How to check if timing done on focus?

johneym

Hi Folks,

went to see one recently with a view to buying. 1.8 tdci 2009. 108 000 miles.Seller claims timing belt was done recently but has no paperwork. Nothing written on engine as you would normally see.Only thing written is it's last service mileage which was over 14000 miles ago.Engine sounds loud/rough but seller says this is normal with this Ford engine. Seller is a backstreet dealer/mechanic.
Is there any way in which I can check this was done?
Love the car otherwise.

Samuri Suicide

Walk away.

Toyotafanboi

In a situation like that I wouldn't really accept anything other than a receipt on headed paper as proof.

Are those the ones with the expensive to change wet belt?

bazz26

Take a seller's word around these things without evidence with a pinch of salt. No proof via receipts then assume it's not done and budget for it and negotiate off the selling price. FWIW, those 1.8 TDCi engines have a wet belt which is known to snap prematurely, they are also a pricey job to change.

I'd also like to see a documented and verifiable service history on a nearly 10 year old diesel Ford Focus with only 108,000 miles on it. I'm assuming OP that you are having the car inspected before buying?

johneym

thank you all for the kind comments.
Is there a way to check this belt while on side of road? Take the plastic cover off perhaps?
According to internet data, timing change is due at 100000 miles, which means he has been driving around risking a break for 8000 miles?

bazz26

Forget the interval imo, it's well documented that they were snapping at half that mileage. Assuming the rest of the car checks out ok then just presume that the belt needs changing immediately.

how.gareth

johneym wrote: »

thank you all for the kind comments.
Is there a way to check this belt while on side of road? Take the plastic cover off perhaps?
According to internet data, timing change is due at 100000 miles, which means he has been driving around risking a break for 8000 miles?

Walk away, find a different one and save yourself the worry

Atlantic Dawn

Documented receipt or else assume it wasn't done and factor that job in to the asking price. At the end of the day there's so many other cars on sale just walk away.