AP's Pursuit Mystery Being Solved Bit by Bit! - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Aussie Pete · 04-15-2003, 16:35

When I picked up my FPV Pursuit and drove away I noticed the wheel alignment was way out (wheel was a long way offset to the right). So, knowing a friend who runs East Coast Suspensions in Kirrawee I though stuff it, I'll get an alignment off him and know it will be right.

Then of course, as with all things related to AP it had to pour down and we found the bulging sidewall on the near new 18" SP9000!

So, yesterday I pick up my rim and new tyre ($$$) and notice it's got well over 60 grams in weights at approximately the valve. What's going on here? A closer look and sure enough the inner rim is buckled! I check my photos of the old tyre and sure enough it's a match for the part of the rim that seems to have taken the impact.

Of interest was that the spare wheel (which I used on the day we found the sidewall damage) had been roaded (used) before I got the car. Interesting.

Well, it's starting to add up now. I have now verified the only half reasonable hit I took on the night after delivery was on the left side (opposite) of the car. I can guarantee no hard hits at all except perhaps that one.

Given the wheel alignment was so bad from the moment I left the dealership I now am 99.999999% sure this occurred before delivery. Placed a call to the dealer and I'm going to pursue it accordingly. I was willing to wear the cost beforehand because there were doubts, however with all the evidence adding up it points to an issue before I got the car.

Thing is, given my car went through all the tests, audits etc etc at Ford and FPV, and dealer delivery, it had 112km when I picked it up. The rim and tyre damage can be added to the substantial damage to the front bar and side skirts to make you wonder whether my car was used at a B&S Ball for circle work before I got it! (I know it wasn't but all the damage is road type grazing - not truck ramp damage).

Makes you wonder what happened in that short time before I got the car!

TS50 · 04-15-2003, 16:41

I would be concerned too
doesthat dealer not do a Pre Delivery?
I cant believe any dealer would deliver a brand new vehicle like that

JC-XR8 · 04-15-2003, 20:00

Take it back and get them to order you another one. LOL.

04-15-2003, 22:48

Hmm, this makes you wonder whether or not a log of every kilometer the car incurred before it lands at the dealer should be kept, backed up with sources, etc..

Would stop alot of the mystery..

Aussie Pete · 04-15-2003, 22:54

Here we go. My third trip back to the dealer in three days to sort out issues on this car - they want to see the wheel. Fair enough I guess but me thinks THEY should come and get it off me.

Patience is a virtue and AP remains calm and collected.

Mr Sparkle · 04-15-2003, 23:03

Geez - all of my 2nd hand cars have been bought and delivered / picked up with less dramas than this... pretty poor IMO!! (And for the record, one of them was bought from a dealer on Parramatta Road!!!!!!!!!!)

davocol · 04-16-2003, 01:18

I was of the opinion AP that this dealer was a trusted one, I am beginning to think that is an oxy moron now. I will never trust a dealer again after my past two experiences (separate dealers)

sandmanls1 · 04-16-2003, 02:04

good luck ap can understand the frustration esp when you waited so long, hopefully the dealer can sort it out quickly sort of sours the new car experience...... fark me how they did not pick this up in dealer delivery or maybe the delivery boy took it for a run after he checked it they always hope you won't notice.... which royally shits me.. little bit of honesty does not go astray.. sorry mr ap some slight damage to your ute but we will fix it and throw in some free upgrades to compensate.....

Yellow Fire · 04-16-2003, 02:34

Quote:

Originally posted by Aussie Pete
Makes you wonder what happened in that short time before I got the car!

Exactly. I hope you get it sorted out & can get on with enjoying the thing. There's not much point in Ford making decent cars if their dealers break them before the customer gets them.

SM · 04-16-2003, 03:28

While your'e there Pete, go for a walk up the driveway to the top floor, I reckon you'll find the matching scuff mark and paint on the concrete gutters. When I questioned the sales guys about the ease of getting the cars up to the top floor they said that its pretty tight. Regardless, it's still not good enough!!