Ford Falcon Problems

You are right that SUVs are more prone to a rollover, but it's not tested under ANCAP and the electronic stability control compulsory in Australia is partly intended to reduce the chance of any vehicle running off the road.

It's possible, but until we know more about the shenanigans that went on at VW we can't say how dirty the diesel VWs are.

I can’t see any XR8 going up in value, so you should buy the car you want to own and drive. For me, the Mustang will be better on that front.

The VF Commodore is the best-ever Australian car and my pick. It gets a Big Tick. Neither will give you problems with servicing or parts suppies, even after the local factories close.

I'd go for the Mazda6, which has a combination of class and comfort, and not the Falcon unless you're a sporty driver. The Liberty in that age was a bit 'off' by Subaru standards because of the Global Financial Crisis, and the 3.6 is no real improvement over the 2.5 unless you tow.

In essence, yes, the ED wasn't much more than a facelift of the EB, but remember the ED is an old car now and that's the biggest issue with it today.

It's an easy choice for me. I'd go for the VFII SS-V with the new Corvette engine. It's a new high-water mark for Holden and, in any case, all the XR8s have already been allocated to owners.

You can buy with confidence that the FG has no major flaws to be concerned about, the engine is bulletproof, the auto transmission is sound and the chassis is fine.

What you're describing seems abnormal. Have you whacked a kerb with the left rear, I'm guessing the wheel alignment has been knocked out. Get the rear wheel alignment checked.

It's clearly frustrating and unacceptable. You are right, the diffs should have been available when you took the ute in and it should have been replaced that day. I'm sure if you really pressed hard you would find that someone would eventually respond and trace the diff. All you can do right now is to maintain the rage and keep putting pressure on until you get the result you want.