I bought an RS Edition 2 years ago, I absolutely love it, you don’t see many of them around. I’m lucky as it’s not my daily driver, so when I do get it out, it’s puts a big smile on my face. It’s such a joy to drive.
Thanks for sharing and it is cool to hear from another RS Edition owner! I am also loving mine nearly 4 months in now and I am the same as you I have another car as a daily so it does make things more special when stepping into the RS 👍
Welcome to the RS Club. I have had mine since 2017, No plans on changing. I will give you a year max before you start modifying it. Full tank for me is 265 miles. Using only E5.
Thank you! It is great to finally be a part of the RS club and many congrats on having yours for 6 years now as they are well worth holding onto. I agree from stock the car may feel a little under powered. My RS Edition is already a Revo Stage 2 car with 440hp so I have no plans on any further modifications to the car as it feels perfect to me as it is currently 👍
This has also been my dream car since I first saw it when it was unveiled! I have a 2014 mk3 focus st at the moment but seems like the mk3 RS will always be out of my reach now with the higher interest rates and also the slight creep in prices over the last couple of years! Glad to see you were finally able to get your hands on one 😊👌👌 not jealous at all 😝
Wanted one when they announced it finally got one last year literally as a weekend car to carve up the canyons. But still super dailable. When first got it I drove it home which was a 1000 mile trip through the desert😊
Many congrats! It was a dream car for me and I absolutely loved the time in which I owned the car. Sadly it is now with a new owner but the experience was well worth it as like you I always wanted one when they first came out and I am grateful to have had the opportunity with mine. Wishing you many happy miles in your RS 🎉
Other than track days, can't see the point in all that power. Lots of kudos having an RS, but keeping with in the 60 mph limit , you may as well have a 1.0 ecoboost. Hope you enjoy it more without the camera on the speedo. Love the colour though.
I waited from 2003 to 2020 to get my RS. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to add an M5 Comp to the garage. The RS remains my dream car and the perfect car for me. It doesn’t get better
Many congrats on your RS and it is great to here another story in how you also waited so long plus you still love it today! Also, love the M5 Comp so you have a great two car garage there 🎉
They are great! I would agree from stock they could use a little more power and 440bhp from mine feels about right to me but then I would say that with it being my car 😅
Great car Sam, sounds great and plenty of traction for those greasy roads. Re Fords, I’ve had petrol fiesta Zetec since new and after about 13 years and 150000 miles its never let me down and not needed any parts other than filters / brakes / tyres etc and it regularly returns plus 50 mpg. Cracking car but the RS probably just has the edge in terms of performance! 😂
Thank you and I love that you have owned your Ford for such a long time with a large amount of miles also. I hope you have another 150,000 miles of trouble free ownership! Yes I think the RS would have the edge on performance on this occasion 😅
It is a tough choice between them. ST is better for everyday use and still great on a blast with the RS being more of a weekend car in my experience so far 👍
@@SamAustin i had civic ep3 wish never sold that but that was way back in 01 when we didnt know how rare they become. And the fact i owned civics most my life a had a 2015 ford st and it was a bit meh didnt feel the car had enough to beet a golf tdi back then but i persume they come along way?
It’s got cosmetic differences anyone could slap on ,in my opinion special colours should of been limited editions such as performance blue or some old RS colours off say mk1 or mk2 escorts or capris etc I can’t get excited by a black roof or spoiler or a bit of blue on the chairs . That said I do like a mk3 focus rs and if the edition ones go high on value it pulls up a normal mk3 FRS too which is what mine is 👍
I have an FK2 Type R GT and I’ve enjoyed it since I bought it in 2016. However, I’m seriously tempted to trade it in for an RS Focus. The RS was the alternative to the Type R at the time. I went with the Type R in the end because 25 year old me loved the way it looked and the Focus was just a bit too expensive. I’ve seen a fair few for sale with either the Revo Stage 2 or Mountune upgrades; is it a noticeable boost in performance? I want something a bit quicker that the Type R so not really interested in a bog standard RS.
