Mk1 Focus RS as a Live Outdoor Daily Driver

[mat205125]

Hi all,

Interested in hearing peoples experiences relating to using a Mk1 Focus RS as a daily driver.

Rust?
Reliability?
Economy?
Problems with attracting the wrong attention?
Sourcing spares?

I'd be doing no more that 8k a year with it, however it'd have to live outside all year as the garage is full of Mk2 Escort

Look forward to hearing peoples opinions and experiences.

[AlexRS2782]

Might be a good idea also posting your query on the Mk1 FRSOC forum as you'll get a decent spread of advice there from various owners including advice on running costs, buyers guide (if you haven't bought it yet), etc

http://www.mk1focusrsoc.com/forum

I'm no help I'm afraid as the only time I used mine as a daily was way back in '06 - '07 during the first year I bought it - then I went mad modifying it and it became a garage decoration for shows only and and I've not even used it for the last 7 years

[mat205125]

Thanks Alex.

Not yet bought one as I’m currently thinking about different options.

[JackP1]

Rust i guess is not going to be on your side these days.

Don't hear much horror stories about them, it's just the lack of spares available for them now either driving up the prices/ being eagle eyed for stuff.

[Poynter87]

Most are now at the stage where rust is a common problem, one that I have at the moment, the main areas are the rear arches, the sills behind the side skirts, around the wing mirror bases as they cut into the paint, around the boot handle, the bottom of the front wings and the front of the front wing where it meets the bumper. The plastic thermostat housings are a common part to go and leak, I had three in three years but I've now got a billet alloy housing on mine which has solved the issue. The chargecooler pump are another part to stop working and these are quite expensive to replace but new brushes can be soldered into the old one for about £5 as I've done two so I have a spare.
Some parts can be a pain to get hold of as some things are nla and the parts that you can get are expensive from ford. If you buy one make sure it comes with the rs mats, leather wallet that the service book goes in and the rs alarm fob as these can only be bought second hand and they are expensive.
I've had mine 7 years and I have covered 40k odd miles and other the chargecooler pump and thermostat housing going its been brilliant and it's a great car to drive and I can't see me selling it anytime soon. Mine lives outside on the drive as I don't have a garage but is under a cover when not in use. As Alex has said it is worth going on the mk1 focus rs owners club forum as Clayton who runs it knows most things there is to know about the mk1 focus rs.