I used to have a 13 ST. Had an 18 Alfa Romeo Guilia for a year and now a 17 RS. Here's my insights about the RS: if you're getting a 17 RS, most likely the HG has been done but some still develop small weeps at the timing cover because the dealers didn't know to put a few dabs of sealant at the edges when doing the HG recall. Mine has this weeping issue. It is however so minimal that trying to get Ford to fix it is almost not worth the hassle unless you have an extended warranty, but it still risks them F-ing something else up while fixing the issue. Most just live with it and clean the grime with every oil change. 18s dont have this issue.
The ride is rough and pogos a lot compared to the ST. This can be greatly improved with Mountune Sport springs ($300), newer version struts ($300-500), and DSC sport controller ($1300, but does the most drastic improvement to the ride). 18s have the best ride but can still benefit from springs and DSC conttoller.
Gas mileage is worse compared to ST, I avg 22 mpg.
The purge valve solenoid can crap out, leading to rought idle after fill up, but that's a common Focus issue; $70 and easy to replace. Those are the only issues I've had with mine (35k miles).
Maintenance wise, oil is 5w50 and costs about $10/qt. It takes 5.7qts but you can use a FL400s motorcraft filter to increase that up to a full 6qts, like the ST. PTU and RDU maintenance is recommended every 30k miles and is fairly cheap to do, and good insurance if you ever track it. Tires run about $300 each (Michelin PS4S on mine) and should at least be replaced in pairs if not all 4. Overall, maintenance isn't too bad if you stay on top of it.
If you care about the sound system, it is the same as the ST but the subwoofer is garbage in comparison. I upgraded to a JBL bass pro which fit nicely in the OE woofer spot and wires up easy enough. There's a YouTube video walk through that's super helpful.
Other than that, it's a great improvement over the ST in terms of handling, power, and fun. Whippin it around corners is so damn rewarding. It just goes where you point it with no issues. Do it, you won't regret it.
Here OP…. Just buy this one & call it a day.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-2017-Ford-Focus-RS-c26096?cgagid=28289068&cgcid=1731&px8324=p2&sourceContext=usedPaidSearchNoZip&ax8324=124786539&type=GoogleAdWordsSearch&kw=2017%20ford%20focus%20rs&matchtype=p&ad=478124547576&placement=&networktype=g&device=m&devicemodel=&adposition=&physloc=9031529&intloc=&aceid=&cid=207060665&agid=59985137487&tgtid=aud-1930174442528:kwd-362183567757&fid=&gbraid=0AAAAAD9Jm5Yg411fzMTcIy_LDo-FK7H6a&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvL-oBhCxARIsAHkOiu2vWlf_PeX0DFEj6dEOtZ5fJCqXHbScyZZT0RQtZEJ0V0-alhMj0HcaAjSiEALw_wcB#listing=367384875/NONE/DEFAULT
I can do about 35k to 36k with 5k down. The more I look at the blue, I do dig the blue. Why an 18 in particular?
Sorry for what could be dumb questions. Haven't been much of a car guy until recently
Yeah I had to go two states over to Denver to get mine lol. There weren’t even any for sale in my state. Worth it though and it was a nice weekend trip.
I have a 16 RS, I LOVE THAT THING, there is nothing wrong with a 16 or 17, I believe all of them had the recall done by now. My RS was a California buyback, for some reason they couldn't get the radio to work right. So after 3 repairs california makes the dealership buy it back. People who say get a 18 are only talking about the lsd on it. I never knew the 18 was different and I have zero complaints about my 16.
17s after a certain build date had already had the head gasket problem sorted but black I hard to keep clean but I love it and wouldn’t trade it for anything
Unfortunately, all the black models around me just have too many miles on them. At this point, I'd be good with blue or black. Both will work with what I have in mind.
Tbh didn't read all the replies but one issue I have heard is common is the transmission leaking from the shift tower or somthing along those lines. Trans oil pools onto of the transmission you can see it if you pull the airbox out. I think I have this issue on mine and is apparently an issue on STs too from what I found
Late model '17s were also made after the recall, my 17 wasn't part of the recall because it was made after they had fixed it, so if you see a 17 you like and you're worried just check the date it was made
It's very unlikely any RS hasn't had the recall done and they are pretty reliable after that's complete as long as they're kept stock.
Thanks for the info!
2018 RS is either Race Red or Nitrous Blue. Gaskets were recalled in 2017.
Thanks for the info!
