucking_ _incredible_

[@ReDriven]

Totally agree mate.

[@Deez276]

I have the Red 2018 and I agree. Three years and I still have the same goofy smile every time I merge on the highway or slide around a corner.

[@tracktimevideos5164]

Had mine 4 years. Fantastic car on road and track.

[@ReDriven]

Awesome!

[@derekmccloskey3046]

Daily drive one for five years with no issue,truly astonishing car to drive!ps seats do go flat by the way!

[@ReDriven]

G'Day Derek. Thanks for watching and yeah I wish I'd checked the old flip up the base of the rear seat trick, my bad. I didn't enjoy giving the RS back!

[@BassJohansson]

Just bought one (2017) with only 1,300 miles on it, always drive with a smile :)

[@Bombaclock]

I love my mk3 2017 RS as a daily

[@taaappp]

Picking mine up Aug 3rd. Can't wait.

[@Canadiancossie]

Great video thank you! I’ll buy one to add to the fleet! Look nice next to the cosworth

[@petermurgatroyd2002]

Very good review

[@TerezaTichx]

loved this!

[@ReDriven]

Oh thanks Tereza. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@LucasVWGolfR]

Nice review Adam and great to see New Lambton in the background (you drove past my childhood home about 5 times haha). If you want to review my 2015 VW Golf GTI Performance or my 2015 Audi SQ5 let me know.

[@ReDriven]

Lucas YES!!! Yes we do!!! Both cars are high on our list but we haven't been able track them down. How can I get in contact with you? Send us a message on our insta??

[@LucasVWGolfR]

@@ReDriven i dont use Instagram, but will get in touch via Facebook if you’d like. I live in Newcastle (we have met several times over the years) so should be relatively painless to arrange.

[@ReDriven]

@@LucasVWGolfR Mate awesome. Yeah shoot me a message on FB and we'll get arranging

[@connortremlett1542]

im so happy i purchased my 2017/12 LE. had 14,500kms on it and got it for $51,000 (just about to hit 17,000km), so glad i picked it up and im amazed that the prices are going up, what an investment but doubt ill ever get rid of it :)

[@ReDriven]

Congrats Connor, awesome buy and mate, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@x58evo2puma7]

I get mine rs next week can’t wait to drive it

[@cy9nvs]

Was thinking about upgrading from my mk3 ST Estate to a Golf R or Focus RS, but ended up buying the new MK4 ST Edition which comes in a very similar colour as the old RS, just because it's a newer car and the RS' Price has gone up quite a bit. Coming from the mk3 ST, I wouldn't hesitate one bit about getting the RS though, the platform is pretty reliable and from what I heard the engine is super reliable also once you get the updated Gasket. You'll have some interior rattles here and there but that's kinda what you expect when driving a Econobox, even if it's an expensive super fast one.

[@TwistedDonners]

I know this is an older video but still well made guys even if you're not a fan of how these ones are compared to you're newer ones. After seeing your recation to how hot the salmon was you ate adam it makes me wonder if you'd want to eat the entirety of that of have to use a Cruze as your daily drive for a month lol 😆

[@ms2g09]

Good video and a great car. Just an FYI the seats do fold flat you have to lift the base up first.

[@ReDriven]

Ah cheers Marcus. I'll let the owner know as he was adamant they didn't. Wish I'd checked, sorry mate.

[@stephenhankey9684]

Awesome review, I bought a second hand one here in the UK and I can’t get enough of it. Here in the UK reliability is on the fence and there has been engine issues but I think some of them have been driven literally to the end of their lives. HARD

[@ReDriven]

G'Day Stephen. Congrats on the purchase mate, I am quite jealous! It's amazing what they can handle but abuse is abuse and generally ends in something going boom. Also, thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@joshgkalhar]

I own and daily one. The only issue I have is the turning radius. Other than that I love my car

[@ASHERTESTIFY]

Subbed!!!! never seen any channel review used cars. Can you do all commodores and falcons review?

[@ReDriven]

G'Day mate and thanks so much for subscribing! We have various Commodores and Falcons high on our to do list. Any in particular you'd like us to do?

[@ASHERTESTIFY]

@@ReDriven I'm very serious about getting either the VFs and FGs, honestly underrated for some but really want to know overall as a daily. It will be a good start 🙂

[@ReDriven]

@@ASHERTESTIFY I'll get onto it mate and start hunting down some for reviews. The Falcon G6E with the Barra was an epic thing when new but I'd love to know what they're like now.

[@ASHERTESTIFY]

@@ReDriven EPIC!!! Your loyalty means a lot man. I cannot wait to see your next upcoming videos :D

[@mr.vaughnteaches9799]

Commodore would be nice. I had a 2004 Monaro in the USA rebadges as a Pontiac. Wonderful car! Would have kept it, but couldn't get the baby seats into the back. Plus, in retrospect there was no room for my third... The American model had the gas tank moved to the trunk/boot which killed the storage. That and the eye sore of a rear wing were my only complaints. At least I was able to remove the wing. But yes, that would be a good car to review.

