buy a focus that missed it's last servicing?

dada44

Looking at a 2000 Ford Focus Ghia. It's 60,000 miles, but hasn't been serviced since 40,000.

how important is this?

johnson293

Need more info - engine size/type - price its selling for?

At 60k, it could be a typical service (oil, plugs, filters etc) but it could also be heading towards a timing/cam belt change too, which could be costly.

Inactive

dada44 wrote: »

Looking at a 2000 Ford Focus Ghia. It's 60,000 miles, but hasn't been serviced since 40,000.

how important is this?

So find one that has a full service history, there are thousands of them for sale.;)

Hammyman

dada44 wrote: »

Looking at a 2000 Ford Focus Ghia. It's 60,000 miles, but hasn't been serviced since 40,000.

how important is this?

Very. Thats one minor its missed which is basically oil and filters.

Timing belt is 100,000 miles or 10 years so I'd budget for one of those as well.

MX5huggy

How long in time is it since the 40k service was done? the less the better.

For the right price I buy it and get the major service done

Horizon81

How do you know it hasn't had a service? Plenty of people don't bother getting the service book signed. I suspect most 10 year old knackers don't have a FSH.

dada44

thanks for the info. I'll be looking at another focus, 60,000, 1.6. 2001

1. is there any difference between ghia and zetec suspension? i cudnt find any info on this.

2. how much do you think a focus timing belt will cost? if i have to replace it every 10 years - then that's next year.

Hintza

OP you ar looking at an 11 year old banger, the fact it is running is almost a bonus....:rotfl:

goldspanners

Im with hintza here. the focus is 10-11 years old, service history shouldn't be a big deal at this age. the fact its only done 60k in 10 years would be a good sign,nice low mileage. some folk like low mileage,some don't mind high milage,but personally i would veiw it on condition alone,and if all else is good then low miles is a bonus.

if its a petrol focus then at around 60k you should replace the fuel filter (if its not already been done)this cost about £8 from halfords,it is a bit of a pain to fit if you don't have a ramp though.

timing belt* is due at 10 years or 100,000 which ever is first so it looks like thats due,unless its already been done,this should cost around £150 from an independant.

ive got an 04 focus 1.6 and its done 70k so that should give an indicatiion of typical mileage,and i don't use mine for work.

if the price is right then buy it and get the filter and belt* done.


*for the pedants,when i say timing belt what i really mean is timing belt kit,belt tensioners,water pump,etc...

johnson293

dada44 wrote: »

thanks for the info. I'll be looking at another focus, 60,000, 1.6. 2001

1. is there any difference between ghia and zetec suspension? i cudnt find any info on this.

2. how much do you think a focus timing belt will cost? if i have to replace it every 10 years - then that's next year.

1. I had a Focus Zetec, and it supposedly has stiffer 'sports' suspension set-up. It will also have 'sports' front seats, with seat and backrest side bolsters - the Ghia definitely doesn't have these, as my dad had a Focus Ghia - the Zetec seats were definitely better. The zetecs come with alloys, front fogs too. Personally, I think the zetec is a nicer car and still has a good trim/equipment level, but if its masses of kit you want, then the Ghia will be top of the range with electric everything.

2. Not sure how much a timing belt would cost on a Focus, but I had one done on a Renault Scenic diesel earlier this year, and that cost me £180 by an independant mechanic, compared to £280+ at a dealer.

Stigy

Hintza wrote: »

OP you ar looking at an 11 year old banger, the fact it is running is almost a bonus....:rotfl:

10-year old banger? In comparison to what? 60,000-miles is low for a 10-year old car, and Focus' hold their value well. I've seen these cars with nearly 4-times the miles on their clocks before they've blown up. :A

On the flip side, I wouldn't care so much about one missed service on such a car.