Mk II Ford Focus - Good Independent Mechanic Needed [probably Dublin]

Ardeehey

Hi,

Just got off the phone with Spirit Ford where my car is getting serviced. I was expecting a couple of things but got a bit surprised by the findings. Haven't got a complete list but they mention the wishbone bushes are going, front brakes and pads at 85% wear...and a few other things...but the timing belt needs to be replaced but at €620 for that alone seems a big number. I have gotten a couple of quotes before acloser to the €300 mark but really with all that needs doing I was wondering if anyone has any good recommendations for a place to get the whole lot done?

Can give a larger listing later on if it helps.

Thanks!

Bigus

Robbie Campbell motors nut grove avenue - decent lad there 30 years 014932014

Ardeehey

Thanks Bigus, only around the corner from me too!

mullingar

Which engine?

George Dalton

mullingar wrote: »

Which engine?

And year?

mullingar

Good point, as you know the mk2 is the 05-11 (with the Mk2.5 facelift in 08) but look at eBay uk and a lot think the mk1.5 Focus is the Mk2.0.

Ardeehey

Sorry, should have included that, it's an 2006 reg 1.6 petrol (or 1590 cc or something like that). Ford charging 1600 for the timing belt (with aux belt), front brakes change, brake fluid change, front wishbone bushes and 250 quid to change the wiring loom for the boot.......no problem with the work being needed but the pricing seems heavy to me.

mullingar

That is very expensive.

Find a good independent mechanic who will do that for well under €1000.

Also, imo, there is no point bringing any 5+ year old car to a main dealer as the extra money you put into it for that "stamp" will not benefit to the same amount come resale

kerten

Ardeehey wrote: »

Sorry, should have included that, it's an 2006 reg 1.6 petrol (or 1590 cc or something like that). Ford charging 1600 for the timing belt (with aux belt), front brakes change, brake fluid change, front wishbone bushes and 250 quid to change the wiring loom for the boot.......no problem with the work being needed but the pricing seems heavy to me.

Ford has a slightly cheaper prices for older cars in their own website called Motorcraft service

http://www.ford.ie/FordService/Motorcraft/Repairs/Water-pump-timing-belt-kit

I went to Rialto ford for a timing belt change for 2005 mk2 focus 1.6 for a quote and they give me 100 euro higher quote than the one listed in ford website. I asked them about motorcraft service they said that they are not aware of it.

I tried over the phone with another service advisor, explained that it exists in Ford Ireland website again, she said it is fine we will do it for that price.

I paid 570 for Timing belt kit+waterpump+coolant change. Not cheap but I just wanted to have peace of mind afterwards.

They called me during the service and said alternator belt should be changed for another 80 Euro. I said no thanks.

For other stuff I wouldn't go near to dealer.

Ardeehey

I agree with the age of the car, I'm likely to be driving it for another few years so no problem putting money into it...but not happy to pay over the odds for it. I will post up any other quotes I get in case anyone is interested.

Ardeehey

For those might be interested i got the work done at the recommedation above, front discs and pads, water pump, timing and aux belts, brake fluid and both front wishbones replaced.....all in for €670, very happy with the work and he's a sound man. Thanks!

Bigus

Glad to be of help, was it Robbie who did the job ?

Ardeehey

Sure was, he's a sound man, called me a couple of times during the job to fill me in, even offered to let me pick it up in the Saturday even though he wasn't working.....great recommendation!