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.

Buying privately you would pay $4000-$5000 providing it is in good condition.

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.

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.

If it's a 2011 model that's what it is no matter when it was registered. The extended warranty should cover you in the event the transmission gets any worse. Given what you say is happening I would keep a close eye on it and, if you feel there is a problem take it to a dealer and have it checked.

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.

There's no easy fix I'm afraid, the only way to fix it is to repaint it.

On seven-seaters, the Territory runs last, the Kluger is fine and reasonable value and the Audi is definitely the car to reward yourself, but the Q7 could get very expensive if anything goes wrong.