Ford Problems

DRIVING around Australia today is a very different proposition to what it was in the 1970s. The roads are much better, communication has improved out of sight, and there are more dealers and service agents on the route you're likely to take. Back in the 1970s you went in a big Aussie six because they were tough and unlikely to break down. They were also easy to fix on the side of the road, and parts were relatively easy to get in the middle of nowhere. Today, if you're sticking to the blacktop, I would take a Commodore or Falcon and there are plenty available within your budget. But if I were going off the beaten track I would think about a four-wheel drive with its higher ride height for ground clearance, its ruggedness, and its drive system. Early Nissan Patrols, like an MQ, or early LandCruisers would be good, reliable and tough transport.

MANY Territory owners have responded to our call for information about their cars. It seems there could be a problem with rustproofing on the locally built crossover wagon. No doubt there will be questions about the effect of living near the sea when you approach Ford, so do your homework and be prepared to answer them.

IT'S nice to know your Ford dealer is looking after your interests. It's unusual to find a dealer as forthright as yours appears to be, and helpful to boot.

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.

THANKS for the tip. Yours is the first report we've had of suspension and drive-shaft problems with the Territory. Perhaps other readers could let us know of their experiences with the car.

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.

CONNECT a trickle charger to the battery, one that will maintain the battery charge. If you can't you will probably have to charge the battery when you get home. Other than that, I would pump up the tyres a few psi above the recommended pressure, and cover the car to protect the paint from dust and other things that might land on it.

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.

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.