I have a local mechanic who is very honest with me. I've taken cars to him for work and he'll come outside and tell me 'you can do this yourself and save a lot of money. Just do A, then B, then C and you're done.' Another time I took in a toyota for the timing belt service. He said he highly recommended letting him do crank and cam seals since it would hardly add anything to the cost, rather than waiting to do them separately. Another time I wanted him to replace an 02 sensor and he told me to get one off ebay because his cost getting one the normal way was hundreds of dollars more. I'm really hoping he never retires.
I wouldn't say knowledge, I would definitely say the confidence and willpower to do the jobs the right way. Who can't get a Chilton's or Haynes manual?
@@Seasniffer1969 Agree. There are certain cars that are easier to fix than others. But you still have to have tools, good workspace, and good preparation.
I've come to do a lot of my own work because I've been burned by a couple several shops, and I really appreciate your respect towards someone trying it. The last shop I used was a trusted one people highly recommend, and they tried to quote me $1800 for two front struts in my 04 corolla! Not long after, the front brakes they replaced started squealing. The owner personally apologized, but still quoted me a ridiculous amount. It's ridiculous how scummy some of these shops have become.
Having a good relationship with your mechanic is so underrated. My motorcycle mechanic knew that when I was in school I was on a very limited budget and I did most of the work myself where I could, not because I didn't respect his price but because I just couldn't afford to spend the money on both parts and labor to keep it running right. But there were some things that I did take it to him for like tires, valve adjustment, and front shocks because I don't have the tools required to do those jobs correctly. Because of this, anytime I messaged him asking for advice because I was stuck on a problem, he would respond and be happy to tell me and when I next saw him I would bring him a 6 pack of his favorite beer as thanks for the time he took to give me advice as a budding home mechanic. The relationship was always about respect because I respected that he has a business and by giving me advice he is essentially teaching me how to not use his services, so I never pushed my luck and I always made sure he knew how thankful I was for him being such a good person and helping me when he didn't have to. Its really all about respect. If your mechanic feels that you respect them and their time they will always understand when you say that you are gonna do the work yourself because they understand its not you saying "your price is too high and unfair" you are really saying "your price is fair, I just cant afford it so I am going to have to do my best alone". If you haven't worked with that mechanic much or before, don't be afraid to just straight up tell them that.
Sometimes I think my mechanic works on a sliding scale. Similar to the Wizard, he works on everything. If someone brings in a Ferrari, the labor might be a little high. If someone brings in a 1995 Toyota Camry with 350,000 miles on it and it is the only car they have, the labor price might be quite low. I guess it is his way of giving back.
@@senseofstile A lot of mechanics will work that way. Before I retired I had a lot of regular customred. I priced things in accordance with their budget. Never to the point of undercutting myself. I will never forget the time I had a young lad come in with a POS dodge neon. Needed a fuel pump. Very easy job to do. None the less, he told me straight out that he could afford the price of the pump but not the labour. So I made him a deal. I told him I would replace the pump as long as he came in on the Saturday and spent a full day cleaning the shop. Keep in mind, I had never met this kid before. I had no idea if he would show up or not. So I fixed his car and off he went. Saturday morning comes around, and he was waiting at the shop when I pulled in. He worked his ass off. My shop had never been so clean. So I offered him a job. After a few months I got him doing some oil changes, replacing some tires. Etc. I think it was around 8 months I offered him an apprenticeship. That kid with the POS neon turned out to be one hell of a mechanic. He worked with me for five years. When I announced that I was retiring he took the initiative and opened his own business.
@@Mike-qp8bv That's great. I remember a guy in his 70's coming to my mechanic's shop with a 60's Olds Toronado. It ran but, that was about it. It was rough. The mechanic kept it running on a budget.
@@team_bsw274 depends on jurisdiction and what was done. Where I live there's a law stating expectation of performance. Which effectively means there's a legal minimum warranty on everything, including work performed. Only things excluded are consumables (like wiper fluid) but even there, if the work sheet says it was done but it wasn't the shop has to fix it at their expense. Of course if something fails 10 minutes after you leave the shop that wasn't touched by them, that's not covered by anything. E.g. I've had my oil pan spring a leak on the way home from the shop after a service one day. That wasn't covered. Another time a tyre failed a week after it was put on, that was covered (manufacturing defect). Another time my wiper fluid ran out 2 days after it was supposedly filled up, shop's responsibility to fill it at their expense (and yes, it's only a few Euros in liquid, but some shops try to charge you for it). And a good shop may well do small things for free, especially for repeat customers. Like the windscreen wiper relay on a car I'd had for a while went bad. Had been with that shop for years, they replaced it for free. Small expense for them, happy repeat customer is worth more than that.
These cars are very underappreciated. What makes the rear suspension really be an absolute PITA is those control blades. Great for handling, terrible for maintenance. In the northern states, the upper bolt that goes through the subframe basically welds itself to the bushing & subframe with rust.
I kinda regret not buying a 2000 3 doors manual brand new, i could have...but this thing was freaking cool when it got out! And the test drive gave me a huge smile...Ford on the other hand was a big reason i noped off, i could not trust the reliabilty...if this car was a toyota back then, would have bought it on the spot!
I had 2 bad coils in my car and paid a mechanic to replace them. It cost 120€. I've been thinking I should've bought the tool to get the coils off of the engine + fault code reader to be able to replace the next ones myself. Somethings might be better to fix yourself, but others most people should definitely pay a mechanic to fix them.
I'm totally mechanically incompetent but replaced lots of things assisted by youtube, done timing belts, crank and cam seals, oil pump, suspension struts and suspension parts, every type of brake work, wheel bearings, exhausts, brake cable, body work, saved thousands in doing so and learned a lot along the way. A lot of frustration but very worthwhile.
I dont know about you, but you seem very mechanically competent if you have the ability to tackle the job and do it right with youtube assistance. I am a mechanic myself (and a good one) and I dont do certain jobs if Im not sure if Im able to do it, or havent learned to do it let it be from someone else or with youtube. A timing belt is no easy job and I usually think twice before doing one, and you did it yourself. You should seek a career on that or get some side work done. You could earn some extra cash.
@@Kevin09210 Yeah its my '97 Celica. No trust me the timing belt and oil pump seals, associated gaskets and water pump took me the best part of a week to complete- I often get stuck on things that someone mechanically minded would work out in no time, I guess I overthink things and maybe I'm a bit slow but I like a challenge and I know at the end the job is done right.
I had a ‘04 red 4dr SVT! Car was built for autocross racing! TEIN suspension, Cosworth designed and built engine, 7800 redline in an American hatchback! 6sp manual, truly an under appreciated car!
This comes with experience. In my late teens and early 20s I would rent tools and do it myself because I was in school and couldn't afford all the repairs. I live in the rust belt, so you can imagine how fun it is to remove rusty bolts. Timing belt & all the oil seals on a H22A Prelude, coilovers and full suspension refresh on a MK2 Golf and countless modifications on my 240sx come to mind. To me it was a great learning experience. For sure I was in over my head a few times and nowadays wouldn't even tackle some of those jobs. I always read the service manuals and see if I need special tools and try to source them before starting the job. Now in my 30s, I appreciate my personal time and take the daily driver in for repairs that will take more than 2-3 hours. I will only do major repairs/modifications on the weekend/track car because I don't have to have it running immediately, enjoy doing the work on it and quite honestly don't trust local mechanics with the work I want done on those cars. What I do appreciate from those early experiences is that I can quickly sniff out the bullshit from a shop and unfortunately, not many shops are of high standards in my area.
I love the 1st gen Focus. Such an innovative design - they really pushed the boat out both on design and engineering. And the SVT was the king of the great handling hatchbacks. Could really show the mkIII golf the way home.
The competitor to the mk1 Focus would be the mk4 Golf, not the mk3. And I'd have the Golf any day over the Focus lol. Still you're right about the design.
The Focus was such a sad story. First Gen was a great looking car, offered in a full range of styles (Sedan, Wagon, 3 and 5 Door Hatches) but it was a mechanical and electrical mess. Then, when they finally got the quality issues sorted, the styling was trashed and it was only offered in a Sedan and weird Coupe. The difficulties Ford had at launching this car are common knowledge. For the first year, parking lots in the SE MI area were filled with these waiting for fixes before shipping.
@@ozdos8700 Thanks for the correction about the golf. Very true. I was mistaken because in my country, because of local manufacturing dynamics, the focus arrived a good year ahead of the golf 4. I still believe that even the base focus comfortably out-handled the Mik4. But that’s just my opinion based on being a previous Jetta owner. So I won’t be LOLing about it.
@Paul Frantizek I’m a long time owner of European made ones. Theyve held up well over rough roads. The windscreen cowling is a bad design and the cd stackers skip on bumps. Detaling products have kept the plastics intact after 19/20 years. Definitely underpowered until you get into the corners then it all makes sense. They are a low budget drivers car that beg to be driven.
As a viewer from the UK I got a bit excited here as it's a car I actually recognise - not only that, but my current daily driver is a 2002 Ford Focus Flight with the 1.6 Ford/Yamaha Zetec SE engine. As many other people have commented here, it's a wonderful thing to drive, especially around corners (quickly).
