Focus - new exhaust - recommendations?

Skint_Catt

Hi, whilst replacing the clutch on my Ford Focus (2000) my OH has made a hole in my exhaust because he needed to remove it but it was rusted :rolleyes:

Anyway, I now need a new one from the 'cat' forward.

Any recommendations on;
where to take it to get it replaced for a reasonable cost (garage recommendations - EXCEPT Kwikfit :eek:)
if I should get a stainless exhaust?
if I should get the part and get OH to fit it to save labour (I'd rather not this time of year as he is very busy but if the labour's going to be a lot because they have to remove the manifold?)

Thanks

C xx

RichyRich

Whereabouts in the country are you? Best bet is to ring round local garages and compare prices. Ford Rapid Fit may be a good choice to get OE quality.

Skint_Catt

I'm in the South West Midlands.

Yes, thats what I normally do, but was just thinking about other options while I wait for the garages to reopen tomorrow

Not too worried about OE quality as its an 8 yr old car (hence the hesitation in getting stainless) however on my last car I seemed to replace one part or other of the exhaust every 6 months (hence my consideration of stainless!)

C xx

RichyRich

I know the feeling with exhausts, I've gone through a fair few myself - one from the local garage, one from Kwik Fit, one from Farmer Autocare (scottish chain) and a cat from National (never the full exhaust - various bits). So given I haven't had much luck I spose I'm not really in much of a position to advise - and I'm in the wrong bit of thr country anyway!

For an idea of a benchmark price, National's web site will quote you, although the fear with this type of place is that they will find something else wrong. However, don't book it online, their prices are most definitely flexible (I got 20% off just by asking for it).

I think Rapid Fit's pricing might surprise you - dealers have now realised they need to be able to compete, and if you're not happy you should be in a better position to bring it back than if you go to the likes of Kwik Fit.

Skint_Catt

Thats just the reason I will never venture to Kwikfit again - they told me my brakes were dangerously worn and they wouldn't let me drive the car away (I'd had them replaced in a service just the month prior!). They soon got rid of me when I produced the receipt for new brakes from the glovebox!

Thanks - I will try Rapid Fit too - they've had my car previously so can't hurt to ask!

C xx

northstar23

Skint_Catt wrote: »

Hi, whilst replacing the clutch on my Ford Focus (2000) my OH has made a hole in my exhaust because he needed to remove it but it was rusted :rolleyes:

Anyway, I now need a new one from the 'cat' forward.

Any recommendations on;
where to take it to get it replaced for a reasonable cost (garage recommendations - EXCEPT Kwikfit :eek:)
if I should get a stainless exhaust?
if I should get the part and get OH to fit it to save labour (I'd rather not this time of year as he is very busy but if the labour's going to be a lot because they have to remove the manifold?)

Thanks

C xx

I did this job a few years back. Unless your other half has proper garage tools, a pit or 4 wheel stand, and is a quality mechanic then don't attempt it. Because of the serious heat generated around the exhaust manifold the bolts securing it sieze in, and they were a total pig to remove.

As to the part itself... the 4 branch section forward of the flexi pipe isn't sold as a pattern part by the likes of Partco, so expect to pay a bit more procuring it from Ford, although also from memory it depends whether you've got a 1.6 or a 1.8 (or bigger) as to the exact part. I think the 1.8 has a seperate flexi section but don't quote me on it.

I got a quote to do it from our local independent garage and I think it was about £190 all in so work on a touch more than that figure for a quote.

Skint_Catt

I've got a 1.6 and thanks for that. If I'd known the clutch would be such a pig of a job I'd never have let him attempt it so I think I'll give the exhaust to a garage!

C xx

jeannieblue

Pattern exhausts are noisy.... I would get a genuine Ford one, my personal opinion, and get your OH to fit it as a punishment , also my personal opinion

Skint_Catt

No chance - he doesn't need punishing he needs a knighthood for fixing my clutch!

Got a quote for £145 inc from HiQ. :T No Rapid Fit within 30 miles of here. The only garage that quoted for a Ford part was over £200 and its just out at the mo

jeannieblue

Skint_Catt wrote: »

No chance - he doesn't need punishing he needs a knighthood for fixing my clutch!

Got a quote for £145 inc from HiQ. :T No Rapid Fit within 30 miles of here. The only garage that quoted for a Ford part was over £200 and its just out at the mo

Was the £200 for part only? If not, it may be better to buy part from Fords and get someone else to fit it?

Sorry not much help...

May be if you give on here your 'vague' location, someone local to you may have info/advice that will be helpful.