1985 Ford Falcon XF review from Australia and New Zealand

Alternator needed a new voltage regulator.

Automatic Transmission needed replacing.

Replaced the valve stem seals to stop it blowing smoke on start-up.

Broke two door handles.

Radiator cracked, got a "new" one from the wreckers.

Tear in the drivers seat.

Air conditioner doesn't work, and has a blockage in the line somewhere.

The only bad thing I would have to say for my particular XF S-pak, is the transmission being replaced. This was needed though, as it blew out 1st and 2nd gear, and locked itself in 3rd. It made taking off from the line a bit slow.

This car in all other respects has been fantastic.

It's on gas, so running costs are reasonably low. $25 of gas will get me around 400 k's. If I feel inclined to, I'll fill up with petrol and gas and it will do just under 1000 k's on both on tanks of fuel.

It tears off at the line, and it cruises at 110 kph while revving just under 2400 rpm. It will sit on 60 or 160 kph all day without a problem.

The steering and general handling characteristics of this car is great. Unless I really push it through corners, it never over-steers or under-steers.

The interior has a few stain and scuffs, the dashboard is cracked (aren't they all though?), and I have replaced the odd door handle.

I've done around 93,000 k's in about 2 years, and I love driving it.

It tows heavy loads without fuss.

Since replacing the valve stem seals and the radiator, it doesn't use a drop of water or oil. The most attention I pay to it mechanically is the odd oil and filter change.