[madbadad]

Ok chaps (and chapesses), I have a dilemma and need advice, support or putting back in my box. My very much loved M135i is going to be retired this summer after what will be close to 75k miles over 3 years.

I had told myself that I'd think about an M2 but the limited availability and no deals approach has made it lose its appeal for me, M3/4 too big and running costs are too high on my mileage and there's talk of there being only minimal changes to the M140i (ignoring the engine and minor power upgrade!)

Being a child of the 80's I love hot hatches having owned XR2&3, Golf and 205 GTI's, 5 GT turbo and an awful Uno turbo

This leaves me with a problem, the reviews of the new RS Focus...."game changer" "best hot hatch ever" just two extracts from respected magazines

Why wouldn't I get one? Is the BMW built that much better? Will I hate the differences? Is the dealer network really bad?

Any ideas appreciated, ps don't like the AMG A45, and its far too expensive

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[I4N]

I was close to pre ordering but im just not 100% on the focus shape and when told my nearest rs centre would be 70miles away it kind of put me off

 

[madbadad]

Interesting I4N, not familiar with the Ford network, do only some supply RS?

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[I4N]

Was told only 2 rs centres in scotland, 1 in Edinburgh 1 somewhere else north i think but not Aberdeen according to rs forum, as i live on west coast Edinburgh would be closest, so for servicing/repair it would be 140 mile round trip, this was from arnold clark kilmarnock who said they couldnt even speak to customers about the rs, only the 'chosen' dealers can

 

[Spot the cat]

They're called Ford "stores" ,basically selected larger branches.

75 k is an awful lot of mileage in 3yrs.You're going to have to be certain that this type of car will meet your needs.Personally I'd wait until a demonstrator becomes available,but they're going to be in short supply so I should imagine you'd have to be lucky to get one for the Summer.

One of the things that put me off way back was that they don't have heated seats,one man's meat and all that...

 

[Chazclark2]

Mate they were quoting those sort of statements before anyone had even driven it, it's a ford RS they will be licking its arse no matter how good it was, the Golf R was the best thing since sliced bread before but when I drove it I thought it was as dull as dishwater, top gear said it didn't feel any faster than the Type R even though it was 40 bhp up on it, the seating position was too high, it weighs 1599kg!! the interior felt cheap, and with the options most used buyers will look for ie 19's, buckets etc it was 34k yet they called it a game changer?!? as far as I could read that was based solely on the fact it had a drift button and you could do tail slides in it, something Chris harris managed in the A45 facelift without feeing the need to base the whole review on it.

 

[R88]

If you were considering the M2 then why not also a M235i? You would have more leeway for optioning it up considering the number of miles you're putting into it. For a day to day car I would prefer the comforts of a BMW to a Ford, but then I am biased.

 

[Kerr]

I've seen a black one I person, you'd never realise it was a hot hatch other than the blue brakes and RS badge. Some people like that though.

http://s1226.photobucket.com/user/bk864/media/Mobile Uploads/20160117_110540_zpsy0dgj4u2.jpg.html

The interior looked awful. It'll need to be a great drive to stomach sitting in there for 75000 miles.

I've never really followed the charm with hot Fords. When I was younger they were as cheap as chips second hand, now anything remotely warm goes for silly money.

I bought a brand new Astra GSI turbo over the MK1 Focus RS as I didn't think it was that good or worth the extra.

I also looked at the MK2 and was offered a sizable discount at the time as the dealer couldn't sell them. Again I didn't get on with it and bought a BMW 335i. Loved the 335i, but the RS would have been the cheapest car ever. 6 years later I see cars advertised at what I could have had a new one.

For all everyone made out the MK2 was a missile, the 335i, with very similar power, was so much faster. It was the best part of 2 seconds faster to 100 mph.

They just get reputations they don't really deserve for me.

I've gave up reading what journalists say. When you see what goes on in that world, you realise that they aren't impartial.

They get invited to give a review. They get treated royally and paid very well.

They aren't going to slate a car as they'll just end up with no work.

 

[AJRFulton]

The RS will drive nice. Ford usually gets the chassis right.

However, a BMW to a Ford... I dunno. The extra cost goes somewhere, and going from my 1 series, even into my Mrs Golf, seems a significant step down in quality.

 

[Plantjuk]

I had a mk1 focus rs and while it was fun ford customer service is shocking. Plus the new rs has no flared arches or anything that is "loud" as with other rs models. I'm sure it will be a brilliant car but it's just not special enough imo. BMW build quality and customer service is leaps and bounds above ford, that would be a big deal for me.

 

[DurhamLad1973]

I wouldn't do it.

I started with Fords, XR3 and series 2 RS Turbo, two cars ago I had the Focus ST. The chassis on the Ford will be first class (we make them at work ) the 2.5 5 pot in the ST was a fantastic lump, that's where Ford have dropped a massive bollock, they should have kept it, it gave the car such character.

