Once, Twice, Three times lucky? Doesn't Look Like It...

<p>Today I come to you as a very discerned customer of Ford Motors South Africa that feels cheated and taken for a 'ride'.</p> <p> </p> <p>Today has been the third time I have had to go to the branch that I bought my Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium manual model (all optional extras purchased) from because of the same issue that was promised to be fixed.</p> <p> </p> <p>Nine months ago I walked into Eagle Ford (Bramley, Gauteng) after test driving the Ford Fiesta at another dealership that couldn't get the colour I wanted after they had already said they would have it. I had conversed with my sales person regarding the model and colour I wanted. He confirmed that he had a brand new model and I confirmed that I would be purchasing it from him. A week later, I was signing documents and the car was in my possession. Everything about the sale was easy and no one had to go out of their way - it was probably one of the easiest sales that he has made.</p> <p> </p> <p>I was under the impression that, according to the Ford's website, all mentions during my test ride and when my sales person and myself went through the features of my new vehicle that iPhone was supported - especially by the Sony ICE upgrade that I had purchased. Four/five months later however, this was brought to my attention to be drastically incorrect.</p> <p> </p> <p>I went into my dealership after they said that they would have to reset the system so that it could work. They reset it and low and behold two months later I was back to do the same thing. Once again, to a problem that was not disclosed on purchasing my vehicle with all the possible special features.</p> <p> </p> <p>I was told by one of the technicians that by replacing the Bluetooth module that the problem could be solved. This made somewhat sense that they would probably be putting in a better system. The head mechanic, Hendrik I believe was his name, then stated that this was incorrect and then reiterated that it was because of iPhone. Now I don't know why Ford simply cannot take responsibility for this? Why must it be iPhone - IT IS YOUR SYSTEM THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED as it is your system that is outdated and problematic. If you state that your system works and can 'communicate' with Apple products then it is your responsibility to keep up with their continuous updates.</p> <p> </p> <p>Today, the 3rd of September, was the day I was to come in and have my module replaced - which I was told would take 30 minutes by Hendrik and he would be at Eagle Ford personally to have the module fitted. On arriving I was told that this was not the case and that it was actually quite a large job by one of the services advisors. Again, low and behold, Hendrik is not here to do it - and so seems nobody I have dealt with is either.</p> <p> </p> <p>Now my biggest problem, is that no one seems to understand that if something is not disclosed I have it in my right to ask for a full refund and to take my business elsewhere. This was NOT disclosed by any agent or your website - ironically enough the opposite was stated. That it has functionality and that it 'works' - minus the complete Siri integration.</p> <p> </p> <p>Now I am sure that you have received your share in emails in this regard. You, as Ford, will fix this or I believe it is in my right to demand a full refund to the vehicle and, as stated, take my business and my R250,000.00 elsewhere; to a car company that can actually offer disclosure to faults that they might have.</p> <p> </p> <p>What is the saddest fact about this endeavour is that I actually love the vehicle, but I refuse to be cheated out of my hard earned money because Ford cannot and clearly will not be upfront and honest.</p> <p> </p> <p>Also, to add fuel to the fire, Ford's Customer Care email servers are 'having problems' at the moment and I can expect a delayed responce. Right... ok.</p>