[@benjaminlockhart8932]

had one for the last year - sick car

[@ReDriven]

Well done Ben and thanks so much for watching

[@peterhunt4048]

The quaife diff definitely makes a difference over standard. I retrofitted one so have driven the same car with both options. Note re the head gasket. Ford recalled the cars with incorrect gaskets and replaced them with the correct gaskets so check service history.

[@peterpan1435]

Could you mention the cost to retrofit a Quaife? In what cornering situations do you feel/appreciate the improvement?

[@Weltbummler23]

Fuel efficient if u use cruise control on the freeway. Reliable 27 mpg (us gallon) at 74 mph on cruise. However on average i get 20 mpg.

[@EC-uq8xq]

I’m trying to grab a unicorn 2018 NB. I found 3, one was in an accident. I’m test driving a 2017 later today to see if I even like the Focus design. Wife says I need four doors for the kids lol. They want $39-41k 16k-30k miles

[@nads8nads8]

I have the RS LE for around 3 years. Few corrections: the back seat do fold flat, it's not as bouncy as everyone says. Sitting in ute with leaf springs is far worse and much more uncomfortable and still everyone drives them.

[@ReDriven]

G'Day Peter. Yep, I dropped the ball on the rear seats there, forgot to check on the day we shot, apologies for that. Also, have you driven a Civic Type R? I just found the ride compliance in the Civic to be superb vs the RS. Love to read you thoughts. Also, thanks so much for watching

[@nads8nads8]

@@ReDriven not interested in the Honda as the looks is shocking. Otherwise I’m sure it’s a good car

[@mattwade8728]

The rear seats do fold flat, the actual rear seats fold up by pulling up from the back allowing the seat backs to fold flat

[@ReDriven]

G'Day Matt, thanks for the heads up man, I bloody missed checking that on the day we shot, sorry!!

[@Vosovogalsyncope]

I bought mine brand new. Got a letter saying recall..got recall done. Then PTU leaks. You sit high, changing the battery and suspension not fun, limited wheel options. Pretty much nt03s, heats up quick on track days, after a year you question the monthly payments. The car really woke up from E85 and a tune though! Always got compliments, and the pops and bangs are amazing, fun to drive and one of the few turbo cars you can VTA (make sure to get BRV). Sold it because I wanted to track more and tracking the RS is pricey chasing down leaks.. I'd say BUY but be aware of some of the things I mentioned. It's a fun car for sure with some cons worth consideration.

[@ReDriven]

Mate so frustrating reading the dramas you had, not good. But, great advice and thanks so much for watching.

[@Vosovogalsyncope]

@@ReDriven no problem, and nice 👌🏿video. The Focus RS taught me just because you can afford the monthly payment doesn't mean you afford tracking the car. Fun car just not the set-up for me.

[@JustSayin993]

Yes you should. After five years of owning mine , each drive is as fresh as first time sex. The Recaro shells are the most comfortable I've ever experienced. Not many realise that the rears are overdriven.5% to the fronts controlled digitally.

[@ReDriven]

Hahahahaha brilliant comment!

[@kitehardinoz]

Ford gave me a Focus RS as a sorry for forgetting the paint protection on my new Ranger. I had it for the day but only drove it for an hour, it would have ended my license in a day. That go pedal is addictive. This car blew my mind, so incredibly fast around corners as well as in a straight line. Rolling start at 2500 rpm in second and floor it, about 2 second later doing over 100 and completely stopped in about same time. I just sat there laughing. 👍

[@ReDriven]

Awesome comment Darren. It is such an addictive little beast. - AK

[@jacoblaird3374]

Just hit 41K from new on my 2018 RS... Still in love

[@poker_18rs92]

I bought a 2018 4 months ago..... I find myself wanting to drive on my days off... it makes driving fun again. I get nervous taking it places though because it’s so bright... it’s a head turner.

[@jaithomas4140]

Awesome vid, You should review a second hand Honda Civic type r fn2👍

[@ReDriven]

Awesome idea!!! I'll get to work trying to find one we can review

[@jaithomas4140]

@@ReDriven legend is love to see your thoughts, there’s a Facebook group called “Fn2R Australia” there’s a heap of good people in there from all states who I’m sure would lend you their car for the review🤙 and if your in Brisbane you can use mine

[@matthewwatt3650]

Literally nothing worse than feeling like you're sitting on the car and not in it. Amazed how many car manufacturers effff this up

[@sambo2700]

And that is why il Got the a45 amg , the best rs ever made was my Old Ford focus rs mk2, still miss it 😢

[@adamwilliams4797]

You can fold seats flat.. raise the bottom part of the seat up towards the front, the lower the back part of seats

[@juankneetoee]

I bought a used 2018 rs but found out it'd on a Second engine and it currently has leaks. Insurance is fixing it but I am still not sure if I should keep it or return.

