Hi All,

My car, a Ford Focus Hatchback 2003 1.8 TCDi, got the timing belt broken 2 days ago. I was driving slowly in a rough road, then I heard a click and bum, died. The mechanic had changed the service/serpentine belt 5 days earlier, and I told him to check the timing belt as well, and he said me it was ok..do you think it is possible that a mechanic checks the timing belt, he says it is ok and then after 5 days it gets broken?! However, I was wondering if the car has an interference or non-interference engine, because I know in the latter case the damages are less.

He has still to check which are the damages, and in the meantime I am considering different solutions. I spent 500€ in the car 5 days ago, servicing it, changing the serpentine belt, tyres and other things and it is a pity I have to throw it away. The car is still good but the engine, at the same time, has 220.000 kms..what do you suggest me to do? To repair it? Installing a new engine? Buying a new car?


Thanks a lot,