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Originally posted by SetH
Very HIT and MISS.

Im sure EVO have rated it at 3 stars and also at 5 stars and i remember a reader letter questioning the inconsistency.

EVO's response was that some Focus RS cars they have driven have been bags of shites whilst other examples have been great and they simply said ford make good and bad ones.

If i were looking for one, id probably look at quite a few and be very picky.

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Originally posted by willhouse
ask Jill, i think she has got one IIRC

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Originally posted by Gareth John
No experience but they are nice! Junction 27 in alfreton always has an army of them on the forcourt they are pricey though and no test drive till the deal has been done... WTF

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Originally posted by jr
Juction 27 have a bad rep in the ford world

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Originally posted by Jill
M6RKK- I am working in London today so a bit stuck for time at the moment but if you don't mind waiting until tomorrow I will write you a proper reply


JILL

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Originally posted by Jill

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Originally posted by Jill
M6RKK- I am working in London today so a bit stuck for time at the moment but if you don't mind waiting until tomorrow I will write you a proper reply


JILL

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Ok well I’ve had my FRS since July this year…

It’s an absolutely fantastic car and I’m not just saying that because I now own one! It’s limited edition- only 4501 were produced, with 2147 being sold in the Britain. It has unique styling and features that were exclusive only to the FRS including: OZ racing 18” alloys, AP racing clutch, Brembo brakes, front wings, rear quarter panels, front bumper, spoiler, Sparco interior In my personal opinion the FRS generally attract a different sort of person than other sorts of cars it’s compared to- for example the FRS generally attracts a majority of enthusiast clientele, whereas the CTR generally attracts a more “boyracery” type of clientele. Also the CTR and the Mk2 Focus ST which the FRS is compared to also, are kind of “ten a penny” on the roads, which makes it even nicer driving a FRS

I’d definitely recommend, if you are seriously considering one, to go and take a test drive if you can. From the book values they have 212bhp, max speed of 144mph and 0-60s in 6.4 seconds. I was looking at buying one when they first came out end 2002/beginning 2003, but due to finances and sponsor stuff going through with my corsa I didn’t, despite falling in love when I first saw the concept at the motorshow in 2000 and later test drove one in 2003 when it finally came out. Now I have my FRS at last my only regret is not getting rid of my corsa sooner

They’re also quite good to tune if you want to go down that route. Obviously being limited edition you don’t see many modified exterior-wise It would take a very brave man/woman to modify the exterior of a FRS and IMO they look fine as standard. Graham Goode, SCC, TOTD and Jamsport seem to be the recommended places for a lot of Ford people regarding tuning, with power of up to 400bhp ish expected- depending obviously on what you do and on how much you’ve got to spend!! Examples on some prices (obviously depending on brands etc): High flow cold air system £350, Bluefin £500, stainless steel exhaust system £940, K+N gen2 airfilter £200 ish (£250?).

Insurance in my opinion is quite good too- the FRS is insurance group 16. I’m 25, work two jobs, own my own place with my mortgage on my own in a decent postcode area, 8.5years no claims and an SP30 (from 2005) and believe it or not it’s actually cheaper than my corsa. I changed companies (from Greenlight to Brentacre) when I sold my corsa and the company I’m with now are good for engine mods which is handy for when my warranty runs out next year. It’s definitely worth considering joining up with an owner club to get some sort of discount with their nominated company.

They’re also fairly good on petrol consumption as well IMO. When I went up to Blackpool majority motorway driving I got nearly 36mpg, and everyday combined driving I get between 29-32mpg (although that has gone down a bit now to about 27-30mpg due to it being a bit colder in the mornings and putting the heaters etc on). But still fairly good. Downside is though they recommend you use octane 97+ petrol = super unleaded = ££… You can use normal unleaded petrol but I found when I used this for a couple of weeks due to some of the petrol stations in Aylesbury being out of stock with super unleaded, my petrol consumption wasn’t too great despite driving my car the same (using octane 95 petrol that was).