I'm also a big fan if the FK2 Type R as I have only heard good things about the way it drives. I would recommend an RS with either the mountune 375 or to go for stage 2. It does make a big difference particularly higher up in the rev range but also across the board. From stock, from my memory, the MK3 RS's flat line at about 5k so there is no reason to rev them out as the power just doesn't increase. I can recommend one however build quality and reliability is a little questionable but does make up a lot of ground in being really fun and engaging to drive 👍
@@SamAustin they’re great cars, I do love it, but I’ve always had one eye on the RS. I’d probably be saying the same thing about the Type R if I’d have brought the RS instead. There’s nothing in it between them for me. It’s interesting you say that, as the characteristics of the engine in the Type R is completely different. Not much going on under 2.5k revs, then everything and it’ll pull all the way to the 7.2k limit. no drop off in power at all. I suspect it’s like that because of the traction limitations with being FWD. This is my dilemma, I want something that’s faster, or at least feels it. That’s not to say the Type R is slow, nothing of the sort. It’s just that I’ve been driving it for about 7 years and I want a change 😂😂 Build quality in the Type R isn’t as good as some might say to honest. The gearbox is infuriatingly grabby 90% of the time and seems to have a tendency to eat 1st and 2nd synchros. It’s absolutely brilliant 10% of the time in perfect conditions, but it’s the number one thing owners will complain about if you ask them. Other than that, it’s a toughy. I think residuals on the RS will be better than the Type R, as fast fords seem to do well in the UK. So maybe it’d be a good idea for me to jump ship now before prices go like the MK2 RS! Great video of yours anyway, lovely car 👍
Thinking of RS or Golf R , which would be the better daily in your opinion , lots of reviews give the rs the edge in the Fun department but the Golf for the everyday, will be interested to get your opinion
Golf R as a daily all day long for me. I do not feel I will ever sell mine and if I did it would be for another Golf R potentially a DSG. My manual Golf R adds to the fun but it is not quite as entertaining as the RS. I would recommend checking out my video here on my Golf R vs my Focus RS: th-cam.com/video/FQYajvHlp4g/w-d-xo.html 👍
Many congrats on yours and I am looking forward to seeing how I get on with the RS. So far I am also suprised how well it works day to day considering it feels like a track car at times 🙂
Thank you! I love those details too as it makes the car look a little lower with the black roof and slightly more subtle over a normal Focus RS in nitrous blue 👍
I’m am so pleased for you mate! just picked up my new fiesta ST3 in mean green after watching your videos regarding the car. If you ever want to meet up send me a message!
Thank you and many congrats on your mean green fiesta ST3! The colour is fantastic and it's a great car. Really happy my videos helped with your choice and I appreciate the invite for a meet up. I plan to go to "Simple Ford" in May at Beaulieu motor museum as it is a fantastic pure Ford event so hope to meet a lot of subscribers here to say hi 🙂
Nice car Sam, fast Ford’s are awesome and the Focus RS is a great car. I recently picked up my Puma ST with the Performance Pack which also has a Quaife limited Slip Dif, can’t wait for the dry weather 😎👍
Thank you! I do love fast fords! I am actually filming a Puma ST at the end of this month so stay tuned for that on the channel as I have not driven one before. I've heard they are great 👍
It would depend on the number of owners / service history / specification and if its had any mods. £23k sounds about right though and it is a lot of car for the money 👍
It would be interesting to compare your mildly tuned RS Focus with the latest standard Audi RS3 with similar power…. Usually dyno’d as just over 400PS.
@@Fred93Eng not so sure. I have a 22 reg stock RS3 and my least favourite thing about the car is it being an Auto. Manuals seem to be a dying breed.. shame really.
Thank you and yes I have. I have videos to come in the coming weeks on my channel with a MK4.5 Focus ST and I have many from last year. Here is one:th-cam.com/video/1lZ2kAF9yyY/w-d-xo.html
Thank you! Funnily enough I have just finished filming today with a TCR. Another 50-60miles driving this owners TCR and they are fantastic! Future video to come on the channel 👍
@@SamAustin I had a Mk1 RS Focus and loved it,wish I still had it. I have always liked fast fords from early Mexico and RS 2000 Escorts to more modern RS Focus models . Ford bring a lot of invocation at affordable prices . I hope you will continue to review affordable hot hatches as a lot of uTubers review cars that are not affordable to most us.
