Ford Buyer's Guide
Brand Overview
Ford UK has a rich heritage separate from Ford USA. The RS badge represents decades of rally and racing success. From Escort to Focus, Ford has dominated British motorsport and hearts.
What Makes Ford UK Special
- RS Heritage: Rally-bred performance
- Cosworth Connection: Legendary engines
- Accessibility: Performance for the masses
- Motorsport: WRC, BTCC, Group B
The RS Hierarchy
| Model | Years | Value |
|---|---|---|
| RS200 | 1984-86 | £300k+ |
| Sierra RS Cosworth | 1986-87 | £80k+ |
| Sierra RS500 | 1987 | £150k+ |
| Escort RS Cosworth | 1992-96 | £70k+ |
| Focus RS (Mk1) | 2002-03 | £25k+ |
| Focus RS (Mk2) | 2009-11 | £25k+ |
| Focus RS (Mk3) | 2016-18 | £30k+ |
Cosworth YB Engine
The legendary turbocharged 2.0:
- Sierra RS Cosworth: 204hp
- Sierra RS500: 224hp (550hp+ tuned)
- Escort RS Cosworth: 227hp
Classic Ford Values
| Model | Value |
|---|---|
| Escort Mk1 Mexico | £35k+ |
| Escort Mk1 RS2000 | £45k+ |
| Escort Mk2 RS2000 | £40k+ |
| Capri 3.0S | £25k+ |
| Capri 280 Brooklands | £35k+ |
Common Issues ⚠️
- Rust: All classic Fords - check everything
- Cosworth Head Gasket: Upgraded gaskets available
- Focus RS Mk3: Head gasket recall (check done)
- EcoBoost: Coolant hose failures (early)
Running Costs
| Model | Annual Budget |
|---|---|
| Classic Escort | £2,000-4,000 |
| Sierra Cosworth | £3,000-5,000 |
| Focus RS Mk2/3 | £1,500-2,500 |
| Fiesta ST | £1,000-1,800 |
| Mustang | £1,500-3,000 |
Buying Recommendations
- Entry Fast Ford: Fiesta ST - brilliant hot hatch
- Modern RS: Focus RS Mk2 - best steering feel
- Investment: Escort Cosworth - rising
- Dream: RS200 - Group B homologation
- American Fun: Mustang GT - V8 value