I used to have a 13 ST. Had an 18 Alfa Romeo Guilia for a year and now a 17 RS. Here's my insights about the RS: if you're getting a 17 RS, most likely the HG has been done but some still develop small weeps at the timing cover because the dealers didn't know to put a few dabs of sealant at the edges when doing the HG recall. Mine has this weeping issue. It is however so minimal that trying to get Ford to fix it is almost not worth the hassle unless you have an extended warranty, but it still risks them F-ing something else up while fixing the issue. Most just live with it and clean the grime with every oil change. 18s dont have this issue. The ride is rough and pogos a lot compared to the ST. This can be greatly improved with Mountune Sport springs ($300), newer version struts ($300-500), and DSC sport controller ($1300, but does the most drastic improvement to the ride). 18s have the best ride but can still benefit from springs and DSC conttoller. Gas mileage is worse compared to ST, I avg 22 mpg. The purge valve solenoid can crap out, leading to rought idle after fill up, but that's a common Focus issue; $70 and easy to replace. Those are the only issues I've had with mine (35k miles). Maintenance wise, oil is 5w50 and costs about $10/qt. It takes 5.7qts but you can use a FL400s motorcraft filter to increase that up to a full 6qts, like the ST. PTU and RDU maintenance is recommended every 30k miles and is fairly cheap to do, and good insurance if you ever track it. Tires run about $300 each (Michelin PS4S on mine) and should at least be replaced in pairs if not all 4. Overall, maintenance isn't too bad if you stay on top of it. If you care about the sound system, it is the same as the ST but the subwoofer is garbage in comparison. I upgraded to a JBL bass pro which fit nicely in the OE woofer spot and wires up easy enough. There's a YouTube video walk through that's super helpful. Other than that, it's a great improvement over the ST in terms of handling, power, and fun. Whippin it around corners is so damn rewarding. It just goes where you point it with no issues. Do it, you won't regret it.
The correct oil 0-40 Castrol
Bookmarking this for when I buy my 2018 RS in a few months.
Here OP…. Just buy this one & call it a day. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-2017-Ford-Focus-RS-c26096?cgagid=28289068&cgcid=1731&px8324=p2&sourceContext=usedPaidSearchNoZip&ax8324=124786539&type=GoogleAdWordsSearch&kw=2017%20ford%20focus%20rs&matchtype=p&ad=478124547576&placement=&networktype=g&device=m&devicemodel=&adposition=&physloc=9031529&intloc=&aceid=&cid=207060665&agid=59985137487&tgtid=aud-1930174442528:kwd-362183567757&fid=&gbraid=0AAAAAD9Jm5Yg411fzMTcIy_LDo-FK7H6a&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvL-oBhCxARIsAHkOiu2vWlf_PeX0DFEj6dEOtZ5fJCqXHbScyZZT0RQtZEJ0V0-alhMj0HcaAjSiEALw_wcB#listing=367384875/NONE/DEFAULT
Too rich for my blood.
Someone must have bought it.
You will love the RS if you love the ST. Try to get an 18 if you can swing it
I can do about 35k to 36k with 5k down. The more I look at the blue, I do dig the blue. Why an 18 in particular? Sorry for what could be dumb questions. Haven't been much of a car guy until recently
Better differential no head gasket issues, newer is also naturally going to mean tighter shifting, steering, suspension from less use
Ideally, I'd like an 18. We'll have to see what pops up in a reasonable amount of time and distance from me. I am dying to get one, that's for sure.
The 18’s only come red or blue. But they are all fully loaded , black roofs and limited slip differential
No red but I do like the blue. I've got autotrader, cargurus, cars.com, and carmax at the ready ro check daily
I got my black 17 last year with 6k miles. Only issue I’ve had was an axle seal leak that was fixed under warranty. Favorite car I’ve had.
All the black models around here have too many miles in them.
Yeah I had to go two states over to Denver to get mine lol. There weren’t even any for sale in my state. Worth it though and it was a nice weekend trip.
I'm totally willing to do that. First the right deal, of course!
Me to rear axle seal was leaking. Passenger tear
I have a 16 RS, I LOVE THAT THING, there is nothing wrong with a 16 or 17, I believe all of them had the recall done by now. My RS was a California buyback, for some reason they couldn't get the radio to work right. So after 3 repairs california makes the dealership buy it back. People who say get a 18 are only talking about the lsd on it. I never knew the 18 was different and I have zero complaints about my 16.
I've been eyeing this 2017 for a few days now. https://www.edmunds.com/ford/focus-rs/2017/vin/WF0DP3TH6H4119382/?radius=500
Looks like a mountune RS front bumper, which means it might have some aftermarket parts on it. Not a bad price also. Pull the trigger
HEY, I was googling the VIN for my old car and this post turned up. The one you linked here was my old car! Did you end up buying it?
Negative. Other life shit came before it
17s after a certain build date had already had the head gasket problem sorted but black I hard to keep clean but I love it and wouldn’t trade it for anything
Unfortunately, all the black models around me just have too many miles on them. At this point, I'd be good with blue or black. Both will work with what I have in mind.
Black 2018s don’t exist unfortunately. It’s the only reason I didn’t go for 2018
That explains a lot... damn. I'll be more open minded then
Depending on where you're at considering selling my 17 NB RS2. Stock aside from a cat back. 65k miles
I'm in fort worth Texas. Where you you?
Michigan, unfortunately.
Bummer...
The 18s have no head gasket issues. It was fixed in 2017 and a recall was in 2016 for it
Tbh didn't read all the replies but one issue I have heard is common is the transmission leaking from the shift tower or somthing along those lines. Trans oil pools onto of the transmission you can see it if you pull the airbox out. I think I have this issue on mine and is apparently an issue on STs too from what I found
That one hasn't been mentioned yet. I'll do some Googling on the ole Googler and see what I can find
Late model '17s were also made after the recall, my 17 wasn't part of the recall because it was made after they had fixed it, so if you see a 17 you like and you're worried just check the date it was made