Ford Problems

Ford's Transit Connect compact panel van range powers the front wheels, rather than being rear wheel drive as per larger more robust vans designed to haul very heavy weights.

Ford's Transit Connect compact panel vans are built in Turkey and Valencia, Spain.

Buying a car sight unseen is not a good idea. I would go for on of the big three: HiLux, Triton, or Courier. They are all much of a muchness when you get to the used car market. The important things are service history, odo reading, and previous use.

The short-wheelbase Ford Transit Connect panel van is 4420mm long, while the long-wheelbase variant comes in at 4820mm.

Dodge the cheap Chinese imports and go for a reputable brand from Michelin, Bridgestone, Khumo, Dunlop. They all offer good all-round performance.

The Titanium is the top of the line Mondeo model, the Trend is the mid-ranger. Compared to the Trend the Titanium has 18-inch wheels, 9 speakers, power adjustment for the steering column, a body kit, glass roof, headlamp washers, heated rear seats, automatic parking, and sports pedals.

Being such a new vehicle it’s unlikely to be a simple service issue, more likely a calibration one. If you are concerned about it have an independent automatic transmission mechanic assess it for you.

If you have lost your keys, unfortunately you are stuck waiting for a locksmith as it is next to impossible to break into a car and hotwire it like they do in the movies.

However, if the battery in your Ford Fusion's key fob dies, there is a neat trick to get into your car and drive away without having to spend the King's ransom on a locksmith or a tow-truck. First, flip the smart key over and look for the small button on the back of the key. Pop it out, then remove the small metal key inside. Looking under the driver's door-handle there is a small hole you can insert the key into, then twist and pull off the plastic housing on the end of the door handle. This shows the manual key barrel to open the car.

Put the key in, turn the key and open the door. Then, pull the small tab on the rubber liner in the cupholder, and remove that liner. Place the key face up in the indent in the bottom of the rear cupholder, with the unlock button facing forward. You can now start your car like normal.

The best source of that sort of information is the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI). You could also ask Ford and Holden.

Ford's Fusion range is available in front wheel drive and all wheel drive. The only rear wheel drive Ford Fusions are NASCAR racing cars, not legal for road use, and there are no 4 wheel drive Fusions as there are no models featuring diff locks or low-range transmission options.