If you do go and look at any here’s a few things to look out for:
-Listen for any squealing on the front pads. Ford changed the pad spec a few months into production but it can affect all models. New pads can reduce the noise (official Ford replacements are about £170).
-Brembo disks are very ££ so inspect them very carefully for cracks and pronounced lips on the edge
-Check when your car was made as in between 6-13th December 2002 were recalled due to flexible rear hoses rubbing against the wheel archliner. These ones should have already been recalled about this by now though
-Check the grille condition as the turbo sits right behind and the heat can build up causing it to warp (cost itro £250 for a new one!)
-Check the electrics, obvious I know but some owners apparently have had problems with their windscreen wipers- not working unless you hold the stalk in place (usually found to be a fault of the relay)
-Listen for knocking or clonking when taking for a test drive as it can be a sign of worn shocks, sometimes often found in higher mileage cars. Tyres can also be a sign of this as well
-Also talking about tyres… The FRS came with Michelin Pilot Sports, which are quite rare now. The Pilot Sport 2’s are now the next choice and quite popular amongst the “originality nuts” I’ve found as I recently needed new tyres all round and was asking on FFOC and RSOC what tyres people use. I decided to stick with the MPS 2’s I already had on there, but there are expensive (but worth it IMO). Places like Costco and camskill.co.uk are quite good price wise though if you can get someone to fit them for you (re: camskill).
-Interior-wise check for scratches or marks on the leather and the condition of the aluminium/carbon fibre detailing.
-If you’re an originality nut make sure the RS mats and the leather RS handbook case are all present
-Regarding the clutch, as previously mentioned a new AP one fitted by Ford is about £1200. So check carefully for any squealing, grinding or ones that bite very high. I guess it all depends on how the car has been driven previously as well
-Engine-wise check for leaking coolant- early cars were prone to this problem apparently. Wastegate hoses can also become loose, which can cause the car to overboost
-Service history is also worth bearing in mind again especially if you are an originality nut and prefer to stick with Full Ford Service History. Also IMO with this type of car if the previous owner hasn’t used a Ford garage you can’t be guaranteed official ford replacement parts have been used (unless the receipts etc are all present obviously). So then (again IMO) if the previous owner has cut corners with the maintenance then you don’t want to be responsible for picking up the bill if something goes wrong- might just be my logic though.

Um…. Think that’s about it off the top of my head- no doubt I will think of something else and add it later on…!!

**Touch wood** I’ve had no problems with mine. However, when I went up to Blackpool in September we broke down and had to be towed home The AA man thought it may be the intercooler which would be itro of £1700 for a new one from Ford However, it was the chargecooler radiator (which is about £300 for a new one) [sods law wasn’t covered by warranty either ] and Rob from SCC sorted me out a second hand one which my boyfriend fitted for me And I’m assured they’re quite a hardy part so it’s not likely to crack again and likely to have been a freak accident caused by a rock or something

Hope that all helps you in some way. Little Vik off here also has a FRS- she’s really lovely and helpful as well if you need any info


JILL
ps: Sorry for the essay... (Paul J stylee)

[Edited on 24-10-2007 by Jill]

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Originally posted by Jill

quote:

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Originally posted by Jill
M6RKK- I am working in London today so a bit stuck for time at the moment but if you don't mind waiting until tomorrow I will write you a proper reply


JILL

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Ok well I’ve had my FRS since July this year…

It’s an absolutely fantastic car and I’m not just saying that because I now own one! It’s limited edition- only 4501 were produced, with 2147 being sold in the Britain. It has unique styling and features that were exclusive only to the FRS including: OZ racing 18” alloys, AP racing clutch, Brembo brakes, front wings, rear quarter panels, front bumper, spoiler, Sparco interior In my personal opinion the FRS generally attract a different sort of person than other sorts of cars it’s compared to- for example the FRS generally attracts a majority of enthusiast clientele, whereas the CTR generally attracts a more “boyracery” type of clientele. Also the CTR and the Mk2 Focus ST which the FRS is compared to also, are kind of “ten a penny” on the roads, which makes it even nicer driving a FRS

I’d definitely recommend, if you are seriously considering one, to go and take a test drive if you can. From the book values they have 212bhp, max speed of 144mph and 0-60s in 6.4 seconds. I was looking at buying one when they first came out end 2002/beginning 2003, but due to finances and sponsor stuff going through with my corsa I didn’t, despite falling in love when I first saw the concept at the motorshow in 2000 and later test drove one in 2003 when it finally came out. Now I have my FRS at last my only regret is not getting rid of my corsa sooner

They’re also quite good to tune if you want to go down that route. Obviously being limited edition you don’t see many modified exterior-wise It would take a very brave man/woman to modify the exterior of a FRS and IMO they look fine as standard. Graham Goode, SCC, TOTD and Jamsport seem to be the recommended places for a lot of Ford people regarding tuning, with power of up to 400bhp ish expected- depending obviously on what you do and on how much you’ve got to spend!! Examples on some prices (obviously depending on brands etc): High flow cold air system £350, Bluefin £500, stainless steel exhaust system £940, K+N gen2 airfilter £200 ish (£250?).