With the Mk3 RS being a global car the production run will not be limited, the Mk2 was and has become a classic, my mate has just sold his, 10 plate for £25k!! He has gone to a A 45 AMG, not the Mk3.

I still know loads of people who would drive nothing else but Ford but they have no interest in the new RS, I think this tells you something. I thought about chopping the M135 in for one and a year or so, once all the niggles have been ironed out but the more I see if them the less I like them.

 

[Bear M135I]

I think that the RS will be a great car to spend the next 70k in. Dealership network will be fine. It has warranty so no worries. Something a bit different and with demand I'd expect the depreciation curve to be pocket friendly for a few years. Been considering one myself as the M135i goes back shortly.

Don't read too much into what the journalist say. When the M135i came out they were besotted. and thought it was the best hot hatch ever. Now you never hear about it. Then came the golf R and they were besotted and said it was the best thing ever.

I have both the Golf R and the M135i and they are great but I can't honestly say 5*. If I had based my decision solely on the magazine reviews I would be disappointed.

If you can get a test drive that would be the way forward.

 

[DurhamLad1973]

http://www.focusrsoc.com/forums/forum/402-focus-rs-mk3-discussion/

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Fyi.

 

[dape90]

I don't think I could drive anything with the Blue oval on the front. I don't like the image that the RS portrays.
Also, the interior is shocking. Really bad layout and horrible plastics.
However, if all you want to do is go really fast (and computer controlled sideways also) then go for it.

We all have different taste, what we want from a car.
I am not a ford fan and it's unlikely I ever will be.
BMW is not without its issues. Some of the dealers are terrible and after the issues I had with my e90 I am still amazed I stuck with the brand.
However, do what makes you happy.

Although I reckon after a while you will miss the balance and rwd feel.

D

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[Plantjuk]

I think that the RS will be a great car to spend the next 70k in. Dealership network will be fine. It has warranty so no worries. Something a bit different and with demand I'd expect the depreciation curve to be pocket friendly for a few years. Been considering one myself as the M135i goes back shortly.

Don't read too much into what the journalist say. When the M135i came out they were besotted. and thought it was the best hot hatch ever. Now you never hear about it. Then came the golf R and they were besotted and said it was the best thing ever.

I have both the Golf R and the M135i and they are great but I can't honestly say 5*. If I had based my decision solely on the magazine reviews I would be disappointed.

If you can get a test drive that would be the way forward.

My mk1 rs had coolant hoses leak under warranty and ford wouldn't pay for it even though they had a technical memo going round in ford about the problem. I rang ford customer services about it and they couldn't care less! So not sure fords warranty is all that. Plus you only get a years warranty on the interior.

 

[Blind Pugh]

Ok chaps (and chapesses), I have a dilemma and need advice, support or putting back in my box. My very much loved M135i is going to be retired this summer after what will be close to 75k miles over 3 years.

I had told myself that I'd think about an M2 but the limited availability and no deals approach has made it lose its appeal for me, M3/4 too big and running costs are too high on my mileage and there's talk of there being only minimal changes to the M140i (ignoring the engine and minor power upgrade!)

Being a child of the 80's I love hot hatches having owned XR2&3, Golf and 205 GTI's, 5 GT turbo and an awful Uno turbo

This leaves me with a problem, the reviews of the new RS Focus...."game changer" "best hot hatch ever" just two extracts from respected magazines

Why wouldn't I get one? Is the BMW built that much better? Will I hate the differences? Is the dealer network really bad?

Any ideas appreciated, ps don't like the AMG A45, and its far too expensive

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Get an FRS !

I drove a bog standard focus from Ggow to Abn yesterday - even with heavy derv burner the rental motor steered and drove very well indeed.

I'm booking myself a demo / TD in an FRS

 

[DurhamLad1973]

I've had Ford, my last car was a Golf R and now I've got the M135, don't think I would go back to either of them for one reason or another so looks like I'm stuck with BMW.

 

[Shins]

My last Ford was the MK1 Focus RS and was the best car I ever owned. 7yrs, running twice the power from the factory and NEVER let me down once in that time. Yeah interior let this car down.
I refuse to take any car I own to a dealer, rather take it to a friend/specialist I trust who treats it like his own.
Every car has its pros and cons, Ford imo has always tried to please the enthusiast, the MK2 was great in its own right, great seats, great engine, looked great.
My friend will be getting one of the first MK3 RS in the UK so will soon find out what that will be like first hand. The yanks already have this engine running 500 bhp so tuning shouldn't be an issue, I think it looks great and if past RS,s are anything to go by, then it should hold its value better than most cars too.
Time will tell but I think it will be another win for Ford and car enthusiasts.

 

[Blind Pugh]

My last ford was a cortina ghia 2.3 so the only way is up wrt my expectations of the blue oval and their FRS !!!

 

[barryh1988]

Haha I posted this on the fordRS forum too.

This is my dilemma apart from I'm in a 125d at present.
Do I go for the m135i or RS