Ok, I'm 17, parents just got me an 2003 Focus SVT for 11,800 with 47k miles. I messed up the clutch and fly wheel so its in the shop now($1100). They want to get rid of it for something simpler but I am telling them no. Any arguements I could tell them to persuade them not to try and sell it?

Less complicated...like what a skateboard? Last time I checked all cars have problems. The clutch may very well have been worn anyways.

How did you go about "messing them up"?

For one you can tell them there is a TSB on the clutch and fly wheel and they should fight paying the 1100. When that is upgraded you should not have this problem again. Save them money save your car.

dont forget to hit them with the saftey
front & side airbags, 4 wheel disc breaks, handels like a charm

show them some of the pics on this site of SVT's that have been rolled and the driver walks away with minor injury.

im sure your saftey is more important to them than the cost of upkeep

It's not uncommon for people new to driving a manual transmission to damage a clutch. You can point out that a new clutch won't have the faults of the OEM clutch, and that you're through the steep part of your learning curve. All this adds up to quitting right before you master the important skill of being able to drive any passenger car or truck.

Maybe you can also offer to co-pay 50% of the repair cost over the next 12 months?

All cars break. Just so happens yours did. What's to say a $500 car wouldn't need $1100 in work on it?

im with the safety issue, has a 5 star side and front rating and airbags all around, and all disc brakes, the svt is a very safe and fun car, also its rae and it holds its vaule very well[thumb]
also have you takin your mom/dad for a ride in it, not just a crusie to the grocery store, i mean a nice long twisty road? i bet your dad will love it, i knowmy dad did even tho mine was a sedan with svt kit[:D]

For one you can tell them there is a TSB on the clutch and fly wheel and they should fight paying the 1100. When that is upgraded you should not have this problem again. Save them money save your car.


I totally agree ^^^ The car you have now is almost always cheaper to fix.

Here's some info for the TSB, http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28760
Also, if you do a search on here for the clutch and flywheel, you'll find alot of info. Whoever you have doing the work, make sure they use the newer updated parts from the TSB and you shouldn't have anymore problems with it.

definitely get the recall!!! svt is too valuable just to give up for a not so fun car to drive! I wish i had an svt! but then again I wouldn't trade the focus for anything else in its price range anyways. Plus the clutch is a "wear and tear" problem, that's why they aren't offered in warranties! so tell your parents that it could happen in any car not just yours!

Hit them in the wallet; private party resale on the car should still be OK, but dealership trade-in value should be a shot in the pills (it was for me when I checked). These cars depreciate like mad, only way to get your money's worth out of it is to drive it for many a year.

That, and the rest of what they are saying. The reason I'm keeping it won't work (extolling its virtues as a communicative driver's car, the likes of which cannot be matched in the price range), but safety very well might. Dont stick to safety too much, they'll stick you in a Volvo [:)]

It's probably not the cost of the repair that's the problem... it's the cost of the insurance. You could offer to help pay for it.

What happened?

Here's some info for the TSB, http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28760
Also, if you do a search on here for the clutch and flywheel, you'll find alot of info. Whoever you have doing the work, make sure they use the newer updated parts from the TSB and you shouldn't have anymore problems with it.

Sorry for the stupid question, but I just don't understand how TSB works?? Is any SVTF eligible? Do I have to have an extended warranty or anything? Is it completely free?

I get to keep it for now, after a $1500 transmission fix. Parents still want to get rid of it for something else like a civic. I hate civics. lol

I hate civics. lol
NOT Si's! [nono]

drive it like you have to pay for it....
your lucky bro
got mommy and daddy to buy your car....

ya! tell 'em it's not reliable, and that a civic SI is the most reliable car on the market. That way you'll have a faster and better handling car ;)

Does the Si actually out perform in the handleing aspect?

Does the Si actually out perform in the handleing aspect?

If you magazine race them, I think it comes down to a slight advantage in outright grip and slalom speed for the SVT, but the numbers I saw may have been with A/S tires on the Civic. However, I'd place odds the LSD helps grip management nicely. Grip and handling are 2 different things, one is easy to measure, the other really is not.

Id still rather have an EAP SVT! Youre one lucky kid..

wow, that svt is going to get thrashed....sorry, but I know 17 yr olds beat the piss outta their cars (I was no exception)...and if not you, your friends will leave tons of trash in it and such, lol. Regardless, I hope you get to keep it because they are damn fun to drive.

Overall, I say just be glad your 'rents are hooking you up with any car...some of us had to buy our own cars from the get-go. Good luck

I just got a new clutch so im breaking it in... its so tempting but I keep it under control. And ya I am thankful my parents got it for me, gotta love them. So if they do make me get rid of it, the SI is a good replacement?

i dont think its a great replacment
but its a great car....
honda's are alot more reliable when it comes to being aggressive on your car...
and alot more fuel efficent than an svt

Well the theft rate for the focus is a lot less than a honda. I have a few people I know had there civics stolen. Haven't heard of a single focus from anyone I know. More reason to keep the SVTF.