From the looks of it, the customer did a good job on the fronts. No complaints from the wizard on it, let alone the stuff you see on Just Rolled In channel. It may well be that the customer discovered first hand the joys of suspension work on high mileage vehicles. That twenty minutes UA-cam video forgot to include things like spending thirty minutes cursing while fighting a stubborn ball joint or the brake caliper that kept getting in the way and there wasn't anything handy to hang it with so it doesn't bust the brake line. Maybe the customer got his dose of fun doing the front axle and decided that paying the shop the quoted rate was the easier path vs DIY
One technique to use to see if a shop is honest: Ask questions that you know the answers to... If you get straight answers, you MAY have found a winner...
Front and rear suspension on a focus is simple to replace when switching to lowering springs. If you are mechanically inclined. Done it myself in a parking lot in an hour and half.
Hey Mr and Mrs Wizard. My youngest son recently purchased his first car a 2014 Ford Focus. What a fun little car to drive,and the best part of it is that he'd wanted one for several years. So proud of him,and I'd like to thank Car Wizard because he actually played a part in it by me giving the car a thumbs up. I'd seen a video and Car Wizard had good things to say about the Focus. Thank you again,both of you,from a Dad and his son. You both take care. Thank you Steve Potter
I've had issues finding a good mechanic. And if you do find a good one they are usually rude and thier shop is a cluttered mess. We need more like the Car Wizard!
Well it's kinda like how the wizard said about the springs. There's A LOT of pent-up energy in those, and if you don't have the right tools to remove them it can get very nasty very quickly.
more likely he got to the trailing arm bolts that where seized up and then he gave up, those rust and lock into place, and only with a grinder, heat and a good hammer they come out, in pieces.
I replaced the suspension on my 07 Focus with BC Racing coilovers and the most difficult part was just dealing with the rust. Forced me to buy a powerful impact gun, but I don't regret it in the slightest.
@@mulletsquirrel Probably didn't pre-sprayed the nuts and bolts. The suspension and shocks/struts replacement is easy as long as you have the strut/spring compressors and just take your time. It's the rust that kills this job.
Mine was an 04 ZTW - wagon, with the twincam engine, and 5 speed. Loved that car - a family wagon that was fun to drive. Not quite enough room after the 2nd kid arrived so had to let it go, but I miss it to this day.
Yes, I worked on old cars, rebuilt some 70’s cars, I mostly take mine to a shop who have the tools and knowledge. It works out less expensive in the long run.
Dropping the exhaust and fuel tank to do the fuel pump on a Focus is fun when you only have a jack and a couple of stands to get enough clearance. If it gets dropped again - back seat is coming out and a hole will be cut out above the fuel sender.
@@JohnSmith-yv6eq Didn't have permission to at the time. Considering the car will end probably be averaging less than 20,000km a year, and the original pump lasted for over 150,000km (E10 and sitting for a few months killed it with corrosion) - it's a problem for years in the future.
The regular models of the Focus were big sellers here in Britain, my gran had a 1.6LX for 16 years (and it's still going) and there's still loads of them around, the best selling car for a good few years. One difference I noticed is that on ours the bonnet is opened not by a lever in the footwell, but by using a key in a keyhole that is revealed by rotating the Ford badge on the bonnet. Excellent cars when released and so much better than the Escort it replaced. Subsequent models seemed to be hit with the ugly stick and weren't so well regarded.
Maybe they were better made for your market, but here in the U.S. the only selling point for Focuses was that brand new they were cheaper out the door than a Dodge Neon, and Ford was financing anybody and everybody. That was really it. They had so many mechanical gremlins and cheap quality parts failing as quickly as cheap quality parts usually do. My 94 Escort with 247,000 miles got 32-33MPG on the highways, my cousin's year old Focus with about 11,000 miles could only get at best 29mpg, the cheap plastic interior buzzed and rattled to the point of competing with the audio system for volume, it had less acceleration than my Escort, less interior room for a car full of grown adults, and many in the states didn't make it much past 90ish thousand miles before needing major work or engine or transmission replacements. The second & third generations only got worse, and that was AFTER the multi-billion dollar bailout given to American manufacturers by our backwards government because of the quality, or lack thereof, compared to almost literally ALL imported autos to the U.S. caused our primary 3 automakers to be pubclicly facing filing for bankruptcy, like Plymouth/Chrysler/Dodge has done at least 4 times over the last 40 years, and gotten a government bailout each time.
I stopped trusting mechanics years ago. My wife recently took her 15 explorer sport in they (the dealership) recommended all fuel injectors for $3500. After it was done I lifted the hood and could clearly see the upper intake was never touched and the car runs worse. When talking to the dealer about this, their first line of words were “well it is an older vehicle… blah bla bla” I stopped listening and asked them why does my 89 escort gt, 84 mustang and 90 f150 all start and operate smoother then this? So my wife still insisted they do more crap and now she is $5600 in and this car idles and runs much more rough then it did. At this point we should have just done a full crate engine swap. So my point here is this. Not all people avoid the shops to save money, some of us do it because we just don’t trust people touching our stuff
I'm halfway through this video and I am getting that changing a dead battery is unsafe. And that you might refuse service because a client changing their own battery is a competetive threat to you.
Bought my daughter one of these as her first vehicle. Fantastic machine! This "European Car of the Year" winner was the least expensive European Car to fix up, ever! New headlights and lenses are only $80/pair on eBay. New radio key fob was $12 shipped on Amazon. Brake bads $18 shipped. Excellent handling, excellent seats, and very reliable powertrain. Would recommend on of these or even the 2.3 5M as a perfect starter car.
Yeah, those headlights need to be fixed or exchanged... Are there no regulations and inspections i Kansas? In Europe this kind of fogged headlights that show up all the time at the Wizard's shop would never pass inspection.
I recall a YT clip of wacky business signs for a car repair shop that said 'When you DIY becomes OMG'. Too much work needs special tools, knowledge, access to info, experience that they cannot be done by 'amateurs'. Even oil changes, especially with disposal of the oil, mess are not worth it for most to do on their own.
Back to this video again...better check the heat shield..lol. Owner started doing suspension and stopped. Should check the airbag sensor on the core support too...that will cost extra as well.
I've been working on my own cars since I was 16. I had no choice from the first time my 1988 Hyundai Excel piece of crap broke down. I grew up poor. I used to hate that, but now I look at it as a life blessing and I can afford a mechanic now, but being on my own maintenance and repair schedule and knowing exactly what I have done and what I need to do to all my automobiles is priceless. I don't rub that in mechanic's face though I exchange knowledge with them. The diagnosis computers are easier now than ever, and I can rent specialty tools.
Twenty years later and this Focus looks great. Ford really knocked it out of the park with the Focus. If they still sold this model I would buy it over most of the stuff on the market today.
I had a Focus Sedan that I put the SVT shocks and springs on, since they're considerably stiffer than the regular ones and I wanted the improved handling. Those rear springs are very easy to replace if you know what you're doing; the "cup" shape of that control arm allows you to put a jack under the arm and take up the spring tension, undo the bolt from the arm to the knuckle, then very slowly let the jack down so the arm hinges on the subframe and the spring will be fully eased without slipping from the "cup" shape and you can casually reach in and take it out. Seems to be a common design on 21st century Ford small cars. You've got a cakewalk getting those parts in :)
I work on my own car for the experience as well. I just like to at least try to repair it. Also, lots of professional shop do sub par work and will never admit to doing any damage. I know the dirty secrets bad mechanics leave behind because I go behind them and see first hand what the pitfalls of a bad mechanic are.
Been trying to fix as much as possible on my car myself.Trying to save money.youtube is great for learning how to do these things.Done new starter motor,brake pads,oil change etc I'm in NZ,found some garages round here will rip you off.if I feel confident enough to do it myself,I will.
Utube has been fantastic to share knowledge on repairs. I do those I can but now that I am older with a bad back, I use mechanics more. The great thing is I generally know what the repair needed is and how it is done even if I can't do it. I recall bringing a Mercedes S class with a non working window in and telling them it needed a software update. They looked at me like I was crazy but I knew they would replace the switch, then the motor before they got to that and it would cost me $500K extra. They did the software update and it was fixed for no cost.
this is why i pick and choose what i do myself. I look up the job that needs to be done and i do it if it's in the realm of my ability to do it, anything that appears more involved and i'll take it to a shop. It's why with the wheel bearing, for example, if i can only find a replacement in kit form i'll take it to the shop, if it comes as an assembly i'll do it myself.
You say that you are not angry that he started it, but all the time you talk about how we shouldn't try to fix it. I had one in 2001. I fixed everything until it had problems with overheating. I couldn't go any further, so I sold it. And I am 73 years old
I had a very reputable mechanic in Santa Cruz that was also a county ombudsman. He gave special attention to seniors keeping their vehicles not always 100% repaired when he knew they couldn't afford it, but running and safe. I also did a lot of repair to my 1989 Jeep Wrangler, but since he was literally across the street I had him do the lube and oil changes (when it needed it he also put in a new clutch). He would actually give me advice on repairing some issues he run across during the oil changes. A really great and honest guy.
