| Model year | 1977 |
| Year of manufacture | 1977 |
| First year of ownership | 2008 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2011 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.8 straight gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
6.0 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 175000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 198000 kilometres |
| Previous car | BMW 5 Series |
Summary:
Very reliable vehicle to own, even after 33 years
Faults:
Only issues with this car have been rust.
Has fair bit of rust.
General Comments:
This car is great to drive for its age.
Has enough power.
Fairly roomy interior.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th July, 2011
| Model year | 1977 |
| Year of manufacture | 1977 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.1L High Compression Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
6.0 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 99000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 155000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Falcon |
Summary:
Aggressive, huge, heavy and reliable beast!
Faults:
Very few problems for a car of its age.
Intermittent problem with fuel pump, remedied with new pump $100.
Very minor oil leak.
Clutch needed to be replaced at 120000 - suspected to be ORIGINAL clutch!
Very faded interior/paint on roof due to previous lifetime in the desert.
Saggy seats.
General Comments:
For a car of its age it's an absolute monster. The rare 4 speed manual transmission gives the car a very sporty feel, and as for the 4.1L straight six, it's just unbreakable - doesn't use a drop of oil. Handling in the wet is like skating on ice however, even after lowered springs have been added. Rear visibility is poor due to high rear seats/small mirrors. Overall, it's reliable, not TOO bad on fuel considering it's weight (13L/100km on the highway) and has plenty of grunt. Hoping to get many more solid years out of her.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd January, 2005
I have one of these, but mine is a more rare model it's the GXL version with a 351 Clveland, does any one have any idea how many of the GXL Xc Fairmont's were built if so please email me at bmfben01@yahoo.co.nz.
I own a 1979 XC Ford Fairmont and it's spotless. It cost me 10,000 and I have no regrets. It has a 302 Cleveland motor and runs on petrol and LPG. Personally I prefer petrol as it runs slightly better.
I had a 1978 XC Falcon 4.1 and my only regret was selling her, as she never missed a beat and never used any oil.
I love the XC shape and the complements I get when I take her out, which is daily.
I intend to pass this car onto my son one day, and it's neat to hear from other XC enthusiasts.
Happy cruising and regards, Malcolm Pitman.