Who said what: Ford pulls up a dealer over a blown engine

MY 15-month-old Ford Ranger suffered engine failure, with the Ford dealer diagnosing the cause as bad fuel. As an ex-Ford mechanic, I have serviced it every 10,000km rather than 15,000km using non-genuine but still original supplier parts.

My Facebook post regarding this has had thousands of comments and shares, suggesting the problem might be systemic. Once the fuel report was received, the Ford dealer told me it wasn’t their fault and to contact my insurance company.

Leigh Maxwell, email

We contacted Ford Australia and they sent a rep out to inspect your Ranger. The findings: the problem was incorrectly diagnosed by the dealer and your repairs will be covered under warranty. The Ford Australia engineer also worked with the dealer to improve the diagnostic process to avoid a repeat.

ALL IS NOT LOST

Re Kia satnav problems, I’ve had similar issues with my Optima, bought new in June 2015. It’s a fine car but from day one the satnav has been unreliable. Am I entitled to free updates?

Brian Huxley, email

Kia spokesman Kevin Hepworth says pre-January 2016 cars were entitled to two map updates in three years. The purchase date of yours suggests you should get a free update — but get it done quickly before your car is three years old.

SURE UNDER SCRUTINY

My wife’s 2014 Subaru XV has had a recurring first cold start misfire since late 2015. It went away and then returned. The warranty has run out — will Subaru make good on this longstanding fault?

John Strecker, email

We contacted Subaru and reps touched base with John, learning he’s now fitted a replacement coil at his own expense and there’s a great improvement but not 100 per cent. Subaru has offered to conduct its own test and investigate further. At this stage, John’s happy to monitor it and report back if needed.

CRANK CASES

I’ve just finished reading your motoring section. I can’t believe the crap that is on the market, that you people actually promote them and people actually buy them. I don’t want a stinking diesel truck or some front-wheel drive heap of junk from Korea. It seems only the likes of Mercedes, BMW and a few other Europeans are any good but unfortunately out of my price range.

Greg Muller, email

Fair enough Greg, today’s advanced dual-cab utes aren’t for everyone — but they can’t be all bad with the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger being Australia’s best-selling vehicles. Korea’s turning out some impressive models too. If you like your sedans, give the Kia Optima or Hyundai Sonata a try. I reckon they’ll surprise you.

JEEP NESS

My wife’s 2015 Jeep Cherokee had a flat battery. A call to Jeep Roadside Assist had a technician at her side in 20 minutes. A new battery was needed and there was no charge. So Jeep does live up to its “There and Back” guarantee.

Peter Nixon, email

We returned from an extended holiday to find our 2014 Cherokee’s battery was dead. All covered by warranty. I’m glad we bought a Jeep.

Peter Robb, email

I had a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited which had a flat battery after three days parked at Tullamarine airport. I then bought a Black Hawk and it did exactly the same thing!

Paul, email

Jeep spokesman Dave Harding says that if, on roadside call-outs, it is discovered the battery has failed (rather than just needing a recharge), it will be replaced under warranty. “I don’t believe most manufacturers offer a battery warranty for the full term, while we are committed to our ‘There and Back’ guarantee,” he says. Jeep’s technical team is not aware of any ongoing battery issues.

SAD SYONG

Re the new Mercedes X-Class ute, I have a warning for buyers. Many years ago I bought a SsangYong Musso SUV at a Mercedes dealership and the salesman told me: “It’s more Mercedes than SsangYong.” At trade-in time, this had changed to: “Really, it’s more SsangYong than Mercedes.” We took an absolute bath on the Musso when trading up. Don’t be surprised if the X-Class becomes “more Nissan and less Mercedes” when you trade one in a few years.

Frank Reilly, email

Good story, Frank, but I’d reckon on the Nissan alliance holding a bit more cachet than the short-lived SsangYong tie-up. The X-Class bears the all-important Merc badge on the front too.

DRUMMED UP

Re rear drum brakes on utes. The LDV T60 has rear disc brakes, too, not just the VW Amarok and Mercedes X-Class.

Peter Clarkson, email

Good old LDV mixing it with German prestige! That’s one for the Chinese brand.

HIGHER ASPIRATIONS

I have a 2016 Hyundai i30 Active diesel, which I like, but I wish I’d not got the base model. I’m thinking of changing to a higher spec or getting an ix35 as I tend to fill the boot up. What would be best?

Michelle Laidlaw, email

The Active was a bit poverty spec. Hyundai’s ix35 isn’t a bad used buy and has about 50 per cent more boot space than your i30. Seek out a Series II ix35 Highlander and you’ll enjoy leather seats, satnav, reverse camera, DVD player and panoramic sunroof.

GOT A QUERY?

Want to get something off your chest? Write to motoring at PO Box 2808, GPO Sydney, NSW, 2001 or cars@news.com.au

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