Oh man it brings me back. I had an 03 focus as my first car, saw an SVT in my local scrapyard and raided the interior and swapped it into mine. I now have a 2010 with a stick shift as my winter beater, I've owned two first gen focus' they are such great cars Edit: I've sold the 2010 and now own a ZX4 ST. Closest thing to an SVT. I still maintain these cars are criminally under-rated.
A factory service manual will detail what is needed for most repairs. Make sure you get the factory manual not an aftermarket manual. Be aware the factory manual like many other good tools are expensive. You can pay for a lot of tools by doing doing the repairs and maintenance on your cars.
Indeed. I miss my old '01 ZX3, which had a lot of nice mods back in the day. 2L Zetec w/ a 5-spd. When lowered, they're a real blast to drive! The only major fault I found was with the 5 speed trans, the 3rd gear syncro's always went out on me, probably from racing around & shifting like a jackass. Lol
After owning a focus ST from 15-21 I really wanted to pick one of these up for the focus nostalgia, but they're #1 incredibly hard to find and #2 when you find a nice one that's been well kept, its also in nice car territory price wise that demolishes the svt in every department.
@@sophisticated SVT was just a special version of the regular ZX3 hatchback. They came in auto & 5 speed manuals. Couple different engines too, the poopy 1.9L CVH split port injection engine & of course the DOHC 2.0L Zetec-E. The SVT was just a hopped up version of the later, the Zetec-R, which had about 40hp more.
Have ST170’s (Right hand drive SVT) The big thing I found out about was that they need a 2lb force timing tensioner instead if the stock 1lb. Sonicsvt put me onto Five acre Focus in USA who sells the springs to suit Continental tensioner. OEM part is discontinued. I pulled my trans months ago for clutch and have been rained out so car is in pieces and I really should have out the bolts etc i marked ziplock bags😂😂😂 Super fun cars, exceptional steering and handling. Still daily MK1’s and the cars have help up well. No plastic has cracked but some clear coat has tarnished.
I owned a the same model from new until 2020 and finally traded it in with 175,000 miles on the clock. It was a great car until the end when the clutch and alternator failed at the same time. I did a majority of the work on my own as far as regular maintenance but had a mechanic do the suspension, alternator and clutch. I know when I have reached my limit for mechanical knowledge and the equipment needed to repair this car. At my age I do little to none of my own maintenance beyond an oil change. I don't have a lift and just don't feel like doing the hard work required anymore. I prefer to pay for the service these days. Thanks for another great video.
Thankfully, the mechanic near me is tolerant. I've done a few things myself. Once I did take it back to him and having done my own work cost me an extra $90 with him. He didn't get upset or gloat. I didn't squawk at the extra money. He's up front. I'm up front. Sometimes I use someone else, but do so respectfully. It works out.
Don't underestimate a good mechanic. He/She is not just some dumb grunt wearing overalls. You're not just paying for their labor. You're paying for their knowledge, expertise, and sometimes their specialized tools as well. Much appreciation to the Car Wizard for truly being worth every penny he charges.
It's good that the customer stopped when the Reality Light came on: I'm at my limit of competence and tools. The Wiz is right, the needed review of customer work adds to the completion cost and it may be a toss up in this case whether or not the owner saved any money with the DIY. My experience has been that if I need new tools, or have any question whatsoever about the R/R process, I'm far better off paying the experienced and equipped mechanic to handle it.
I have a great local shop. A few times they've given me a loaner vehicle when things took longer than expected. I flushed my minivan radiator over the summer with a rust removing flush. Had to remove the thermostat because the rusty sludge clogged it. After two flushes, and draining the radiator each day and adding a gallon of distilled water, I had the cooling system a lot cleaner. They asked about the thermostat and said "You could reinstall it." I read a lot about air bleeding challenges with cooling systems so I was happy to pay the pros.
I completely understand that statement and feeling you get exactly after you get a car back that someone has tried to attempted to fix. Like you said it is like flipping a coin and the way that it could go is completely unexpected sometimes. The part that you said about them costing more money and creating more work is 100 percent true and a lot of people who are not mechanically inclined or ruined parts, fasteners, bushings, etc. Fine line when you are warranting your work and you have to include their work or mistakes into the job at hand just complicated your time and work that much more. I have been in the business as you have for almost 37 years now and with the changing of everything and the amount of new tools you have to by month by month or week by week it is not only expensive, labor intensive sometimes, and the keeping up with the technology in the past two plus decades is a enormous learning and endeavor/time intensive alone today. Great afternoon to you and the Wizard family.
He needed to use spring compressor tool on rear to get it off. He should of just used the original SVT ford performance kit. So he didn’t have to mess with the springs. Only know because I’ve owned one lol
There’s nothing wrong with telling your mechanic that you will fix it yourself… I have a local mechanic that I use for repairs all the time, but when he quotes me some repairs and I realize I just can’t afford it, I tell him I’ll fix it myself. There’s no problem with that? On my bmw 335i I’ve replaced all the motor mounts, struts, control arms / tie rods, AC compressor, alternator, oil filter housing gasket, valve cover, the list goes on. I do the work myself on that car, but on my 06 Mazda 6 I have my mechanic do it because it’s a lot less labor. We have a great relationship and has never been disrespected when he quotes me a price I can’t afford. That’s just life.
Had a Ford Focus SVT with a no start condition. Upon scanning here is my diagnostic process - Key on, scan all parameters, hear fuel pump prime but the FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR on the rail went from reading 0psi (verified fuel pressure) to 5000+ psi on the scan tool (broked) Replaced fuel pressure sensor and was able to get the car running and poorly. Found that the oil and coolant was mixed. Few weeks go by, and I have finally replaced the blown head gasket, swapped in ford coolant and lots of maintenance items etc.... start it up and its running on three cylinders replaced the plugs, wires, and coil, and finally! It runs on all four cylinders! Test drive goes not so well. Slow as a dog. Ended up having to retime the car three times to finally get it correct without timing correlation codes. This was with the correcting timing belt kit. Pay close attention to the soft touch of a seasoned mechanic on the variable intake cam gear. Hard stop means you'll be timing it wrong. Second test drive.... better, but no power anywhere. Scan for codes - Get the code for variable intake manifold - stuck open. Remove IMRC control box in the fender, remove circuit board, found the Schottky diode is burned up. It's easily a 5amp diode. Replace at will. After replacing the circuit board, then ... FINALLY!!!!!! I was able to experience all 170hp. It is truly a fantastic engine from the likes of Ford, SVT, and the input from Cosworth on the cylinder head. Awesome unspoken competitor to the Honda B series!
The tough part with these is the bolts get fuzed with the bushings in the rear lower control arms. Most of the time you are better off just cutting the bolts off and slapping in New lower control arms. It's not too bad if you get it on jack stands, take the outer bolt out with a jack under it and slowly release the spring. I have also gotten away with using a spring compressor kit and leaving the control arms alone. Sweet cars if mine hadn't been smashed up I'd probably still have it. I did a complete part out. I had a 2003 5 door. CD silver with blue seats.
The reason I use the shop I do is that he puts an 18 month "craftsmanship" warranty on all his shop's work. He likes me because I take my vehicles to him exclusively and just say, "Call me when it's done.". Being on a fixed budget, sometimes we talk about prioritizing fixes, but they all get done.
No, you take it to the shop because you've never turned a wrench in your life. What was the point of you leaving your comment in the first place? It has nothing to do with the topic.
Yeah, Journey. You know all. I bow before your omnipotence. I fully admit that modern passenger vehicles (for a lot of maintenance) are above my skill level. However, I have busted a knuckle or 2 in my day. Enough to know the limitations that I have. Anything else you would like to show your ass on?
Just for S & G, show what you have invested in so the regular customer can get an idea... Explain that there are special tools for different models, with different engines, and, sometimes the special tool only works for one year model vehicle... Diagnostic equipment is especially underrated by customers as well as the knowledge base that is associated with running the tool to just FIND the problem... I imagine that your $100K comment was low...by a lot...
SVTF all suffer from warped intakes at the throttle body and the iac boss. Remove and file flat. Replace the gaskets at the tb, iac, and intake to head. Replace the vacuum lines. Don't forget the pcv hose coming out of the back of the intake. Collapse when old. Will be open cold and function properly but when hot will collapse.
I ran into the issue on my Focus that the lower control arms wouldn't come off after 3 years in the rust belt. I eventually got it safely apart and back together, but the owner was smart to stop where he did. These 1st gen Focus models are fine handling cars that are durable, and this one is clean after 20 years on the road.
I have a 2005 Focus wagon with 153k miles and it runs beautifully. I do need to change the motor mounts, but that's easy with these cars. I change the oil every 3k miles, as well. I also have a 2014 Expedition with the 5.4 that I bought bought used. So far no issues and I change the oil on that every 2500 miles. We only put 5k miles on it a year.