I will do! For me normal affordable cars turned up to a high performance level is exactly what I am passionate about so I will continue to share these. Plenty of videos already scheduled for March for everyone to enjoy also 👍
They seem to have held up well too. They have been on the car since 2019 fitted by a company called FJRS from the previous owner. It does add to the look of the car for me but I am not sure I would have had the guts to do it myself as you are cutting two holes in the bonnet 🙂
You live near me, started near Studham and went down by NMJ cars to turn round lop, lovely car, look out for Grey RS NEV no plate and I'll give you a thumbs up and flash. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🚘👌
Also when you change drive modes, you don’t have to wait a little bit like you said. Select your mode and then press the enter or select button on the steering wheel and it’ll change instantly.
@@SamAustin mad! Thought you were far younger haha. Hope you enjoy your new car! I also had a revo stage II focus mk3 RS years ago, decatted with a Remus exhaust and ran 442bhp. Spat gigantic flames haha. Utter savagery! I now recently got the new focus ST mk4.5 which is a great car. Always enjoying the channel. Keep it up 👌🏼
haha yes I look a little younger than I am perhaps. Thank you and great to hear that you also had a revo stage 2 MK3 RS. The car has been great so far for me although I feel the airtec intercooler might have a slight leak at the front so will have this looked into next week. Many congrats on your Focus ST MK4.5 and I have videos already scheduled with that car comparing it to my RS along with reviews on it in general. It is a great car and one of the best fast fords you can buy new today 👍
@@SamAustin you do!! For sure. Sorry to hear about current issues. The one thing that revo stage II can cause is issues. Some might even say it carries too much power for the engine. I was having boost pipes flying off left right and centre. So numerous times I had a car basically with no power lol. Was very annoying. Has your car been in for the dreaded head gasket recall? I presume it has. Yes I love the new ST. Interior is lovely and drives a dream.
It is great to be back in 2023! Check out my new shop: sam-2-shop.fourthwall.com/
I bought an RS Edition 2 years ago, I absolutely love it, you don’t see many of them around. I’m lucky as it’s not my daily driver, so when I do get it out, it’s puts a big smile on my face. It’s such a joy to drive.
Thanks for sharing and it is cool to hear from another RS Edition owner! I am also loving mine nearly 4 months in now and I am the same as you I have another car as a daily so it does make things more special when stepping into the RS 👍
@@SamAustin I totally agree, I thought Jayemm was particularly brutal on his review though.
I am tempted by one of these Ford Focus RS.. but I also keep looking at the bonkers Toyota Yaris GR....
I drove both here and this might help you choose: th-cam.com/video/k8cO4Bo8L0g/w-d-xo.htmlsi=OC_6nQVx0s09b06a
Welcome to the RS Club. I have had mine since 2017, No plans on changing. I will give you a year max before you start modifying it. Full tank for me is 265 miles. Using only E5.
Thank you! It is great to finally be a part of the RS club and many congrats on having yours for 6 years now as they are well worth holding onto. I agree from stock the car may feel a little under powered. My RS Edition is already a Revo Stage 2 car with 440hp so I have no plans on any further modifications to the car as it feels perfect to me as it is currently 👍
This has also been my dream car since I first saw it when it was unveiled! I have a 2014 mk3 focus st at the moment but seems like the mk3 RS will always be out of my reach now with the higher interest rates and also the slight creep in prices over the last couple of years! Glad to see you were finally able to get your hands on one 😊👌👌 not jealous at all 😝
Wanted one when they announced it finally got one last year literally as a weekend car to carve up the canyons. But still super dailable. When first got it I drove it home which was a 1000 mile trip through the desert😊
Many congrats! It was a dream car for me and I absolutely loved the time in which I owned the car. Sadly it is now with a new owner but the experience was well worth it as like you I always wanted one when they first came out and I am grateful to have had the opportunity with mine. Wishing you many happy miles in your RS 🎉
Other than track days, can't see the point in all that power. Lots of kudos having an RS, but keeping with in the 60 mph limit , you may as well have a 1.0 ecoboost. Hope you enjoy it more without the camera on the speedo. Love the colour though.
