Models · Ford
Ford Focus RS Mk2 buying guide
The Mk2 Focus RS was built from 2009 to 2010 with a 2.5 five-cylinder turbo, a six-speed manual and a Quaife differential driving the front wheels, with the 345bhp RS500 as a final run. Specialists rate the engine as strong in standard form, and the checks centre on a few known items.
The versions
- 2.5 Duratec five-cylinder turbo petrol, 300bhp and 324lb ft, Borg Warner K16 turbo
- Getrag M66 six-speed manual and Quaife torque-biasing limited-slip differential, front-wheel drive
- RS500 (2010): 345bhp, matt black wrap, numbered dashboard plaque, 101 UK cars
- Ford's Mountune MP350 upgrade was offered for standard cars
What to check on a Mk2 Focus RS
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
The plastic intake plenum
What to look for: Open the bonnet and look at the large intake plenum on top of the engine. Note whether it is the original plastic part or an alloy replacement, and ask whether the recall remap has been done.
Why it matters: Some early cars suffered backfires that could blow the plastic plenum apart. Ford changed the fuelling map as part of a recall, but tuned cars can still have problems. Many owners have fitted a cast alloy plenum.
Cambelt and camshaft oil seals
What to look for: Check the history for the date and mileage of the last cambelt change. With a torch, look around the cambelt cover at the front of the engine for oil.
Why it matters: Ford's interval is 125,000 miles or ten years, whichever comes first. Camshaft oil seal failure is common, and leaking oil can contaminate and weaken the belt, often hidden behind the covers. Seals, belt and tensioner are usually done together.
Radiator and coolant leaks
What to look for: With the engine cold, look at the radiator, especially its corners, for crusty deposits or wet patches. Check the hoses near the engine mounts for rubbing.
Why it matters: The radiator is not the most durable part on the car, and coolant hoses can rub on the engine mounts. Both are straightforward to fix once found.
Also in the full guide
- Clutch slip
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Mk2 Focus RS
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Ford.