Fords indifferent quality loses another customer

[RSgerry]

Today I said goodbye to my 2002 AU3 XR6. I personally liked the styling of the XR, both inside and out and liked the way it went (although my RS2000 is quicker). I bought the car new 4 years ago, and sadly, the indifferent attention to detail, the annoying rattles and the poor service have taken their toll.

The final straw came two weeks ago. The cd stacker (we paid the extra $1000 for premium sound) refused to play, change or eject any CDs. So, the stacker was replaced at a cost of $300. To top it off, the blind chimp at mcinerney ford who removed the radio managed to scratch the surrounding facia. But, then, Ford service went completely mad. The old stacker, complete with 6 of my discs was shipped off to Melbourne. I live in Perth. And apparantly this is standard practice. So, it is two weeks later and my discs still havent shown up.

I have had enough. The Falcon has gone, and is being replaced by a Mazda SP23. I have had a gutful of crap build quality and crap service. The decision for a new car came down to a car built in Japan or Germany. At least these people understand build quality. I will never buy another car built in Australia and will never buy another new Ford. This is a pity because I was very keen on a new Focus, but dont want to deal with the crap.

The British car industry was once one of the worlds greats. Now, there is no significant British car manufacturer left because they got lazy and started serving the customers with unreliable, badly designed and badly built rubbish. If the australian motor industry doesnt get its act together, it will go the same way. And in truth, if we cant build a car properly, then we dont desreve an industry. For years Mitsubishi served up some of the worst crap imaginable and they are now paying for it.

I hope the same doesnt happen to Iord. if anyone at Ford can be ars3d reading this, take notice...build your cars properly, and remember that the people who spend good money buying them dont want rattles, squeaks, whines and crap service. They also dont want to be 3000km away from their CDs. If you dont fix this soon, you will have nothing left to fix.

Rant over. Now to wait until April for my new car (yes Ford...some manufacturers have a waiting list for their vehicles).

[Steffo]

Sorry to hear about the bad luck with the Falcon.

Originally Posted by RSgerry

will never buy another car built in Australia and will never buy another new Ford. This is a pity because I was very keen on a new Focus, but dont want to deal with the crap.

I don't mean to be a ИИИИwit but... the Mazda 3 is pretty much a Ford too... (in fact, 3 and Focus are the same car)

I hope it works out the best for you though.

[RSgerry]

Originally Posted by Steffo

I don't mean to be a ИИИИwit but... the Mazda 3 is pretty much a Ford too... (in fact, 3 and Focus are the same car)

I should have said that I know the Mazda (and Volvo) all share the same platform. It is just the difference in build quality. I cannot bring myself to trust a car with a blue oval badge on it. It is almost as if Ford want their cars to be seen as the poor relation of the Ford group. It really isnt a surprise that Ford and GM are losing market share and money in the US (and here too). I dont want Ford to have no Ford badged cars left and to rely solely on their various subsidiaries for an income, but it is definitely headed that way.

At least I have the RS...a car with less rattles than the Falcon.

[EvilChief]

Originally Posted by RSgerry

... The decision for a new car came down to a car built in Japan or Germany. At least these people understand build quality.

...

This is a pity because I was very keen on a new Focus, but dont want to deal with the crap.

Focus = german :

[Redrum]

The AU always had poor interior build quality. This was due to the fact, that Ford, wished to cut staff that assemble it, and they did cut numbers from the EL, so made bits that clipped in rather than screw in etc. The result the AU. I owned 6 of them and not one was rattle free.

I think you can get crap build quality (lemons) on all cars regardless of make, but I think the AU was a stand out of how not do make a car. The BA is much better, but if you are fed up with Ford, give someone else a go. Let us know how the SP23 goes. I test drove one. Went ok and those things are everywhere now, selling like hotcakes.

[SVR73]

Originally Posted by Redrum

The AU always had poor interior build quality. This was due to the fact, that Ford, wished to cut staff that assemble it, and they did cut numbers from the EL, so made bits that clipped in rather than screw in etc. The result the AU. I owned 6 of them and not one was rattle free.

I think you can get crap build quality (lemons) on all cars regardless of make, but I think the AU was a stand out of how not do make a car. The BA is much better, but if you are fed up with Ford, give someone else a go. Let us know how the SP23 goes. I test drove one. Went ok and those things are everywhere now, selling like hotcakes.

