Convince me to buy a 2.5RS over SVTF

Soon2bSubbieowner · 07-25-2003, 08:05 AM

Ok, so the SVT focus and 2.5RS are pretty much on the same level. You can get them for about the same amount $14k, normally and SVTF will have alot less miles though abotu 14k miles and an old school 2.5RS will have like 50k. Why do you think I should choose one over the other?

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SkirtBoy · 07-25-2003, 08:09 AM

I like the SVT focus alot, but I would take the RS simply for its all weather capability and those old school looks give me teh HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR!

nt5k · 07-25-2003, 08:12 AM

If you're planning on keeping it stock then get the SVT if not get the RS. The SVT supposedly has kickass handling out the box..

Soon2bSubbieowner · 07-25-2003, 08:14 AM

I am planning on whatever I buy to keep it pretty much stock. The only thing really holding me back from the SVTF is that I love the subaru crowd and if I have a subaru then I have alot of people to help me with maintenance and whatever. But its really hard to find a 2.5RS in the area.

nt5k · 07-25-2003, 08:16 AM

Well, if you are gonna keep it stock then what maintenance could you possibly need help with? The usual stuff, oil changes/etc should be the same. Same thing with most other things.

Try driving both first too.

FunkerVogt · 07-25-2003, 08:17 AM

As much as I love the 2.5RS, I think I'd go with the SVTF. I'm currently looking to trade in my ZX3 for one. It does handle like it's on rails, and the overall feel to it is silky smooth.

Hard choice, I'd like to have both.

FunkerVogt · 07-25-2003, 08:18 AM

IBbutWhatAboutFocusReliability

02 and up had no significant problems.

DJ 9iron · 07-25-2003, 08:22 AM

AWD>FWD

RS Looks>SVT Looks

Coupe>Hatch

Subaru>Ford
-----------------------------------------
These are my personal thoughts though.

In all honesty, the Focus would probably be my second choice in a new car. mmmmmm Cozzie.

quentinberg007 · 07-25-2003, 08:22 AM

i was making this choice a while back.....

2001 Impreza RS sedan won....

and I love it to death

~~Quentin

SVT2059 · 07-25-2003, 08:23 AM

As an owner of an SVT Ford Contour and a Subaru Outback... I'd definately say for piece of mind go with the RS 2.5

Why you might ask.... well as a Ford owner they don't last as much as the Subarus.... My neighbor across the street is a service manager for a large Ford Dealer here in PA. And he has said that the Focus is a terrible car both quality/ contruction wise and a pain in the ass to work on.

Lets see on my car - the water pumps are constaint pains (going out every 40K miles due to a plastic impeller that shatters over time)... The transmissions aren't built to handle the extra HP and I can't tell you how many people I know with CSVTs that have blown their trannys.

Then the ultimate problem - the front lower A-Arm bushings last somewhere between 20-40K --- and once those go that basically means you have to drop the front subframe, replace the entire A-Arms on both sides ($1200 just for the parts)

So if your looking for a reliable fun ride go with the Subaru... I wish I did.

Snoopy · 07-25-2003, 08:26 AM

For looks, hey....I own a Subaru. And they drive great. I've had mine since 99 and the only problem I've had was a bad Oxygen sensor which was a free replacement since that was a recall, no charge.

Here's my joy ride.

But minus the front lip spoiler. I got a much smaller one so NO MORE SCRAPES!

RidinLow · 07-25-2003, 08:27 AM

Weird, E36 M3's are known for the same problems... plastic water pumps and rear topmounts and bushings that last for 30-40k mi at a time.

evlbill · 07-25-2003, 08:28 AM

I don't know much about the 2.5RS but from what I've heard, the FSVT handles pretty good. There's a guy on contour.org that autox's his CSVT on a national level. He got the chance one time to autox a stock FSVT and he said it was great.

my $0.02

lucien2 · 07-25-2003, 08:29 AM

THis is all true, but also bear in mind that the CSVT was a much more involved project for SVT than the Focus is. A lot of bespoke parts went into that car which made it a special drive at the expense of reliability and, well, expense. Although the reliability of the Focus is much improved since it's initial release, recalls still dog the car. I don't think it is a piece of junk myself, and anyone who feels it is a pain in the butt to work on is saying so from the perspective of servicing Crown Vics for the last 20 years, I reckon. The question is, is an almost new SVTF going to be more or less reliable than a 50k Impreza.....tough call.

