My Shed Mk1 Focus Ghia
Discussion
Got my car back last night with a bill for £601 
I'm still in shock as I haven't had a bill this big since the bottom end dropped on my Impreza Turbo in 2008 and I scrapped it.
They've only charged me 3.25 hours labour on the rear trailing arm bush, when the mechanic spent two days working on it. He said it was all seized so solid, short of cutting everything out the bolts were not going to move, but he has somehow changed the bush. Also seems the garage under-estimated the cost of the other bits, i.e. the new handbrake cable, the labour on the brakes etc.....if I had been given an accurate estimate which was nearer £500 than £350 (before the issues arose with the bush) I would have just scrapped the car, frankly.
Its been a lesson to me. I think whoever did the last MOT was frankly dodgy as f*** because I refuse to believe a car can go from passing an MOT with just 1 advisory for a worn tyre to all that work in 6,000 miles of driving (which is all its done since the last MOT), especially the bush, which surely was exhibiting signs of wear last year before becoming an MOT failure point. Secondly, this level of shedding is not for me, because, lacking the know-how to do the work myself, I am relying on a garage.
Anyway, I will have to hold onto the car now, but have already decided its going before next year's MOT. Life is too short to be shelling out this sort of dough on cheap bangers!
I'm still in shock as I haven't had a bill this big since the bottom end dropped on my Impreza Turbo in 2008 and I scrapped it.
They've only charged me 3.25 hours labour on the rear trailing arm bush, when the mechanic spent two days working on it. He said it was all seized so solid, short of cutting everything out the bolts were not going to move, but he has somehow changed the bush. Also seems the garage under-estimated the cost of the other bits, i.e. the new handbrake cable, the labour on the brakes etc.....if I had been given an accurate estimate which was nearer £500 than £350 (before the issues arose with the bush) I would have just scrapped the car, frankly.
Its been a lesson to me. I think whoever did the last MOT was frankly dodgy as f*** because I refuse to believe a car can go from passing an MOT with just 1 advisory for a worn tyre to all that work in 6,000 miles of driving (which is all its done since the last MOT), especially the bush, which surely was exhibiting signs of wear last year before becoming an MOT failure point. Secondly, this level of shedding is not for me, because, lacking the know-how to do the work myself, I am relying on a garage.
Anyway, I will have to hold onto the car now, but have already decided its going before next year's MOT. Life is too short to be shelling out this sort of dough on cheap bangers!
Edited by greenarrow on Wednesday 26th August 09:13
£600! Wasn't expecting that.
True what you say about MOT's, they are no guarantee are car hasn't got problems even with a fresh ticket, probably some friendly garages turning a blind eye or rushing through the checks. Also with all the undertrays on newer cars there is not much to see.
On the positive side, you'll probably have a nice clean(ish) run of ownership now and could maybe sell the car for more than the repair cost + scrappage return.
Personally I think you played yours cards right. Go find a nice B road and remember why the Focus rules
True what you say about MOT's, they are no guarantee are car hasn't got problems even with a fresh ticket, probably some friendly garages turning a blind eye or rushing through the checks. Also with all the undertrays on newer cars there is not much to see.
On the positive side, you'll probably have a nice clean(ish) run of ownership now and could maybe sell the car for more than the repair cost + scrappage return.
Personally I think you played yours cards right. Go find a nice B road and remember why the Focus rules
Some MOT testers don't pick things up that others do. Some consider things worthy of a fail that others don't. It'll happen on any car you own. The longer you own this one the cheaper it'll get overall, especially if using the same tester who knows and works on the car. Keep chopping and changing and you're back to square one every time. It's a large bill now, but in 12 months time you'll probably have a shiny new MOT for the cost of the test if you've rectified everything now. Think in terms of average cost per month or pence per mile on buying and maintaining the car. My MK4 Golf shed cost me £700 not long in to my ownership of it because it ate its camshaft, and that was just the price of parts because I did it all myself... I did change the water pump and cam belt too as the belt had to come off for the cam shaft to be changed, but I swallowed the cost and many many miles later I'm happy to say it paid off. I bought a second hand starter motor this year and the only other cost was the price of my MOT which was a straight pass. It needs an oil change imminently but I've already got some 'free' oil waiting, (all the new leftover oil from previous oil changes has added up to a full oil change for £0). If I keep the car going for another year the only significant cost will be four new tyres, which would happen with any car anyway if doing the mileage I do!