Overall I have to say that the AU interiors of the XR and Fairmont are filled with better trim than BA's and far better looking dash (except the centre bit of S1's)
though the grey interiors need some two toning with bodycolour
the black is great though.
Don't know if they are as quiet as a BA/F but far prefer the AU
Media killed it off, the cars themselves are great though everyone would prefer an XR, T series or fairmont

TVR make great looking cars in UK, build quality I do not know what they are like but with the performance they have, I would let it slip

SP23's are a good choice, best of mazda range. I detail em every day
Don't reckon mazda's are best built cars from japan
respect your opinion

[Redrum]

Originally Posted by SVR73

Overall I have to say that the AU interiors of the XR and Fairmont are filled with better trim than BA's and far better looking dash (except the centre bit of S1's)
though the grey interiors need some two toning with bodycolour
the black is great though.
Don't know if they are as quiet as a BA/F but far prefer the AU
Media killed it off, the cars themselves are great though everyone would prefer an XR, T series or fairmont

TVR make great looking cars in UK, build quality I do not know what they are like but with the performance they have, I would let it slip

SP23's are a good choice, best of mazda range. I detail em every day
Don't reckon mazda's are best built cars from japan
respect your opinion

I worked for Ford for most of the life of the AU. I go on my own opinions of owning them and not the opinion of the media. I think the BA is exceptional inside and out and the amount of GM fans and non GM fans who have said this still astound me. My father in law drives a 2005 S350 and he says my BAMK2 rapid T sedan is a great car. He says it nearly every time I drive around there and always says Ford has got it right this time. I agree.

I would agree with you on Mazda not being the best quality ricers. But nice package.

[MAGPIE]

Originally Posted by EvilChief

Focus = german :

South African built though e

[EvilChief]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

South African built though e

let m rephrase ... german engineered :Reverend:

[Mark351]

Mercedes and BMW build cars in South Africa for export to countries like Australia. Fiesta and XR5 are German made.

[Bucknaked]

I hope you have better luck with your SP23. I guess sometimes cars come from Factory with heaps of problems. Some cars come out great, others seem to have endless problems.

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

South African built though e

I have an 04 Focus. I think it was made in Belguim. That's what the dealer told me.

[OzJavelin]

Not just Fords mate .. Holdens aren't any better .. neither are Chevs, Buicks, Pontiacs, etc. I think Americans and English are getting better with quality after MANY years of churning out cr@p, but Australian cars are ony starting. The BA seems a lot more quality car than the AU ( my AU ute rattles a bit, but I've convinced myself that's 'cos it's a 1-tonne ).

Problem wit most Jap cars is that they lack that certain "something" ... I'd take a German over them anyday; VW Golf GTi anyone??

Rod.

Originally Posted by Bucknaked

I have an 04 Focus. I think it was made in Belguim. That's what the dealer told me.

04 Were German it's the new style focus that is built in South Africa .... :

Originally Posted by DeathXR

DeathXR Mercedes and BMW build cars in South Africa for export to countries like Australia. Fiesta and XR5 are German made. .

Ive read that all XR5's being delv to Australia will come out of South Africa and the english will get them out of a german factory

IMO German is Better Built

[MAGPIE]

Originally Posted by Stampy

Ive read that all XR5's being delv to Australia will come out of South Africa and the english will get them out of a german factory

IMO German is Better Built

Focus ST/XR5 Turbo are not being built in South Africa.

[MrSparkle]

Welcome to the Ex-BlueOval fold Mr Gerry (well partially since you've still got the RS) :

Until I took the blinkers off and actually took the step to BUY a car of another make, I didn't realise just how traumatic it was to service and maintain a modern Ford. There are a lot of really REALLY bad dealers from many different manufacturers, but Ford have worked hard to earn the coveted Gold Medal of Consumer Indifference and Runarounds.

A great dealership is nigh on impossible to find, and in fact the only two guys I would deal with for anything Ford related would be Mr Ratt and Mr Gadgetman. Ford HQ should give an internal knighthood to these two as they are arguably the only blokes at a dealership level that GAF and care about customers.

Build quality can be a tough thing for a company to achieve, but certainly providing a bare minimum service level should be a priority and will not cost all that much. Training and attitude of dealership (especially service) staff is key and Ford has as much interest in developing this as FPV do in developing an engine over 290kW. :

Have a go on the other side mate, it does your automotive experience a world of good to take the blinkers off and actually buy and live with another make, instead of just commenting on them from the sidelines (like a hell of a lot of people on here and other fan forums do). You'll love the SP23, neat little thing! :

[ltd]

Originally Posted by RSgerry

Today I said goodbye to my 2002 AU3 XR6. I personally liked the styling of the XR, both inside and out and liked the way it went (although my RS2000 is quicker). I bought the car new 4 years ago, and sadly, the indifferent attention to detail, the annoying rattles and the poor service have taken their toll.