FunkerVogt · 07-25-2003, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lucien2
. Although the reliability of the Focus is much improved since it's initial release, recalls still dog the car.

There have been two recalls that I am aware of for the 02 and 03 models.

The 00 and 01's had close to a dozen.

I just love it when people say things like, "Well, I had a Ford pickup back in 82 and that thing was a real POS! Therefore, I can only assume that any vehicle released by them since is crap as well. No need to find out what the facts are, my mind is made up".

SkirtBoy · 07-25-2003, 08:43 AM

I would think the 2.5RS would depreciate at a lower rate than the SVT due to its rarity, also.

Butt Dyno · 07-25-2003, 08:51 AM

Every review I read of the SVTF is pretty glowing. I don't think you'll be unhappy with either car really...

And you can still drag the Focus to local Subie meets - it's a neat car!

-bd

evlbill · 07-25-2003, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SVT2059
Lets see on my car - the water pumps are constaint pains (going out every 40K miles due to a plastic impeller that shatters over time)... The transmissions aren't built to handle the extra HP and I can't tell you how many people I know with CSVTs that have blown their trannys.

Does the FSVT have the Zetec engine or a different 4 cylinder? The people with water pump failures are mainly ones with V6 models.

Transmission troubles, I don't know what you're talking about? Oh... wait... you mean like a cable snapping and leaving you stranded on the side of the road?

scottjua · 07-25-2003, 09:00 AM

HAve you ever owned a FORD before? Maybe times have changed...but when I had gone through no less than three (or more...) none of them made it past about 80K miles before you had to replace power steering pumps (and related items), A/C related illnesses, and or some other three to four figure item on them... It's almsot like a mandatory service with them.

Then again, I will admit, all my Ford experiences were in the early 90's cars...

Ask around to see if the cars make it to 100K miles before dying... then decide.

FunkerVogt · 07-25-2003, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by scottjua
HAve you ever owned a FORD before? Maybe times have changed...but when I had gone through no less than three (or more...) none of them made it past about 80K miles before you had to replace power steering pumps (and related items), A/C related illnesses, and or some other three to four figure item on them... It's almsot like a mandatory service with them.

Then again, I will admit, all my Ford experiences were in the early 90's cars...

Ask around to see if the cars make it to 100K miles before dying... then decide.

I've owned an 02 Focus since Nov of 01. It hasn't had any problems yet, with 30K on it.

scottjua · 07-25-2003, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by FunkerVogt
IBbutWhatAboutFocusReliability

02 and up had no significant problems.

it's only a year old or less...I would sure hope not. The problems with Fords are not mostly when they're brand new, it's after a five digit mileage reading comes in... almost like they pre-program the cars to slowly self destruct when they get higher mileage.

Take into account the similarity in stories for common problems as well...

FunkerVogt · 07-25-2003, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by scottjua

it's only a year old or less...I would sure hope not. The problems with Fords are not mostly when they're brand new, it's after a five digit mileage reading comes in... almost like they pre-program the cars to slowly self destruct when they get higher mileage.

Take into account the similarity in stories for common problems as well...

The 00 and 01 Focus had recalls almost immediately.

Soon2bSubbieowner · 07-25-2003, 09:06 AM

I know alot of people complain about fords. I used to be a ford hater, then i got my 95 escort. It is the slowest car on earth but I tell you. The only maintenance i have had to do was brakes, oil and tires. Its 80000 miles and runs great, and i dog the **** out of it. This is a tough choice.

KC · 07-25-2003, 09:12 AM

Get the RS, drop a WRX engine in it.

--kC

SkirtBoy · 07-25-2003, 09:12 AM

If you want the newer, lower mileage car, go with the SVT.