I waited from 2003 to 2020 to get my RS. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to add an M5 Comp to the garage. The RS remains my dream car and the perfect car for me. It doesn’t get better
Many congrats on your RS and it is great to here another story in how you also waited so long plus you still love it today! Also, love the M5 Comp so you have a great two car garage there 🎉
Got to have mudflaps and would put them on most of my cars in the future, just protects the paint work and they look good and are relativity cheap
Apparently the DCS sports control module makes the stock suspension a lot better
Thank you for the feedback on this 😊
Nice bits of kit these, had quite a few nice cars since and still miss my old one. Little underpowered out the box but could grip like nothing else
They are great! I would agree from stock they could use a little more power and 440bhp from mine feels about right to me but then I would say that with it being my car 😅
Brought one Wednesday, up at mountune on the Friday 👍👌😂
I got the m380 package. Really pleased with it.
Many congrats on your new MK3 RS! 🎉
Thank you, Sam. 👍
Nice little addition to the fleet Sam👌 . . .glad to see you’ve kept the faith with a manual 👍😎
Thank you Pete! Yes loving the manual in this one too so far 🙂
Great car Sam, sounds great and plenty of traction for those greasy roads. Re Fords, I’ve had petrol fiesta Zetec since new and after about 13 years and 150000 miles its never let me down and not needed any parts other than filters / brakes / tyres etc and it regularly returns plus 50 mpg. Cracking car but the RS probably just has the edge in terms of performance! 😂
Thank you and I love that you have owned your Ford for such a long time with a large amount of miles also. I hope you have another 150,000 miles of trouble free ownership! Yes I think the RS would have the edge on performance on this occasion 😅
I would highly recommend the Dream Science Ultima 2+ map. You have to use high octane fuel with it but the difference it makes is amazing!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts here. I can imagine with high octane fuel the performance can go up to another level 👍
Am thinking the same between the ford rs and the ford st as it will be last year we will be able to own one of these legends close to new anyway
It is a tough choice between them. ST is better for everyday use and still great on a blast with the RS being more of a weekend car in my experience so far 👍
@@SamAustin i had civic ep3 wish never sold that but that was way back in 01 when we didnt know how rare they become.
And the fact i owned civics most my life a had a 2015 ford st and it was a bit meh didnt feel the car had enough to beet a golf tdi back then but i persume they come along way?
Great to see you back on YT
Thanks Peter! It is great to be back and plenty of content already scheduled to go live this month alone 👍
RS edition also came in red, not just NB
My dream too is
It’s got cosmetic differences anyone could slap on ,in my opinion special colours should of been limited editions such as performance blue or some old RS colours off say mk1 or mk2 escorts or capris etc
I can’t get excited by a black roof or spoiler or a bit of blue on the chairs .
That said I do like a mk3 focus rs and if the edition ones go high on value it pulls up a normal mk3 FRS too which is what mine is
👍
I have an FK2 Type R GT and I’ve enjoyed it since I bought it in 2016.
However, I’m seriously tempted to trade it in for an RS Focus. The RS was the alternative to the Type R at the time. I went with the Type R in the end because 25 year old me loved the way it looked and the Focus was just a bit too expensive. I’ve seen a fair few for sale with either the Revo Stage 2 or Mountune upgrades; is it a noticeable boost in performance? I want something a bit quicker that the Type R so not really interested in a bog standard RS.
I'm also a big fan if the FK2 Type R as I have only heard good things about the way it drives. I would recommend an RS with either the mountune 375 or to go for stage 2. It does make a big difference particularly higher up in the rev range but also across the board. From stock, from my memory, the MK3 RS's flat line at about 5k so there is no reason to rev them out as the power just doesn't increase. I can recommend one however build quality and reliability is a little questionable but does make up a lot of ground in being really fun and engaging to drive 👍
@@SamAustin they’re great cars, I do love it, but I’ve always had one eye on the RS. I’d probably be saying the same thing about the Type R if I’d have brought the RS instead. There’s nothing in it between them for me.
It’s interesting you say that, as the characteristics of the engine in the Type R is completely different. Not much going on under 2.5k revs, then everything and it’ll pull all the way to the 7.2k limit. no drop off in power at all. I suspect it’s like that because of the traction limitations with being FWD.
