Ford Problems

Ford’s responsibility is to fix the problem. If you haven’t already contact Ford’s Customer Relationship Team (phone: 13 3673) and register your problem with them and give them the full picture of what’s happened to date. If you think the problem has gone beyond talking to Ford consider going to the Consumer Affairs people in Victoria.

It seems there is no fix for this problem. Ford has come under intense scrutiny for its handling of the problem and treatment of customers with problem cars. Even the ACCC has decided to get involved, which is very rare. You could ask Ford for a refund or a replacement car, but as the ACCC chairman pointed out the deal Ford offers customers looking to get out of their cars isn't a great one. If you don't get any satisfaction from Ford go to the state government's consumer affairs department for advice, or call the ACCC.

The problem you have got is that the car is now 12 years old and could be expected to have some issues with body and paint. Ford has already come to the party three times, and I reckon that demonstrates the company’s support for owners with the problem. If you really want to pursue it go to the state government consumer affairs department and seek their advice.

There is a glitch in the car’s computer system. Restarting it reboots the computer. If it’s not doing it when the car is at the dealer’s and nothing shows up on their diagnostic check it’s hard to trace and fix. It’s probably going to be a process of elimination until the cause is found.

If it's not the windscreen it could be getting in past a seal, or through the heater. You could try running a hose on the plenum area in front of the windscreen and try to identify the sources of the leak.

The idle speed is possibly too low. Take it to a mechanic and have it checked.

As you say, the choice is bewildering. All the models you have been looking would be suitable; you could also look at the Nissan X-Trail. I would go for either the Mazda CX-5 or the Kia Sportage, but that's not to say the others aren't worth considering. Why don't you go shopping and check each of them out to see how they fit your needs.

On average I would expect a 1999 Falcon to have done 200,000 to 400,000 km.

Our checks with Ford suggest there is no shortage of supply of the Focus, so shop around at other dealers.