Ford Problems

In theory the DSG is a no-brainer, but it's different in practice because of the troubles that have plagued the DSG in all brands. The safe option is to go for the Focus; the riskier one is to go with the DSG. If it weren't for the well-documented reliability issues I would go for the DSG.

Ford says they now have a solution to your problem. Expect contact soon from Ford after Stephen Kruk got on the job, with a new clutch and a free service.

Call Ford’s customer assistance people and explain your concern to them, and request that they replace the transmission, or have them cut you a deal on a new car. What they have put you through with your car is unacceptable.

Ford says it has a solution and I'm passing your details across to get a fix for your Fiesta.

Don’t take any notice of the dealer; I would be very angry if I was told it was the way I drive. The gearbox needs to be repaired; the problem you have got is quite common. Take it back to the dealer and insist they fix it, or call Ford’s customer service people and ask them to get it fixed.

Ford spokesman, Neil McDonald, replies: “We checked with the engineers and both the rear and side widows use tempered glass which can show up the heat-treatment pattern with polarised sunglasses.  You need to get the right angle and the right light but you can see this on every piece of rear and side glass in every manufacturer’s product”.

Larger wheels are used mostly for styling and image reasons, plus the fact that the carmakers can charge more for them. As for the ride, larger wheels go in tandem with low profile tyres, which ride harder and are less comfortable.

For a V8 auto ute I would definitely go for the Holden. Ford has given up on developing the Falcon but Holden is still committed to the Commodore and keeping it fresh and relevant.

There have been changes made to the design of the oil cooler and claims that the problem has been fixed, but it’s an on-going issue that should have been properly addressed a long time ago. Recalls are made where the safety of a vehicle is affected; they aren’t done for design faults that don’t impact on a car’s safety. That said, Ford should have fixed the problem and updated cars, so owners don’t have to face expensive repair bills. Call Ford’s customer assistance people and lodge a claim with them for the repairs to be covered under a goodwill payment. You could also contact the consumer affairs people in the ACT to get their advice on what action you could take.

Ford Australia still does not have confirmed dates for the RS and the best indication I can get from head office is the middle of the year in 2016. I’ll be keeping an eye on things as I have a nephew who is also on the waiting list.