If you want a bit of rarity / uniqueness and a car that will retain its value, go with the RS.

I don't think you'll find that much difference in the performance of either car, unless its raining/snowing.

07-25-2003, 08:05 AM	#1
Soon2bSubbieowner Scooby Specialist Member#: 21812 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Woodbridge, VA Vehicle: 2011 Mazda2	Convince me to buy a 2.5RS over SVTF Ok, so the SVT focus and 2.5RS are pretty much on the same level. You can get them for about the same amount $14k, normally and SVTF will have alot less miles though abotu 14k miles and an old school 2.5RS will have like 50k. Why do you think I should choose one over the other? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by Soon2bSubbieowner; 07-25-2003 at 09:13 AM.

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07-25-2003, 08:09 AM	#2
SkirtBoy Scooby Specialist Member#: 11056 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Sugar Land, TX Vehicle: 2012 MB C250 CPO Black on Tan	I like the SVT focus alot, but I would take the RS simply for its all weather capability and those old school looks give me teh HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR!

07-25-2003, 08:12 AM	#3
nt5k Scooby Newbie Member#: 7933 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Los Angeles, CA Vehicle: 2015 STI DGM	If you're planning on keeping it stock then get the SVT if not get the RS. The SVT supposedly has kickass handling out the box..

07-25-2003, 08:14 AM	#4
Soon2bSubbieowner Scooby Specialist Member#: 21812 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Woodbridge, VA Vehicle: 2011 Mazda2	I am planning on whatever I buy to keep it pretty much stock. The only thing really holding me back from the SVTF is that I love the subaru crowd and if I have a subaru then I have alot of people to help me with maintenance and whatever. But its really hard to find a 2.5RS in the area.

07-25-2003, 08:16 AM	#5
nt5k Scooby Newbie Member#: 7933 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Los Angeles, CA Vehicle: 2015 STI DGM	Well, if you are gonna keep it stock then what maintenance could you possibly need help with? The usual stuff, oil changes/etc should be the same. Same thing with most other things. Try driving both first too.

07-25-2003, 08:17 AM	#6
FunkerVogt Scooby Newbie Member#: 4585 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Northern NJ	As much as I love the 2.5RS, I think I'd go with the SVTF. I'm currently looking to trade in my ZX3 for one. It does handle like it's on rails, and the overall feel to it is silky smooth. Hard choice, I'd like to have both.

07-25-2003, 08:18 AM	#7
FunkerVogt Scooby Newbie Member#: 4585 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Northern NJ	IBbutWhatAboutFocusReliability 02 and up had no significant problems.

07-25-2003, 08:22 AM	#8
DJ 9iron Scooby Specialist Member#: 11349 Join Date: Oct 2001 Vehicle: 2016 Mustang GT Blue	AWD>FWD RS Looks>SVT Looks Coupe>Hatch Subaru>Ford ----------------------------------------- These are my personal thoughts though. In all honesty, the Focus would probably be my second choice in a new car. mmmmmm Cozzie.

07-25-2003, 08:22 AM	#9
quentinberg007 Scooby Guru Member#: 7887 Join Date: Jun 2001 Vehicle: 2023 GR Corolla 2024 bZ4x	i was making this choice a while back..... 2001 Impreza RS sedan won.... and I love it to death ~~Quentin

07-25-2003, 08:23 AM	#10
SVT2059 Scooby Newbie Member#: 31494 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Doylestown, PA	As an owner of an SVT Ford Contour and a Subaru Outback... I'd definately say for piece of mind go with the RS 2.5 Why you might ask.... well as a Ford owner they don't last as much as the Subarus.... My neighbor across the street is a service manager for a large Ford Dealer here in PA. And he has said that the Focus is a terrible car both quality/ contruction wise and a pain in the ass to work on. Lets see on my car - the water pumps are constaint pains (going out every 40K miles due to a plastic impeller that shatters over time)... The transmissions aren't built to handle the extra HP and I can't tell you how many people I know with CSVTs that have blown their trannys. Then the ultimate problem - the front lower A-Arm bushings last somewhere between 20-40K --- and once those go that basically means you have to drop the front subframe, replace the entire A-Arms on both sides ($1200 just for the parts) So if your looking for a reliable fun ride go with the Subaru... I wish I did.

