Have a friend with a 2012 Focus diesel, very economical but they are known for water leaks in the luggage bay, spare tyre tray often a swimming pool & in the case of his example 6th gear won't stay engaged; nobody wants to tackle a repair & a replacement 'box + labour is more than the car is worth.
Need a runabout - what to avoid etc
- Thread starter robbiefurn
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Before I became self employed and needed a decent van, I used to always buy cheap, old cars. Given proper maintenance, they used to last a surprisingly long time. My best was a 1981 X plate Mk1 Carlton. Basic engineering, very comfortable and tough as old boots. Paid £310 for it and used it for 11 years until the tin worm got it. Don't think motoring can ever be this cheap these days though. My rule was never to spend more than a month's salary on a car.
Leak in the boot= I had it.
Initially as a quick fix I drilled 4 holes at the bottom of the spare tyre well.
Then, when I had spare time I fixed it for good.
Not a big deal: once you take the bumper off (a few bolts) there are 2 vents, either side.
The foam gasket of these vents needs replacing.
I simply siliconed the vents and no more leak.
Don't know about gearbox, having an earlier 5 speed model.
Re. the leaking, I think that's how my mate finally cured the problem. Why did Ford use foam rather than rubber I wonder?
Sadly though the gearbox fault is a different matter & although the car is usable with just 5 gears that problem, coupled with the ULEZ expansion, has sealed the car's fate.
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Price almost certainly.
half decent cars are written off regularly with things like gearbox, clutch or transmission faults. Just not worth the repair costs involved.
