Ford Focus Problems

I would guess that the dealer has tried a quick fix that hasn't worked rather than actually attacking the cause of the leak, which probably requires him to dig deeper into the car to identify and repair it. Take the car back and request that he make another attempt to fix it.

The 92 kW 1.6-litre engine is no fireball, it needs to be revved to get the best out of it, but if you're not in a hurry it's quite a pleasant engine in normal driving, even in hilly country. The dual-clutch transmission works quite well, although we have had one or two complaints about shuddering and miss shifting. If you're buying used thoroughly test-drive the car by putting it through as many different driving situations as possible in the hope of drawing out any issues the transmission might have. Overall, the Focus is quite reliable and should get a run from it.

I would want the dealer to check the transmission. It's a dual-clutch auto and they have been known to vibrate in the Focus under load like you describe.

There is a problem with your gearbox and it needs to be sorted out. The computer in your car needs to be checked, maybe even replaced, and perhaps the gearbox itself might need to be replaced. Take it back to the dealer and demand action.

The advice you have received is correct. While Ford is making an attempt to fix the fault it is doing what it is required to do under the consumer law. Unfortunately the law doesn't put a limit on the number of attempts to try and fix a problem, or a time limit in which it must be fixed, which I believe is a flaw in the system. In your case I think Ford has exhausted its chances and if it has still not been fixed it should come to the party with an alternative solution, one being a new car. I would attempt to talk to Ford's head office, present them with all of the information on what has been done to the car and when it was done, and attempt to negotiate a goodwill resolution.

I can understand your frustration, but you can only bear with it for the moment, as Ford is attempting to fix the issue. It's when a company stops trying to fix a dud product that you have some power to demand more action. In this case, your options are limited. The only thing you could do is express your frustration in a way that they are left in no doubt about it.

No one should buy a car as a potential investment, as nothing these days is going to appreciate like a Falcon GTHO Phase 3. Far better that you buy the RS to enjoy it.

While the consumer law says that while the manufacturer is attempting to fix a problem they are doing what the law requires them to do. That said there has to be a reasonable expectation of an outcome, and the fact that there is no satisfactory outcome after 10 attempts I would think is quite unreasonable and perhaps you do deserve to have a new car. I would consult Consumer Affairs again and get their view, then consider engaging legal representation. You could also speak to our body repair specialist, Graeme Cuthbert, on 0422 444 335, and get his opinion on what might be causing the leak.