1988 Ford Falcon EA review from Australia and New Zealand
"Reliable workhorse, but fix that cooling problem with a bigger radiator"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Electronic ignition replacement at 130000
Head gasket replacement twice. The car has an overheating problem. Was towing caravan occasionally and given wrong advice by "experts", caused radiator to blowup. Eventually, through self diagnosis, realized the car required a 3 core radiator. Best thing I ever did. I installed a 3 core radiator, been towing 1.5 tonne caravan with A/C on in summer, no worries! Forget the transmission oil cooler, throw this sucker in, never look back!
Converted to gas, runs about 6km/L city. Can't comment on country because I was always pulling a caravan, but this only gives me 4km/L. Economy drops dramatically when pulling heavy load, but still cheaper that petrol, even with WA country prices!
Lots of probs with boot and bonnet air-struts. Have been holding them up with 4x2 pine! I like the old fashioned bonnets with the piece of steel you prop under it!
General comments?
This car is a workhorse. With 6 in the family the front bench worked well. Besides the initial problems, primarily the cooling system,which I found could have been solved with some correct advice, I think it has been pretty reliable. Some rust on doors and rear hatch after 7-8 years and the outside rubber trims on doors are a pain in the you-know-what! Can't they stick or what?
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| A rugged reliable big car that's Aussie made |
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| 1987 - Falcon XF S-pac 250 X-flow (4.1L straight 6) Reliable, cost effective, and better looking than Pamela Anderson! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.9 mpfi Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 125000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 245000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Holden Commodore |
| Date of Entry | 22nd May, 2003 |