Should the garage change my Ford Focus timing belt?

Hi, I very recently bought a 2008 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi with 94k miles on the clock. I asked the garage where i purchased it from about the timing belt and for them to replace it. They said I had "30k or 40k miles left" before it needs doing and wouldn't entertain my request to get it changed. Can you give me some information about when it needs doing or about what mileage I should get it checked out at?

Thanks in advance.

Therese Norton (Offaly)

Aug 2015 Filed under: servicing

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Expert answer

Hi Therese,

Ford's official guidelines for that car are 125,000 miles or 10 years, so the garage is perfectly in its rights to refuse to do the work. Personally speaking, I'd get it done a little earlier than the manufacturer says, say 115,000 miles or so.

Hope that helps

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D