I'm a chav

[Hub]

I bought an estate for reduced chav factor - or does that make me just a chav dad?

Well I don't really care about image, just liked the car - and I am about as middle class as you can get (wouldn't be seen dead with a tattoo etc).

I did go to the simply Ford event at Beaulieu and realised that I was not a typical Ford fan!

Shame you're having issues. Hope it doesn't kill your confidence/enthusiasm in the car.

[Rawwr]

So, my local Ford dealer have just been on the phone to say my car will be ready to collect tomorrow. Paraphrased conversation as follows:

Ford: "We've replaced the steering rack and two of the valves on the tyres."
Me: "All four tyres were losing air, it's just the two I highlighted were losing it quicker than the others. I don't want to be topping up air three times a week."
Ford: "Well we've done the two you mentioned so see how it goes."
Me: "I know how it'll go, they'll lose air and I'll be filling it up three times a week."
Ford: "If that's the case you can bring it back and we'll change those."
Me: "Ridiculous."
Ford: "....."
Me: "And why the steering rack? It was clearly a fault with the EHPAS, there was never an issue of the rack being knackered!"
Ford: "See how it goes."
Me: "If it fails again, I will reject the car. Just so you know."
Ford: "See you tomorrow."

Not entirely full of confidence.

[Rawwr]

Ok, despite my incredulity, it appears as though there's quite a lot more to the steering rack in the Focus than I first imagined and the idea may not be as unnecessarily bonkers as I'd first thought.

Still, the valves thing is annoying.

[Howard-]

They're probably just using the term 'steering rack' as a friendly name for the EHPAS system?

[TheAngryDog]

Iva Barchetta said:

Bodged said:

Wikid motor m9

Can't even spell m8.....LOL....

Great colour and great car.

It's a reference to a facebook page called Slamber City. The members say m9 rather than m8. The page is full of, let's just say interesting people.

Nice car Op, hopefully when you get it back it will be trouble free

[Rawwr]

Was due to collect the car on Monday but they didn't have the part.

Was due to collect the car tonight but they hadn't fitted the part.

I fear I may lose my temper in a most spectacular way if it's not ready tomorrow.

[Podie]

[stuart-b]

bodgerben said:

Reliable, these 1 year old Fords then.
Is this what they call progress

Problems happen with all cars at any age, it's hugely complex after-all.

The point is how you deal with those issues. OP wouldn't mind if it was a pleasant experience. In fact, it is widely proven that customers who have issues, but have those issues resolved satisfactorily are more likely to be more loyal than customers who never come in contact with the supplier (i.e. no issues, ever) because there are less positive experiences to associate with the supplier.

Good luck OP

[Podie]

bodgerben said:

Reliable, these 1 year old Fords then.
Is this what they call progress

Better than a Merc it seems - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[xjay1337]

Bodged said:

Wikid motor m9

aha chat st get cucumbered.

[Rawwr]

Just got it back. It appears to work again.

[oobster]

Rawwr said:

Just got it back. It appears to work again.

Hope it now stays reliable for you Rawwr, the BIGGEST issue with owning a Ford is always having to put up with the st dealers, and there appears to be many of them

[Rawwr]

You're not wrong. Funny thing is, I've only ever owned cars from two marques; Ford and Lotus. One of those has been more problematic than the other

[Vroom101]

Yep, Ford dealers have quite the reputation for being poo. It's a shame, because the cars are a good steer. Might be worth searching out a dealer that isn't part of a big chain - the smaller ones generally give better service.

Great choice on the colour - just don't let it get too dirty. They end up resembling a BT van from the 1980s

[CABC]

less need to visit the dealer with a Lotus anyway
but if you do they're often long term employees with more pride in their work than most.

Is there a Fast Ford indy scene of quality mechanics specialising in them?

[mackay45]

CABC said:

less need to visit the dealer with a Lotus anyway
but if you do they're often long term employees with more pride in their work than most.

Is there a Fast Ford indy scene of quality mechanics specialising in them?

Yes there is. SCC in St Albans may be closest to you OP, though I guess with a warranty you may be stuck with main dealers for the time being.

[Rawwr]

The finishing touch.

No further problems since it was back from the dealer. Have really been enjoying it so far. Averaging 32.4mpg, which isn't too bad.

Edited by Rawwr on Thursday 18th August 15:04

[DoubleD]

32.4 mpg is terrible



It should be 23.4 mpg ha ha