Ford Problems

Seems we got it right.

The Ford Ranger is best in the class and just coming up for a facelift and general update and the Isuzu D-Max, which is not as refined for on-road work, gets big ticks for heavy towing.

I wouldn't be at all concerned about LPG being available, but I would strongly advise that you do your homework on where you can buy LPG before you leave home. The distribution network of LPG in country areas has never been as comprehensive as it is in cities, and that's what you've found.

The XC90 is a very old design and one at that price might be a bit doubtful. Your best choice would be a Kia or Hyundai, which are far better than you might think and may even have some factory warranty at your budget.

If you like the Falcon, why not get another one? It's not dead yet and a new one will serve you well for some years. Otherwise, look at the Chrysler 300C.

Ford spokesman Neil McDonald answers: "We have delays with diesel Mondeos but that's been the case since launch".

If Ford has told you that your car cannot be fixed and you have it in writing I would be going to them and asking for a full refund of your money on the basis that they sold you a car that was 'unfit for purpose'. If you don't get a satisfactory resolution with Ford got to your consumer affairs people and take action they way. In the meantime we will contact Ford about the issue.

UPDATE 3/7/15: We approached Ford for a response to Charlie's complaints and the comment we got from a company spokesman was: "Officially, we're currently working closely with this customer to ensure a good outcome for them. Our Customer Relationship Team is in contact with the customer. In such circumstances our policy is to always provide customer support and work through any vehicle issues on a case-by-case basis."

Like Charlie, we think the offer of a trade-in price for his daughter's car is grossly inadequate. By any measure Ford has sold her a car that is unfit for the purpose for which it was sold to her, and we think she should receive a full refund of the original purchase price. Anything less would see her out of pocket for something she was not in any way responsible for.

UPDATE 7/7/15: Ford last week informed us that they have now reached a satisfactory resolution with Charlie Allia’s daughter over the automatic transmission in her 2013 Focus.

Although details are sketchy because of confidentiality agreements between the parties it is believed the problem relates to the way the dual-clutch transmission operates rather than a mechanical malfunction of the gearbox.

From your description it does appear to be noisy injectors. Take it back to the dealership and have them assess the noise in your presence so you can make sure they are hearing what you hear. Once you've done that make a warranty claim to have it fixed.

I think the new Mondeo has lost its mojo. It's nice enough, but not as good as I expected. Personally, I rate it behind the Mazda6 which gets The Tick.

It's not possible to say with any certainty without inspecting the car, which is what you should have done. But on what you have told us I'd be looking at the suspension bushes and shock absorbers in the front-end.