This is my dilemma, I want something that’s faster, or at least feels it. That’s not to say the Type R is slow, nothing of the sort. It’s just that I’ve been driving it for about 7 years and I want a change 😂😂
Build quality in the Type R isn’t as good as some might say to honest. The gearbox is infuriatingly grabby 90% of the time and seems to have a tendency to eat 1st and 2nd synchros. It’s absolutely brilliant 10% of the time in perfect conditions, but it’s the number one thing owners will complain about if you ask them.
Other than that, it’s a toughy. I think residuals on the RS will be better than the Type R, as fast fords seem to do well in the UK. So maybe it’d be a good idea for me to jump ship now before prices go like the MK2 RS!
Great video of yours anyway, lovely car 👍
Delighted for you. Safe driving.
Thank you 👍
Thinking of RS or Golf R , which would be the better daily in your opinion , lots of reviews give the rs the edge in the Fun department but the Golf for the everyday, will be interested to get your opinion
Golf R as a daily all day long for me. I do not feel I will ever sell mine and if I did it would be for another Golf R potentially a DSG. My manual Golf R adds to the fun but it is not quite as entertaining as the RS. I would recommend checking out my video here on my Golf R vs my Focus RS: th-cam.com/video/FQYajvHlp4g/w-d-xo.html 👍
Really nice car. Congrats on your pride & joy purchase . . . great commentary. Your enthusiasm is contagious.
Thank you I really appreciate it 🙂
Just got mine last year. I think you will be pleased with how incredible it makes as an everyday car.
Many congrats on yours and I am looking forward to seeing how I get on with the RS. So far I am also suprised how well it works day to day considering it feels like a track car at times 🙂
Very nice sam what a car,i love the colour aswell and breaks it up abit with the black alloys and black roof n mirrors great choice sam nice video😊👍
Thank you! I love those details too as it makes the car look a little lower with the black roof and slightly more subtle over a normal Focus RS in nitrous blue 👍
I love everything about it.
...except the bonet vents. 😂
Are they stick on ones?
Awesome car though!
Thank you! Yes real mountune vents not stick on. It was done by a company called FJRS 👍
@@SamAustin actual vents are the best kind of vents! I wish you many happy miles.
🏎💥💨
Very nice, I did have the mk2 RS which was nice but I bever looked back once I went to the R. Many congratulations 🎊
Thank you!👍
I’m am so pleased for you mate! just picked up my new fiesta ST3 in mean green after watching your videos regarding the car. If you ever want to meet up send me a message!
Thank you and many congrats on your mean green fiesta ST3! The colour is fantastic and it's a great car. Really happy my videos helped with your choice and I appreciate the invite for a meet up. I plan to go to "Simple Ford" in May at Beaulieu motor museum as it is a fantastic pure Ford event so hope to meet a lot of subscribers here to say hi 🙂
Congratulations Sam - thrilled for you and well deserved
Thank you Dylan! Really appreciate your thoughts👍
Nice car Sam, fast Ford’s are awesome and the Focus RS is a great car. I recently picked up my Puma ST with the Performance Pack which also has a Quaife limited Slip Dif, can’t wait for the dry weather 😎👍
Thank you! I do love fast fords! I am actually filming a Puma ST at the end of this month so stay tuned for that on the channel as I have not driven one before. I've heard they are great 👍
@@SamAustin I’ll be interested to know your thoughts of the Puma ST, it’s surprisingly fun to drive.
Me too! Really looking forward to trying it and sharing it with you all 🙂
Mate i got my eyes on rs but its done 56000 on 2016 . Do you think is good to go for. £23000 on price
It would depend on the number of owners / service history / specification and if its had any mods. £23k sounds about right though and it is a lot of car for the money 👍
This is MEGA! So happy for you Sam. Well deserved!
Thank you JJ! 👍
It would be interesting to compare your mildly tuned RS Focus with the latest standard Audi RS3 with similar power…. Usually dyno’d as just over 400PS.
The Audi is only available as an automatic, of course.
Audi RS3 would shit all over it. Especially as automatic. The gear changes are instant. The 4wd also superior.
Great idea to try for sure 👍
@@Fred93Eng not so sure. I have a 22 reg stock RS3 and my least favourite thing about the car is it being an Auto. Manuals seem to be a dying breed.. shame really.
