1985 Ford Fairmont XF 4.1L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A decent, reliable true Aussie tank

Faults:

Rocker cover gasket.

Several door handles.

A/C not working.

Rust above the tailgate.

LPG needs repair.

General Comments:

It's a very 'cruisy' car and appears to perform best at high speeds.

It has good acceleration and can get up to quite high speeds, which seems interesting considering the size of the vehicle.

It's very spacious. The rear bench seat is like a 3-seater lounge suite with plenty of leg room. If it can't fit in the rear, you don't need to bring it!

The exterior is a bit worse for wear, but this is understandable considering that the previous owner went 'bush-bashing' a lot and I only paid $500 for it.

I'm glad it has been converted to LPG as the petrol costs would be tremendous.

The mechanics are very simple. It would not take long to fix any problem and it's essentially bulletproof and foolproof.

It's a brilliant first car and I would trust it with almost anything. With its engine power it feels like it could comfortably tow a semi-trailer! Seriously though, it can carry heaps without struggling and can be relied upon in almost all situations.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th October, 2005

1985 Ford Fairmont Ghia 4.1 litre fuel injected from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

For under $3000, it was the best luxury car available, having cruise control and trip computer, etc

Faults:

Inlet manifold had air leaks causing rough idling.

Radiator needed replacing.

Power steering box leaked, was overhauled.

Rear disc brakes kept dragging, calipers overhauled.

Air conditioning never worked, too expensive to repair.

Front shock absorbers replaced.

General Comments:

Needed a major brake overhaul before I could safely drive the car.

When properly maintained, these are a great car, being comfortable on a long trip and feeling very solid on the road.

Fitting firmer shock absorbers improves the handling very much.

The Fairmont Ghia had almost all the same extras as the larger and more expensive LTD. But the Fairmont is easier to park and maneuver.

It was not such a great car in hot weather without air conditioning. Hard starting was a problem in the heat also.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th June, 2003

1985 Ford Fairmont 250 6 cylinder (Carb) from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A speeding bullet

Faults:

The Transmission had to be rebuilt.

Due to the fact that the car was bought from a impound auction as a dumped vehicle.

The LPG had to be rebuilt.

The Carby had to be replaced

The Rear Suspension had to be rebuilt.

Minor body and interior work.

General Comments:

The car is as strong as an ox. it is the only XF Fairmont auto that can beat a VL Calais at the lights by one car length.

And is only a 105kw 6 Cyl.

The car has lowered / hardened suspension, 2.1/4" sports exhaust, 12 slotters, Trans intercooler, and sounds like a V8.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2003

1985 Ford Fairmont not sure 4.0L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

I got a very good deal, but I still have no respect for Ford.

Faults:

Power steering failed.

Fog lights don't work.

Power window controls don't respond.

Glove box broken.

Accelerator pedal may occasionally get stuck to the floor, refusing to lift.

General Comments:

The car is very nice inside, plenty of extras; power steering, air con, cruise control.

The car pulls 80 in first gear to the red line.

It stalls frequently, but it is worth the wait once it is ready to go.

Not really a head turner, but it does have nice chrome hubcaps.

We took of the roof racks and tow bar, and it really adds more to the image.

I got it for $1,300, but I don't like Ford, thus I have no respect for the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th January, 2003

1st Nov 2010, 23:38

If you have no respect for Ford, why on earth did you buy it?

1985 Ford Fairmont XF 4.1 Carburettor from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A great car, at a great price... it's put my girlfriends nose out of place!

Faults:

Needed serious replacement of air filter, oil and oil filter, spark plugs and leads and fuel filter due to neglect of previous owner. (I checked the air filter after 2 days of owning the car and found the last date it had been replaced, which was 3 and half years ago)

General Comments:

When I purchased this car I got a real bargain. I paid $2,500, with 9 months registration, roadworthy and 12 month warranty, and there is no rust, the back seat had never been sat in, only 162,500 kilometers on the clock, and it drives really well, and I am getting excellent economy, roughly about 560 - 600km to a tank driving around town. Plus adding to the fact I really like Ford's, particularly this series.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 2002