Mk.8 - Longevity - Time or Mileage?

[bertj]

I bought a 2 year old auto Titanium X last January, it had one owner and only done 7,000 miles. This is  likely to be my last car (after 60 years!) and probably won't do more than 2/3k a year in future because of my increasing poor health, age and the crazy prices of new and low mileage used cars. Obviously the car will be serviced annualy but, of course, it's impossible to predict how long a car will last. I would be grateful for comments as to potential problems for a car that will only do a low mileage; most of it in urban areas. Thanks.

[alexp999]

Chain or wet belt for cam?

If you’re not sure, look under the bonnet. Turbo at the front is wet belt, turbo at the back is chain. 
 

It needs a run to get it hot occasionally to keep moisture out of the engine. 

[Aldridge Andy]

As a low mileage driver these days at only 5K a year, I’d also recommend a smart battery charger such as CTEK to keep the car battery topped up. If you don’t do a fortnightly top-up you may find the car telling you the battery is low.

[unofix]

1 hour ago, Aldridge Andy said:

a smart battery charger such as CTEK to keep the car battery topped up.

are you crazy ???????????????

You'll give @StephenFord a heart attack ! 🤣

[Eric Bloodaxe]

3 minutes ago, unofix said:

are you crazy ???????????????

You'll give @StephenFord a heart attack ! 🤣

I understand other brands of charger are available at lower cost?😃

[StephenFord]

10 hours ago, Aldridge Andy said:

...I’d also recommend a smart battery charger such as CTEK to keep the car battery topped up. ...

There is nothing inherently wrong with the CTEK apart from them being horrendously overpriced! If you have loads of disposable income, sure, go ahead. However, if you're normal the 'Maypole' offers virtually the same functionality for so much less. Many on here now have one in their man shed!

[DaveT70]

Keep the underneath as clean as the top.

Also keep an eye for rust on the front and rear frames as this is what is killing MK1 Focus now

Change the oil every 12 months and give it a blast now and again

[Eric Bloodaxe]

My Mrs is a very low mileage user. One problem we have had with her cars is little-used brake discs rusting resulting in both discs and pads needing to be replaced prematurely.

 

[TomsFocus]

I'm also a low mileage driver.  Well, was, haven't driven at all for the past 2 years...can absolutely guarantee that more faults are caused by low use or no use than regular thrashing!

As mentioned above, brakes get ruined quickly.  Exhausts rust quickly.  battery charge drops over a few days, and if left low the battery itself gets irreparably damaged.  Suspension springs snap as water and road salt sit in the cups and rust them.  oil breaks down after getting contaminated with both moisture and fuel.  Sunlight damages plastic and rubber parts such as headlight clusters, Wiper Blades and window scrapers.  Sun also damages interior plastics and leather seats.  Tyres perish in sunlight and ice much more quickly than you'll ever wear the treads through friction.  AC ends up smelling bad pretty quickly when it doesn't get fresh airflow every day.

But having said all that...what's the alternative?  I'm unable to use public transport myself, as with most low mileage users, so we just have to accept that running costs are higher per mile for low mileage use.

[deandeandean]

Ever thought of working for The Samaritans with that positive outlook?

[bertj]

Thanks for all the helpful comments.

The turbo is at the back so no wet belt worries. I certainly appreciate that the car should be given a decent drive every so often, probably every month. I'm fortunate (or unfortunate!) that I live near the M53. The oil, filter etc. will be changed every year and the local Ford dealer produces a short video showing an inspection underneath the car at each service. However I'll probably look for a decent trustworthy local Ford specialist.

TBH I never thought about keeping the battery charged so I will attend to that. At the moment the stop/start system isn't working (no great loss) so that probably indicates a run down battery.

Thanks again.

[unofix]

popular low cost "Smart" battery charger is the Maypole 7423A.

Can be bought from amazon (just an example) £24.79

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maypole-7423A-Battery-Charger-Electronic/dp/B009A83P1E/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=maypole+charger&qid=1686167389&quartzVehicle=29-10519&replacementKeywords=maypole&s=automotive&sr=1-4

On modern cars you need to charge the battery while it is still fitted and connected to the vehicle. The positive charging lead needs connected directly to the battery positive terminal. The negative charging lead should be connected to the chassis main earth point NOT the battery negative.

Your vehicle will be equipped with BMS (battery monitoring system) which keeps a check on current flowing it to, and out of the battery. The sensor is fitted in the battery negative lead.

Most Smart chargers come with a short lead with a socket that can be permanently connected to the battery positive terminal and the chassis earth point making it quick and easy to plug the charger in to the car. It can be left on charge indefinitely as the charger will ensure the battery is only kept at a constant level.