@@davidhayes4814 RS3 beat my 400bhp focus RS when I had it.
Sam the man is back with a blue bang!!!!
Awesome car
Haha thank you 🙂
Awesome choice! Congrats Sam!
Thank you! 👍
Thought so, Whipsnade to Aston Clinton.
Nice car I've got an MSD280 ST but want to sell it after this yr. .
Yes that's the place! Thank you and your MSD280 ST sounds fantastic too. They are great cars these 🎉
nice video. have you ever driven a mk4 ford focus 2018 onwards
Thank you and yes I have. I have videos to come in the coming weeks on my channel with a MK4.5 Focus ST and I have many from last year. Here is one:th-cam.com/video/1lZ2kAF9yyY/w-d-xo.html
Lovely car Sam and one to keep I am very happy for you,enjoy. For now I will stick with my TCR ,I love hot hatches.
Thank you! Funnily enough I have just finished filming today with a TCR. Another 50-60miles driving this owners TCR and they are fantastic! Future video to come on the channel 👍
@@SamAustin I had a Mk1 RS Focus and loved it,wish I still had it. I have always liked fast fords from early Mexico and RS 2000 Escorts to more modern RS Focus models .
Ford bring a lot of invocation at affordable prices .
I hope you will continue to review affordable hot hatches as a lot of uTubers review cars that are not affordable to most us.
I will do! For me normal affordable cars turned up to a high performance level is exactly what I am passionate about so I will continue to share these. Plenty of videos already scheduled for March for everyone to enjoy also 👍
Congratulations on your dream car acquisition Sam!
Thank you Meg 😊
Mountune bonnet vents🤔🤔🤔
They seem to have held up well too. They have been on the car since 2019 fitted by a company called FJRS from the previous owner. It does add to the look of the car for me but I am not sure I would have had the guts to do it myself as you are cutting two holes in the bonnet 🙂
@@SamAustin tbf it's the only MK3 I've seen wearing MK2 vents that actually looks like it's OEM
Congrats sam!
Thank you 😊
With that power increase, turn your traction control off or put it in sport when you're launching and it'll pull more strongly.
ayyyyyyy sam nice one
Thank you 👍
Sam !
😊
Known engine issues, The Civic Type R is better.
You live near me, started near Studham and went down by NMJ cars to turn round lop, lovely car, look out for Grey RS NEV no plate and I'll give you a thumbs up and flash. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🚘👌
Ah yes that's my favourite road near me. I'll keep an eye out as I love to go their for a drive 👍
Did you say you’re 32 years old?????????
Also when you change drive modes, you don’t have to wait a little bit like you said. Select your mode and then press the enter or select button on the steering wheel and it’ll change instantly.
Yes I am 32. Thank you for the feedback on that one! I did wonder if there was a button to just activate it as soon as you hover over the mode 👍
@@SamAustin mad! Thought you were far younger haha. Hope you enjoy your new car! I also had a revo stage II focus mk3 RS years ago, decatted with a Remus exhaust and ran 442bhp. Spat gigantic flames haha. Utter savagery! I now recently got the new focus ST mk4.5 which is a great car. Always enjoying the channel. Keep it up 👌🏼
haha yes I look a little younger than I am perhaps. Thank you and great to hear that you also had a revo stage 2 MK3 RS. The car has been great so far for me although I feel the airtec intercooler might have a slight leak at the front so will have this looked into next week. Many congrats on your Focus ST MK4.5 and I have videos already scheduled with that car comparing it to my RS along with reviews on it in general. It is a great car and one of the best fast fords you can buy new today 👍
@@SamAustin you do!! For sure. Sorry to hear about current issues. The one thing that revo stage II can cause is issues. Some might even say it carries too much power for the engine. I was having boost pipes flying off left right and centre. So numerous times I had a car basically with no power lol. Was very annoying. Has your car been in for the dreaded head gasket recall? I presume it has. Yes I love the new ST. Interior is lovely and drives a dream.
Wrong colour mate , but I wish I can have one in black
I love it
@@SamAustin I like the car to but I would have it in black, but it's your car your choice, me got titanium x foucs 66 plate nice car