1987 Ford Fairmont XF review from Australia and New Zealand

Head gasket started leaking at 160,000 km (this was caused by a blocked 'T' connector running from the thermostat to the heater core - which I could have picked up on much sooner because the heater stopped working for a couple of months before the head gasket started leaking).

Idle speed motor clogged with carbon (simply cleaned it and now it works fine).

Injectors required cleaning.

Idler arm, pitman arm, power steering box and shock absorbers were worn (simply replaced all of them at a cost of around $500 total).

Basically, I purchased this car because I refused to be a part of the already massive crowd of 'P' platers driving VL Commodores.

Whilst (in standard form) the XF can't compete with a VL in performance, the sheer luxury of the interior makes this car so thoroughly enjoyable. It is loaded with options (power steering, air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, central locking, velour seats with headrests for the rear seat).

I have heavily customised my car, which I feel now makes it a much better looking car than any VL I have ever seen. It has been lowered 2 inches and now sports 16 x 7 inch Tickford XR8 rims.

The exhaust is only 2.25 inches in diameter, but has extractors, a high-flow cat and a big-bore muffler. This combination provides excellent performance low-down and produces an awesome exhaust note (very similar to that of a Cleveland 351 with a single 2.5 inch system!!!). With these (and a few more) relatively minor modifications, I now have a unique car that has easily beaten all 5.0 litre Commodores that it has come up against.

Having said this, the handling of the XF is it's one downfall. The power steering is a bit too light (although after a while, you get used to this) and the turning circle is monstrous!!!

Overall, I find that (if properly maintained) the XF is a car for people who enjoy cruising, towing or just love to drive. On the other hand, the VL Commodore is more suited for people who would rather thrash the guts out of their car in an effort to be the fastest.