Cheers for the replies.

This is the first Ford we've had any doubts about, although its a shame those doubts didn't surface (or rather its a shame I didn't do the right research) before I bought it. Outside any hidden concerns about the gearbox its been enjoyable to drive so far.

The matter as to whether I personally can take a big financial hit is a no brainer: I can't. If I didn't have the cushion of the garage warranty and the extended Ford gearbox cover, I would have retained the aftermarket policy. During ownership of the other cars we've had over the last eight years we did have the peace of mind it provided, although as said above we only needed it twice, and then for minor works.

As for whether Ford will honour the gearbox warranty if the servicing isn't up to date, or if it is up to date but non Ford parts have been used, there's a degree of pot luck involved, so I'm told. It depends to some extent whether the question is asked. If any work needs doing then there may be a charge, there may not be. If they reject the warranty claim then of course I'll be turning to the garage for help, bearing in mind that 500 quid is unlikely to go far.

The car was a Motability vehicle, and was serviced by Ford for the initial warranty period of three years, so personally I can't imagine there'll be a problem. However, I have just under a year to make a claim, if needs be, and find out.

Edited by argybargy on 05/09/2017 at 14:45

Thanks for that.

There's no record of any repairs, major or otherwise, carried out so far by Ford or anyone else. The car was registered in 2013, the dealership carried out a 12 month service in 2014 and a 24 month service in 2015, then they finished off with MOT and paintwork inspection last year at the end of the three years.

Nothing since except an oil change by the garage that I bought it from, which has been stamped in the book.

I suppose the question is whether, when they continued the gearbox warranty for an extra two years, Ford added a requirement that during those two extra years servicing by themselves should remain mandatory in order to authorise any warranty claims, as it was in the first three years.

Thanks, GB.

From what I can gather, Ford has a set procedure for addressing Powershift problems, starting with software updates, module replacements and going onto clutch pack replacements and perhaps even (though I've yet to hear of this one) entire gearbox renewal.

It seems unclear/ unknown as to whether this is an electrical or mechanical issue, but I have heard talk of oil leaking through seals and contamining clutch linings, thus causing the notorious judder.

At the first sign of trouble with mine, I'll be down to my Ford dealer for advice. If they prove unhelpful, if the problem isn't critical and therefore in need of attention before offloading and if I've had the car for a sufficient period of time to make the transaction feasible, I'll be taking it back to the dealer for part exchange.

Just to finish, I'm sure its as plain as the nose on anyone's face that the motive for starting this thread was reassurance that in my own particular circumstances, dropping the aftermarket warranty was the right decision.

Since doing so I've checked reviews on the company and they ain't good, although that comes with the usual proviso where reviews are concerned that "if the experience is good, you're less likely to bother logging into a review site and saying so".

I find myself in a position where I had to make a financial choice that I'd rather not have made, but needs must. Its a decision that I probably should have made a long time ago, but somehow it still feels like a leap into unknown territory.

Thanks again for all contributions.