Ford Problems

Demos are not generally abused; they are mostly driven normally with reasonable care, often under the supervision of a salesman.

You’re worried unnecessarily, and besides, the car will still be covered by Ford’s warranty if it happens to have a problem.

The transmission probably needs servicing at the least, perhaps even rebuilding. Have a mechanic check it.

I assume the computer was replaced as diagnosed after the second episode, and that it has continued to give problems even with the new one. Intermittent problems are hard to diagnose, so you have to have some sympathy for the mechanics doing it. But given that Ford recently owned up to not looking after its customers I would approach them about fixing it, or getting a replacement car, or a refund.

Is it getting hot when you’re driving it? A car can be hard to start, even sound like the battery is flat when you go to crank it, when it gets hot. Leaving it the extra time gives it a chance to cool down.

That's the big question on our lips too John, and I'm afraid we won't be able to answer it until we drive it when the car arrives in June. Given the Mustang's popularity, I'd be very surprised if dealers were willing to deviate much from the recommended price after launch. Perhaps 18 months down the track when demand subsides though! 

Being four years old your car has lost some value in the time you have owned it, and that will be factored into the deal.

The trade-in value is $9500-$11,500 and I would expect that’s what the dealer will offer you if you accept a replacement car. Don’t expect Ford or the dealer to be on your side here, you have to bargain hard with the dealer to get a decent deal.

Unfortunately the deal won’t factor in the stress, inconvenience, and cost you have had to endure with this defective vehicle.

Even though Ford’s warranty has expired the car is still covered by the basic statutory warranty under our consumer law. You need to negotiate with Ford to get them to cover the cost of the repair. You should also check with your insurer to see if this is covered by the extended warranty.

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I am guessing it is a diesel. The diesel is known to blow at quite low kilometres and with no warning. Being just five years old, and having done so few kilometres I would approach Ford for help with the cost of repairs as a gesture of goodwill. They could argue that it is out of warranty, and that you bought it second hand, but I think you could argue that it is not reasonable to have an engine fail in these circumstances.

The ADR requires carmakers to have a side indicator so there is always a visible turn signal light, so you should be able to see that even if you can’t see the front light.

To remove the radio in T6-generation Ford Rangers start by using trim removal tools to pop off the clipped-on trim panels next to the radio and fan control console. There is a screw on each side behind each of these holding the black radio unit in, which you will need to remove. You can then pop out the lower part of that black trim, housing the cigarette lighter and power socket. You then need to use trim removal tools to lever the vents either side of the radio screen out. The left-hand side should start near the door and work in towards the radio. Once these pieces have been removed pull the trim that sits between the radio screen and the controls, starting with the right-hand side piece, then pull the left-hand piece which runs all the way to the left-hand door. There will be six Phillips-head screws holding the control panel and screen to the car, which all need to be removed. Once the control panel has been removed you can then undo four more Phillips-head screws to remove the radio unit itself.