i did not know this, thanks for the info. In these Covid days garages really don't want anyone in their space a second longer than needed so it's difficult asking them if they did xyz or whatever. My three years is up for mechanicals and I doubt i'll be heading back to a main dealer anytime soon.
How about a TrustFord dealership as aren't they actually owned by Ford? You would think they would have a marginally better relationship with Ford HQ. I'm probably taking crap but it's got to be worth a try.
You should ring Ford Customer Services for a list of approved Body Shops in your area (some will be Ford dealers, other's won't). If you go to a bodyshop, they want the work, so will make your case. For them, pushing back would be turning away work! Talk to the bodyshop manager and check he will fight your corner. I recommend a double pronged approach. You should hassle Customer Services and the bodyshop should hassle the Ford Warranty department (who won't talk with your directly). You need the bodyshop to robustly state the corrosion has come from beneath and cannot be fixed with a surface repair.
Just get and buy one. ALL cars have problem areas whether they are bodywork or mechanical. You can scare yourself silly on most car forums ! At least corrosion is easy to see rather than some mysterious bearing failing inside your engine without warning for example (sorry Porsche owners)
I’m not convinced the facelift is any better. It’s happened since the s197 model. But it’s not all cars. Probably something under 25% so just check your purchase carefully around the bonnet and wing front edges. If it’s an earlier car, it probably would have started now if it’s going to happen. Also, make sure there is a stamp for body inspection in year 2 and 4. Although poor prep is the primary cause, I think you can reduce the probability by ensuring the bonnet inside seams don’t have any gaps and Waxoil behind the wing edges. There lots of myths around the cause but I’m convinced water (or worse salty water if you live near the coast) can accelerate it as they act as an electrolyte along with the trapped contaminants. Then if you are unlucky in years to come (and your claim fails) treat the car to a GT350 or GT500 front end in fibreglass. That way, although you will spend a couple of grand, you’ll be getting something cool for it.
Don't let the forum horrors put you off mate. For every problem reported here, there's 50 owners out there with no problems at all, and likely non of them are on the forum shouting about not having any issues lol
I think I would try a different dealer as well !
oh yes, I will not darken their doorstep again...
I think that's the wrong TSB. I quoted TSB 19-2026. Google it and you can download the PDF. I would tell them "The issue of galvanic corrosion is clearly recognised by Ford in the US under TSB 19-2026 and as our car came from the same production line in Flat Rock, it is reasonable to expect the same remedy in this country".