My Focus 1.6 Zetec is just about 3 years years old, 33,000 miles and due it's first MOT and 3 year service.
From what I can gather the 3rd service is classed as 'major' and includes change of plugs.
For the second service which appears just to be changing oil & filter and checking/topping up of fluids I just took it to a local indepependant (not ford specialist) and he seemed to do an ok job at an ok price.
I'm minded to use an independant again but was wondering if any special kit is needed for the servicing, in particular a diagnostic computer.
If so, should I be able to find an independant with the required equipment and what should I ask him.
Thanks in Advance
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L4C
I have a 1999 Mondeo, which has just had it's 90k mile service. For the last 6 services I have used a local independent. For the 90k I wanted to save money, the car is now worth little and will be worth almost nothing in 2 years time with 140k miles, so I reckon a dealer SH is less important, so I decided to try doing the service myself. I have serviced several other cars in the past but had shyed away from newer cars.
I read the handbook throughly and made a comprehensive list of jobs due. I was surprised how striaghtforward everything was. Certainly no need for specialist equipment. To cut my answer short - no, use the independent if you trust them. Just make sure they use the correct Ford-specified 5W30 oil.
Andy
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For a service the Ford Main Dealers don't connect your car to the diagnostic computer. They only do that when you actually report that something is wrong.
If I were you I'd stick with the independent that you're happy with and save some money. They probably do a better job, anyway!
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I had a Focus 1.6 zetec until recently.As it was a import it had one years gurantee.As a result I used a local indie for my second and third services.I won t have to worry about the fourth as I have sold it.It did not affect the px value that it was not main dealer-its the stamp in the book and a itemised bill works wonders.The third service is oil and filter,air filter plugs and the checking of brakes plus a few checks.I saved more money by getting my oil GTX magnetec 5w whatever from Makro for about £12.00 inc VAT.At Halfords it was over £22 for the same stuff and my indie would have charged £25.The srvice cost me about half of a main dealer.Work it out for yourself.
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My local Ford main dealer sells 5 litre cans of Ford Formula E 5W-30 for £17.59. Not as cheap as Makro, but it's still a reasonable price for the Ford-approved product.
Ian
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Thanks for the feedback.
I've booked in with a local independent for next week.
He's quoted me 145 quid for the service and MOT together which sounds good to me. He also said he had the diagnostic kit.
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