My local Chrysler dealer wasn't able to diagnose an intermittent low brake pedal on my 2011 Grand Caravan. A shop on UA-cam had the same problem with the same car. One of the rear calipers had a defective piston causing it to go out of adjustment at times. I changed both rear calipers and problem solved.
I can't fiqure out how the customer did the fronts , but gave up on the back. Every car I've worked on is rear suspension relatively easy , fronts less easy. At my tool repair place we see this all the time , give a quote, customer says no, week later tool comes back in pieces. We charge 2x the labor to fix it cause we don't know what the hell he did.
I work on my own cars too but without access to a lift I can only do so much. Anything more then suspension or engine work and tires, to the mechanic it goes!
There are people who cook, there are people who repair your plumbing there are people who repair your electric wiring and then there are people who change your upper wishbone bushing. If i could do everything i would be god and very bored.
I had one of these and the only problem I ever had was the alternator. It literally only comes out one way and you have to turn the alternator to that one perfect way to get it out, or move the engine forward after taking the bolts of the motor mount. I lowered mine as well, and the rear shocks are easy but springs are a pain to get out.
The Focus platform is very easy to work on. Those rear springs don't even need a spring compressor. The arms barely hold them in. Typically you want to lift the car then support the control arm under the spring bucket. I use a floor jack to support it. Take the outer bolt out then slowly lower the jack. Most of the time the arm pops down with very light force. Some times I've had to hit it with a hammer to lossen it up. Putting it back in place is the reverse. Use the jack to push the arm back into position. These aren't like Strut springs where you must use a spring compressor. But yeah if you are not comfortable with the job take it to a professional.
I’ve owned a 00 focus zx3. The rear unless he was having issues getting bolts broke free is way easier than the front. All you do is jack up the rear put two Jack stands in the middle section, take the Jack put some pressure on the lower control arm, zip the lower shock bolt off and slowly lower the control arm off the Jack. The springs on the SVT are shorter than ZX3 so they should come out easy.
I’ve had to change mechanic a few times over the years because of moving. I’ve usually found that if you pay a mechanic for their time it won’t piss them off so you can still get good service in future. I don’t understand why so many people complain about paying a man for his time.
I was just in this same scenario. My door no longer opened from the inside or out as the door lock actuator broke inside. It was a $200 part to replace so I wanted to do it myself. I tried to disassemble the door panel to get the door open but couldn't get one of the screws out without damaging it so I took it to the shop. $700 out the door with no damage to the door panels and I have a working door and the outstanding recall addressed.
It's a good step 1 for at home mechanics. Generally speaking if it jumps and starts and stays on, it's the battery. If you can jump it, it starts and it goes weak then dies it's the alternator, if it doesn't start at all even when being jumped, it's usually the starter.
I had a 2005 Ford Focus ZX5 SES one for almost 7 years. I was in a bad car accident over 10 1/2 years ago. It was a good little car. It was in light green color.
Okay, okay, I have been working on my cars for the past 20 years and I am going to admit, that due to lack of tool and equipment I can't do certain jobs, like manual transmission work. I've done suspension work, that would have been an easy job if you have jack stands and a good quality jack. Smart for this owner to know where his limitations are.
I check UA-cam videos to check if I can do the repair. Usually the mechanic is best. Had an 05 focus zx3. Best car and fun to drive. 265,000 miles no problems!
Another great video wizard I actually have a 2003 Ford focus ZX3 that the door handle quit working I pulled it all apart and tried to figure out what the problem was I did it twice and still couldn't figure it out so I took my car to one of my local mechanics really really nice guy he actually met me in the driveway and he had it back together for me and probably a couple hours and he didn't charge me that much to put it back together but you're right respect is everything and if you don't give respect you're not going to get respect back
All 3 mechanics in my town or either dishonest or incompetent or both. So my only choice is to work on my car myself, or drive 15 miles to another town which has a good mechanic. So sad that there are very few mechanics like car wizard, mechanics who are honest, and actually diagnose the problem rather than just throwing parts at the car.
Thanks Mr & Mrs Long.......l had a great friend growing up in the late 1940's his name was Dana Long ans we went to Vietnam together .. He went into the Air force and l went into the Navy as a Navy F-4 Phantom fighter pilot.....We both lived to come home... Shoe🇺🇸
I do my own work and take it in. It depends on my available time often. I will research the work to be done and if I think it is not safe for me to do I take it in as well. I never go to a pro unless I intend to use them. I may walk away if I know they are BSing me as I most likely know what the problem is. I did this with a center carrier bearing for a driveshaft. I was able to figure it all out, but was never going to be able to press it as needed, took it to the shop they diagnosed the same issue and fixed it. I like to do the work as I find it enjoyable, hence why I am very slowly building a kit car.
A lot of folks complaining about shop prices, especially dealers, is accurate. However, a lot also don’t take in account the overhead for these facilities. You got master techs, writers, parts guys, misc services to repair shop equipment, power bill, water bill, etc. To stay open, someone has to cover the high cost of business these days. It’s not so much as they’re trying to burn as much as it is they’re tying to stay open.
💯 correct on this video. Before any job on your vehicle you gotta to. 1: do your homework on the job at hand. 2: find out if you have the tools to do the job. 3: if the person has the skill level to do the job. As a technician myself, all tho I'm not working in the dealership world anymore. When it comes time for my timing chain, chin guides, and both VVT gears to be changed on my 2014 Nissan altima. I going to take it to the Nissan dealership. I don't have enough knowledge on that type of engine to do the work on like I do my 2000 Trans am. Much faster to take my altima to the Nissan dealership and they can knock it all out in 4 hours
While my wife has a fairly new vehicle and gets almost all its work done by a pro, I purposely get older (mid 90s or earlier) vehicles for myself so I can do at least some of the work. Partly to save money, partly to learn and have the satisfaction of doing it myself. Getting harder to find a good, reliable shop. One I used for years apparently had some major talent drain, and performed very poorly the last couple times I used them. More "tire changers" and fewer experienced techs.
I would like to say, the reason I did my own work for the past decade was, any shop in the area I was living at, would screw up repairs constantly. I had 2 different brake shops screw ip break installs, I had an engine shop put a head gasket on backwards, and destroy the exhaust, the same shop took over a year to replace the heads on that truck.
I have a local mechanic who is very honest with me. I've taken cars to him for work and he'll come outside and tell me 'you can do this yourself and save a lot of money. Just do A, then B, then C and you're done.'
Another time I took in a toyota for the timing belt service. He said he highly recommended letting him do crank and cam seals since it would hardly add anything to the cost, rather than waiting to do them separately.
Another time I wanted him to replace an 02 sensor and he told me to get one off ebay because his cost getting one the normal way was hundreds of dollars more.
I'm really hoping he never retires.
Lucky!
Don't buy off eBay. It's full of counterfeit parts
Cherish him!
if only we all had the same experience 😪
Hard to find mechanics like that
The mechanics tools have a price tag and anyone can buy them. It's the mechanic's knowledge that's priceless.
Well spoken!
I wouldn't say knowledge, I would definitely say the confidence and willpower to do the jobs the right way. Who can't get a Chilton's or Haynes manual?
@@Seasniffer1969 An idiot who thinks they know more than the Chilton's until they get asses and elbows deep in it, that's who.
@@Seasniffer1969 Agree. There are certain cars that are easier to fix than others. But you still have to have tools, good workspace, and good preparation.
Correct. It's not knowing you have to hit the pipe. It's knowing where to hit it.
I still have my 06 Focus ZX5 and can’t part with it because I love it so much. So much fun to drive and really reliable.
I've come to do a lot of my own work because I've been burned by a couple several shops, and I really appreciate your respect towards someone trying it. The last shop I used was a trusted one people highly recommend, and they tried to quote me $1800 for two front struts in my 04 corolla! Not long after, the front brakes they replaced started squealing. The owner personally apologized, but still quoted me a ridiculous amount. It's ridiculous how scummy some of these shops have become.
Having a good relationship with your mechanic is so underrated. My motorcycle mechanic knew that when I was in school I was on a very limited budget and I did most of the work myself where I could, not because I didn't respect his price but because I just couldn't afford to spend the money on both parts and labor to keep it running right. But there were some things that I did take it to him for like tires, valve adjustment, and front shocks because I don't have the tools required to do those jobs correctly. Because of this, anytime I messaged him asking for advice because I was stuck on a problem, he would respond and be happy to tell me and when I next saw him I would bring him a 6 pack of his favorite beer as thanks for the time he took to give me advice as a budding home mechanic. The relationship was always about respect because I respected that he has a business and by giving me advice he is essentially teaching me how to not use his services, so I never pushed my luck and I always made sure he knew how thankful I was for him being such a good person and helping me when he didn't have to.
Its really all about respect. If your mechanic feels that you respect them and their time they will always understand when you say that you are gonna do the work yourself because they understand its not you saying "your price is too high and unfair" you are really saying "your price is fair, I just cant afford it so I am going to have to do my best alone". If you haven't worked with that mechanic much or before, don't be afraid to just straight up tell them that.