Insurance in my opinion is quite good too- the FRS is insurance group 16. I’m 25, work two jobs, own my own place with my mortgage on my own in a decent postcode area, 8.5years no claims and an SP30 (from 2005) and believe it or not it’s actually cheaper than my corsa. I changed companies (from Greenlight to Brentacre) when I sold my corsa and the company I’m with now are good for engine mods which is handy for when my warranty runs out next year. It’s definitely worth considering joining up with an owner club to get some sort of discount with their nominated company.

They’re also fairly good on petrol consumption as well IMO. When I went up to Blackpool majority motorway driving I got nearly 36mpg, and everyday combined driving I get between 29-32mpg (although that has gone down a bit now to about 27-30mpg due to it being a bit colder in the mornings and putting the heaters etc on). But still fairly good. Downside is though they recommend you use octane 97+ petrol = super unleaded = ££… You can use normal unleaded petrol but I found when I used this for a couple of weeks due to some of the petrol stations in Aylesbury being out of stock with super unleaded, my petrol consumption wasn’t too great despite driving my car the same (using octane 95 petrol that was).

If you do go and look at any here’s a few things to look out for:
-Listen for any squealing on the front pads. Ford changed the pad spec a few months into production but it can affect all models. New pads can reduce the noise (official Ford replacements are about £170).
-Brembo disks are very ££ so inspect them very carefully for cracks and pronounced lips on the edge
-Check when your car was made as in between 6-13th December 2002 were recalled due to flexible rear hoses rubbing against the wheel archliner. These ones should have already been recalled about this by now though
-Check the grille condition as the turbo sits right behind and the heat can build up causing it to warp (cost itro £250 for a new one!)
-Check the electrics, obvious I know but some owners apparently have had problems with their windscreen wipers- not working unless you hold the stalk in place (usually found to be a fault of the relay)
-Listen for knocking or clonking when taking for a test drive as it can be a sign of worn shocks, sometimes often found in higher mileage cars. Tyres can also be a sign of this as well
-Also talking about tyres… The FRS came with Michelin Pilot Sports, which are quite rare now. The Pilot Sport 2’s are now the next choice and quite popular amongst the “originality nuts” I’ve found as I recently needed new tyres all round and was asking on FFOC and RSOC what tyres people use. I decided to stick with the MPS 2’s I already had on there, but there are expensive (but worth it IMO). Places like Costco and camskill.co.uk are quite good price wise though if you can get someone to fit them for you (re: camskill).
-Interior-wise check for scratches or marks on the leather and the condition of the aluminium/carbon fibre detailing.
-If you’re an originality nut make sure the RS mats and the leather RS handbook case are all present
-Regarding the clutch, as previously mentioned a new AP one fitted by Ford is about £1200. So check carefully for any squealing, grinding or ones that bite very high. I guess it all depends on how the car has been driven previously as well
-Engine-wise check for leaking coolant- early cars were prone to this problem apparently. Wastegate hoses can also become loose, which can cause the car to overboost
-Service history is also worth bearing in mind again especially if you are an originality nut and prefer to stick with Full Ford Service History. Also IMO with this type of car if the previous owner hasn’t used a Ford garage you can’t be guaranteed official ford replacement parts have been used (unless the receipts etc are all present obviously). So then (again IMO) if the previous owner has cut corners with the maintenance then you don’t want to be responsible for picking up the bill if something goes wrong- might just be my logic though.

Um…. Think that’s about it off the top of my head- no doubt I will think of something else and add it later on…!!

**Touch wood** I’ve had no problems with mine. However, when I went up to Blackpool in September we broke down and had to be towed home The AA man thought it may be the intercooler which would be itro of £1700 for a new one from Ford However, it was the chargecooler radiator (which is about £300 for a new one) [sods law wasn’t covered by warranty either ] and Rob from SCC sorted me out a second hand one which my boyfriend fitted for me And I’m assured they’re quite a hardy part so it’s not likely to crack again and likely to have been a freak accident caused by a rock or something

Hope that all helps you in some way. Little Vik off here also has a FRS- she’s really lovely and helpful as well if you need any info


JILL
ps: Sorry for the essay... (Paul J stylee)

[Edited on 24-10-2007 by Jill]

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Originally posted by CORSA NUT
FFS sake i ain't reading all that!!

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Originally posted by Paul_J
Wow That even out does any of my efforts

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