Ford Response, Beware.

[Himanshu]

I had a exhaust fitted by Kwick Fit ( I bought a Life Long Warrenty back in the 1990s.) They were absolutley useless on this occassion, to be fair Bosal dont do exhausts for the MK3 Escort 16.i Cabby anymore. Finally got a Walker Exhaust and they mamged to scrap the paint from the little cut out from the rear valance. They attempted to repair it by one of these mobile spray chappies, a mate of a mate of the Kwick Fit Manager. ANyway they used Forst white instead of DIamond white. After a long to do with Kwick Fit they finally admitted liabillity.

 

I booked the car at Sandicliffe Ford Leicester who rubbed down some areas, so I have bald patches along with the original stone guard. It went in for another spray and came back with more damage, they have had four attempts and cannot get it right. In the end I wrote to Ford (UK) Customer Service who told me that because of the age of the car that they would not entertain me anymore. They had tried and paint technology had moved on and I had to basically lump it. I was appalled. So much for FOrds caption its still our little baby, it seems this car has become like an OAP that everone would rather not have. If FOrd cant sort out its creation than who can? What a terrible attitude by Ford. Owning the car for 25 years and it is in mnt condition, with a genuine 133k on the clock. Always garged and off road in winter.

 

It has put me off ever buying a Ford again. I had a Golf GTI, convertible circa 1985 which the local VW had two attempts tried to sort out. One call to VW HQ, the area Manager came around personally, took the car, made good all the bad paint, even replaced the roof, and serviced it and returned it with a bouquet of flowers and Champagne! The Birts and Yanks may have won the war but VW has won the battle for a cutomer and service persay.

 

A real sad day, as 2 of my Uncles worked at Ford for 30 years. Is this how Ford treat thier customers? A word of caution to you all!

[Guest Alanman]

Any / all experiences with those mobile paint repairers have never been great. They fact they used the wrong colour would have given me a clue of there competence.

 

With regards to Ford not helping, I'd say its down to the person (or people) you spoke to more than a company view. I'd go to a local bodyshop anyway rather than Ford, down to cost more than anything. Any good bodyshop (or auto factors) will be able to match the paint no problem. If there's any chance that the paint has faded over time the bodyshop can photograph the panel and their fancy computer technoligy would tell them 'exactly' the colour needed.

[Himanshu]

I think that people are missing the point here, whilst the body shop in question amy be inept, it is the response of FORD (UK), basically go talk to the hand we dont care! Compare and contrast this with Japanese, or German service.First rate and caring. Ford should intervene and thier franchises offer a level of competance and should be the best, not oh your car is too old so now take a long walk off a short pier! Why reward Ford or even be proud to preserve a Ford, when they cant give a monkies and treat the customers with even less gratitude! I think all Ford members should complain after all you dont know when it will happen to you!

Edited November 14, 2012 by Himanshu

[Guest Alanman]

I get what you're saying (i think) but I'd say if you went on a VW forum or Honda forum you'd get the exact same story from someone who's had a bad experience from their respective main dealer.

[Himanshu]

Thanks Allanman, I had a VW Golf GTI, convertible and stupidly housed the Ford Escort All White I SE.Instead of the Golf. I was involved in a RTA, which meant I spent 9 months in hospital. The Escort Cabby being garaged was secure, but the brakes were seized, the VW mechanically still ran! It just had a slashed roof, and paint work keyed and scratched. I had the local VW, attempt to sort it out new roof, new respray and they couldnt get it right, even after 3 attempts. So I contacted VW H.Q and they came a took the car away, it came back with a new roof, full respray, service, and valet, the MD came to deliver it with a bouquet of flowers, and champagne, and asked me to inspect it, if I was unhappy they would do it again. It was faultless. They waived the fee and even gave me 50% off all future services on the car. Now we and the AMericans ma have won the battle of Britain but the Germand won my heart and future bizz. I know have just purchased a new GTI Golf and whilst the main dealer is resonable the MD of VW said if you have any trouble get in touch with me, and I will get it sorted. Whereas Ford even at CEO level treat me (I couldnt possibly say on this forum). The MD of VW looked at my Ford Cabby and said this was the car that stole a lot of buisness from us, he was hurt I housed and thought more of FOrd, but said to me you will find the VW will go on, and the FOrd would have rusted if left in the open. He was very prophetic! FORD, Fix Or Rent Daily!

[Himanshu]

Well after writing and posting here, and advising Ford UK CEO, the car is to be redone, 7th attempt, and a courtouesy car provided! Will post back if all else fails contact the CEO, and post to forums, at least they get up and take note!

[Himanshu]

After several attempts, they finally sprayed it smooth, it should be a slight stone chip effcet well that has gone now, also just above the cut ot of the exhaust they have cracked that, broken the clips that the end caps fit on, lost the washers and did not use any, just tightened the nuts on,deforming the back panel with a 13mm bi hex, and 1/2 inch so have rounded them off! They broke one of the end clips on the bumper end clip and left white paint on the underside of the car! I got a phone call from the CEOs office and spoke to a Natasha Bennet, who told me the case was closed! So much for Ford, I took a similar company a few years ago this was bout 10 years ago who stripped the bolts that held the wheels on, Walkers Tyres, what a buch of cowboys, They just placed the nut into the air toll and did not even by hand start the nut off,and the first question the Juge, a Judge Merriman asked was how old was your car?He did not want to know it has only coverec 50kand had only one pair of tyres replaced at Ford no enginnerring background, he said I cant belive that no damage hadnt resulted in all those years. The twit Judge who does martimonial law, obviously doesnt know a good screw! He dismissed the case on the age of the car and I had to pay all costs, I asked him what would you do if a Buggatti or fine vintage spitfire from a muesuem had been damaged? He didnt say f all! Obviously him and Walkers tyres were all free Masons.looking after each other. Another example of British Stupidty at the middle and higer classes who dont know anything about anything.

 

I would never buy a ford again. As much as people love thier Fords, you have to ask pertainenat qustions when they do not think the customer (thats why they are in bizz) in the first place is treated with no repect. You have to say the Germans and Japs pride themselves on customer service and finish. Thw Yanks and Brits may have won the war but not the minds and hearts of the customers wth there poorly built cars and even worse workmaship attitude! Shame on Ford! Hail Germany and Japan.