urchin79 Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 I am looking at cars and like the look at this one (not sure if its overpriced tho??) when would cambelt need doing... the garage said 100K or 10 years but thought that might be leaving it too long. Should I be asking them to do it? http://www.autovillage.co.uk/used-car/ford/focus/mtz_38446_35603319 Thanks :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandyCat Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 For this vehicle it's every 8 years or 100,000 miles whichever comes first together with any other auxiliary drive belts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urchin79 Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 Ah ok, maybe I should ask them to do it as it's 2007. They said they could negotiate the price a bit but not if requested work done. Do I ask for just the cambelt or a 'full kit' which I heard someone talking about (no idea what this means!) Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urchin79 Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 I will go and look at it now I think. How do I check if the clutch is ok? Do I put it in 3rd gear and it should stall when release clutch? sorry all the Q's! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandyCat Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 The clutch should bite nice and early without any slipping or judder. I doubt they will be very happy if you try and stall it in 3rd to be honest. You can usually tell through a normal test drive. As for the belt I would compare their discount with the price of doing it yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieFarlie Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 When changing the belt its advisable to replace the pensioner and water pump. Failing to do this could result in the same damage a snapped belt would do as if they fail the belt would fail with them. Auxiliary should also be changed and is a must if its the stretch type. Dont run the belt change to the wire as it could be a costly mistake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urchin79 Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 I didn't get change to drive it but had a nosey around. I like this model. Engine idle sounded nice (anything sounds nice to mine atm tho!). Drivers window was a bit clunky as it closes. Although I have no idea what parts i'm even looking at (very non car savvy woman here :( ), I looked under the car and saw some wet on something... maybe a leak. Can you identify this and if it's bad problem? I asked them to check it out for me and they said they would get it on the ramp tomorrow morning. It's a worry as I know from experienc leaky things can be expensive :P think link should work http://s25.postimg.org/p0laxdu8f/IMG_20140912_170041.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieFarlie Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 If the car has air con its very common to see water in the form of condensation under the car on the floor... All cars with air con will do this its quite normal... If its water get a wee bit on your finger and taste it.. If it has no taste its condensation water of the air con. If its distinctly bitter/sweet its coolant water. If its oily then walk away.. You really do need some one who knows about cars when viewing a used car of any type. Get a friend or family member to go with you as garages will say anything in order to sell a car ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieFarlie Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Re the clutch. As above the pedal should take up not to far from the floor. It should be nice and smooth and the pedal should not be too heavy.. A hard to push clutch pedal indicates age as the diaphragm spring in the pressure plate goes hard with age and makes the pedal heavy or hard to push down. Any judders again indicate age or upcoming problems. I just saw your picture above and there is an oil leak but not a bad one. Oily parts like that are quite common but so long as they are dry to the touch its unlikely there is a leak that bad.. It really depends on the age and mileage of the car as to whether to pay that much attention Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urchin79 Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 Yeah I had oily stuff on my hand from where I was touching that area and the patch on the floor (although I remain mindful it could be on floor from a previous car... it seemed little further back to the bit on the car but roughly same area tho). :( It's done 57K and is 2007 plate. They have had it there 2 weeks. So out of interest what is that lead coming out of it, not even sure what I am looking at! A friend offered to come with me to help buy a car but I ideally want to find one I have seen already and feel it's half ok/take pictures of possible leaks so I don't drag him around lots of cars! I am reporting back to him now. It's a shame as I feel I like the car otherwise (providing it drives ok) :( Most friends who know about cars live quite far from me, including family who are ages away. Most of my friends in town don't drive at all so it's tricky buying one. Thanks for the advice :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gregers Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 then maybe it might be wise to pay the rac/aa or a friendly mechanic to give it a good going over? peace of mind etc. and also try and get a years warrenty on the car. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy.B1971 Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Totally agree with the above post an AA/RAC Inspection is worth while if like you say you know nothing about cars, Also ask the garage for the HPI report most car sales places have this when they sell a car these days failing that do one your self just to be sure... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urchin79 Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 Yeah I was looking at these inspections they do, not sure how it works as car might be sold by the time they book appt! Thankfully friend can come and look with me tomorrow tho. The garage do a 6 month warranty I think. I am still looking online for something else. Saw a Yaris too so might check it out. Tired of this car stuff now zzzzz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urchin79 Posted September 13, 2014 Author Share Posted September 13, 2014 Hmmm I spoke to garage and they said it was very dry and the only bit of oil was by the 'switch' that goes into the gearbox and they tightened it up. Really not sure what to think about this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieFarlie Posted September 13, 2014 Share Posted September 13, 2014 I am looking at cars and like the look at this one (not sure if its overpriced tho??) when would cambelt need doing... the garage said 100K or 10 years but thought that might be leaving it too long. Should I be asking them to do it? http://www.autovillage.co.uk/used-car/ford/focus/mtz_38446_35603319 Thanks :) Why not place a small deposit say 100 quid on the car subject to an AA inspection ? Provided they do no preparation work for you on the car they would HAVE to return your deposit. Ask them to confirm the agreement in writing ? It could be a the wee sealing ring on the bellhousing switch or it could be more its hard to say but an inspector would confirm this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urchin79 Posted September 13, 2014 Author Share Posted September 13, 2014 I didn't go back to this car today (will be getting the inspection thing I think if I go with this one) but went to see a Fiesta. Seemed ok but when the engine is running and the aircon is on there is a mechanical sounding click every 10 seconds. Not when aircon off tho. Not sure if it's normal but was every few seconds. :/ Nightmare buying cars aaarrhhh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urchin79 Posted September 15, 2014 Author Share Posted September 15, 2014 wow one garage said they want a £500 deposit if I want to hold the car! Not sure about how well he looks after the car... he turned on the engine... 0 miles left of fuel... said it would be fine then proceeded to drive out to take me somewhere for a testdrive! I might have been bad with letting my other run low on fuel but I wouldnt go out if there was a clock that said 0! I protested but he didnt seem bothered :S I've seen another Focus (!) elsewhere and prev owner did the cambelt but not the water pump. Guy seemed to think it was run off a seperate belt. How to I check these things for myself? (It's a 2005 Ghia). 53K on the clock, bit crazy for a nearly 10 year old car! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Ford UK Shop
Sponsored Ad
Name: eBay
Ford Model: FordUK Shop
Ford Year: 2024
Latest Deals
Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessoriesDisclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.