In conclusion, if you enjoy the car then keep it! It's getting cheaper with every mile you do and every day you own it, bar some major borkage, but the Bork factor on a Mk1 Focus is extremely low
In conclusion, if you enjoy the car then keep it! It's getting cheaper with every mile you do and every day you own it, bar some major borkage, but the Bork factor on a Mk1 Focus is extremely low
The one thing that is of consolation to me, is that I am keeping another Mk1 Focus on the road. So many are getting scrapped as they are the choice of wheels for lower income families and if the car fails the MOT and the cost is more than £100-£200, people just scrap them and buy another sub £500 shed. I am sure the Mk1 Focus is destined for classic status at some stage, so I suppose its nice that one which has never been welded (unusual at 20 years) is still going. I think it was that basic structural integrity that led me to get the work done.
Unfortunate that the actual cost ended up being so much higher than anticipated.
My Focus needed new rear lower suspension arms a year or so back, due to corrosion of the arms themselves. Of course, everything was seized. Ended up costing over £500, not so far off double the original (VERY rough) estimate. The end cost made me wince but all cars cost money. The low value of the car is irrelevant to me, it is a safe reliable car that I love driving. Hopefully you'll continue to enjoy your Focus for a while yet.
My Focus needed new rear lower suspension arms a year or so back, due to corrosion of the arms themselves. Of course, everything was seized. Ended up costing over £500, not so far off double the original (VERY rough) estimate. The end cost made me wince but all cars cost money. The low value of the car is irrelevant to me, it is a safe reliable car that I love driving. Hopefully you'll continue to enjoy your Focus for a while yet.
There are noticeable fewer mk1’s around now. As you say mot fails and they are scrapped. As people won’t spend money on something soo old. Yes you had a big bill but it was a garage and as mentioned already you will find next mot won’t have any issues with worn bushes which after 20 years have done remarkable well.
I personally find the mk1 focus a straight forward car to maintain mechanically. I have so called posh neighbours who sneer at such an old car I have as they change their Audi every 3 years. But they complain about how much each service costs. I’m sure one service cost more than what I paid for my current Mk1 estate. I told them with my discount I pay £60 to service my car myself each year, which includes wipers and pollen filter as well as oil, plugs, oil filter and air filter. They thought I was joking.
I personally find the mk1 focus a straight forward car to maintain mechanically. I have so called posh neighbours who sneer at such an old car I have as they change their Audi every 3 years. But they complain about how much each service costs. I’m sure one service cost more than what I paid for my current Mk1 estate. I told them with my discount I pay £60 to service my car myself each year, which includes wipers and pollen filter as well as oil, plugs, oil filter and air filter. They thought I was joking.
It's a shame it threw up such a big bill but at least it's sorted now. My OH thought I was mad putting nearly a grand into my Focus last year with a big service, cambelt, sump etc but I like the car and it has proved to be very dependable, so I felt it was worth spending the money on.
If it makes you feel any better, my Kia Picanto shed needed the rear brake discs and pads doing on the MOT, along with a service. Cost £600 all in. I paid £350 for the car!
Sometimes cars just throw up a big bill here and there. Could be worse, could have been an expensive LED headlight unit on a 5 year old Audi for a couple of grand!
After it's done though, you've got a car that may well fly through the MOT for the next 3-4 years!
Sometimes cars just throw up a big bill here and there. Could be worse, could have been an expensive LED headlight unit on a 5 year old Audi for a couple of grand!
After it's done though, you've got a car that may well fly through the MOT for the next 3-4 years!
So, the Focus is back on the road and took it out for a drive yesterday with all the family onboard.
