Ford Fiesta Problems

You’re in a situation in which you have to negotiate a settlement with Ford. Obviously you haven’t been able to achieve a satisfactory outcome, so it might be worth considering joining the class action suit that is running on this issue. At least then you would part of a group with the strength of numbers rather than an individual alone. Phone 1300 226 647 for info.

Ford spokesman Stephen Kruk replies: "Vincenza owns a 2011 Fiesta with 68,000km and we have offered a partial refund of $10,000 as a dealer trade. We review each customer request for support on an individual basis as each customer experience and their vehicle is different. Comparing customer outcomes without the facts would not make any sense. We have determined that Vincenza's experience warrants our support and have worked with her to get to a successful outcome".

The best times to buy are usually the end of the financial year, or at model run-out times, that's when the specials are on. The CVT and dual-clutch autos are both still unknowns in terms of long-term reliability, but either should be ok over the five years you plan to keep the car. Any of the cars you list, and the list is a long one, would be ok. It really comes down to what you like.

Thanks for the tip, it's a good one.

Your best course of action is to take it back and ask that it be fixed at their cost. It's all down to negotiation I'm afraid, but if they are reputable people they should come to the party.

Ford deleted the spare wheel in the WT Fiesta, saying buyers preferred to have more features than a spare wheel. Instead the car came with a 'Mobility' kit, which could be used to inflate a punctured tyre to get you to a place where the puncture could be repaired.

There have been a lot of problems with the auto transmission in that model, so contact Ford and request help with replacing the transmission. I wouldn’t take the transmission out before you get an answer from Ford, as they might ask you to take it to a Ford dealer for inspection. Taking the ’box out could compromise your case.

The Fiesta dual-clutch gearbox in your car is trouble, pure and simple, as many other Fiesta owners would happily tell you. You could get the gearbox independently tested, but I fear that Ford wouldn't take any notice of the findings. Ford is facing a class action suit from owners affected by the problem, and I would suggest you consider joining that if you feel you are unlikely to get anywhere with Ford.

It’s a fine smear of oil, not a leak as such. It’s not something to worry about, unless it develops into a more serious leak.