£19k Coupe's Pour Show

Apr 27 2008 The Judge

MOTORING guru Jeremy Clarkson hailed the Ford Focus convertible a "ray of sunshine" when it was launched last year.

But my readers are queuing up to complain about the £19,000 drop-top.

It has a problem Ford cannot seem to fix...the roof leaks.

So far, I have won a refund for one driver, Sam Mclreavy.

His convertible leaked within a month but he had to wait a year for the £18,903 he paid.

I'll continue fighting for justice for the rest of my readers affected. They include:

Jean Stewart's £16,300 ex-demo Focus has been in for repairs so often it has been on the road for just 10 days since December.

Fiona McIntyre has fought over her £18,890 car's leaky roof since September. The dealer will not acknowledge her letters.

Julie Davis' £21,000 Focus has been fixed five times but is leaking again. She asked for a refund three months ago.

Pauline Palmer received her Focus on March 1. It leaks but Ford will not let her return it.

Rosie Hoyle's ex-demo model leaked as soon as she collected it in August.

Sales executive Jean, 39, said: "The car is unfit for its purpose.

"I am shocked that a huge multinational firm like Ford can behave in this manner.

"I left the car in the driveway then found the interior was squelching wet, absolutely saturated. I couldn't believe it." She was told it would be fixed under warranty and the dealer gave her a hire car. It was the last she saw of her motor.

Jean, of Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, said: "I am devastated. I'd seen the car on Top Gear and it was beautiful, exactly what I wanted. Now it's a disaster and I can't get answers."

Business manager Fiona, 41, of Stirling, said: "I asked for a refund but was told it could take six weeks, which is unacceptable."

Civil servant Sam, 39, of East Kilbride, is one of the lucky ones.

He has just received a refund of the £18,903 he paid for his Focus convertible in May. Ford tried to repair it three times then admitted there was a problem with the roof.

Samgot in touch with Trading Standards but received his cash once I got on the case.

Ford told me readers whose cars could not be repaired would receive refunds but said each case would be dealt with on an individual basis.

They said: "We are committed to ensuring customers who have experienced issues with their vehicles are contacted and that a resolution is found.

"We thank the Sunday Mail for bringing this to our attention."

Glad I got them on the right road.

'Ford's Focus is refined, elegant and well-priced.. a ray of sunshine'

JEREMY CLARKSON