Ford Focus RS (2002 - 2003) 2.0 RS 3d (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

The RS mark is always going to be an enthusiast car. With limited numbers it's getting rarer each day. A rally bred car that really turns some heads.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My partner fell in love with the car on the first occasion we visited it for a test drive. She caught the RS bug and now she wouldn't let me sell it even if I tried. It looks great polished up sitting on the driveway. Makes me smile every time I get home and see it after a hard day at work.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I'm debating getting another Focus RS for my partner to use as her daily drive. It's possibly one of the most exciting and best looking cars around for this amount of cash.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'm going to purchase the MK2 RS to go along side my MK1 RS.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£11,500

When did you buy the car?

December 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

The car had been owned by 2 ladies and clearly misunderstood with 4 completely different tyres on, 2 directional, 2 asymmetric on opposite corners which made it drive like a snake. Very low miles on the clock and engine almost silent so obviously not pushed at all.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Purchased as a second car / weekend toy.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was very good and set the car up pretty instantly for test drive. The sales lady did not know much about the RS model but was helpful in sorting things out. I did have a battle on my hands with an alloy that needed replacing though.

What's it like to drive?

Imagine when you were a 9 year old thinking about how fast you can do... well it's a bit like that. the faster you go the more grip there is. The turbo just brings a massive smile on your face and the whoosh of the waste gate on lift up.

What's it like to park?

Parking is just like a normal ford focus for length but due to the wide arches it can be a problem in small supermarket spaces. It gets a lot of attention so leaving it is not recommended.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The car is not for the budget drivers out there. If a part needs replacing then think of the cost replacement for the standard focus... then times it by 10. This is not an exaggeration; £600 for front discs and pads, £120 per wheel bearing etc. It's rare for anything major to go wrong, just the normal wear and tear items.

What's most practical about your car?

It's a 5 seater family hatch back with full boot space and all the usual comforts. It can be used to take your friends out, do the weekly shopping and also accommodate that unplanned trip into IKEA for some flat pack furniture.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

There isn't really a favourite standard gadget on the car. It's all my favourite; Sparco Leather Seats, Brembo Brakes, OZ Racing Alloys, Wide Arches and the Imperial Blue Paintwork.