The final straw came two weeks ago. The cd stacker (we paid the extra $1000 for premium sound) refused to play, change or eject any CDs. So, the stacker was replaced at a cost of $300. To top it off, the blind chimp at mcinerney ford who removed the radio managed to scratch the surrounding facia. But, then, Ford service went completely mad. The old stacker, complete with 6 of my discs was shipped off to Melbourne. I live in Perth. And apparantly this is standard practice. So, it is two weeks later and my discs still havent shown up.

I have had enough. The Falcon has gone, and is being replaced by a Mazda SP23. I have had a gutful of crap build quality and crap service. The decision for a new car came down to a car built in Japan or Germany. At least these people understand build quality. I will never buy another car built in Australia and will never buy another new Ford. This is a pity because I was very keen on a new Focus, but dont want to deal with the crap.

The British car industry was once one of the worlds greats. Now, there is no significant British car manufacturer left because they got lazy and started serving the customers with unreliable, badly designed and badly built rubbish. If the australian motor industry doesnt get its act together, it will go the same way. And in truth, if we cant build a car properly, then we dont desreve an industry. For years Mitsubishi served up some of the worst crap imaginable and they are now paying for it.

I hope the same doesnt happen to Iord. if anyone at Ford can be ars3d reading this, take notice...build your cars properly, and remember that the people who spend good money buying them dont want rattles, squeaks, whines and crap service. They also dont want to be 3000km away from their CDs. If you dont fix this soon, you will have nothing left to fix.

Rant over. Now to wait until April for my new car (yes Ford...some manufacturers have a waiting list for their vehicles).

Lucky for Ford as they own Mazda. Suppose you can just hope that Mazda hasn't been Ford-ized with quality huh?

[ltd]

RSGerry, don't worry your cd's will turn up, I've had 3 units changed and to me it's been no problem. Suppose it's just where you go for service. Build quality in Fords I find no more dubious than others, and I have an 04 big Benz, that makes little rattles and squeaks that never seem to be found at service. When you think about it, Ford really aren't that bad, and the premium sound issue with the stacker jamming the discs has been resolved (I know that too because I haven't had to send any BA's back for this reason).

Good luck with your mazda, from all accounts they are brilliant cars.

[Paxton]

From the Two Mazda's that I have driven, and the one that I own, I can say that the build quality difference between Ford, and Mazda is huge. There are no rattles in the Mazda. My Territory has had a dash rattle since new. The Mazda doesn't ping, even when driven on Regular unleaded, which its not rated to. The Territory would ping on 200 Octane Gasohol if it could (presuming 200 Octane Gasohol existed).

The service Department near me is fantastic. They wash, and vacuum the car. They also give you a curtsey car similar to what your car is. At Ford, I got a Fiesta, and when I asked for the car that I booked, a Falcon, they laughed (this wasn't at the current Ford dealer, this was when I had my AU).

The Mazda experience is a different one. I have not been happier with the car, even though it is still relatively new, it has done nearly 8,000 Kms, and does the inner city commute daily.

As LTD said, They are brilliant cars, and the Mazda6 motor in the SP23 is a great one. I wish I could have had an MPS.

[Sloth]

Yeah the Aussie XR5s will be built in South Africa, i cant remember where I read it.
New Zealand Focus production is being shifted from SA to Germany shortly for better quality and better equipment levels. Sadly I dont think we are getting the XR5 here, no announcements have been made...

[MAGPIE]

Originally Posted by Sloth

Yeah the Aussie XR5s will be built in South Africa, i cant remember where I read it.
New Zealand Focus production is being shifted from SA to Germany shortly for better quality and better equipment levels. Sadly I dont think we are getting the XR5 here, no announcements have been made...

NZ is already getting the Euro built Focus have been since the start of 06.

Ford NZ are waiting to see how the XR5 sells in Oz before deciding whether to bring it here or not.

