[V8] Don't tell Audi . . .

[Mike Arman]

Since I bought some parts for another car from them, I am now getting the Rock Auto monthly
newsletter, which I sometimes even read.


This item just plain floored me.

If I read this correctly, an *air filter* for a 2005 to 2007 Ford Focus costs *$525.42*. No, that is 
not a typo.

Here's the pertinent section (and I have no affiliation with Rock Auto, I'm just an occasional 
customer).


> Dorman’s part number 258519, an air filter housing for the 2005 to 2007 Ford Focus, recently
> caught my attention. It demonstrates how tough it is to make predictions. Back in 2005, I could
> have stared under the hood of a new Ford Focus for a long time and would never have thought to
> look at the air filter housing. After all, the air filter housing on my ’86 Ford is still a fully
> functional plastic box after 26 years of use.
>
> Dorman decided it would be a good idea to offer a new air filter housing for the ’05 to ’07 Ford
> Focus because the original air filter housing is a completely sealed unit. It is impossible to
> simply open the box and change the air filter. Why Ford chose to do it this way is a bit of a
> mystery. I asked at a Ford dealer’s service department and they presented it as a benefit: “You
> never have to change the air filter on that car.”
>
> Searching through Ford Focus enthusiast forums, one explanation I saw was that Ford wanted the
> Focus to be classified as a partial zero emissions vehicle (PZEV) in California. Those rules
> required the car’s air intake system should never require maintenance. “Never requires
> maintenance” was equated with “make maintenance impossible.” That sounds crazy enough to possibly
> be true! Luckily no government organization specified that a PZEV never needs gasoline or Focus
> owners might have discovered their gas caps were welded shut!
>
> Further questioning at the Ford dealer uncovered there is an indicator on the Ford Focus original
> air filter housing that indicates when the filter is clogged. The dealer sells a complete
> replacement air filter housing for $525.42. Frequently driving down dusty dirt roads in an ’06
> Ford Focus could be costly!
>
> The replacement Dorman 258519 air filter housing currently is $120 at RockAuto, but that is a
> one-time expense. The next time the engine air filter needs to be changed, the ’05-’07 Focus
> owner can just insert a new filter by Auto Extra (61946107), Fram (CA7098) or WIX (46107) and
> save more than $500!


I may not whine too loudly about Audi replacement parts any more.


Best Regards,

Mike Arman
90V8Q