Ford Ranger Problems

We haven’t had any other reports like yours, perhaps that’s because yours is an unusual situation and not everyone has to back up an incline on a regular basis. You might have been better off with an auto trans in your situation.

We were told that the valve clearances are no longer done at 20,000 km, as the dealer told you. We understand it is now done at 80,000 km. As for the charge you need to discuss that with the dealer, and bear in mind that dealers are charging upwards of $140 per hour for work done in their shops.

Before he does anything else he should read the warranty and understand what it includes, and from that what it doesn’t. Body warranties often only provide cover against actual perforation, and not the surface rust you say your son’s car has. Once he understands the provisions of the warranty he can then talk to his dealer, and Ford if that might advance his case.

My information is that the 4x2 Rangers have a 63-litre tank and the 4x4 models have a 70-litre tank. It would seem odd, even unbelievable, that Ford would have the same part number for both tanks. If you read the small print contained in the brochures Ford, and other companies, issue you will find they include a disclaimer that says the company retains the right to discontinue or change the features, designs, colours, materials and other specifications of its products at its discretion. What that means is that the buyer should check the specifications before buying a vehicle. At least you now know the distance you can travel before needing to refill with fuel.

Make sure you officially register your complaint to the dealer and to Ford, I would suggest in writing, so that you will be assured of receiving the new part, or cruise, when it is available. There is nothing more that you could do other than wait until the new parts come on stream once Ford is satisfied they work. You could press Ford for some form of compensation given that they have sold you a car that isn't as you ordered and paid for.

The Mazda dealer is having a lend of you. The differences are mostly cosmetic and the engines are the same. Both come from Thailand, both were designed by Mazda. As for the dealer I would normally say avoid the Ford dealer because Ford's treatment of its customers, at dealer level and at company level, is appalling, but to say that would be unfair to those Ford dealers who do try to look after customers, and there are some out there. Clearly the Ford dealer is a better option for you so I would check with people who have dealt with that dealer and make your decision based on what they tell you.