Sometimes I think my mechanic works on a sliding scale. Similar to the Wizard, he works on everything. If someone brings in a Ferrari, the labor might be a little high. If someone brings in a 1995 Toyota Camry with 350,000 miles on it and it is the only car they have, the labor price might be quite low. I guess it is his way of giving back.
Totally, it’s all about communication and that relationship trust with your mechanic.
@@senseofstile A lot of mechanics will work that way. Before I retired I had a lot of regular customred. I priced things in accordance with their budget. Never to the point of undercutting myself. I will never forget the time I had a young lad come in with a POS dodge neon. Needed a fuel pump. Very easy job to do. None the less, he told me straight out that he could afford the price of the pump but not the labour. So I made him a deal. I told him I would replace the pump as long as he came in on the Saturday and spent a full day cleaning the shop. Keep in mind, I had never met this kid before. I had no idea if he would show up or not. So I fixed his car and off he went. Saturday morning comes around, and he was waiting at the shop when I pulled in. He worked his ass off. My shop had never been so clean. So I offered him a job. After a few months I got him doing some oil changes, replacing some tires. Etc. I think it was around 8 months I offered him an apprenticeship. That kid with the POS neon turned out to be one hell of a mechanic. He worked with me for five years. When I announced that I was retiring he took the initiative and opened his own business.
@@Mike-qp8bv That's great. I remember a guy in his 70's coming to my mechanic's shop with a 60's Olds Toronado. It ran but, that was about it. It was rough. The mechanic kept it running on a budget.
What also needs to be mentioned is that the work being done in a shop by a mechanic is warrantied.
That's why you pay through the nose. Liability!
Usually warranty runs out the moment you out the door. You come back with problems some time back, and warranty is gone.
He did mention it.
@@team_bsw274 depends on jurisdiction and what was done.
Where I live there's a law stating expectation of performance. Which effectively means there's a legal minimum warranty on everything, including work performed.
Only things excluded are consumables (like wiper fluid) but even there, if the work sheet says it was done but it wasn't the shop has to fix it at their expense.
Of course if something fails 10 minutes after you leave the shop that wasn't touched by them, that's not covered by anything.
E.g. I've had my oil pan spring a leak on the way home from the shop after a service one day. That wasn't covered. Another time a tyre failed a week after it was put on, that was covered (manufacturing defect). Another time my wiper fluid ran out 2 days after it was supposedly filled up, shop's responsibility to fill it at their expense (and yes, it's only a few Euros in liquid, but some shops try to charge you for it).
And a good shop may well do small things for free, especially for repeat customers. Like the windscreen wiper relay on a car I'd had for a while went bad. Had been with that shop for years, they replaced it for free. Small expense for them, happy repeat customer is worth more than that.
Try making a warranty claim is like handling eels blindfold !
These cars are very underappreciated. What makes the rear suspension really be an absolute PITA is those control blades. Great for handling, terrible for maintenance. In the northern states, the upper bolt that goes through the subframe basically welds itself to the bushing & subframe with rust.
what are control blades?
Kinda like trailing arms. A Ford term.
I kinda regret not buying a 2000 3 doors manual brand new, i could have...but this thing was freaking cool when it got out! And the test drive gave me a huge smile...Ford on the other hand was a big reason i noped off, i could not trust the reliabilty...if this car was a toyota back then, would have bought it on the spot!
@@theadvocate4698 I thought fords were reliable back then?
@@e90baby they were but rust and bushings were the enemy
I had 2 bad coils in my car and paid a mechanic to replace them. It cost 120€.
I've been thinking I should've bought the tool to get the coils off of the engine + fault code reader to be able to replace the next ones myself.
Somethings might be better to fix yourself, but others most people should definitely pay a mechanic to fix them.
I'm totally mechanically incompetent but replaced lots of things assisted by youtube, done timing belts, crank and cam seals, oil pump, suspension struts and suspension parts, every type of brake work, wheel bearings, exhausts, brake cable, body work, saved thousands in doing so and learned a lot along the way. A lot of frustration but very worthwhile.
I dont know about you, but you seem very mechanically competent if you have the ability to tackle the job and do it right with youtube assistance. I am a mechanic myself (and a good one) and I dont do certain jobs if Im not sure if Im able to do it, or havent learned to do it let it be from someone else or with youtube.
A timing belt is no easy job and I usually think twice before doing one, and you did it yourself. You should seek a career on that or get some side work done. You could earn some extra cash.
uhh... yeah that's not mechanically incompetent
@@akjohnny5997 Well, while he did say he did the work, he didn't say wether the car ran afterwards
@@Kevin09210 Yeah its my '97 Celica. No trust me the timing belt and oil pump seals, associated gaskets and water pump took me the best part of a week to complete- I often get stuck on things that someone mechanically minded would work out in no time, I guess I overthink things and maybe I'm a bit slow but I like a challenge and I know at the end the job is done right.
@@robbflynn4325 thats the beauty of being an enthusiast. Keep it up man 💪🏻
I had a ‘04 red 4dr SVT! Car was built for autocross racing! TEIN suspension, Cosworth designed and built engine, 7800 redline in an American hatchback! 6sp manual, truly an under appreciated car!
This comes with experience. In my late teens and early 20s I would rent tools and do it myself because I was in school and couldn't afford all the repairs. I live in the rust belt, so you can imagine how fun it is to remove rusty bolts. Timing belt & all the oil seals on a H22A Prelude, coilovers and full suspension refresh on a MK2 Golf and countless modifications on my 240sx come to mind. To me it was a great learning experience. For sure I was in over my head a few times and nowadays wouldn't even tackle some of those jobs. I always read the service manuals and see if I need special tools and try to source them before starting the job. Now in my 30s, I appreciate my personal time and take the daily driver in for repairs that will take more than 2-3 hours. I will only do major repairs/modifications on the weekend/track car because I don't have to have it running immediately, enjoy doing the work on it and quite honestly don't trust local mechanics with the work I want done on those cars. What I do appreciate from those early experiences is that I can quickly sniff out the bullshit from a shop and unfortunately, not many shops are of high standards in my area.
The main problem is finding a reliable mechanic is like finding a needle in a haystack. Great video!
I love the 1st gen Focus. Such an innovative design - they really pushed the boat out both on design and engineering. And the SVT was the king of the great handling hatchbacks. Could really show the mkIII golf the way home.
Shame you didn't get the focus st and RS version 170bhp is kinda weak the one we got the RS 212 bhp and the ST 170bhp same as SVT.
The competitor to the mk1 Focus would be the mk4 Golf, not the mk3. And I'd have the Golf any day over the Focus lol. Still you're right about the design.
The Focus was such a sad story. First Gen was a great looking car, offered in a full range of styles (Sedan, Wagon, 3 and 5 Door Hatches) but it was a mechanical and electrical mess. Then, when they finally got the quality issues sorted, the styling was trashed and it was only offered in a Sedan and weird Coupe.
The difficulties Ford had at launching this car are common knowledge. For the first year, parking lots in the SE MI area were filled with these waiting for fixes before shipping.
@@ozdos8700 Thanks for the correction about the golf. Very true. I was mistaken because in my country, because of local manufacturing dynamics, the focus arrived a good year ahead of the golf 4. I still believe that even the base focus comfortably out-handled the Mik4. But that’s just my opinion based on being a previous Jetta owner. So I won’t be LOLing about it.
@Paul Frantizek I’m a long time owner of European made ones. Theyve held up well over rough roads. The windscreen cowling is a bad design and the cd stackers skip on bumps. Detaling products have kept the plastics intact after 19/20 years. Definitely underpowered until you get into the corners then it all makes sense. They are a low budget drivers car that beg to be driven.
As a viewer from the UK I got a bit excited here as it's a car I actually recognise - not only that, but my current daily driver is a 2002 Ford Focus Flight with the 1.6 Ford/Yamaha Zetec SE engine. As many other people have commented here, it's a wonderful thing to drive, especially around corners (quickly).
Before I moved to the US I had an R plate Mondeo with the 2L Zetec engine, fantastic engine
From the looks of it, the customer did a good job on the fronts. No complaints from the wizard on it, let alone the stuff you see on Just Rolled In channel.
It may well be that the customer discovered first hand the joys of suspension work on high mileage vehicles. That twenty minutes UA-cam video forgot to include things like spending thirty minutes cursing while fighting a stubborn ball joint or the brake caliper that kept getting in the way and there wasn't anything handy to hang it with so it doesn't bust the brake line.
Maybe the customer got his dose of fun doing the front axle and decided that paying the shop the quoted rate was the easier path vs DIY
One technique to use to see if a shop is honest: Ask questions that you know the answers to...
If you get straight answers, you MAY have found a winner...
Wow from the registration sticker and inspection sticker on the windshield. That car came all the way from New York.
Front and rear suspension on a focus is simple to replace when switching to lowering springs. If you are mechanically inclined. Done it myself in a parking lot in an hour and half.
Agree on everything but I will say at least here in nyc its hard to find a good honest mechanic like yourself.