07-25-2003, 08:26 AM	#11
Snoopy Scooby Specialist Member#: 700 Join Date: Jan 2000 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: BANNED! Vehicle: 99 Impreza RS Silverthorn Metallic	For looks, hey....I own a Subaru. And they drive great. I've had mine since 99 and the only problem I've had was a bad Oxygen sensor which was a free replacement since that was a recall, no charge. Here's my joy ride. But minus the front lip spoiler. I got a much smaller one so NO MORE SCRAPES!

07-25-2003, 08:27 AM	#12
RidinLow Scooby Guru Member#: 329 Join Date: Sep 1999 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NJ Vehicle: 1995 325i Arctic Gray	Weird, E36 M3's are known for the same problems... plastic water pumps and rear topmounts and bushings that last for 30-40k mi at a time.

07-25-2003, 08:28 AM	#13
evlbill Scooby Newbie Member#: 35451 Join Date: Apr 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: the boonies Vehicle: 2000 Contour SVT Black	I don't know much about the 2.5RS but from what I've heard, the FSVT handles pretty good. There's a guy on contour.org that autox's his CSVT on a national level. He got the chance one time to autox a stock FSVT and he said it was great. my $0.02

07-25-2003, 08:29 AM	#14
lucien2 Scooby Specialist Member#: 1519 Join Date: May 2000 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore, hon! Vehicle: 1998 Volvo V70R Silver	THis is all true, but also bear in mind that the CSVT was a much more involved project for SVT than the Focus is. A lot of bespoke parts went into that car which made it a special drive at the expense of reliability and, well, expense. Although the reliability of the Focus is much improved since it's initial release, recalls still dog the car. I don't think it is a piece of junk myself, and anyone who feels it is a pain in the butt to work on is saying so from the perspective of servicing Crown Vics for the last 20 years, I reckon. The question is, is an almost new SVTF going to be more or less reliable than a 50k Impreza.....tough call.

07-25-2003, 08:43 AM	#16
SkirtBoy Scooby Specialist Member#: 11056 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Sugar Land, TX Vehicle: 2012 MB C250 CPO Black on Tan	I would think the 2.5RS would depreciate at a lower rate than the SVT due to its rarity, also.

07-25-2003, 08:51 AM	#17
Butt Dyno Street's closed, pizza boy Member#: 17301 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: NoVA Vehicle: 2018 Focus RS 2006 Evo #17 STU	Every review I read of the SVTF is pretty glowing. I don't think you'll be unhappy with either car really... And you can still drag the Focus to local Subie meets - it's a neat car! -bd

07-25-2003, 09:00 AM	#19
scottjua Scooby Specialist Member#: 2937 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Plano, TX Vehicle: 2019 Civic Type R 2006 STi Aspen White	HAve you ever owned a FORD before? Maybe times have changed...but when I had gone through no less than three (or more...) none of them made it past about 80K miles before you had to replace power steering pumps (and related items), A/C related illnesses, and or some other three to four figure item on them... It's almsot like a mandatory service with them. Then again, I will admit, all my Ford experiences were in the early 90's cars... Ask around to see if the cars make it to 100K miles before dying... then decide.

07-25-2003, 09:06 AM	#23
Soon2bSubbieowner Scooby Specialist Member#: 21812 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Woodbridge, VA Vehicle: 2011 Mazda2	I know alot of people complain about fords. I used to be a ford hater, then i got my 95 escort. It is the slowest car on earth but I tell you. The only maintenance i have had to do was brakes, oil and tires. Its 80000 miles and runs great, and i dog the **** out of it. This is a tough choice.

07-25-2003, 09:12 AM	#24
KC Scooby Guru Member#: 442 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: RI/SE Mass Vehicle: 25 Mazder CX70 00 S2k	Get the RS, drop a WRX engine in it. --kC