Ford Problems

The Kuga is a good drive but, like Rob, you should get her to test drive the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson before making a decision.

I can understand your frustration and I think you have a good case for getting a refund, but it's very hard to do that in this country where the manufacturer holds all the cards. The only thing you can do if you want to pursue it is to get legal advice. We understand there is a class-action suit happening in the USA on this same subject, you might be able to hook up with that.

If it's not on the service schedule, in the owner's manual, then it's not necessary. Lots of dealers are trying to fluff-up on their servicing to improve their profits, including replacing the likes of coolant and brake fluid at inflated prices.

It's often the only way of bringing pressure to bear when you're not getting the right response. I would take it back to the dealer and demand that they fix it. You need to be assertive at this point, and while still being polite let the dealer and Ford know that you are very unhappy with the situation.

You can buy with confidence that the FG has no major flaws to be concerned about, the engine is bulletproof, the auto transmission is sound and the chassis is fine.

It's clearly frustrating and unacceptable. You are right, the diffs should have been available when you took the ute in and it should have been replaced that day. I'm sure if you really pressed hard you would find that someone would eventually respond and trace the diff. All you can do right now is to maintain the rage and keep putting pressure on until you get the result you want.

It suggests there could be a loss of oil pressure, so don't drive it, instead take it to a mechanic to have it checked.

We'll be driving the Series II, with its major V8 engine boost, very soon for a road report. My heart says Mustang for the shape and history but the head would go Commodore in a showroom.

Your first port of call is to the dealer to explain your concerns and ask them to rectify the problem. The car is quite new and would still be covered by the Ford warranty, so get Ford involved, either through the dealer or directly through Ford's Customer Relationship Centre (Phone: 13 3673).