When referencing fast Fords, two of the most fearsome letters that can be mentioned in the same breath are RS. Only the brand's fastest and most performance-focused offerings are adorned with the nameplate, with models like the legendary Escort RS Cosworth and the Group B-killing RS200 being included under the umbrella. The last Focus RS, which was first unleashed in 2016, didn't quite live up to the hype built by its forerunners when it arrived.These days, though, you can pick them up for a decent chunk below their initial retail price, making them an interesting deal prospect.This piece explores the used values and takes a general look at the 2018 Ford Focus RS, the last of the historic models ever to have been built. All data used was sourced from reputable providers. The 2016 Focus RS Was The Final Hurrah For The Third-Gen Focus FordThe Ford Focus became one of the brand's most successful and important models when it was first released in 1998, especially in Europe. Its modern and attractive exterior design ensured it stood out against the competition, while its affordability and impressive driving poise – which was made possible thanks to its revolutionary multi-link rear 'Control Blade' suspension set-up – meant it excelled as an everyday workhorse. Sportier models like the ST170 and the 2003 RS further built on this platform, with the Focus crafting a reputation for being one of the most capable hot hatches in the world.FordA second-generation RS model was released in 2009, while it took until 2016 for the third-gen version to arrive. The third-generation Focus was on its way out by then, with the fourth-gen variant due to make its debut in 2018. Like the previous two RS versions, the third-gen car was developed as a fitting send-off to the model. Officially unveiled in 2015, the RS was even offered to US audiences for the first time, with the earlier Focus RS only sold in Europe. Circumstances Allowed The Focus RS To Finally Reach The US FordOne of the main reasons for Ford's change of heart was due to it combining its US-based Special Vehicle Team, its Europe-focused Team RS, and Ford Racing operations into one department, which was coined as Ford Performance. As a result, the decision was taken to develop the Focus RS Mk III for European and American audiences. US gearheads wanting to get their hands on one had to move fast though, as just 1,500 examples were offered for the western side of the Atlantic. The Focus RS Mk III Has Held Its Value Pretty Well FordWhen it first reached the US in 2016, the Focus RS Mk III was sold for a shade under $36,000, with its MSRP rising to a little over $41k by the time production ended in 2018. Interestingly, values of the model have remained pretty stout in the near-decade since it stopped being produced, with the CarBuzz Marketplace showing an average value of $31,141.FordThis is despite the vast majority of the cars on offer having covered a fair amount of mileage, due to the Focus RS's day-to-day usability. It does come with practical rear seats and a decent-sized trunk that boasts 9.1 cubic feet of space with the seats up, which is a little lower than the standard Focus' 10.5 cubic feet of space due to the additional space taken up by the extra componentry needed for its all-wheel-drive system. Higher Mileage Cars Can Be Had For Around $20k FordIf you don't care too much about mileage, then decent Focus RS Mk IIIs can be had for as low as $20,000. Buying a high-mileage example can be both a good and bad idea. On the positive side, you might get a car with a full service history, which has already had the head issues these cars are known for sorted. On the flipside, you might get a clunker that will cost you thousands to repair. The Focus RS Mk III Is A Bit Of A Weapon On The Road FordFor those not put off by the idea of picking up a used hot hatch for over $30k, the Focus RS certainly has some thrills up its sleeve when you get it on a nice, empty back road. Its characterful 2.3-liter inline-four EcoBoost powerplant brings 350 hp to the party, which is transmitted between all four wheels via an engaging six-speed manual transmission. Ford's engineers even included a Drift Mode function, which could send the majority of the car's power to the rear wheels, which allowed for some tire smoking action. The marque has further developed the feature in recent years.FordThe RS also comes equipped with a Quaife limited-slip differential to help keep the power under control, as well as torque vectoring that enhances cornering by affording more power to the wheels with more grip. Its MacPherson strut front and Control Blade rear suspension layouts further help to ensure the Focus RS is a force to be reckoned with on the open road. That said, there are some key issues with the car that you'll need to consider before you rush out and buy one. The Focus RS Mk III Is A Bit Disappointing As A Daily DriverFordWhile the third-gen Focus RS offers a thrilling driving experience when you can push it hard, it falls apart somewhat when driving along at sensible speeds. Its Recaro bucket seats may have looked the part, but they weren't particularly comfortable over even medium-length distances, and its driving position only detracted from driving comfort even further. The Focus RS' problems are nicely summed up by CarBuzz Senior Editor Gerhard Horn, who tested the car upon release in 2016.Having spent time with the previous-generation Focus RS and the tiny Fiesta ST, I was expecting great things from the AWD RS... But then the car arrived, and it was just a bit... meh.To me, a hot hatch should be all things to all men, and the Focus RS just wasn't a good commuter car. It was simply a less comfortable Focus, which only became fun on a track or a mountain pass far away from the cops.The Fiesta ST, in contrast, was fun at all speeds. The so-called Drift Mode was also a gimmick. It caught many inexperienced drivers out, and, naturally, they ended up on YouTube. Would I buy one? No. I'd save a pile of money and get a Fiesta ST, which is more fun, more of the time. – Gerhard Horn, CarBuzz Senior EditorAs a result, the Focus RS Mk III makes more sense as a weekend, fun car rather than a comfortable everyday cruiser. Therefore, the lower prices you can pick them up for on the used market go a long way to making it a justifiable purchase. You'll also need to bear in mind that due to the Focus RS' pedigree, exclusivity, and the fact that it will be the last of its kind ever built, it's very likely that its value will rise in future years.Give it another decade or so, by which time many of the cars will have ended up in a ditch or tree somewhere, and there's a good chance you'll be able to make a tidy profit. While you wait, make sure you enjoy the vehicle where it shines most; on fast, open roads.