how long, how far, before they break

HOW LONG, HOW F• AR, BEFORE THEY BREAK?

Sir,

Your correspondent Mr. C. Moore writes under the heading of “A Dissatisfied VW Owner” in the November issue of your excellent journal. He complains of transmission failure at “only ” 37,500 miles.

At 20,000 miles I had a bill of E23 3$. ‘rd. to pay to ” rebuild ” my gearbox because a circlip failed and the gears became well and truly mangled. The car is a Ford Zodiac. I have conducted a lengthy correspondence with Fords. The warranty had expired by 18 months, so because I do not cover a great mileage per annum I am penalised. Fords asked for the “alleged ” faulty parts. I explained that my garage had offered me a selection from four— yes, four 1—damaged gearboxes. Naturally I could not guarantee to send the actual parts from my gearbox, so I replied to this effect. To repeat Mr. Moore’s sentence, ” If these people who now possess this unfortunate souvenir are not in a position to examine this, then who is ? “

Fords do not seem, from their correspondence, to think that 20,000 miles is a small mileage for one of their most expensive models. I have not, of course, had a direct answer to a direct question on this point. Fords will not accept any liability.

Mr. Moore can congratulate himself on having covered nearly twice as many miles as me before suffering a major setback, time wasted and finance involved. As I would not keep a car to 37,500 miles perhaps Iliad better buy a VW!

G’idea Park, E. G. REEVES. •