Ford Problems

We aren't aware of any websites that list the real world fuel economy of cars, and we'd be reluctant to give you any figures as they might not apply to your situation in any case. Working out the time required to recoup the extra cost of the diesel engine is difficult because it depends on the cost of both petrol and diesel at any given time and the relative reduction in fuel consumption from using diesel. Based on your annual mileage, and the fact that it is predominantly suburban, I would suggest petrol as the way to go. If you were doing a lot of highway driving, and a lot of towing, then diesel could be a better bet for you.

A second-hand Falcon on LPG would be cheap and effective, but you could probably get a Hyundai i30 wagon with your budget that would still have some factory warranty cover. Just do a trial fit for camping first.

More than 80 per cent of cars sold in Australia are now automatics and that share is still rising, fast. When companies are looking to cut cost and complications from their line-ups, it's easy to drop a manual that few people want. Between X-Trail and CR-V I give The Tick to the Honda.

The place to start is www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports. For that site you can determine if your make and model is currently approved for import, and a Registered Automotive Workshop that could assist you with the approval process and conversion.

We contacted Ford for their advice and they told us that "that as the electric brake controller would have been an aftermarket fitting it would need to be fitted by a technician with a thorough understanding of vehicle electronic systems and access to the Kuga workshop manual. The controller for the electric brakes needs to be wired correctly into the vehicle electrical system. If connected incorrectly it may damage the vehicle's electrical system." Clearly the person doing the installation has got it wrong and the damage to your car's electronics is the result. You need to resolve it with the person who did the installation.

The best way is to wash it off with running water as soon as you see it, the sooner the better. The longer you leave it the greater the chance of damaging the paint. Regular washing and polishing is a way of protecting the paint and making it easier to clean when something is deposited on it. But speed is the essence, when something does happen; don’t leave it too long before doing something about it. If the paint has been damaged try cutting and polishing it.

The Ranger does get a refresh and Ford sources suggest no changes to the running gear but lots of new technology, including driver assistance on the high-series model. It will be on sale in the third quarter.