Ford Falcon Problems

BOTH are decent cars, but there are known problems with the diff and the oil cooler on autos, and I have recently heard of a problem with the spark plugs during a regular service on a V8. It seems they are susceptible to breaking while being removed. One owner lost his car for 11 days while the dealer worked out how to remove the six spark plugs that broke while being removed during a scheduled service.

YOU'D expect to get 10 to 12 litres/100km on average, so your fuel use is high. The car has done low kilometres, so it's not engine wear. Check the peripherals -- filters, plugs, coils, injectors -- and have a mechanic check for diagnostic codes that might give you some clues.

IF YOU have the service records, you have a case. Ford must honour its warranty, even if the car hasn't been serviced by a dealer. As long as you've had it serviced according to the book -- and have the records to prove it -- you have case for a claim. You can always go to Consumer Affairs Victoria for advice.

I RECALL test-driving an XR6 cab-chassis last year and being horrified by the rust I found on the chassis under the tray. It was probably never going to be a problem, but it sure looked ugly -- and this was a new car, supplied by Ford. There are so many reports of rust in Falcons and Territories that you'd have to think there is a production problem, or perhaps Ford is cutting corners with the painting and rustproofing to save money.

KEEP up the pressure on Ford. The perforation warranty may well expire by the time the rust eats through the sheet-metal so it needs to be addressed now. If you can't get a satisfactory response from the company, seek legal action.

I CAN understand it might need a new filter, but new fuel lines? As Daryl Kerrigan said in the movies, ``tell him he's dreamin' ''. Get another opinion.

UNTIL we see the new Falcon it's hard to say if your complaints will be addressed. Fords have always tended to have a high seating position, which means tall drivers can have problems. As for the E-gas engine, my experience is it's inconsistent. I have had road-test cars that drove and performed well and others that had all of the problems you describe. I hope Ford will adopt the more modern gas-injection technology and dump the old system it has used until now.

PERHAPS a reader has this information. It would seem they replace the front bucket seats with a bench, but that would involve moving the automatic transmission shifter from the floor to the steering column.

THANKS Ross for the info on the radiator fix. We must warn that doing what Ross has done to his cars will void your new-car warranty as far as the radiator, cooling system and auto transmission is concerned. If you do plan to make the modification you need to be aware of this.

ANY new model will be more expensive than the last. That's the way it works. As for reliability and maintenance, I think they are very similar. The Mazda is a well-built car, as is the Camry, and both drive well. I would go for the Mazda6 over the Camry for a better driving experience.