PUSHES MY BUTTONS

similar instances. Is this a design fault or just bad luck?

Ken Wells, email

As good as the Ranger is to drive, you only need talk to a specialist or visit Ford forums to see you’re not alone. You can seek help from the ACCC — I’m sure you won’t be the first to report this issue to them.

RADIO SILENCE

In 2013 I bought a new Hyundai iX35. The head unit was replaced after just three months, and now this one has started playing up. The dealer said this was a common fault and would replace mine with a second-hand one for $350 or a brand-new Panasonic for $1800. Apparently it’s a very common failure, can you help? Angela James, email

Common problem indeed in Hyundais of this vintage. After advising you to contact Hyundai customer care I was pleased to hear they looked into your case and two days later agreed to replace your head-unit with a new one free of charge. Great result.

NASTY JERK

I own a 2013 Ford Mondeo diesel wagon with six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Last year I took it to Ford as the car jerked at low speed, and was ultimately given a quote of $10,890 to repair the transmission. It had only travelled 47,470km. A specialist did the work for $5700 instead. Eighteen months later the

mechatronics unit failed — reluctantly, I paid another $5200 for the fix, refusing to give Ford a chance to quote. It’s an otherwise impressive car, but why do manufacturers incorporate such technology? Other technology is cheaper to service and repair and has proven reliability.

Mal Fordham, email

Ford’s Powershift dual-clutch transmission has been a plague for the brand, and you’re correct to

highlight the huge difference in what Ford wanted to charge compared to an independent. That’s unforgivable. And you’re right about often unnecessary technology, but some is there to meet strict emissions regulations, especially Europe’s. Even so, if it now costs many thousands to replace a transmission, diesel particulate filter or even a windscreen (due to driver assistance tech), the consumer is a big loser. Favouring new cars with long warranties looks smarter than ever.