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Have you ever seen those mechanic videos with a “customer says” preface? You know you’re in for a good laugh for the reason an owner says their car smells a bit funny or makes an interesting sound. In this case, a customer brought a first-generation Ford Focus to a car expert to address a “clunking” noise just to discover that his car was much worse off than he thought. 

A video shows a Ford Focus at a shop because it ‘clunks under acceleration’, but it’s nearly broken in two

“Alright, customer states ‘car clunks under acceleration’,” said Instagram user “chrisbuilt92” of an early model Ford Focus. The compact sedan was a popular car in the United States in the early 2000s and a common sight on North American roads. This one was up on a two-post lift so Chris could assess why the Focus was making odd noises.

In an Instagram video with over 40,000 likes, Chris approaches the silver sedan as it rests on the lift. “Ever seen a car this rusty?!?,” he wrote on the screen. He then takes a deep breath and walks under the suspended Ford Focus.

He wasn’t kidding. The underside of the Focus is covered in enough rust to beg the question of whether or not it spent time underwater pretending to be a submarine. However, that’s not the worst part. Chris walked toward the front end of the Ford sedan, focusing on areas of dense rust.

Humorously, Chris grabbed the front end of the car and wiggled it up and down as if a puppet’s mouth. The car was practically split in two pieces due to the extent of the rust. Needless to say, that might be the source of some of the owner’s auditory experiences.

Predictably, the comments section was out of hand. One viewer commented, “Nature is trying to reclaim this car.” Others suggested that the level of rust on this Ford Focus was typical for a state like Michigan. “If you’ve ever been to Michigan, you know that’s just beginner’s rust.”

It’s funny stuff. But it’s also an eye-opening example of why maintenance, repairs, and inspections are so important. Sure, we can laugh at this Focus. But in its current state, the little sedan is a hazard to its driver and others on the road. Check out the video of the rusty Ford Focus below!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and Humvees. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with expertise covering everything from sports cars and electric motorcycles to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He also studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC). When he’s not working, you can find Erik on his motorcycle or out for a spirited drive.