Hey Mr and Mrs Wizard. My youngest son recently purchased his first car a 2014 Ford Focus. What a fun little car to drive,and the best part of it is that he'd wanted one for several years. So proud of him,and I'd like to thank Car Wizard because he actually played a part in it by me giving the car a thumbs up. I'd seen a video and Car Wizard had good things to say about the Focus. Thank you again,both of you,from a Dad and his son. You both take care. Thank you
Steve Potter
lawsuit Powershift dry clutch transmission?
I've had issues finding a good mechanic. And if you do find a good one they are usually rude and thier shop is a cluttered mess. We need more like the Car Wizard!
Surprised that they gave up on the rear suspension as that’s a lot easier to work on then the fronts
Informative video
Thanks wizard
I was wondering the same.
Well it's kinda like how the wizard said about the springs. There's A LOT of pent-up energy in those, and if you don't have the right tools to remove them it can get very nasty very quickly.
more likely he got to the trailing arm bolts that where seized up and then he gave up, those rust and lock into place, and only with a grinder, heat and a good hammer they come out, in pieces.
I replaced the suspension on my 07 Focus with BC Racing coilovers and the most difficult part was just dealing with the rust. Forced me to buy a powerful impact gun, but I don't regret it in the slightest.
@@mulletsquirrel Probably didn't pre-sprayed the nuts and bolts. The suspension and shocks/struts replacement is easy as long as you have the strut/spring compressors and just take your time. It's the rust that kills this job.
I had a silver 2005 ZX3 and loved that little car. Small, great handling and decent on gas. Miss it...
Mine was an 04 ZTW - wagon, with the twincam engine, and 5 speed. Loved that car - a family wagon that was fun to drive. Not quite enough room after the 2nd kid arrived so had to let it go, but I miss it to this day.
I’ve have an 04 Focus SVT as a daily. I absolutely love the car as it’s such a fun car. I’ve had it since 127k miles and I am at 223k miles now.
Yes, I worked on old cars, rebuilt some 70’s cars, I mostly take mine to a shop who have the tools and knowledge. It works out less expensive in the long run.
Dropping the exhaust and fuel tank to do the fuel pump on a Focus is fun when you only have a jack and a couple of stands to get enough clearance.
If it gets dropped again - back seat is coming out and a hole will be cut out above the fuel sender.
Should have cut the access hole WHILE the tank was out?????
@@JohnSmith-yv6eq Didn't have permission to at the time. Considering the car will end probably be averaging less than 20,000km a year, and the original pump lasted for over 150,000km (E10 and sitting for a few months killed it with corrosion) - it's a problem for years in the future.
@@dabombinablemi6188
Good point ...the Car Wizard covered (pun intended) doing just this with a GM...he knew it would happen again....
The regular models of the Focus were big sellers here in Britain, my gran had a 1.6LX for 16 years (and it's still going) and there's still loads of them around, the best selling car for a good few years. One difference I noticed is that on ours the bonnet is opened not by a lever in the footwell, but by using a key in a keyhole that is revealed by rotating the Ford badge on the bonnet.
Excellent cars when released and so much better than the Escort it replaced. Subsequent models seemed to be hit with the ugly stick and weren't so well regarded.
Didn't yall get one with a five cylinder though?
@@chrisbrookshire861 Yes the ST/RS, with the Volvo 5 cylinder
Maybe they were better made for your market, but here in the U.S. the only selling point for Focuses was that brand new they were cheaper out the door than a Dodge Neon, and Ford was financing anybody and everybody. That was really it. They had so many mechanical gremlins and cheap quality parts failing as quickly as cheap quality parts usually do. My 94 Escort with 247,000 miles got 32-33MPG on the highways, my cousin's year old Focus with about 11,000 miles could only get at best 29mpg, the cheap plastic interior buzzed and rattled to the point of competing with the audio system for volume, it had less acceleration than my Escort, less interior room for a car full of grown adults, and many in the states didn't make it much past 90ish thousand miles before needing major work or engine or transmission replacements. The second & third generations only got worse, and that was AFTER the multi-billion dollar bailout given to American manufacturers by our backwards government because of the quality, or lack thereof, compared to almost literally ALL imported autos to the U.S. caused our primary 3 automakers to be pubclicly facing filing for bankruptcy, like Plymouth/Chrysler/Dodge has done at least 4 times over the last 40 years, and gotten a government bailout each time.
@@dglcomputers1498 inline 5 GET IN. Yessss
I stopped trusting mechanics years ago. My wife recently took her 15 explorer sport in they (the dealership) recommended all fuel injectors for $3500. After it was done I lifted the hood and could clearly see the upper intake was never touched and the car runs worse. When talking to the dealer about this, their first line of words were “well it is an older vehicle… blah bla bla” I stopped listening and asked them why does my 89 escort gt, 84 mustang and 90 f150 all start and operate smoother then this? So my wife still insisted they do more crap and now she is $5600 in and this car idles and runs much more rough then it did. At this point we should have just done a full crate engine swap. So my point here is this. Not all people avoid the shops to save money, some of us do it because we just don’t trust people touching our stuff
I'm halfway through this video and I am getting that changing a dead battery is unsafe.
And that you might refuse service because a client changing their own battery is a competetive threat to you.
Bought my daughter one of these as her first vehicle. Fantastic machine! This "European Car of the Year" winner was the least expensive European Car to fix up, ever!
New headlights and lenses are only $80/pair on eBay.
New radio key fob was $12 shipped on Amazon.
Brake bads $18 shipped.
Excellent handling, excellent seats, and very reliable powertrain. Would recommend on of these or even the 2.3 5M as a perfect starter car.
Yeah, those headlights need to be fixed or exchanged... Are there no regulations and inspections i Kansas? In Europe this kind of fogged headlights that show up all the time at the Wizard's shop would never pass inspection.
I recall a YT clip of wacky business signs for a car repair shop that said 'When you DIY becomes OMG'. Too much work needs special tools, knowledge, access to info, experience that they cannot be done by 'amateurs'. Even oil changes, especially with disposal of the oil, mess are not worth it for most to do on their own.
Back to this video again...better check the heat shield..lol.
Owner started doing suspension and stopped. Should check the airbag sensor on the core support too...that will cost extra as well.
BILSTEIN makes a B12 kit which pairs an Eibach Pro-Kit spring with their B8 dampers. This man chose H&R springs which is quite similar.
Had my fuel pump fail. Cut a hole under back seat to access, otherwise would require removal of fuel tank at the shop
these are fun cars
I had the ZX5 five door hatchback
the SVT/ST Focus is pretty badass for the time especially
Working on the Rear suspension (shocks & springs) is easier & quicker than working on the front suspension.
I've been working on my own cars since I was 16. I had no choice from the first time my 1988 Hyundai Excel piece of crap broke down. I grew up poor. I used to hate that, but now I look at it as a life blessing and I can afford a mechanic now, but being on my own maintenance and repair schedule and knowing exactly what I have done and what I need to do to all my automobiles is priceless. I don't rub that in mechanic's face though I exchange knowledge with them. The diagnosis computers are easier now than ever, and I can rent specialty tools.
A little rubbing alcohol or lighter fluid on a rag will take that leftover sticker off the dash real quick. Good vid wizard!
Twenty years later and this Focus looks great. Ford really knocked it out of the park with the Focus. If they still sold this model I would buy it over most of the stuff on the market today.
I had a Focus Sedan that I put the SVT shocks and springs on, since they're considerably stiffer than the regular ones and I wanted the improved handling. Those rear springs are very easy to replace if you know what you're doing; the "cup" shape of that control arm allows you to put a jack under the arm and take up the spring tension, undo the bolt from the arm to the knuckle, then very slowly let the jack down so the arm hinges on the subframe and the spring will be fully eased without slipping from the "cup" shape and you can casually reach in and take it out. Seems to be a common design on 21st century Ford small cars. You've got a cakewalk getting those parts in :)
I work on my own car for the experience as well. I just like to at least try to repair it. Also, lots of professional shop do sub par work and will never admit to doing any damage. I know the dirty secrets bad mechanics leave behind because I go behind them and see first hand what the pitfalls of a bad mechanic are.
No one is gonna be more careful with your car than you unfortunately. That’s why I try my best to just do it myself
Been trying to fix as much as possible on my car myself.Trying to save money.youtube is great for learning how to do these things.Done new starter motor,brake pads,oil change etc I'm in NZ,found some garages round here will rip you off.if I feel confident enough to do it myself,I will.
Utube has been fantastic to share knowledge on repairs. I do those I can but now that I am older with a bad back, I use mechanics more. The great thing is I generally know what the repair needed is and how it is done even if I can't do it. I recall bringing a Mercedes S class with a non working window in and telling them it needed a software update. They looked at me like I was crazy but I knew they would replace the switch, then the motor before they got to that and it would cost me $500K extra. They did the software update and it was fixed for no cost.
this is why i pick and choose what i do myself. I look up the job that needs to be done and i do it if it's in the realm of my ability to do it, anything that appears more involved and i'll take it to a shop. It's why with the wheel bearing, for example, if i can only find a replacement in kit form i'll take it to the shop, if it comes as an assembly i'll do it myself.
