I have a 2019 Ford Ka+ that has done 19900 miles.  

Over the past 1-2 weeks it has started to make a noise.  The only way I can describe it - it sounds like my washing machine a few rooms away!  It's not there when I start the car, and comes in at around 20mph gets louder the faster I go until aqroud 50mph when it remains constant.  

Could someone advise what this could be and how much this is likely to cost me?  

Hmm, washing machines make many noises.

Is it the low rumble of a 1200rpm spin?

Or the high pitched whine of the motor getting it up to speed?

Hopefully not the hiss of water gushing in or the gurgle of the drain!

If it's low and rumbly I'm going to suggest a wheel bearing.  Very rough estimate £100-£150 all in to replace.

(And maybe a new drum bearing for the washing machine. )

Also worth checking all tyres for any uneven wear as that's cheap & easy.

2 hours ago, Pea29 said:

it sounds like my washing machine a few rooms away!  

Maybe try a different detergent 😉

So I'd say it was a low to middle rumble. 

I dropped it off this morning at the garage and they said it souded like a wheel bearing.  However, they have just rung to say it needs a replacement gearbox and this could be up to £1200 - does this sound right?

They mentioned they could get a second hand gearbox, or take it apart and get a bearing changed (I think), and this would half the cost but that it wouldn't be guaranteed.  

Just want to check what the best option is - do I get a second opinion, get other quotes, not quite sure of the right process

 

Have you owned it from new?  As it's very low mileage and only just out of warranty, it might be worth asking Ford if they'll offer a goodwill gesture towards the cost.  You would need to have the repair done at a Ford garage for that though, which may end up costing more overall.

If you have a local transmission specialist, I would take it to them and ask their opinion personally.  You don't have to tell the first garage you're looking elsewhere, just say you can't afford it at the moment or you need time to consider all options.

Update:

I have taken to another garage and they have also diagnosed the gearbox and I have been quoted £1400 for a reconditioned gearbox and a new clutch as he thinks this would be better.  I could also have it done without the clutch being replaced and save £300.  

The original garage I went to are in the process of obtaining 3 quotes for me: to get a reconditioned gearbox (£1200), to get a second hand gearbox (waiting for quote, but said it'd be nearer half price but only guaranteed for 30 days), and I think the 3rd option was to send off the gearbox for repair where they change the bearings?  

I am a bit concerned as the garage this morning said the gearboxes are notorious for breaking, so now concerned that I am replacing one bad  gearbox for another bad one.  Am I likely to be spending £1200 every 4 years, or is this just a pessimistic mechanic?!

Considering choosing the cheaper option for the gearbox and then part-exchanging for another car.    However, I like the car, but don't want to be spending constantly in years to come, so genuinely interested in what others will do.

Thanks in advance

These use the IB5 gearbox, which is known to be a bit weak/delicate, but has also been fitted to hundreds of thousands of cars over the past 30 years...even sports models with 150bhp+.

There are a few used gearboxes for the Ka+ on eBay at £100-£200.  Which surprised me tbh.  ford ka plus gearbox for sale | eBay

Sending the gearbox away for bearings changed is effectively 'reconditioning', but without paying for the replacement gearbox on top of the replacement parts and labour.  That will take a few days or even weeks though, whereas buying a reconditioned box is a quick swap without keeping the car off the road.  Reconditioning is also only ever as good as the person doing it...do you trust them not to miss any worn bearings for example?  They do at least come with a fairly long warranty as you say.

Usually, I wouldn't recommend a used gearbox nowadays, but with them seemingly cheap and easily available on eBay, I probably would risk it in this case.  Generally I would recommend fitting a new clutch with any gearbox replacement, but again, I probably wouldn't bother in this case at just 19k miles.  (Unless you're a local carer or delivery driver putting a lot of strain on a clutch in a short space of time).

Ultimately there is no 'right' answer here.