1978 Ford Fairmont Station Wagon review from North America
"A bargain, I mean, $750 of initial investment and I still drive it 17 years later?"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Transmission went out at 80,000 miles, but that was when the car was about 15 years old, not a big deal.
2 water pumps on it over the years.
Alternator went out at 85,000 miles.
Brakes last about 5 years or so.
(The parts guys cringe when I buy the stuff with the lifetime warranty.)
New carburetor at about 90,000 miles.
General comments?
I bought the car at auction for $750.
That was 17 years ago and it still gets me back and forth to work daily for pennies. Not the prettiest, or fastest, or best handling. But I'll hang onto it till it squats down and refuses to move for the final time.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1979 - Fairmont 4 door sedan Inline-six, 3.3 liter (200c.i.d) Simply put, this car is worthy of high praise! |
  | 1974 - Fairmont Hardtop 250 Ci (4.1 litre) They don't make 'em like that anymore |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1985 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 200 c. i. Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 23000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 99500 miles |
| Previous car | Ford F100 |
| Date of Entry | 31st August, 2002 |