https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/amp14510137/ford-focus-rs-head-gasket-issues/
Similar story on other sites...
Seems the head gasket failure is down fo a massive cock up at Ford.
The Ecoboost motor is also used in the Mustang but there are differences in its design. When assembling the RS motor, the head gasket used in a lot of cases was actually for the Mustang. This meant that water channels inside the head were compromised which lead to overheating and gasket failure. The assembly line obviously wasn't aware of the difference between the gaskets. D'oh!
The issue is also affecting models here in NZ. I know of at least one car that has had the engine repaired under warranty. Certainly glad I went with an STi....
That puts it some 8 - 10k more than an STi doesn't it?
The RS was on my potential shopping when buying a new car but too many potential issues and felt STi was a safer bet. Still feel it was the right decision....
Gary
Our 18 month grandson is already making brmmmmm-brmmmmm noises when he sees anything with an engine, so thought it prudent to introduce him to the STi sooner rather than later...
Between myself and his dad who has a Legacy wagon, he's off to a good start in life