As you can see, the suspension and brake bits are pretty corroded. I am not sure where the rear trailing arm bush is, but I have to say the difference is noticeable with the new bush in place. Certainly I used to notice the car pitch at the front when turned into tight left hand corners, especially when carrying rear passengers, but yesterday that was gone. Its one of those situations where there were no noises giving me a clue that the bush was worn and it still handled fairly well, but now its been replaced, the difference is palable.
I think its a good looking car in that aquamarine metallic colour. I am still far from happy at shelling out such a sum on an old car, but I am looking forward to some B road drives now, because I now realise the car was moving around more than it should have done and it should go even better now along a twisty road. I had to smile actually, because exiting my local dual carriageway and using my favourite tight exit lane, I noticed I was carrying about 5 MPH more speed, 4 up, than I would have been comfortably carrying, before the bush was replaced. Doesn't sound much does it, but 38 compared with about 33 MPH is actually quite significant!!
Happy days!
Edited by greenarrow on Sunday 30th August 15:07
RobXjcoupe said:
There are noticeable fewer mk1’s around now. As you say mot fails and they are scrapped. As people won’t spend money on something soo old. Yes you had a big bill but it was a garage and as mentioned already you will find next mot won’t have any issues with worn bushes which after 20 years have done remarkable well.
I personally find the mk1 focus a straight forward car to maintain mechanically. I have so called posh neighbours who sneer at such an old car I have as they change their Audi every 3 years. But they complain about how much each service costs. I’m sure one service cost more than what I paid for my current Mk1 estate. I told them with my discount I pay £60 to service my car myself each year, which includes wipers and pollen filter as well as oil, plugs, oil filter and air filter. They thought I was joking.
Its funny how people sneer at old cars, but I bet if you put them in front of you on a decent B road in their Audi, they would struggle to lose you in your ancient Focus!! Even my £600 bill is probably only 2 monthly lease payments on a brand new Audi A3 these days which puts it into perspective. My neighbour has a Merc E220d. Its just come out of its 3 year service agreement and he was quoted £700 by Merc for a routine service! Unsurprisingly he will be taking it to the same independent garage as me (a lot of my friends and neighbours use them following my recommendation).I personally find the mk1 focus a straight forward car to maintain mechanically. I have so called posh neighbours who sneer at such an old car I have as they change their Audi every 3 years. But they complain about how much each service costs. I’m sure one service cost more than what I paid for my current Mk1 estate. I told them with my discount I pay £60 to service my car myself each year, which includes wipers and pollen filter as well as oil, plugs, oil filter and air filter. They thought I was joking.
Its a sad statement on our society that people sneer at old or used and feel the need to always have the latest shiniest gadget. No wonder the planet is headed for an ecological catastrophe!
Shame about the large bill but ultimately time is the killer there and rusted bolts are a real pain.
Just bought a new to me Mk4 Mondeo and the previous owner has had one trailing arm bush done but not the other, again a cost thing for someone who doesn't do the work themselves.
They aren't more than a hour or so a side if you have a clean car, a old one I guess can be a all day job.
Glad I didn't sell the tool
Just bought a new to me Mk4 Mondeo and the previous owner has had one trailing arm bush done but not the other, again a cost thing for someone who doesn't do the work themselves.
They aren't more than a hour or so a side if you have a clean car, a old one I guess can be a all day job.
Glad I didn't sell the tool
Is there something preventive that can be done for the suspension bolts? Done on a car earlier in it's life.
Maybe loosening and then re-tightening the bolts after say 8 years or applying a chemical of some kind.
My 20 year old car has some camber adjustment bolts, was told a few years back my a garage that they won't budge so I'll be unable to adjust rear camber in future (if I ever need to).
Maybe loosening and then re-tightening the bolts after say 8 years or applying a chemical of some kind.
My 20 year old car has some camber adjustment bolts, was told a few years back my a garage that they won't budge so I'll be unable to adjust rear camber in future (if I ever need to).
V6todayEVmanana said:
Is there something preventive that can be done for the suspension bolts? Done on a car earlier in it's life.
Maybe loosening and then re-tightening the bolts after say 8 years or applying a chemical of some kind.
