Ford Problems

Blocked particulate filters are usually the result of doing only short trips at low speeds when there’s no opportunity for the filter to go through the regeneration process. In those cases the dealer can usually do the regeneration. Alternatively check the Internet to see what a filter would cost to import from overseas.

Ford Australia customer service chief Stephen Kruk tells me the transmission has been repaired under warranty. A loan car was supplied while the vehicle was off the road.

Talk to the dealer about recalibrating the transmission to avoid the problem. They should have a fix for it.

Alloy wheels do go out of round without necessarily hitting kerbs. I would swap the wheels from side to side and see if there is any improvement, you could also dismount the tyres and reposition them on the rims, and have them balanced at another tyre outlet, you could also approach the tyre manufacturer for help.

We consulted a couple of paint industry specialists and can report that the accepted range of paint thickness on new cars is between 60 microns and 110 microns.

More expensive, prestigious cars, like a Lexus or BMW, would be expected to have paint thickness at the higher end of the range. More mundane, working class models like the Ranger would be at the lower end. Paint thickness as measured will also vary depending on the location. It will be thicker on upper surfaces, like the roof or bonnet, and thinner on the sides of the car.

Our specialist thought the thickness as measured on your car was well within the accepted range.

I hear your frustration. Go back to your dealer and demand action, it’s clearly not good enough and needs to be fixed. If you find the dealer reluctant to help go direct to Ford’s Customer Assistance service and again demand action. The time for polite requests has long passed; it’s time to be assertive. Should you not get anywhere by doing go to the consumer affairs people, or take legal action.

Unless you really enjoy driving, the Elantra will be better on space and will have more factory warranty coverage.

I’m surprised they don’t make one, try one of the aftermarket accessory shops. You should be able to find one there. Alternatively you could get one from Custom Carmats at www.customcarmats.com.au. The cost is $65.

The Territory was good at first but has been completely overtaken by a range of rivals. Your decision to buy Australian is great but you're in a very small minority and the Territory is no longer a CarsGuide choice for quality or long-term ownership.

It's probably a leaking seal, but you have to first determine where the leak is coming from. The best course is to locate the source of the leak and replace it, but there are additives available that claim to recondition seals and stop leaks. You should be able to find them at your local automotive store.