Ford Focus dual mass flywheel failure

The dual mass flywheel on my Focus 2002 TDCi 68k miles is failing. My very experienced mechanic estimates at least £800+ to repair, but advises against this route as diesel fuel pumps are known to fail at any time, requiring a complete new system to be fitted - which he says he cannot do as the car needs to be sent away to specialists with the associated costs, est £2000+.
It seems he is suggesting against having the DMF work done and scrapping a perfectly good and reliable car which I much enjoy driving and suits our needs - 2/3 motorway journeys 1/3 local - nothing under a 13 mile short run.
Your thoughts on this would be much appreciated as I am very torn as to what to do. Our annual careful mileage is 6k and we get approx 55 mpg from this superb Focus.

Asked on 2 July 2015 by Roger

Answered by Honest John

Your mechanic is right. Replacing the DMF is a gamble because the car is only worth about £1000 at best. He thinks it would be more sensible to replace it with a newer car. But that is going to cost you a lot more and, if you stick with diesel, may bring you a lot more problems. So you are between the rock and the hard place of maybe having to spend £800 - £2500 fixing a £1000 car you like, or spending £10,000 or more replacing the £1000 car with something with a petrol engine.

Tags: dual mass flywheel repairs owning

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