I am a total no-expert on cars, have a Ford Fiesta Finesse semi-automatic 2003 (1388 cc). After I bought it the engine gave up ('spur in the 2nd coil') - replaced at garage, £220. This was in December last year and they said they had a rough look at it on my request and said there was nothing wrong as far as they could see. Still felt engine has some difficulty with getting into gear (speeding up, especially after slowing down and not getting into proper gear and indeed with a nice-and-easy-driving style). Figured out it might be good to get it serviced, especially because of the sensation of another 'misfire' somewhere.
Serviced: new oil filter, air filter, pollen filter and new anti freeze al together £185. Happy all is checked and ok.
Now they found 'core plugs leaking in cylinder head, filling spark plug tubes - require replacing. Spark plugs supposed to cost £20... need two, total cost of replacement: £90! Are this reasonable prices? Thanks heaps

Aidan, March 2012

Hi Bob, thanks for your answer, the replacements of the core pluges etc took them, according to their first calculation 2.5 hours (!!!), this was than soon adjusted to about 1.5 hours, saving me about £55 (still had to pay £111). Not sure if I will return to that garage... Cheers!

Aidan, March 2012

if the coil pack is not a good quality one they can soon break down .no one would fit two spark plugs always all four .now core plugs you would fit those which are faulty if you need head off to do them you would fit any more that size and check the rest while you can get at them.if you get leads and plugs at ford they will be about £40 and are not bad to fit about 15 mins. core plugs takeor so as long as it takes can be a big job but k seal a radiator additive will seal them for 12 months or so temporary

bob, March 2012