[MAGPIE]

I've owned my SP20 for nearly 18 months and the ownership experience to date has been fantastic.
I get a Mazda magazine turn up twice a year, a letter & present at Christmas & the only time I see the dealership is when I drop the car off for it's Free scheduled servicing

[Redrum]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

I've owned my SP20 for nearly 18 months and the ownership experience to date has been fantastic.
I get a Mazda magazine turn up twice a year, a letter & present at Christmas & the only time I see the dealership is when I drop the car off for it's Free scheduled servicing

I am sure the free servicing was factored into the price. I am so glad Ford dumped this back in AU days.

[MAGPIE]

Originally Posted by Redrum

I am sure the free servicing was factored into the price. I am so glad Ford dumped this back in AU days.

Yep I'm sure it is, but as the second owner of 11 month old SP20, that doesn't affect me :king:

It is great to walk out of the dealer after a service without having to take out your wallet.

End of the day I've had an awesome ownership experience for something that was brought as the family hack.

[buickman]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

I've owned my SP20 for nearly 18 months and the ownership experience to date has been fantastic.
I get a Mazda magazine turn up twice a year, a letter & present at Christmas & the only time I see the dealership is when I drop the car off for it's Free scheduled servicing

I must agree having owned a couple of Mazdas there service is way better then others around. Plus Mazdas & Hondas are one of the best finished cars in their price brackets.
As for lower spec Euro cars like Renault enough said.
The Japenese cars would not be in the strong market position if they really built poor quality cars. As reflected in the car sales in January.

[banarcus]

Yes and the mighty escort was another pommy car(assembled here) that had hopeless quality.

[Homer1]

I can relate to you RSGerry. I had a 99 AU1 XR6 for 5 years and found the quality appaling too. The dash fascia felt like it was stuck on with glue stick and there were rattles left right and center. Also has various problems like leaking coolant and clunking diff. Most service centers made me feel like a hassle rather than a customer. Finally had enough and bought an Accord Euro. Couldn't be happier (even with FWD). Built like a bank vault and so smooth and quiet, makes the old XR feel like a model T. Honda service is great too, they make you feel like kings and are pretty much willing to do anything the customer asks (within reason of course).

[Blue Oval Mopar Man]

Geez , some people are just dont get it ! It doesnt matter what car you buy , you will get hassles. its not the cars fault that the dealer has a shyte attitude ! Ford cant make a dealer tow the line ! If they took action the way a customer wanted everytime a complaint came in then the company would have no where to sell their products from ! its up to you to negotiate with you dealer the out come of problems and going off the deep end will more than likely make the person you are dealing with less likely to help you out!

It mostly comes down to how well you can communicate with people and how well you can negotiate !

[MrSparkle]

Originally Posted by Blue Oval Mopar Man

Geez , some people are just dont get it ! It doesnt matter what car you buy , you will get hassles.

No, wrong. Spoken like a true Ford apologist.

I have had two new cars now that are NOT Fords (Nissan and a new VW) and both have been exceptional in their reliability AND the dealer experience. What people don't get is that you don't have to put up with crap quality and service levels - you just have to look beyond the end of your nose and try something different. sleep:

[bobski]

Originally Posted by MrSparkle

No, wrong. Spoken like a true Ford apologist.

I have had two new cars now that are NOT Fords (Nissan and a new VW) and both have been exceptional in their reliability AND the dealer experience. What people don't get is that you don't have to put up with crap quality and service levels - you just have to look beyond the end of your nose and try something different. sleep:

I have to agree, my last 2 cars were an SP23 and a Nissan Xtrail. Both were built far better than my BA (1 problem - knock sensor recall - with the xtrail and none from the mazda in 3 years of total ownership). And the service I got from those dealers was much better (as was the buying experience).

I'm not saying the Ford is all bad, its a great and thrilling car to drive, I just think Ford need to really put some shine on their well engineered product. I paid $45K for a ford, I don't think its unreasonable for it to be as well built and backed as a $32k Mazda or an $18k Honda Jazz for that matter.

Gerry, enjoy the SP23 mate. I get happy just thinking about that car, it was an absolute joy to own and drive.

[Mark351]

Originally Posted by MrSparkle

No, wrong. Spoken like a true Ford apologist.

I have had two new cars now that are NOT Fords (Nissan and a new VW) and both have been exceptional in their reliability AND the dealer experience. What people don't get is that you don't have to put up with crap quality and service levels - you just have to look beyond the end of your nose and try something different. sleep:

So as a 'contributing member', are you now solely contributing advice that others buy something other than a Ford now Sparkles?
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