Hi all,

I recently bought a 2015 1.6L TDCi Ford Focus Zetec S under HP with 80,000 miles from a dealership on the 29th July 2025.  On the very first day the clutch stuck to the floor, my car stalled in the middle of the road and 3 other guys had to push the car into an open field, one of the guys rang his mechanic who recovered it and upon further inspection said the car was overheating.  I called the dealership who took it back and claimed to have since "fixed it".....except the clutch is still sticking occasionally and I need kick it back up with my foot when it happens.

I decided to take it for a diagnostics inspection at another dealerships garage (they used be a Ford dealership) and the results were as follows

Found pressure in coolant system bubbling in coolant bottle

Vehicle would require rear discs and pads

Found thermostat sticking

Possible head gasket replacement

Clutch pedal going to the floor possible slave cylinder

I'm also told due to age of the car it will need a new timing belt.  I'm in the midst of trying to reject this car but if the worst comes to the worst and I'm unable to does anyone how much the repairs for each of these would cost, particularly a head gasket?  I was quoted £2000 by one but others are saying £500-1000?

2 hours ago, SharpshooterTom said:

... particularly a head gasket?  I was quoted £2000 by one but others are saying £500-1000?

As with most things, the actual parts price is pretty small, the gasket should be no more than £100, the major cost is labour. A dealer is likely to 'book' the time at 6+ hours so totally depends on what kind of quote you  are given. The car could still be saveable, depending on the repair costs you get.

The clutch pedal sticking down is a known problem that has been discussed here previously but I haven't seen anyone come up with a definitive cause. If it sticks down without disengaging the clutch I think it's unlikely to be the slave cylinder because that would imply a serious fluid leak. My personal opinion is that it's the seals flipping in the master cylinder.

Head Gaskets vary from £450-£1000 if you go to independant garage, depends if head needs skimming. 

If you are within 30 days of purchase, you can ask for a full refund, if from a dealer?

mjt sounds right with clutch advise. 

2 hours ago, MrL-Wirral said:

Head Gaskets vary from £450-£1000 if you go to independant garage, depends if head needs skimming. 

If you are within 30 days of purchase, you can ask for a full refund, if from a dealer?

mjt sounds right with clutch advise. 

The dealer is refusing to accept the independent diagnostic report saying they're manipulating me into getting rid of his car so I can buy of theirs.  He got angry at me saying if I known you'd do this to me I would never sold this to you, I held this car for you from two potential buyers, you're a terrible customer etc.

He told me "he'd have a look at it" but its just more stalling tactics since I already had the car taken back for him to fix earlier in the month and all his mechanic did was top up the brake fluid and get fresh coolant.  But the clutch is still sticking.

So anyway I've emailed the finance company stating I'm rejecting the car, whether or not I'm going to be successful or not, given I've already driven the car for 700 miles, is another thing.

Plus I need the car otherwise I have to spend £150 on taxis a week getting to work so I can't let this drag on.

Contacting the finance company is a sensible move, though don't be tempted to suspend payments as this will land you in serious trouble. The guy you bought it from sounds just awful, I've never dealt with anyone like that and I've been in retail customer service for 40+ years...