Ford Problems

Certainly. The Focus is a great driving car, and now with a regular auto it is a really attractive proposition.

Persist in contacting Ford's customer care people and seek a solution. If you give up, there's no chance of getting a resolution. We are prepared to contact Ford on your behalf, but we need your name and details of your car before we can do anything.

Ford says there was a hold up with towing module kits earlier this month but this has been resolved and the company is filling back orders with the kits to dealers.

The Focus RS was a sellout in small numbers so the value should still be strong. However, there is an all-new model with more appeal next year so it will seriously devalue your car.

The extra air will make the tyre circumference a tiny amount larger but it will make such a marginal difference to the speedo reading that you won’t notice.

I can’t see any XR8 going up in value, so you should buy the car you want to own and drive. For me, the Mustang will be better on that front.

The plague of speed cameras on Australian roads means a large, accurate speedometer is essential and the latest digital models do the job. A head-up display is even better.

You’re right to be skeptical and question the information the dealer has given you. Ford claimed that the shuddering was caused by fluid contamination due to leaking transmission seals, and offered owners extended warranty coverage on the transmission up to five years. We have no evidence of the success of the changes made, so can only advise you to be cautious and make sure you get the extended warranty coverage if you go ahead and buy one of the cars you’re considering.

As you say this is a known and well-documented problem, one you would hope Ford takes responsibility for. I'm not aware of any class action being taken by owners against Ford over the matter, you are doing the right thing by going to fair trading/small claims for a resolution.

The Sorento has just been voted the 2015 Car of the Year so it gets The Tick from me. There is an all-new CX-9 next year and a Santa Fe update soon. Today, the order is Sorento, Outback, Santa Fe and CX-9.