Our 2004 Ford C-Max 1.6TDCI CVT had completed 74,000 miles when the gearbox failed whilst on the second day of a holiday in Wales. The RAC was called out to the car and after testing advised that the car needed to be recovered to our Ford Garage in Buckinghamshire, which we arranged. The test result showed a complete failure of the gearbox and that it had to be replaced. The car has been serviced entirely by Ford in absolute accordance with its service requirements (including an expensive gearbox oil change at 60,000 miles, cost over £400). Since purchasing the car, and after reading your column as I do every week, I was aware that this gearbox was unreliable but was always hopeful that with Ford servicing and general care this situation may be avoided. My point in all of this is that Ford (and others) does not give consideration to very expensive major failures outside of its current guarantee period. I feel Ford should take a measure of responsibility and make some financial reparation. The cost of repairs only, including testing by Ford is currently a fraction under £3,000, personal inconvenience of no car etc. not included.