1989 Ford Falcon ea2 S wagon review from Australia and New Zealand

*) The clutch & clutch cable, clutch became very heavy and wasn't disengaging properly.

*) New front brake rotors and pads, it had dangerous brake shudder at 80km/hr+

*) Front Passenger window winder, couldn't wind the window up & down, now you can wind it down about 10cm before it becomes too tough :)

*) Hydraulic lifters, but it still ticks.

*) Plugs and leads, it started misfiring two cylinders after `enthusiastic driving' the previous night.

*) Ignition parts and a new radiator replaced by mechanic, after it died in peak-hour traffic one night.

*) Alternator bushes were worn, one night voltage dropped, ran on battery until I could get it home.

*) Power steering unit replaced after it failed at low speeds at a shopping carpark and made a racket (sounded a bit like a supercharger I guess)

*) Belts were worn, replaced.

*) Body is becoming a little tired.

Need to replace;

*) Fuel pump died a few days ago while parked at a fast-food restaurant, tapping the fuel tank fixed it temporarily, which means it's out of action again until parts and free time arrive.

*) The handbrake. If I use it, the back right wheel locks up in the wet.

*) Suspension bushes, car squeaks over a bump.

*) The electric sunroof leaks and doesn't slide.

*) Front & rear glass squirters don't work.

*) Original cassette-radio doesn't work.

*) Back-left window winder handle fell off.

Tends to be unreliable, but I figure there's a finite number of parts that can possibly be replaced, and few parts under the hood are original :)

As of 2005, it's a 15-year-old, first of the line car, and is showing its age. Keep a look out for signs of being abused (as I'm now certain mine was).

It's still a modern design, but the paint is thin and getting old, so expect things to start fading & cracking. You'll probably need a mat as the dash is usually cracked.

Fuel economy is `amusing', don't expect to get much better than 13 or 14L p/100km (~16mpg)

Now, some positive points;

It has quite an adequate amount of power with simple mods. In straight line, it stays with then slowly leaves behind a GSX-250F motorcycle. Power starts above 3,000rpm and goes to about 4,300, and the manual is fun with a short-throw and decent clutch. While passengers dragged down my previous 2.0L sedan/hatch, with the Falcon you just open the throttle more. Should do a 15-16 1/4 mile.

The wagon is incredibly versatile, rarely will you need more room. It has more usable room than most 4x4's, and if you run out of space, you can tow a trailer without any problems.

Plenty of rear space, it's a big family wagon with a big open boot. It can easily fit three adults in the back, and has squeezed four on short trips before.

Being a big local car, things are easier to fix and get parts for. Modifications are easier to find and install.

Lowering the suspension and using decent tyres/wheels stops most `wandering', but it's just as capable on the highway than it is being thrown around mountain roads