1997 Ford Falcon XR6 review from South Africa
"I would love a new one, but the price here is way too high"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The clutch failed at 120,000km due to a faulty release bearing.
A baffle from the filler spout fell into the fuel tank at about 150,000km which stopped the gauge working. The agents told me I needed a new, expensive, instrument cluster, so I eventually sorted the problem myself.
The original radiator hoses have all burst due to severe cracking on the inside, but the replacements have lasted to date.
The front seat has sagged slightly now which is surprising because I'm not very heavy, 65kg.
General comments?
A very good and comfortable long distance car, but in town first gear is a bit high to do fast pull-offs from traffic lights.
Not as blindingly fast as I was given to think it would be, but very little catches me up hills due to the huge torque.
Fuel consumption is excellent: average about 7.7 km/litre in town and about 9.8 km/litre on long trips, several times I've got over 10.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Very reliable and relatively cheap to run |
| 1996 - Falcon GLi 4.0L petrol + LPG Comfortable, spacious, but.. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 74000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 188000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Corolla |
| Date of Entry | 4th February, 2002 |