Ford Focus ZX3 camshaft belt

Asked by Kyle Nov 18, 2014 at 06:39 PM about the 2003 Ford Focus ZX3

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have an 03 FFZX3 that I bought used with approx 125K miles. The maintenance
book from Ford suggests that at 120k the camshaft belt should be replaced. The quote
I got from a local Ford dealership, parts and labor included (they suggested I should
change the water pump at the same time, which seemed reasonable) was over
$1500.00!! The car is in excellent condition and runs well, and I would like to keep it as
long as possible, but I only paid $4500.00 for it. $1500 seems excessive for a drive
belt. So here are my questions:

1) Is there any indication beforehand that a camshaft belt is going to break?
2) Is it common for FFZX3 camshaft belts to ever break?
3) If the camshaft belt breaks during operation, does it do any other damage to the
engine, or will I just be out the $1500.00 (plus the price of a tow)? In other words,
should I just drive the car until (if ever) the belt breaks?
4) Is this a reasonable price? I have the parts/price list if that helps.

Thanks!

3 Answers
143,785

T_S_T answered 9 years ago

#1)No,it could happen at any time ,,with no warning,if belt has more than 100000 mile,s on it.#2)Yes,it happen,s more often if not replaced.#3)If timing belt break,s it will cause damage to the head more than likely,and turn 1500,into 3000.#4)At a dealer this is about the right price,but if you know of a good non dealer mechanic ,you may save a little,but find one that is reputable.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
75

anyname answered 9 years ago

Are you mechanically inclined, if so there are videos on you tube that shows how to do it. I did mine , not that bad

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Ford Focus ZX3 camshaft belt 3 Answers

    I have an 03 FFZX3 that I bought used with approx 125K miles. The maintenance book from Ford suggests that at 120k the camshaft belt should be replaced. The quote I got from a local Ford dealership,...

    2003 Ford Focus ZX3

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 5 Answers

    I have a 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 hatchback we changed out fuel pump cuz car wouldn't start ran fine all day the next day my car died again like it was starving for gas or air so we changed the fuel fi...

    2001 Ford Focus ZX3

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2000 ford focus zX3 1 Answer

    I just purchased a 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 and the stereo has been stolen out of the car it was an aftermarket stereo and after it was stolen the car would not want to start I have a karr alarm system....

    2000 Ford Focus ZX3

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2000 ford focus zx3 5speed 1 Answer

    i have a 2000 ford focus zx3 5speed manual and sometimes the car works good but sometimes it will not rev past 4000rpm. sometimes it will sometimes it wont its sounds like the revlimiter but its not i...

    2000 Ford Focus ZX3

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Afford focus zx3 windshield 1 Answer

    Are the windshields in a ford focus zx4 and a ford focus zx3 interchangeable.

    2003 Ford Focus ZX3

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Focus

Looking for a Used Focus in your area?

CarGurus has 491 nationwide Focus listings starting at $2,995.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Ford Focus Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Savoy_1800
    Reputation
    3,260
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    2,570
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,380
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Fiesta
6 Great Deals out of 167 listings starting at $4,222
Used Honda Civic
188 Great Deals out of 4,039 listings starting at $2,530
Used Ford Mustang
30 Great Deals out of 1,599 listings starting at $7,999
Used Toyota Corolla
148 Great Deals out of 2,252 listings starting at $3,495
Used Ford Escape
142 Great Deals out of 4,168 listings starting at $2,999
Used Honda Accord
49 Great Deals out of 976 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 1,088 listings starting at $2,500
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
19 Great Deals out of 484 listings starting at $5,975
Used Ford F-150
303 Great Deals out of 13,538 listings starting at $3,888
Used Mazda MAZDA3
74 Great Deals out of 1,319 listings starting at $2,995
Used Nissan Altima
31 Great Deals out of 665 listings starting at $1,995
Used Hyundai Elantra
155 Great Deals out of 3,061 listings starting at $1,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.