You say that you are not angry that he started it, but all the time you talk about how we shouldn't try to fix it. I had one in 2001. I fixed everything until it had problems with overheating. I couldn't go any further, so I sold it. And I am 73 years old
I had a very reputable mechanic in Santa Cruz that was also a county ombudsman. He gave special attention to seniors keeping their vehicles not always 100% repaired when he knew they couldn't afford it, but running and safe. I also did a lot of repair to my 1989 Jeep Wrangler, but since he was literally across the street I had him do the lube and oil changes (when it needed it he also put in a new clutch). He would actually give me advice on repairing some issues he run across during the oil changes. A really great and honest guy.
Oh man it brings me back. I had an 03 focus as my first car, saw an SVT in my local scrapyard and raided the interior and swapped it into mine. I now have a 2010 with a stick shift as my winter beater, I've owned two first gen focus' they are such great cars
Edit: I've sold the 2010 and now own a ZX4 ST. Closest thing to an SVT. I still maintain these cars are criminally under-rated.
Jealous I'd kill for a svt interior 😂😂
@leviathan9399 I made a killing selling the gauge cluster haha
A factory service manual will detail what is needed for most repairs. Make sure you get the factory manual not an aftermarket manual. Be aware the factory manual like many other good tools are expensive. You can pay for a lot of tools by doing doing the repairs and maintenance on your cars.
This is the most crucial advice for the vehicle owner! Since my first new vehicle I have always bought the factory service manual.
I had the 02 version SVT and it was so much fun. Great car.
Those are great cars. It still is one of the favorite cars I have ever owned. The steering is immaculate in these cars. Good engine too.
Indeed. I miss my old '01 ZX3, which had a lot of nice mods back in the day. 2L Zetec w/ a 5-spd. When lowered, they're a real blast to drive! The only major fault I found was with the 5 speed trans, the 3rd gear syncro's always went out on me, probably from racing around & shifting like a jackass. Lol
After owning a focus ST from 15-21 I really wanted to pick one of these up for the focus nostalgia, but they're #1 incredibly hard to find and #2 when you find a nice one that's been well kept, its also in nice car territory price wise that demolishes the svt in every department.
@@R3TR0R4V3 I don't know much about the ZX3. The SVT has a 6 speed.
@@R3TR0R4V3 The ZX3 was a real sleeper. Great value for a FWD performance car.
@@sophisticated SVT was just a special version of the regular ZX3 hatchback. They came in auto & 5 speed manuals. Couple different engines too, the poopy 1.9L CVH split port injection engine & of course the DOHC 2.0L Zetec-E. The SVT was just a hopped up version of the later, the Zetec-R, which had about 40hp more.
Have ST170’s (Right hand drive SVT) The big thing I found out about was that they need a 2lb force timing tensioner instead if the stock 1lb. Sonicsvt put me onto Five acre Focus in USA who sells the springs to suit Continental tensioner. OEM part is discontinued. I pulled my trans months ago for clutch and have been rained out so car is in pieces and I really should have out the bolts etc i marked ziplock bags😂😂😂 Super fun cars, exceptional steering and handling. Still daily MK1’s and the cars have help up well. No plastic has cracked but some clear coat has tarnished.
I owned a the same model from new until 2020 and finally traded it in with 175,000 miles on the clock. It was a great car until the end when the clutch and alternator failed at the same time. I did a majority of the work on my own as far as regular maintenance but had a mechanic do the suspension, alternator and clutch. I know when I have reached my limit for mechanical knowledge and the equipment needed to repair this car. At my age I do little to none of my own maintenance beyond an oil change. I don't have a lift and just don't feel like doing the hard work required anymore. I prefer to pay for the service these days. Thanks for another great video.
I can tell the wizard isn't angry because of how many times he says he isn't angry 🤣
Thankfully, the mechanic near me is tolerant. I've done a few things myself. Once I did take it back to him and having done my own work cost me an extra $90 with him. He didn't get upset or gloat. I didn't squawk at the extra money. He's up front. I'm up front. Sometimes I use someone else, but do so respectfully. It works out.
I have an 07 focus with a 5 speed manual transmission, it has 273k miles on it, it's fun to drive. I love that SVT Focus
I always thought these were pretty simple to work on for a shade tree mechanic like myself. Fun little cars and they are everywhere.
Don't underestimate a good mechanic. He/She is not just some dumb grunt wearing overalls. You're not just paying for their labor. You're paying for their knowledge, expertise, and sometimes their specialized tools as well. Much appreciation to the Car Wizard for truly being worth every penny he charges.
It's good that the customer stopped when the Reality Light came on: I'm at my limit of competence and tools. The Wiz is right, the needed review of customer work adds to the completion cost and it may be a toss up in this case whether or not the owner saved any money with the DIY. My experience has been that if I need new tools, or have any question whatsoever about the R/R process, I'm far better off paying the experienced and equipped mechanic to handle it.
I have a great local shop. A few times they've given me a loaner vehicle when things took longer than expected. I flushed my minivan radiator over the summer with a rust removing flush. Had to remove the thermostat because the rusty sludge clogged it. After two flushes, and draining the radiator each day and adding a gallon of distilled water, I had the cooling system a lot cleaner. They asked about the thermostat and said "You could reinstall it." I read a lot about air bleeding challenges with cooling systems so I was happy to pay the pros.
This customer hasn’t upset me I just keep bringing it up 😂😂😂😂😂😂
I completely understand that statement and feeling you get exactly after you get a car back that someone has tried to attempted to fix. Like you said it is like flipping a coin and the way that it could go is completely unexpected sometimes. The part that you said about them costing more money and creating more work is 100 percent true and a lot of people who are not mechanically inclined or ruined parts, fasteners, bushings, etc. Fine line when you are warranting your work and you have to include their work or mistakes into the job at hand just complicated your time and work that much more. I have been in the business as you have for almost 37 years now and with the changing of everything and the amount of new tools you have to by month by month or week by week it is not only expensive, labor intensive sometimes, and the keeping up with the technology in the past two plus decades is a enormous learning and endeavor/time intensive alone today. Great afternoon to you and the Wizard family.
He needed to use spring compressor tool on rear to get it off. He should of just used the original SVT ford performance kit. So he didn’t have to mess with the springs. Only know because I’ve owned one lol
One tool I "discovered" is the air hammer. I don't know how many times it has helped me get stuff apart!
There’s nothing wrong with telling your mechanic that you will fix it yourself… I have a local mechanic that I use for repairs all the time, but when he quotes me some repairs and I realize I just can’t afford it, I tell him I’ll fix it myself. There’s no problem with that? On my bmw 335i I’ve replaced all the motor mounts, struts, control arms / tie rods, AC compressor, alternator, oil filter housing gasket, valve cover, the list goes on. I do the work myself on that car, but on my 06 Mazda 6 I have my mechanic do it because it’s a lot less labor. We have a great relationship and has never been disrespected when he quotes me a price I can’t afford. That’s just life.
True, ive gone to same mech for 5 yrs now qnd even he sometimes suggests i could repair somethings myself if i wanted to save money.
Svts are rare gems in great condition
Had a Ford Focus SVT with a no start condition. Upon scanning here is my diagnostic process -
Key on, scan all parameters, hear fuel pump prime but the
FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR on the rail went from reading 0psi (verified fuel pressure) to 5000+ psi on the scan tool (broked)
Replaced fuel pressure sensor and was able to get the car running and poorly.
Found that the oil and coolant was mixed. Few weeks go by, and I have finally replaced the blown head gasket, swapped in ford coolant and lots of maintenance items etc....
start it up and its running on three cylinders
replaced the plugs, wires, and coil, and finally! It runs on all four cylinders!
Test drive goes not so well. Slow as a dog. Ended up having to retime the car three times to finally get it correct without timing correlation codes. This was with the correcting timing belt kit.
Pay close attention to the soft touch of a seasoned mechanic on the variable intake cam gear. Hard stop means you'll be timing it wrong.
Second test drive.... better, but no power anywhere.
Scan for codes - Get the code for variable intake manifold - stuck open.
Remove IMRC control box in the fender, remove circuit board, found the Schottky diode is burned up. It's easily a 5amp diode. Replace at will. After replacing the circuit board, then ...
FINALLY!!!!!!
I was able to experience all 170hp. It is truly a fantastic engine from the likes of Ford, SVT, and the input from Cosworth on the cylinder head. Awesome unspoken competitor to the Honda B series!
The tough part with these is the bolts get fuzed with the bushings in the rear lower control arms. Most of the time you are better off just cutting the bolts off and slapping in New lower control arms. It's not too bad if you get it on jack stands, take the outer bolt out with a jack under it and slowly release the spring. I have also gotten away with using a spring compressor kit and leaving the control arms alone. Sweet cars if mine hadn't been smashed up I'd probably still have it. I did a complete part out. I had a 2003 5 door. CD silver with blue seats.
The reason I use the shop I do is that he puts an 18 month "craftsmanship" warranty on all his shop's work. He likes me because I take my vehicles to him exclusively and just say, "Call me when it's done.". Being on a fixed budget, sometimes we talk about prioritizing fixes, but they all get done.
