I purchased my Ikon Flair in Oct - 2005, after much thought and review of all the other cars available at the time within a similar budget. Since my cusin had already been using a ’04 model for over a year I was easily convinced and it wasn’t long before the cheques were signed and my hands on the steering wheel.
Thats about when the trouble began.
To begin with a few days later I was heading down the highway looking for adventure (read as on my way home to Delhi from Gurgaon) when suddenly with brilliant display of flashing lights on the dashboard and a gentle "phut phut" the engine died - mind you this is on a chily winter evening the last rays of sunshine fading away and me surrounded by cars averaging 85-90 Kmph.
I managed to pull over to the side of the road and after a few attempts to start the car called the Ford Helpline. The mechanic finally answered after a bit and then actually reached me about an hour and fourty mins later. We spent another 30 mins admiring the engine and got a warning from the NHAI Patrol to mosey on when we realised that the tank was probably empty, while the fuel guage showed a clear 1/4th tank. With much difficulty which I will not get into right now we managed to get some fuel and start the car.
The next day at the showroom I managed to get them to check the car and the after a three day wait they actually had to change the Fuel Pump.
That was the beginning of my woes, the fuel pump may have been changed but the fuel guage still shows whatever it feels like suddenly dipping every few dozen km.
By the second service the exhaust pipe fitting was loose, the valve for oil below the the gear box was leaking and other minor irritants were showing up. Fortunately they were all resolved easily and quickly by the guys as the service station.
After that the AC started to throw out hot air only, then some valve in that we replaced too...!!!
Since then there havn’t been any issues fortunately thou the fuel guage is still a bit vague so I just fill her up every 350 km and there are strange creaking noises from down below everytime I go over a bump, but for the moment Im pretending they dont exist.
Epilogue - date: 15th Apr. 07
Am just back from the 30, 000kM Service and inspite of all the above I love my car
Epilogue - date: 29th Aug. 09
Touching the 70, 000kM mark and inspite of having had many more "rare" problems with my vehicle I still love my car