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Need advice: Repair transmission, head gasket, and power steering?
Ok, need advice on what to do. My 2001 Focus is falling apart :) It leaks power steering fluid somewhere (can't tell where). It slowly looses coolant (have to fill up the overflow about once a month). When fixing my exhaust the other day, I noticed that it looks like the coolant is leaking out the exhaust!? I'm guessing it's a head gasket problem. And I just noticed that transmission is starting to slip when changing gears. My car has got about 120,000 miles on it.
Anybody have any idea about how much it would cost to get these things repaired? Would it be better to just to have the whole engine and transmission replaced with low-mileage or refurbished ones? Or, would I be able to get a used car with significantly lower mileage for about the same cost as the repairs?
I've already put some money in it when I had the brakes, drums, wheel bearing, ABS sensor, and tires replaced. It's kind of pissing me off, because I just moved, don't have access to a garage or tools to do any work myself, and I'm really tight on money (because I just moved). Maybe if I keep on having it repaired, it'll be like a new car, LOL.
4 Answers
- fuzzylogic_y2kLv 610 years agoFavorite Answer
You are looking at about $4k to rebuild the engine, transmission and replace whatever is leaking in the power steering. 3/4ths of that is in labor.
If you own it outright, I would try and trade it in as the down payment on another car before the symptoms get worse!
- Anonymous10 years ago
replacing the transmission will cost about $1500-2500, the head gasket is going to be at least $1000, and the power steering should be a few hundred. most cars around $4000 are fairly decent, but usually will have more miles than your Focus does. however, Focuses(Foci?) really aren't that good in the long run and you're probably better off with something more reliable like a Civic or an Impreza.
- Anonymous10 years ago
the head gasket is fairly easy to replace and alot cheaper then a new motor . a new head from ford and all the gaskets and head bolts cost me about 800 on my 2000 focus and try changing the trans filter but keep 2 quarts of the old fluid to reuse . so 2 quarts old and 3 new for trans . then change your coolant and oil then it should be a great car for years to come
- Anonymous10 years ago
You are right you need your gasket replaced.I am not sure how much it will cost you but even if you had tools you can't fix it by yourself unless you have experience.
