2000 focus ztec 100,000

[nomadford]

hi guys.
i'm a complete noob when it comes to car mechanics but i love fords, i drive a 2000 focus ztec with 100,000 on the clock and i just had the cam belt and water pipes replaced but now it looks like the head gasket is gone down the drain, was just wondering is it easier/ cheaper in the long run to replace and repair or would it be better to buy a newer car, i found a 2002 mondeo for a good price. also when i get above 30 a start to hear a weird buzzing sound but it goes when i turn left

[Sponsor]

[miazda]

They don't blow HGs that frequently, unless overheated. Was that why the "water pipes" were replaced? The focus' have pretty low operating costs, but so does a mondeo I hear (I'm a yank, but a big ford of europe fan). All depends on your situation. Are you sure you have a blown head gasket? Might be worth getting a second opinion as there may be air trapped in the system from replacing parts of the cooling system.

[nomadford]

well water tank has oil mixing in with the water but when i checked the oil it was still fine so i just dunno the mondeo i found was for 1895 with 76,000 on the clock which i thought was a good deal plus a i right in thinking that when now i've hit 100,000 the problems are gonna start building up and up?

[miazda]

I would probably flush the coolant. Change the oil. And then keep a close eye on it. If the hg is truly blown replace it. 100k miles isn't a lot for modern cars, especially if you maintain them well.

And honestly the mile difference between the two isn't that large and presumably you have some history with this car vs an unknown.

[amc49]

If the Mondeo is ATX and it is the CD4E, I'd be running the other way, CD4E's are known for blowing up without warning here in Contours, what usually puts the car in the scrapyard as the zetec engines don't break. The blowup usually way too expensive to even think about repairing.

If your car ATX, sure you don't have transmission fluid leak into radiator? many use an intercooler to cool tranny fluid, if cracked or corroded inside they can leak oil, see if any oil on trans dipstick.

You do not mention the car overheating, zetec generally does not blow head gasket at all without help from the driver................