I guess the dif between the way a 17 year treats their car is if they bought it or not. Me, I bought her on my own, so I wouldnt dream of beating my baby[driving]

wow, that svt is going to get thrashed....sorry, but I know 17 yr olds beat the piss outta their cars (I was no exception)...and if not you, your friends will leave tons of trash in it and such, lol. Regardless, I hope you get to keep it because they are damn fun to drive.

Overall, I say just be glad your 'rents are hooking you up with any car...some of us had to buy our own cars from the get-go. Good luck

I'm 22 and my friends still leave tons of trash in it [hatchet]

Ok, I'm 17, parents just got me an 2003 Focus SVT for 11,800 with 47k miles. I messed up the clutch and fly wheel so its in the shop now($1100). They want to get rid of it for something simpler but I am telling them no. Any arguements I could tell them to persuade them not to try and sell it?

You're better off getting rid of it, those things are nothing but one headache after another. [bigcry]

Hi guys,

I own an 05 ZX3, not an SVT but I've always loved them. That being said, everything I've read, car and Driver, Motor Trend has always rated the SVT much higher than the SI Civic, GTI Golf and Mini Cooper S. Which is a feat as both magazines are Honda lovers. So if I were you..I'd be looking for old copies of those mags with the comparisons and let your Dad read them...If that doesn't make him understand...nothing will!

I guess the dif between the way a 17 year treats their car is if they bought it or not. Me, I bought her on my own, so I wouldnt dream of beating my baby[driving]

trust me, just because my parents bought it for me doesnt mean I'm going to beat it up, it's the last thing they're buying me; now they expect me to get a job and go to college.

and thanks for all the input guys, appreciate it :)

parents just dont understand (fresh prince)

hey they are paying for it. all you do is say yes sir/mam or no sir/mam. if you are paying on the car. then it's definitely a different story. you are very lucky.
i started out with a 1973 ford escort GT when i was your age. i worked for mine.

I get to keep it for now, after a $1500 transmission fix. Parents still want to get rid of it for something else like a civic. I hate civics. lol

At that point ^^ they are just replacing one car for another. quite silly really. The best car is the one you are driving right now, as long as its not broken.

^^ true dat. could just be bad circustance. Honda's are known for their reliability and resale value, but I just have something against them...maybe too common or whatever. I am also not really huge on the new body style...they just look dumb.

Hold them at knife point and make them keep the SVT :)

hey they are paying for it. all you do is say yes sir/mam or no sir/mam. if you are paying on the car. then it's definitely a different story. you are very lucky.
i started out with a 1973 ford escort GT when i was your age. i worked for mine.

man thats weird, i didnt think they made an escort in 73 and i was gonna say something to you but then i looked it up on google.. they did! i had no idea. its actually a pretty cool car!

Dude, you're lucky for a number of reasons to be where you are at 17.
1. You're 17 and have your driver's license and a car - that's pretty darn good.
2. Your parents bought you a car, not just any car, but a nicer car than I have. (and I'm 24 and paying for the darned thing)
3. Your parents picked up the repair tab and didn't make you pay for it. That alone is pretty great.

A good number of us out here had to wait till we were 18 to get our license (damned parents grrrr), and had to pay for our own cars (damned parents again grrrr). Unfortunately, a very common thing that those of us who were in this position notice is that those who have nice cars that were bought for them by their parents *typically* don't take care of the car and beat the crap out of it. I don't know you, haven't seen how you drive or anything, so don't take it personally, it's just a common sight, and well, people will assume the worst. Prove us wrong.

I wish you the best with the focus. As for the clutch issue - it's normal for someone who is new to driving a car with a five speed to eat a clutch, and there is the known svt clutch issue. I hate to say it, but I am envious of your car - I have a bottom feeder 02 zx3. If I were your age, I'd be pretty darn thrilled to get any car given to me, an svt focus would be pretty awesome. (my first car was a ratty nasty 1989 Acura Integra that I bought for $950 (that was three months of my part time salary - was in college at the time))

id say just take it easy on the svt..
and youll be fine...
these cars are funny
treat her good most of the time
when u have too
shell be there for you when u need to power shift and just pull on some honda boys
(:
[nutkick] [nutkick] [nutkick] [nutkick] [nutkick]

I am taking care of the car nicely, I shift w/ the pedal all the way down.. not shifting above 3000 rpms, I don't let anyone eat in my car, fill it w/ premium, etc. One thing I'm not sure of is the smell. When driving it for a prolonged period of time, I pop the hood and get this smell that doesnt smell very pleasant, or like it should be there.. I'm pretty sure its NOT the clutch but I dunno, I'm babying the clutch so I duno. Anyone know what I'm smelling?

dead rat maybe? No it is just a high compression finely tuned motor...they burn hotter than your average bear.

so it's not my clutch, right?

You'd have to be a little more specific, if that's possible. There are a lot of smells a car can make. Clutch is a pretty particular smell, but unless you've smelled it before and known what it was you might not know. If its just a vague burnt smell, there are a few things that can be too.

you KNOW clutch.....dunno why, but you just know........especially if it lingers in the car for hours after.......like an airbag smell does.

a clutch smells like burnt metal. If you've smelled it before you will recognize it.

