Ford Fairmont 2004 Problems

Sadly, Aussie cars like the Ford Fairmont just aren't being made any longer. As you've correctly identified over many years and almost 300,000km, this big, rugged, relaxed type of vehicle was perfect for travelling in Australia, but the onslaught of SUVs and the death of the local car-making industry put an end to these big sedans.

There's nothing wrong with a Kia Sportage (in fact, it's a good choice) and you might find the effortless turbo-diesel version suits your needs and preferences quite well. You may also appreciate the higher ride height and easier entry and egress. But what you won't find in any mid-sized SUV is the same dynamic feel of a conventional sedan like your current Ford. This is not to say modern SUVs don't drive well; they do, and improved fuel efficiency and different packaging is all part of where the Australia car-park is going.

If you're not venturing off the bitumen, however, there are a few alternatives to an SUV in the form of some very accomplished medium-sized sedans. The Hyundai i30 Sedan would be one and, if you want to retain the rear-wheel-drive feel and big performance, then the Kia Stinger is another alternative to an SUV.

The other alternative would be to take the time and effort to seek out a later-model Ford Fairmont with fewer kilometres on its odometer and start over again with the packaging you clearly already enjoy.

You could look at a later Falcon if that’s what you like. Try an FG model. If you want reliability then look at a Toyota Camry, or perhaps a smaller car like a Toyota Corolla or a Mazda3.

I would continue to pressure the dealer, ask to see the company representative who assessed your car and took the photos, and approach Ford directly through its Customer Assistance Service.

The brakes probably need doing again, the pads probably need replacing again and the rotors probably need skimming.

IT'S unusual to have the rear brakes wearing out before the front, which do most of the stopping work, so I'd first be making sure the brake system is functioning correctly. If it is, there is good reason to pressure VW to replace the worn components under warranty, and you're correct that all manufacturers, carmakers and others, have a duty to provide a product that is fit for the purpose it's being sold for.

IT'S nice to know your Ford dealer is looking after your interests. It's unusual to find a dealer as forthright as yours appears to be, and helpful to boot.

CONTACT Ford Customer Assistance for a plausible explanation. There is clearly something wrong with either the wheels or the caps themselves that is causing them to fall off.