Hi there,

I have a 56 reg Focus.

It has been overheating, and also the bonnet wouldn't open. Anyway, took it to a local garage and they informed me that the cylinder head has gone (very porous) and it is dangerous to drive. It will need replacing, along with the gasket and fan belt.

To get the parts and this work and replace the key/chamber the garage has given an estimate of £1800, including VAT. Does this seem reasonable?

Apparently, the cylinder head part is on back order with Ford, so if ordered could take anything from 10 days to 10 weeks! That's a long time without my car.

Even if £1800 is more or less right in price - the question really - is it worth it? Or should I be considering part exchange for a newer car?

Any advice would be appreciated :)

Thank you

In all honesty, it's time to find another garage!

Best route would be a second hand head of it does need replacing. What engine is it?

Agreed, try some other garage, and beyond that I would be looking for a donor head.

Thanks for your responses. The engine is a 1.6L Zetec.

Quote broken down as follows (which I've rounded to nearest pound):

Cylinder head - £482

Set of leads - £84

Head Set - £52

Head Bolts - £33

Set Plugs - £22

Cambel Kit - £137

New lock barrel - £92

And of course the labour - £595

The garage has a reputation for being competent - but from your feedback maybe over priced?? Do you have any thoughts as to what one should be paying for this sort of work/repair?

Thanks again

Those prices are excluding vat too?

What is their hourly labour rate?

To be honest if that repair is genuine it's not all that badly priced, but never the less I would be seeking second and third opinions.

have they already taken head off to confirm head u/s

Those costs do exclude VAT. Total price is works out at £1800 when including VAT. Not sure about hourly rate.

I think they have already taken the head off.

Getting a second opinion would mean getting the car towed to a different garage (costing extra) and then paying the original garage for their diagnosis work.

It looks like the garage has a trustworthy reputation - so thinking of just going with them.

Thanks for all the advice

get a s/hand head or recon head for a lot less new one.