No, you take it to the shop because you've never turned a wrench in your life. What was the point of you leaving your comment in the first place? It has nothing to do with the topic.
Yeah, Journey. You know all. I bow before your omnipotence. I fully admit that modern passenger vehicles (for a lot of maintenance) are above my skill level. However, I have busted a knuckle or 2 in my day. Enough to know the limitations that I have. Anything else you would like to show your ass on?
Just for S & G, show what you have invested in so the regular customer can get an idea...
Explain that there are special tools for different models, with different engines, and, sometimes the special tool only works for one year model vehicle...
Diagnostic equipment is especially underrated by customers as well as the knowledge base that is associated with running the tool to just FIND the problem...
I imagine that your $100K comment was low...by a lot...
Nice car 🚙, Over here in the UK 🇬🇧 it was one of the best selling cars back in the day and the best driving too 👍🏼
Yes sold as the ST170. A good looking fast ford hatchback.
SVTF all suffer from warped intakes at the throttle body and the iac boss. Remove and file flat. Replace the gaskets at the tb, iac, and intake to head. Replace the vacuum lines. Don't forget the pcv hose coming out of the back of the intake. Collapse when old. Will be open cold and function properly but when hot will collapse.
I have really started to appreciate Mrs. Wizards reviews. It's a nice addition to the mechanical aspect.
I ran into the issue on my Focus that the lower control arms wouldn't come off after 3 years in the rust belt. I eventually got it safely apart and back together, but the owner was smart to stop where he did. These 1st gen Focus models are fine handling cars that are durable, and this one is clean after 20 years on the road.
I have a 2005 Focus wagon with 153k miles and it runs beautifully. I do need to change the motor mounts, but that's easy with these cars. I change the oil every 3k miles, as well. I also have a 2014 Expedition with the 5.4 that I bought bought used. So far no issues and I change the oil on that every 2500 miles. We only put 5k miles on it a year.
My local Chrysler dealer wasn't able to diagnose an intermittent low brake pedal on my 2011 Grand Caravan. A shop on UA-cam had the same problem with the same car. One of the rear calipers had a defective piston causing it to go out of adjustment at times. I changed both rear calipers and problem solved.
I can't fiqure out how the customer did the fronts , but gave up on the back. Every car I've worked on is rear suspension relatively easy , fronts less easy. At my tool repair place we see this all the time , give a quote, customer says no, week later tool comes back in pieces. We charge 2x the labor to fix it cause we don't know what the hell he did.
I work on my own cars too but without access to a lift I can only do so much. Anything more then suspension or engine work and tires, to the mechanic it goes!
There are people who cook, there are people who repair your plumbing there are people who repair your electric wiring and then there are people who change your upper wishbone bushing. If i could do everything i would be god and very bored.
I had one of these and the only problem I ever had was the alternator. It literally only comes out one way and you have to turn the alternator to that one perfect way to get it out, or move the engine forward after taking the bolts of the motor mount. I lowered mine as well, and the rear shocks are easy but springs are a pain to get out.
I have an 05 st with 2.3, the supposed successor to the SVT and I love it....its got 193k miles and just minor issues...
I've always wanted to drive one of these, I owned a 03 Mini S which shares the same gearbox with these, loved that manual.
i drove a regular version for some time, lovely car, the handling and steering are very nice….
The Focus platform is very easy to work on. Those rear springs don't even need a spring compressor. The arms barely hold them in. Typically you want to lift the car then support the control arm under the spring bucket. I use a floor jack to support it. Take the outer bolt out then slowly lower the jack. Most of the time the arm pops down with very light force. Some times I've had to hit it with a hammer to lossen it up. Putting it back in place is the reverse. Use the jack to push the arm back into position. These aren't like Strut springs where you must use a spring compressor. But yeah if you are not comfortable with the job take it to a professional.
You’re absolutely right. They won’t make them like this ever again. Mine won’t die after 13 years of my torture but I keep it in shape lol great daily
@@2URLex my 13 Focus ST shares alot of suspension bits with my 05 ZX4. Tobad we don't get the new Focus.
@@UnfocusedRacing very sad indeed but I’ll never let mine go now lol it’s been too good to me.
I’ve owned a 00 focus zx3. The rear unless he was having issues getting bolts broke free is way easier than the front. All you do is jack up the rear put two Jack stands in the middle section, take the Jack put some pressure on the lower control arm, zip the lower shock bolt off and slowly lower the control arm off the Jack. The springs on the SVT are shorter than ZX3 so they should come out easy.
Your experience is what makes these videos worth watching.
I’ve had to change mechanic a few times over the years because of moving. I’ve usually found that if you pay a mechanic for their time it won’t piss them off so you can still get good service in future. I don’t understand why so many people complain about paying a man for his time.
I was just in this same scenario. My door no longer opened from the inside or out as the door lock actuator broke inside. It was a $200 part to replace so I wanted to do it myself. I tried to disassemble the door panel to get the door open but couldn't get one of the screws out without damaging it so I took it to the shop.
$700 out the door with no damage to the door panels and I have a working door and the outstanding recall addressed.
They are called an ST170 in the UK. The duratec engine has some nice parts inside it
It's a good step 1 for at home mechanics. Generally speaking if it jumps and starts and stays on, it's the battery. If you can jump it, it starts and it goes weak then dies it's the alternator, if it doesn't start at all even when being jumped, it's usually the starter.
I had a 2001 Focus ZTS with a 5 speed. Great car! I sold it at 220k miles and it was still going strong.
I had a 2005 Ford Focus ZX5 SES one for almost 7 years. I was in a bad car accident over 10 1/2 years ago. It was a good little car. It was in light green color.
Okay, okay, I have been working on my cars for the past 20 years and I am going to admit, that due to lack of tool and equipment I can't do certain jobs, like manual transmission work. I've done suspension work, that would have been an easy job if you have jack stands and a good quality jack. Smart for this owner to know where his limitations are.
I check UA-cam videos to check if I can do the repair. Usually the mechanic is best. Had an 05 focus zx3. Best car and fun to drive. 265,000 miles no problems!
Another great video wizard I actually have a 2003 Ford focus ZX3 that the door handle quit working I pulled it all apart and tried to figure out what the problem was I did it twice and still couldn't figure it out so I took my car to one of my local mechanics really really nice guy he actually met me in the driveway and he had it back together for me and probably a couple hours and he didn't charge me that much to put it back together but you're right respect is everything and if you don't give respect you're not going to get respect back
All 3 mechanics in my town or either dishonest or incompetent or both. So my only choice is to work on my car myself, or drive 15 miles to another town which has a good mechanic. So sad that there are very few mechanics like car wizard, mechanics who are honest, and actually diagnose the problem rather than just throwing parts at the car.
Thanks Mr & Mrs Long.......l had a great friend growing up in the late 1940's his name was Dana Long ans we went to Vietnam together ..
He went into the Air force and l went into the Navy as a Navy F-4 Phantom fighter pilot.....We both lived to come home...
Shoe🇺🇸
I do my own work and take it in. It depends on my available time often. I will research the work to be done and if I think it is not safe for me to do I take it in as well. I never go to a pro unless I intend to use them. I may walk away if I know they are BSing me as I most likely know what the problem is. I did this with a center carrier bearing for a driveshaft. I was able to figure it all out, but was never going to be able to press it as needed, took it to the shop they diagnosed the same issue and fixed it. I like to do the work as I find it enjoyable, hence why I am very slowly building a kit car.
A lot of folks complaining about shop prices, especially dealers, is accurate. However, a lot also don’t take in account the overhead for these facilities. You got master techs, writers, parts guys, misc services to repair shop equipment, power bill, water bill, etc. To stay open, someone has to cover the high cost of business these days. It’s not so much as they’re trying to burn as much as it is they’re tying to stay open.
💯 correct on this video. Before any job on your vehicle you gotta to. 1: do your homework on the job at hand. 2: find out if you have the tools to do the job. 3: if the person has the skill level to do the job. As a technician myself, all tho I'm not working in the dealership world anymore. When it comes time for my timing chain, chin guides, and both VVT gears to be changed on my 2014 Nissan altima. I going to take it to the Nissan dealership. I don't have enough knowledge on that type of engine to do the work on like I do my 2000 Trans am. Much faster to take my altima to the Nissan dealership and they can knock it all out in 4 hours
While my wife has a fairly new vehicle and gets almost all its work done by a pro, I purposely get older (mid 90s or earlier) vehicles for myself so I can do at least some of the work. Partly to save money, partly to learn and have the satisfaction of doing it myself. Getting harder to find a good, reliable shop. One I used for years apparently had some major talent drain, and performed very poorly the last couple times I used them. More "tire changers" and fewer experienced techs.
I would like to say, the reason I did my own work for the past decade was, any shop in the area I was living at, would screw up repairs constantly. I had 2 different brake shops screw ip break installs, I had an engine shop put a head gasket on backwards, and destroy the exhaust, the same shop took over a year to replace the heads on that truck.