So we have been hearing a bit of whining coming from the engine compartment, so while we are on the way to the store I tell my wife I will look at it next weekend. We went into the store and came out and it wouldn't start, it would just click. We tried to jump it and it wouldn't start. I had it towed home, and found the alternator was cracked; i want to add I could only see the alternator through a tiny opening underneath the car. To make a long story short to get the old alternator out, I had to remove a plastic cowl, drop the exhaust, which I had to buy a special tool for because the nuts were so rusted they rounded off, I had to drop the cross member, and I had to pull the axle....that's right I had to pull the axle. This has got to be one of the worst designed cars ever. The exhaust is directly under the alternator so it just cooked it to death over time. Imagine what that would have cost if a shop worked on it. I told my wife to get rid of this car since while I had the alternator off I found several oil leaks.

The battery died ON THE WAY to Ford because the battery light kept coming on - during rush hour traffic on a roundabout! - could not indicate, no hazard lights, could not lower my window to signal that I needed to get to the side of the road. I had to OPEN my door, wave my hand.... so dead was the battery. This alternator was 2.5 years old - I spent $1000 US to replace it in 2008. I would love to have a complete explanation from the manufacturer because the dealership and mechanics in my neck of the woods have been patronizing and very, very unhelpful.