[@ReDriven]

Oh mate that's horrible to hear.

[@ZachNovak]

This video I went back and watched with my wife on the TV as my selling point I needed one of these to upgrade from my Mazda MPS. I'll let you know how I went in getting one. 😂

[@Pkari]

I've been looking for info on the 2.3 eco boost, THANKS JIM! I'm looking at very good discounts in my area for the 1-2yr old Focus Sts, even the track pack version. My only concern was the engine, these have updated head gaskets. In my short-term ST I get 9L/100km in winter conditions easily so it's not going to compete with a VW EA888 on that, but I'm happy with the consumption given the punch and I just trust this engine more than VAGs.

[@liamgleason916]

Love my RS

[@final3119]

Wish I could afford one. Price on them grew about 25% year over year.

[@ReDriven]

Incredible isn't it!

[@MrInternFTL]

Buy and strip out a ecoboost mustang

[@pauljamieson803]

The car also comes in Racer Red, but only in Europe and N/A. Yes the backseats do go flat.. There was also an update to the suspension in this 2018 model.. The head gasket issue was in the 2016 and in some early 2017 models.. Mine (2018 Red) came with a sunroof, where this one does not look like it has one.. not sure if your guys in Australia get different model types or not? I love mine, but to many people want to drag me and after a while it just become annoying.. lol

[@ReDriven]

G'Day Paul, I dropped the ball on the seats going flat, forgot to check on the day we shot, apologies for that. But, thanks for watching!

[@mxtv1258]

I have Race Red also and love it.

[@pauljamieson803]

There were only 1500 of our 2018 Special Edition RS's (in Race-Red\black (700) and Nitrous-Blue\black (300)) built and available in the US and Canada. Not sure about other countries as they are available in Europe & UK. There is also a 2018\19 Heritage Edition (in Orange). There were only 50 built and only available in the UK (and maybe Europe, tho not exactly sure..?) The only difference (besides the paint) it comes with the Mountune mp375 tune kit. Shmee150 has one if you need to see it on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ-kc3muo6ycp6s&ab_channel=Shmee150

[@thscholt]

Running stage 2+ and it’s absolutely a fun little thing

[@ReDriven]

Awesome Tom. What brand of tune do you have?

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Salmon is great, but I definitely prefer it without crazy hot sauces 🥴 Seeing The Ford Focus RS rise after the ashes of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was interesting back then

[@ReDriven]

Mate, it was a challenge let me tell you. My digestive hasn't been the same since!

[@thang1011]

Could you please do video on the ford Mondeo 2015 onwards? Thanks.

[@poker_18rs92]

I have an '18 ST & there's nothing wrong with it as a daily, but I still lust over buying an RS. The biggest issue in the US is just finding one local that hasn't been abused & that' reasonably priced. Very rare cars, however I can't see myself buying one sight unseen. I need to drive it & put my hands on it first.

[@ReDriven]

We're hopefully featuring an ST soon and I've been lucky enough to have a decent amount of seat time in both and it's incredible that the same base platform can feel so incredibly different between the ST and RS. Both superb in their own way but it's amateur of opinion on which is "better".

[@fbmbiker50]

I don’t know what state you live in but I am considering selling my Nitrous Blue 18 LE. Just hit 8,000 miles. Oil changes every 2,500mi, never abused it, never driven in snow, maybe once or twice in rain. Has weather tech mats all around, Ford performance carbon fiber shift knob, rally armor mud flaps, and an AWE cat back and that is it. I’m in New York. Just throwing it out there.

[@bonk352]

@@ReDriven The RS and ST are different, especially from a different feeling of weight perspective, but I think the rides between the two are almost the same (albeit RS softest suspension setting). I came from a mk 3 focus ST which I would recommend to anyone. It's a very fast feeling car indeed with almost RS acceleration. Admittedly though, in comparison, the mk 3 RS is the genuinely better car overall, faster and stronger feeling with more grip and it is understandable why they retain or may well increase their value.

[@bonk352]

@@fbmbiker50 Hope you didn't sell the car in the end

[@goodluckwithallthat]

i own a 2017 RS with 60,000 miles, and i have been extremely satisfied with its capabilities after 4 years driving it stock! but i just installed 5k in performance upgrades which bumped it up to 400 hp. can’t wait to get a bigger turbo and push 500+ 🥴

[@ReDriven]

Congrats mate, we're bloody jealous!

[@kendrickh91]

Does she have more zip with the current mods. I've seen on other comments that, no matter how much money you put into them. They just aren't that quick. What do you think?

