Ford Falcon Problems

We had quite a number of reports of water leaks into the cabin and the boot with the BA, which had real build quality issues, but we haven't had reports of later models suffering in the same way. I would have a panel beater look at the car to assess where the leakage might be occurring and if that suggests it is a build problem then you could approach Ford for help. But I wouldn't hold out much hope of you getting help with the car being four years old and out of warranty.

The problem was solved when the external oil cooler was introduced. It was no longer in contact with the engine coolant, so there was no chance of coolant getting into the auto and causing the damage that was common when the cooler was in the radiator.

It's not normal. Make sure you are using the recommended antifreeze in the coolant; that stops electrolysis, which is probably what's causing your problem.

The auto can fail at any kilometres, not necessarily 200,000 km, and it's because the transmission cooler that's in the radiator fails and coolant gets into the transmission. The transmission can be serviced, but you have to take it to an automatic transmission specialist, who could also fit an external cooler for $500-$600.

It's always right to be suspicious, but in this case I would go along with changing the coolant. It's a good idea to replace the coolant regularly, perhaps once a year, if the carmaker doesn't specify it in the regular service schedule.

It's not a problem with the bearings, there is something else wrong, perhaps with the axle as your mechanic has suggested.

No, it is not normal, there is something amiss with it and I would urge you to have it checked. It could be related to the cold enrichment used on the engine to make the engine run smoothly during the cold running phase.

If it's not getting into the boot directly it would seem to confirm that the boot seal is doing its job. In that case look for openings in the boot lid itself, outside the rubber seal that are exposed to the elements. They should be sealed, so perhaps the sealing is damaged.

The advice she has received is clearly rubbish. If as you say the car is running well, with no suggestion of a problem, she should keep servicing it as she has, and keep on driving it.