Ford Focus question

[timk]

Just bought a 52 plate Focus 2.0 petrol auto for my sister. Has 38k miles on the clock. Anyone know the recommended cambelt change mileage/ age for one of these?
Sorry to post a q about something as un-Mercedes and working class as a Focus..

 

[Dryce]

Just bought a 52 plate Focus 2.0 petrol auto for my sister. Has 38k miles on the clock. Anyone know the recommended cambelt change mileage/ age for one of these?
Sorry to post a q about something as un-Mercedes and working class as a Focus..

100,000 miles

 

[Tiff]

or 10 years, whichever is sooner

 

[Ade B]

With the CE currently harbouring an unresolved (and as yet financially uncertain) mechanical issue, a cheapo Focus looks mighty attractive..

There I said it.


Back to my corner in shame.

Ade

 

[Satch]

10yrs/100K is indeed what is says in the book.

But go onto the Ford forums and 8yrs/80K is held to be the maximum because the end result of the belt going can easily be a catastrophic end for the engine.

 

[G.O'Rilla]

Nothing wrong with the Focus - my wife is on her third one now and they've all been cracking to drive, reliable and well screwed together. The estate is a perfect second car for us (only 'cos the dogs won't fit in an SLK........... just said that to keep everyone happy!!)

 

[Darrell]

My brother had one of the first models as a company car way back in about 2000.

I picked him up from Gatwick once and I was flabbergasted over what a good car it was.

 

[abecketts]

just bought a 2000 v reg 1.6 3dr for £400, owner was going to scrap it, can't quite believe the price, 1 owner and full service history. In no way as comfy or as fun as a E320 W124 but way way more frugal on juice by at least 100%.

100k is the recommended cambelt change interval but being as it's 7 years old and low mileage doing one sooner might be a sound move.

 

[wemorgan]

I agree nice cars. Only real complaint I can make is that some basic spec cars have seats which aren't too comfortable, poor lumbar support I think.

I think it's also worth changing the water pump when changing the cambelt. It's worth calling around for prices, as I know my Audi is £350 at the main dealer or £260 at an indi.

 

[timk]

Nothing wrong with the Focus - my wife is on her third one now and they've all been cracking to drive, reliable and well screwed together. The estate is a perfect second car for us (only 'cos the dogs won't fit in an SLK........... just said that to keep everyone happy!!)

Took it out for a quick spin today and have to say I'm impressed. For a couple of £k it drives, stops and handles really nicely and feels like it'll go on for a long time... It's a bread and butter car but I'd seriously consider one for anonymous, reliable and fun commuting transport.

 

[Tiff]

10yrs/100K is indeed what is says in the book.

But go onto the Ford forums and 8yrs/80K is held to be the maximum because the end result of the belt going can easily be a catastrophic end for the engine.

Never ever heard of a Focus chewing a cambelt. seen early ones with well over 100k on their original belt. They do have a tendancy to wear auxilliary belts and tensioners before this though.

Try an ST if you ever get the chance, that Volvo 5cyl turbo lump was amazing in the 850's,and in such a small brilliant handling car they are awesome!

 

[bolide]

The Focus is one of the very few "modern" (ie, post-W124) cars I've driven that impresses me

Sure, the suspension is too hard, but it's as good a car as the Escort Mk IV was a rubbish one

Nick Froome

 

[BobC]

I traded in my 1999 T 2.0 Focus Ghia saloon for my w203 (06 plate) and got £640 part-ex. Personally, I thought it was worth more than that.
Had 76K on the clock and drove like a dream.

If I ever had to go back to a "normal" car, I'd be looking at a focus first.

I got it at 27K, and ran it for nearly 5 years - the usual tyres and brakes needed done.
Wheel bearing died on me and front spring disintigrated one day, but apart from that it was great.

 

[Tiff]

IMO early ones are FAR superior to the later facelifted ones,better quality,better handling and seem more robust.

Where have I heard that before??!

 

[BlackC55]

Enjoy doing the belt. No keyway on the crank pully makes it a pain.

 

[Tiff]

Enjoy doing the belt. No keyway on the crank pully makes it a pain.

Still one of the easier ones, most cars seem to have non-fixed position crank and cam pulleys now,try a 16v Renault if you want hassle, even worse if its a 2.0 in a Clio...

 

[Uberwagon]

My other halfs T Reg 1.8 Zetec 5 door is a far better handling car on most roads than my 500E. On a twisty or roundabout strewn series of roads the Merc would be left struggling, the Focus is a cracking car, highly impressed.

Slow as a slow thing mind you.

Dave!

 

[wemorgan]

Slow as a slow thing mind you.

Time for a nice ST170?

 

[jefrs]

There are two schools of thought regarding cam belt change: the car manufacturer's service interval, and the cam belt makers recommendation - which is, if it ain't bust, don't fix it. They reckon their cam belts are so good that they will last the life of the car, and that you can do more harm than good opening the engine up to change the belt. But that if you do replace the belt, always ensure that the tensioner is replaced and reset.

 

[Smarties]

They are good cars, some models, very good indeed. And, dare I say it, how many rusty circa 2000 Focus do you see?