How much to fix it !

[rasto]

The bonnet release on our 2009 Focus has broken, unfortunately some 'lowlife' broke the badge off a while back and although I have opened the bonnet since then the lock now appears to be broken. The Ford garage are saying it is because of the damage to the badge, hence it isn't covered by the warranty. They want £370 to fix it ! Does this sound like a reasonable amount to pay ?

Edited by rasto on Tuesday 11th October 21:17

[ejenner]

Things can always be fixed for less by compentent mechanics at back-street workshops. There are one or two morons out there who give the trade a bad name but if you know a good local mechanic they should be able to sort it out for you. It's the price of the part + labour + VAT. So if you can find out what Ford are planning to replace then find out what that costs. Check with your local garage to find out what their rate is and then do the maths.

[Pig Skill]

You really need to ask if £340 is a lot of money to fix a lock?

Why not buy something like this and fit it yourself

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-FOCUS-BONNET-LOCK-2...

Will save you about £300

[rasto]

Having done some research, it seems that broken bonnet catches are not an uncommon problem with Fords. As such I believe this should be a warranty repair (the car still has 1 years warranty left) but I suspect it is going to take a bit of a fight to get Ford/The Dealer to see it this way. I've opened the bonnet several times since the badge was stolen, and the badge swivel mechanism is completely separate from the lock so I don't see how they can claim the two are related.

[nicebutdim]

They will probably argue that the badge acts as a cover to prevent ingress of dirt into the lock and that has caused the premature failure, any back street garage should be able to replace the lock as its only the grill/bumper off and two sheer bolts

[Mandat]

Thinking outside the box; can't you replace the damaged badge and then take it to a different dealer for a warranty repair on the lock?