Garage just charged me a lot for a timing belt (2nd), new radiator,warped head, gasket, etc. I drove in a ditch to avoid a raccoon, and put a hole in the radiator. The car is fine now ('cept for the body :+), and no engine lights come on. NO noises from engine. It's a 2000 Focus which I HAVE to keep. My wife is a teacher, and commutes 50 miles a day w/2 kids (Atlanta area)... on leaving the shop, the owner remarked that it needs an alternator. It could go today, tomorrow, etc. Like all good shops, he charges (!), and that's okay, but this seems like a simple job. He won't let me walk in w/parts, and I aint payin' $180 for a Pep Boys replacement, even if he agreed to use it. His would be fine, but probably be $400 parts alone. Plenty of other shops around, so my plan is to get a salvage one ($80) plus belt, and let them do it. Okay, fine, but how difficult is this? I know it's not as easy as it would be for my '82 Ford pickup. No dash lights come on. No noise from engine area. Now, I'm thinking "leave it alone", but again - any data, procedures, input appreciated... btw-DUMPING this car in February and never a Focus again. The "anti-theft" key and whole repeated experience of having the ignition and/or shifter lock up makes me crazy. and the mileage is NOT that good. I'd personally rather have an old Geo, but happy w/my Honda 650. It gets over 60 mpg, and costs $66 a YEAR !!!!! total for insurance. Sorry for the long rant, thanks again for any do-it-yourself-if-have-to ideas... :+) Paul
- posted
18 years ago