Hi all, sorry if this subject has been done to death but I'm looking to buy a 2010 Focus 1.8l petrol with a shade over 70k on the clock. I need to find out if the timing belt has been done or not but if not, would you recommend it being done ASAP as the car is roughly 12 years old?

It's a chain on that engine, not a belt.

9 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

It's a chain on that engine, not a belt.

I saw the post saying it was a chain on the 2008 1.8l but was unsure about the models going forwards but logically it would make sense they stuck with it, but you could also see Ford going back to belts to save cash!

Thanks for the reply, mate. What's the life expectancy on a chain?

Just now, Doughal said:

What's the life expectancy on a chain?

Should be the lifetime of the vehicle, there's no suggested replacement interval.  As long as it's not rattling, it should be fine.

The common issue on the 1.8s is burning oil due to faulty piston rings.  Watch the exhaust on the test drive, make sure there's no blue smoke.

1 minute ago, TomsFocus said:

Should be the lifetime of the vehicle, there's no suggested replacement interval.  As long as it's not rattling, it should be fine.

The common issue on the 1.8s is burning oil due to faulty piston rings.  Watch the exhaust on the test drive, make sure there's no blue smoke.

Ah thanks mate. I know to look for water in the footwells and boot due to old seals and check the front wheel arches for corrosion and obvs check the air con is working. Any more checks I might not know about?

17 minutes ago, Doughal said:

Ah thanks mate. I know to look for water in the footwells and boot due to old seals and check the front wheel arches for corrosion and obvs check the air con is working. Any more checks I might not know about?

Not much else Mk2 specific that I can think of.  Check the bonnet catch works.  Clutch could be getting weak by this age.  If it's keyless, make sure both fobs are present as they're expensive to replace.  Check for tyre edgewear and any knocking noise which could suggest suspension bushes, both front & rear common on the Mk2.

9 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Not much else Mk2 specific that I can think of.  Check the bonnet catch works.  Clutch could be getting weak by this age.  If it's keyless, make sure both fobs are present as they're expensive to replace.  Check for tyre edgewear and any knocking noise which could suggest suspension bushes, both front & rear common on the Mk2.

Thanks Tom. 

Rear wheel arches also to be checked. At least wagons having corrosion issues both rear door side and back bumper side.

Here's some pictures of my former  Ford Focus Estate 2.0 DuratecHE 2008