Faults:

Clutch:

Clutch needed replacing at 180,000 km, only after I towed an overloaded trailer up a steep driveway. Was still the original clutch, although the design with a dual flywheel meant it cost NZD 3,500 at a Ford dealer to replace.

Air conditioning:

The air conditioning on some days seems to go back and forth from cold to hot, and takes a very long time to cool the car down on hot days.

Water ingress:

Torrential rain on two occasions have overloaded the drainage points (subsequently discovered they were blocked with leaves). That causes flooding in foot wells from water entering through the air vents.

Air vent:

The open/close control for one of the dash mounted air vents over travelled and has become stuck open. $150 quote to replace/repair it - I can live with it stuck open.

General Comments:

Very reliable, with only annual servicing required.

Handling is precise, firm and reassuring, especially on narrow winding coastal roads.

Cabin and upholstery still feels modern despite being ten years old, and the seats have survived all the kids can throw at them in this time.

As with all cars, I wish things such as autumn leaves settling around the air vents and under the bonnet below the window wipers would be factored into the design, to minimise the chance of them clogging drainage holes.

Faults:

Door locks failed repeatedly. Stupidly expensive.

Previous poor repair to fuel tank pick up by dealer: hacked floor.

Suspension now "wobbly"; unsure of cause. Previously fine handling vehicle. Shocks? Suspension bushings?

Air conditioning compressor failure repair. Also stupidly expensive = to 1/4 value of car!

General Comments:

Generally a very good car (and I have driven many). Minor niggles so far re parts and repair costs.

Biggest driving grizzle is rear vision in reversing and lane changing. All the safety requirements seems to compromise rear vision. Takes some getting used to.

These are very nice to drive cars, far better than one might think. However, the front suspension control on loose surfaces is complete rubbish (really useless on gravel). I have no idea how the 3.0 cars work at all.

Could do with some more power.