Ford Focus Engine Management problem, fix or get rid?

[maidforyou]

Hi, new to this so please bare with me!
Have had nothing but trouble with my Ford Focus, 03 reg since i bought it on finance from a dealership. It first cut out about 9 months and the garage where i bought it charged me �200 to put new cat converter on, When i took it to a different garage for its mot a year after buying it he kept it in as it had excessive engine noise. It was in that garage for 3 months and i was charged �2000 for a new engine. 3 months later, whilst driving down south the engine reved, and the car lost power. The engine had to be replaced again - this time it was free as the engine was still under warranty but now they have told me they cant guarantee it again and advised me to get rid of the car. He thinks its something to do with the engine management system but he cant find the cause. My question is do i go to another garage and get them to fix the engine management system or do i part ex? I still have �5,000 outstanding finance on the car and cannot afford to up my monthly payments. It has cost me �2,500 in repairs up to now and im scared this will go on forever. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

[maidforyou]

Also, can i sell a car privately with outstanding finance on it? thanks

[TWR]

Hi, What you have done here is to let the dealer where you bought it get away with selling you a car that was in my opinion not fit for the purpose, I take it you never had a person that had Mech knowledge with you? this is where a lot of people slip up why they do this I will never know, 9months is obvisoly a long time after, I would contact your Finance comp state what you have said on here show If need be the receipts for the work done to the car, they might listen but I have my doubts, the last I can suggest is for the Fiance Comp take the car back

[TWR]

As regards selling in on, No it is still the property of the finace comp.

[tonyav]

you could ask the finance company for a settlement figure and then if you could sell the car for that figure you could then settle with the finance company.

[maidforyou]

Hi, thanks for that i think that is a good option as it wouldnt be fair to part ex etc as someone else will only end up with it also as part ex will only give me �2,400, i still will have to put �2,600 on top of any car i refinance and to be honest ive totally lost faith in car dealerships.

[markh1972]

thats a shame and its probably put you off focus's for life but normally(and ive had 3 and still got one) there pretty rock solid sounds like youve had a badden

[maidforyou]

Yes i would never have a focus again or buy a car on finance! My previous cars have all been second hand which i paid cash for and never had any trouble with any of them. I was just unlucky i know, as i had heard focus were good reliable cars which was why i bought it in the first place. Ive just bought a P reg Mazda for �795 and am going to ring the Finance Company tomorrow to ask them to take the car.

Thankyou for all your comments, it has helped me decide what to do.