Hi there,

I recently purchased a 2008 Ford Focus Estate 1.6 from a local garage. It had 111,00 miles on the clock and I thought it best to get the garage to get a new timing belt on her. The mechanic said it would be straightforward and it would be ready later in the day. However when I called back the car wasn't there...

Long story short, the mechanic had no idea what he was doing and hadn't set the new belt correctly. The outcome, the engine is destroyed, not just the valves but pistons and spark plugs! He has ordered another engine and has offered his car until it is fixed.

The engine swap is being done by another garage and hopefully all should go well. Still, this has left me at my wits end. I only had the car for 10 days before this!

The 'new' engine is a 2007 Ford Focus 1.6 engine with 72,000. Is this engine compatible with the 2008 Focus Estate model? Are there any other concerns I should have?

Thanks in advance 

I dont know about anyone else but i would get my money back and run a mile im affraid! How can you put your trust in them after that!

I agree get you money back 

Hello and welcome George. Sorry to read of your issues. Like the last 2 posters have said, Get a full refund and go else where. Any problems then go to Trading standards office,

The replacement engine should be compatible.  But you usually get minor issues after engine changes.  There's so much that needs to be done it's almost inevitable it won't be perfect first time so just be prepared for that.

I'm not sure if you can just give the car back for a refund as it was fine when sold and hasn't 'broken' since, it was due to work that you asked (and presumably paid extra) for after sale and they have offered to rectify their mistake.  If it is possible to return the car and get another that would be my choice as well though.