My 20 year old car has some camber adjustment bolts, was told a few years back my a garage that they won't budge so I'll be unable to adjust rear camber in future (if I ever need to).
Posobly removing bolts and applying ACF50 on the threads, with grease over the exposed parts of the thread? Maybe loosening and then re-tightening the bolts after say 8 years or applying a chemical of some kind.
My 20 year old car has some camber adjustment bolts, was told a few years back my a garage that they won't budge so I'll be unable to adjust rear camber in future (if I ever need to).
greenarrow said:
RobXjcoupe said:
There are noticeable fewer mk1’s around now. As you say mot fails and they are scrapped. As people won’t spend money on something soo old. Yes you had a big bill but it was a garage and as mentioned already you will find next mot won’t have any issues with worn bushes which after 20 years have done remarkable well.
I personally find the mk1 focus a straight forward car to maintain mechanically. I have so called posh neighbours who sneer at such an old car I have as they change their Audi every 3 years. But they complain about how much each service costs. I’m sure one service cost more than what I paid for my current Mk1 estate. I told them with my discount I pay £60 to service my car myself each year, which includes wipers and pollen filter as well as oil, plugs, oil filter and air filter. They thought I was joking.
Its funny how people sneer at old cars, but I bet if you put them in front of you on a decent B road in their Audi, they would struggle to lose you in your ancient Focus!! Even my £600 bill is probably only 2 monthly lease payments on a brand new Audi A3 these days which puts it into perspective. My neighbour has a Merc E220d. Its just come out of its 3 year service agreement and he was quoted £700 by Merc for a routine service! Unsurprisingly he will be taking it to the same independent garage as me (a lot of my friends and neighbours use them following my recommendation).I personally find the mk1 focus a straight forward car to maintain mechanically. I have so called posh neighbours who sneer at such an old car I have as they change their Audi every 3 years. But they complain about how much each service costs. I’m sure one service cost more than what I paid for my current Mk1 estate. I told them with my discount I pay £60 to service my car myself each year, which includes wipers and pollen filter as well as oil, plugs, oil filter and air filter. They thought I was joking.
Its a sad statement on our society that people sneer at old or used and feel the need to always have the latest shiniest gadget. No wonder the planet is headed for an ecological catastrophe!
MC Bodge said:
V6todayEVmanana said:
Is there something preventive that can be done for the suspension bolts? Done on a car earlier in it's life.
Maybe loosening and then re-tightening the bolts after say 8 years or applying a chemical of some kind.
My 20 year old car has some camber adjustment bolts, was told a few years back my a garage that they won't budge so I'll be unable to adjust rear camber in future (if I ever need to).
Posobly removing bolts and applying ACF50 on the threads, with grease over the exposed parts of the thread? Maybe loosening and then re-tightening the bolts after say 8 years or applying a chemical of some kind.
My 20 year old car has some camber adjustment bolts, was told a few years back my a garage that they won't budge so I'll be unable to adjust rear camber in future (if I ever need to).
V6todayEVmanana said:
Our 2001 Focus is now refusing to respond to the remote locking, going to try the rest method below which has helped a few people:
time)
So got around to trying out the above, I got to beep to indicate the combination was accepted but lock and unlock did not respond.- Open the door with the key
- Put the key in the ignition
- Turn the key to the second position (lights up the dashboard)
- Turn the key back to the off position
- Repeat steps 3 & 4 four times (you will hear an audio sound if you
- When you hear the audio sound press the lock button on your key fob a
- If the doors lock, you are laughing and you have fixed it, if the
time)
The intermittent fault of the central locking is now permanent, (un)locking drivers door only effects that door. Need to get in and press the button on one of the other doors to trigger the central locking for the 3 doors.
Also the car is bonging when the drivers door is open and this continues until the door is closed (headlights off).
Found this link on YouTube which confirms my suspicions of the button on the door latch. Its knackered.
(Photo of the rear latch which is in working condition)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSfnFJrOPzA
And the sun seems to have melted the volume/power button on the stereo
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