Due to rough gear changing and the engine malfunction light coming on in my 2011/2012 Ford Focus Ambiente, I requested a refund or replacement new car. Ford declined in 2012.
I have had the clutch replaced in 2014 as result of the dual-clutch problems. I kept complaining about the shuddering issue every time I took it in for servicing, but it wasn't until it was obviously very, very bad that they replaced the clutch.
Last month I took the car back due to the shuddering starting to come back.
The dealer advised me that the clutch is still ok and there was no need to replace it yet. But they have advised me that sooner or later I will need to replace the clutch again, as the problem will never be fixed.
They advised me to seek a resolution with Ford's customer relations people before my warranty expires, because Ford will not replace the clutch for free anymore.
I followed the advice and lodged a claim, demanding a refund. They declined my request, but offered me the chance to buy a new car at the employee discount price. When I asked what would happen with my Ford Focus, she said it was up to the dealer to buy it or not as a trade-in.
I am not happy, it seems that they don't treat me the same as other customers who have received a refund or buy-back.
Could you give me advice what to do from here?
The deal you have been offered is the same one that has been offered to many other owners in your situation, so you're not being treated differently to others.
You won't get a refund, or simply be given a new car in exchange for yours. The simplest way out is to weigh up the offer of the discounted price on a new car, together with the trade-in the dealer might offer you, and see if that works for you. If you don't want to go down that path you could join the class action lawsuit that is in train over this issue, but that's likely to be a long drawn-out process and you would need to be patient.