2000 Ford Fairmont AUII 4.0

Summary:

Don't judge a book by its cover

Faults:

Main problems have really been just typical maintenance required for a car of this age and distance. Tyres, brakes, battery and exhaust have been replaced.

The night we went to pick up car, the climate control failed. The previous owner fixed it, at a cost of $500 or so I think. It has been fine since.

The drivers power window can be slow. These are the only problems we have had.

General Comments:

The car has been very reliable. It has done many long journeys and never given any problems. Latest trip was a 4500km trip from Sydney to Wilpena Pound and back, driven by relatives.

It has towed a big caravan from Melbourne to Sydney in 40 degree heat without complaint.

It is a car which feels like it won't let you down.

Handling is average, ride is quite good. Being a Fairmont it is very quiet.

In my work I get to drive the latest Fords, Holdens and Toyotas. Surprisingly none are quieter than the Fairmont. Below 100kmh the Fairmont is quieter, over a 100 it rustles a bit, probably due to weathershield on drivers door which the work cars don't have.

I do all the servicing myself. This has been an oil change every 10000kms, plugs, brake oil and coolant every 40000kms and recently new leads (this is a little tricky). So servicing costs are on average about $40 each service (plus my time).

I previously had a VN Holden. At 70000kms to 100,000kms it was OK. Then the faults (too numerous to list) started every 5000kms. At 150,000kms it was getting very tired. The AU is vastly more reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th October, 2009

2000 Ford Fairmont AU2 4.0L petrol

Summary:

The car is perfect for my needs

Faults:

I needed to get the digital display changed when I purchased it, and the driver's side rear door doesn't unlock from the outside.

General Comments:

I really love the overall feel of the car. I find the handling very predictable, and the power is just enough. When I'm on a freeway the economy is terrific. At 100 km/h it's on about 6l/100km consumption. closer to 13 in heavy traffic and that is my only serious complaint.

The cloth interior is suited perfectly for what I wanted. It still has the features, like climate control, woodgrain finish, power windows and what you would expect, but it still is practical, and I don't stick to the seat like I would on leather interior.

The torque is great. Off the mark it really rolls off comfortably and you still get a good feeling with low throttle. I usually drive with economy mode on, but take it off when I'm on a freeway. The burst powering down the on-ramp is very pleasing and I recommend giving it a squirt yourself (safely).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd December, 2005

17th Oct 2007, 17:30

About the rear door not unlocking, are you sure the child lock isn't on?

21st Jan 2013, 01:13

My display is faulty also. I was just wondering what you did to fix it? And also the cost.

Thanks so much!

2000 Ford Fairmont AU 4.0

Summary:

Stay away from AU Fairmont

Faults:

Rubber brake pedal keeps falling off whilst driving.

Coolant leaking at fast rate.

Keys have had to be replaced twice.

Drivers door failing to close properly & would sometimes open whilst driving.

General Comments:

Vast plastic interior.

Steering wheel too big and feels too plasticky.

Awful styling, has not grown on me.

Rear end prone to coming loose whenever going around roundabouts or tight corners.

Clunky transmission.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th January, 2002

1st Aug 2002, 06:04

Goodness me. Who wrote such rubbish regarding the Ford Fairmont AU?

I have owned one since jul 2000 and have not encountered any of the so called problems mentioned. (IE: door opening whilst driving, backend giving-way etc).

If anything this car must be one of the best quality and engineering I have had the pleasure of owning.

Needless to say I have been driving for 36 years and been through a few cars.

The AU was a 'flop' according to critics, but until you have one and appreciate what you get compared to ill fated Holden then I will stand my ground. Thank you.

14th May 2003, 06:15

I have owned a 2000 Au Fairmont and it was a fantastic car. The only thing I did not like about the Fairmont was the rear suspension. I agree about the rear end and I think it would have been a good idea to get the independent rear suspension option.

30th Jun 2003, 10:17

Hi all I have had my FORD 2000 AU11 for a few years now, I bought it new and not had a days trouble with her, shes a great car. She is going onto 150 thousand and still purring.

Dirk

South Africa

Go Ford.

20th Feb 2009, 04:19

I have just bought a Fairmont and after reading this, had the points raised checked by my auto club. All checked out OK. Possibly your car may have sustained accident damage resulting in the door trouble. Also, was the traction control switched on or off during the rear step out problem?

17th Apr 2009, 07:19

I'm stoked to hear this person had so many troubles.

I've now owned mine for just over 2 years and its still the beast I drove out of the car lot.

To this person I would say next time please don't buy a car that's been seriously destroyed, and they should seriously contact the person they got the car from, because these problems aren't the car at all, what a crock...

Thanks, Ford Fairmont owner for life...