Resale value is important "only if" you resell it. The only reason to resell a car is if you don't need one. If you have a car, keep it. They are meant to be driven, not to appreciate in value ( only really rare and high demand cars do that). So, if you own the thing, keep it. Take care of it. Drive it nice. It'll last a long time.[thumb]

im glad you got to keep it-- my friends and parents have bitched at me for a couple of years trying to get me to get rid of my car because of the problems ive had in the past with my car and ford service department but i wont -- so stick to your guns---now i have hit a sweet spot with my car and its running like a champ--knock on wood[hihi]

Tell'em it's a VERY limited car. Why get rid of it?

trust me i told them all to shut the hell up--its my car its my money --and when my car is down or something i can always drive my gli--so its not like it inhibits my life or anything-- they just got sick of me bitching when it was broken--but its all good in the hood now-lol

Take them to church one sunday, put on their favorite Barry Manilow CD, make sure they smell how nice the leather smells and how practical your car will be when you go to college.

I am taking care of the car nicely, I shift w/ the pedal all the way down.. not shifting above 3000 rpms, I don't let anyone eat in my car, fill it w/ premium, etc. One thing I'm not sure of is the smell. When driving it for a prolonged period of time, I pop the hood and get this smell that doesnt smell very pleasant, or like it should be there.. I'm pretty sure its NOT the clutch but I dunno, I'm babying the clutch so I duno. Anyone know what I'm smelling?

I work for a Hyundai dealership, and what we have people come in here all the time complaining about the clutches being faulty in the 6 speed Tiburons, wanting them replaced under warranty when the car was bought brand new and now they have like 12k miles on the odometer and the clutch and flywheel are toast. Then they say something really convincing like "I've been driving a manual transmission since I was 16". That still doesn't mean they know what they're doing. A lot of people who think they know how to drive a manual transmission car really don't. You can be slipping the clutch more than you think you are, and it has nothing to do with engine RPMs or how far down you push the clutch pedal.

$1100 for a clutch repair...

Your argument is one of economics.

Assuming the car is paid for, an $1100 repair translates to $91 dollars per month over the course of a year. Something tells me that you could afford that. Offer to pay them $100 per month to keep the car and that you want to pay for the repair. Even if the car is not paid for, add that $91 bucks to your current payment and it is undoubtably lower than a lot of monthly car payments.

If you trade the car in, I guarantee you that the depreciation on the car is much worse than $1100. So, you'll be losing money not once, but twice. $1100 to fix the car plus the amount of depreciation. By unloading the car, you and your parents could be losing as much as $3000. So, it's not hard to see the logic in keeping the car.

The most economical solution is to keep the car, get some more practice with the manual tranny.

Quick tips on practice (you can do this on your own). When you get the car back, find a parking lot and just start and stop. Maybe shift into 2nd gear, but focus (pardon the pun) on starting and stopping. What you are trying to do is instill muscle memory. I would guess that right now, you are concentrating on "Clutch in, gas, ease out on the clutch - STALL" or "Clutch in, gas, ease out on the clutch - what the hell is that smell!?!?!?!"

In a parking lot, there are no hills, no traffic, no other distractions to get you flustered.

Another thing you can do and I would be shocked if your parents said no is enroll in the Street Survival Program that is sponsored by a number of car clubs aroud the country. It will teach you more about how to drive the manual tranny and car control than you would ever get from the public system or from your parents.

Check out the web site: http://www.streetsurvival.org/streetsurvival/

It's a great program. I'm an instructor in the Northern VA area and it is the best $60 you'll ever spend.

Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes.

One other thing...

The TSB on the clutch repair only applies if the car is in within the first 12 months of the original warranty period.

I went down that path with Ford and was not happy.

I asked "Why issue a TSB DURING THE WARRANTY?!?!?"

Frustrating...

You know...that street survival thing was interesting and i actually thought about attending. What made it even better was that there was a course in Edison so i'd be able to go easily. But then i read that it's only for licensed drivers 16-21 :( Kinda sucks...lol

Check with the local sponsoring club. Last year we had a couple of 23 year old students. I think the program is designed for HS and college aged kids. There is more flexibility than you think.

If you still can't get into the program, check out your local autocross. It's a great training ground.

Hey guys, as of now, I'm keeping it [thumb]. I havent been smelling anything lately and I am still breaking it in to 1000 miles, I'm at alittle more then 500 atm. And yea I'm going to help pay for the bill, it turned out being $1500 for the new clutch and flywheel and checkup. :(

but yeah thanks for all the support, I'm keeping it :)

Congrats !!! [woot]

Seriously, look into the street survival program.

Not only will you learn new skills, you'll come away with a new appreciation of the SVT.

Get a job, pay them back for the damages. It will show responsibility, they don't lose a penny and you keep your car.

Next time, talk to b16dir1991, that's mike, he can get you ford parts for CHEAP.

ouch 1500