[@goodluckwithallthat]

@@kendrickh91 the car is fast with a tune but not crazy fast. To get more horsepower it needs a bigger turbo with downpipe. i knocked out all the mods to bridge me to the bigger turbo and downpipe. The car can be stupid fast but it’ll cost you around 15k to get there. I don’t regret getting the focus rs, but I’d you want a mini Lambo get a golf r with the dual clutch dsg and mod the hell out of it. There’s some real good vids out there, check out slowestrs channel, or livinglifefast has some golf r videos. What do you think you’ll do? awd is where it’s at brother tbqh! shit rips on a dig!

[@goodluckwithallthat]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6DKZWOGlrqSfK8

[@ReDriven]

@@kendrickh91 Time for me to get controversial Kendrick. The RS is plenty fast enough but in saying that, pretty much any car is plenty fast enough. Far too many people rely on a cars performance rather than their driving skill. If someone wants a car that's faster in a straight-line than another car, buy a Tesla or something designed for drag racing. The RS is fundamentally a rally car for the road and straight-line performance is way down the list of priorities. It's designed for balance, composure and ability into, through and out of corners while providing the maximum amount of driver satisfaction while still being a practical hatch back. At this, it succeeds incredibly. We generally find those that criticise the RS's levels of performance either have no idea what they're talking about or have minimal skill behind the wheel. I've been fortunate enough to spent countless hours on track in various RS with seriously professional drivers and all are blown away with the cars abilities. I remember one RS owner complaining about understeer. We went out and within 50 meters could see he had no idea how to drive a performance car. He just assumed it way like playing Forza (or in his case Mario Kart). Honestly, the guys I worked with that day could go out in a standard Toyota Camry and leave him in his RS for dead. The RS is more car than 99% of drivers will ever need. The vast majority of owners unfortunately will never get close to what the car is capable of and after being on track in an RS with a truly world class professional driver behind the wheel, it's incredible what this car can do.

[@kevinv8952]

I should have pulled the trigger in 2019 they're up like 5-7k since then with more miles on them.

[@mitchelllee-cusack1274]

This has me wanting a review of the old Mazda 3/Axela Mazdaspeed. Basically the FWD Focus RS being a 2.3 turbo made by Mazda who we all know are pretty well in bed with Ford

[@ReDriven]

Awesome idea Mitchell, I'll start hunting one down to review. Thanks for watching too

[@oceanhome2023]

A VERY successful engine for quite some time now !

[@mlukubone7134]

I have a Focus ST, this would be a nice upgrade.

[@garysanders8090]

Love mine and always have ever since I test drove one. Smiles per miles per money is all you need to know.

[@pr0jectSkyneT]

Just get upgraded springs from say Mountune and that drastically improves ride quality.

[@get_wrx9618]

"Only fans style kind of leg spread" killed me lol you Aussies make me laugh/smile.

[@ReDriven]

Hahahaha cheers mate

[@jonah406]

Had mine about 6 weeks now, and it’s my daily driver, nothing else does it, on a twisty B road nothing can touch it

[@rishabbennett]

Love the RS and love the turtle on your wrist too mate!

[@ChrisplayThrough64]

Creep

[@Sandy-oy2lr]

Perhaps the ride quality could be improved by lowering the pressures. I think Ford recommends 40 psi on each wheel. I think the tires are Michelin Pilot Super Sport or Cup 2s? I have had Pilot SS's on my 'vette. Now I have have 4S's. GM recommends 30 psi. And my ride quality is excellent. Btw, I'm using non EMTs. And I'm getting over 1g on the HUD G meter.

[@simonpageau6925]

I was going to get rid of my RS because the ride quality and noise was too much for me to daily drive it BUT... I fitted Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on my RS and fell back into perverse love... Fifty Shades of love for my car. So if you don't like the harsh ride Pilot Sport 4S will be your best friends and they give you not only great ride quality, quiet riand comfort but tons and tons of grip that will... turn you into a tripod : )

[@simonpageau6925]

Also, my RS is a 2017 and I have 111,000Kms on the clock and I bought a 5 yr 200,000kms warranty including all service this includes unlimited break replacements. Price of that warranty was about 6,000 CDN

[@ReDriven]

And to think it will only get better and better as tyre tech improves. What a car mate.

[@simonpageau6925]

@@ReDriven I was already sold on Michelin for summer and 4season tires but now I will never consider another brand. Winter tires are a different story. The RS came equiped with PILOT ALPIN PA4 and they were shit. Good on wet or dry cold pavement but shit on snow&ice... really crap. Dangerous. Switched to Bridgestone WS90 and they are like suction cups on snow and ice. Love them

[@ReDriven]

@@simonpageau6925 Brilliant feedback mate, thanks you.

[@AndrewJayN]

! common issues is a front cover oil leak it relates back to the Head gasket repair