Anyone else feel sad when replacing a car?

**Blurry120** · 25th May 2019, 09:59

Originally Posted by LastOne

The problem with the mk3 Focus is that the majority of them have drum brakes at the rear rather than disks. One cost-cut by Ford too many in my opinion.

Yep I know, even my 1.8 vec Sri had rear brake disks, and it even had a coil pack, where as the focus has HT leads.

But not a bad car really, just as easy to work on.

**MrF** · 25th May 2019, 19:35

Originally Posted by Blurry120

Yep I know, even my 1.8 vec Sri had rear brake disks, and it even had a coil pack, where as the focus has HT leads.

But not a bad car really, just as easy to work on.

I had a test drive of a Mk2 Focus and I was really impressed with the handling, the interior though reminded me of a transit van, looked really utilitarian but couldn't fault the handling even with a heavy diesel in the front, very intuitive steering and lots of feedback, gave you the confidence to push on.

**MrF** · 28th May 2019, 23:25

reminded why I hate selling cars, folk all keen as mustard - whats the address and ill come around tomorrow afternoon bud, and then never show and your then wary about taking the insurance off in case someone comes and nicks it or sets it on fire....

if I could be bothered I'd strip it for parts, though if I wasn't skint I'd rebuild it and keep it as a summer toy.....wonder how cheap i could sort it for........If I skipped the DMF, put a CHRA cartridge in it, threw in a used gearbox and the new clutch....prob £300....no....no....no....rabbit hole about to be re-entered.......

**LastOne** · 29th May 2019, 09:56

Would it help sway your thinking back to sanity if I pointed out that the figure you've quoted for "sorting it" looks horribly optimistic?

**Blurry120** · 2nd June 2019, 16:07

Originally Posted by MrF

I had a test drive of a Mk2 Focus and I was really impressed with the handling, the interior though reminded me of a transit van, looked really utilitarian but couldn't fault the handling even with a heavy diesel in the front, very intuitive steering and lots of feedback, gave you the confidence to push on.

Mines the mk3 focus, not really keen on the mk2`s

**Blurry120** · 2nd June 2019, 16:18

Originally Posted by MrF

if I could be bothered I'd strip it for parts, though if I wasn't skint I'd rebuild it and keep it as a summer toy.....wonder how cheap i could sort it for........If I skipped the DMF, put a CHRA cartridge in it, threw in a used gearbox and the new clutch....prob £300....no....no....no....rabbit hole about to be re-entered.......

In my case though, i was after a new car, and thing was that my other`s halfs dad was also looking for a new car, just had to wait a month or so before he go the car he wanted so we could buy his, i made the decision to break mine down for parts, simply by this, costly repairs in the last two months or so, over 112,000 miles on the clock, could have had more out of it though, and the last one was to replace the steering rack either new part or second hand either way it would already add to high repair bills.
Easier option: break it for parts, although i was offered around £300 to sell it to another member, and I was tempted, I knew I would get more in parts.

**MrF** · 8th June 2019, 20:11

Originally Posted by LastOne

Would it help sway your thinking back to sanity if I pointed out that the figure you've quoted for "sorting it" looks horribly optimistic?

Partly, albeit I have a clutch kit here, gearbox oil also, can buy CHRA for ~£100 and something, my times my own and have the tools on hand. Gearbox I can source a used one for £80 or thereabouts on ebay (joy of the Diesel F40 being ubiquitious and so many being broken for spares) - thats if the oil leak on mine is more than just the driveshaft seal leaking and the oil running down the side of the box, new stock style Intercooler is ~£75 direct from 3rd party manufacturer.

So its not overly optimistic.

However with the new MOT changes being mooted (DVSA having remote control of the vehicle diagnostics and lobbying for access to control the sensors during the test) I'm still pondering my options. Breaking it is still on the agenda, though did ponder a petrol Saab toy...though I dunno....could always buy an early Fireblade or a HD Sportster / Buell for a project summertoy......

**Woody** · 8th June 2019, 23:25

The ONLY "sadness" I usually feel on selling / breaking a car, is the amount of cash my bank balance has suffered.

Forget the car, it gets reused or recycled

**MrF** · 9th June 2019, 02:07

Originally Posted by Woody

The ONLY "sadness" I usually feel on selling / breaking a car, is the amount of cash my bank balance has suffered.

Forget the car, it gets reused or recycled

Thats where we differ, to me the car is a work of art, something I've built and shaped, made my own. With memories of places I've been, things I've done, stuff I've learnt.
I think it comes from growing up poor, you keep something till its broke