Comments: 1-15, 16-19
Head gasket started leaking at 160,000 km (this was caused by a blocked 'T' connector running from the thermostat to the heater core - which I could have picked up on much sooner because the heater stopped working for a couple of months before the head gasket started leaking).
Idle speed motor clogged with carbon (simply cleaned it and now it works fine).
Injectors required cleaning.
Idler arm, pitman arm, power steering box and shock absorbers were worn (simply replaced all of them at a cost of around $500 total).
Basically, I purchased this car because I refused to be a part of the already massive crowd of 'P' platers driving VL Commodores.
Whilst (in standard form) the XF can't compete with a VL in performance, the sheer luxury of the interior makes this car so thoroughly enjoyable. It is loaded with options (power steering, air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, central locking, velour seats with headrests for the rear seat).
I have heavily customised my car, which I feel now makes it a much better looking car than any VL I have ever seen. It has been lowered 2 inches and now sports 16 x 7 inch Tickford XR8 rims.
The exhaust is only 2.25 inches in diameter, but has extractors, a high-flow cat and a big-bore muffler. This combination provides excellent performance low-down and produces an awesome exhaust note (very similar to that of a Cleveland 351 with a single 2.5 inch system!!!). With these (and a few more) relatively minor modifications, I now have a unique car that has easily beaten all 5.0 litre Commodores that it has come up against.
Having said this, the handling of the XF is it's one downfall. The power steering is a bit too light (although after a while, you get used to this) and the turning circle is monstrous!!!
Overall, I find that (if properly maintained) the XF is a car for people who enjoy cruising, towing or just love to drive. On the other hand, the VL Commodore is more suited for people who would rather thrash the guts out of their car in an effort to be the fastest.
I also own 1986 Fairmont Ghia, and I have done pretty much what you have done to your car, except I put in a 5 Speed manual and XR6 front.
If your looking for a nice cheap car, the XF Fairmont Ghia is hard to beat.
Much better than the Nissan powered VL Commodore.
I own a 1981 XD Falcon 351 C, but I can't stand the body, so I decided to rip all the panels off to turn it into the best looking 80's Falcon available, the XF.
Lower the hell out of it, throw some big rims in, with decent paint and you'll have a crowd pleaser. Thank Ford for the XF...
(PS... I hate VL's, every man and his dog has one).
I am a 15 year old who has just bought an XF Fairmont Ghia for a first car. After driving (much to my mum's dismay) this car, and weighing up the ups and downs of owning this car, I found that it couldn't be beat.
It has endless comfort accessories for a 16 year old car and the power to match.
I have some big plans in store for my blue beast. It'll be one hell of a mobile. XF - god's answer to an automobile.
Graeme Earnshaw
Benalla Vic
I drive a 1986 XF Fairmont Ghia, I'm happy with it, it costs very little to repair and it drives like a dream for a 16 year old car.
Hello.
I need a bonnet for an 87 XF Fairmont - Blue. I treasure this model Ford. Bubble rust is coming through and I simply want to replace the bonnet. I live in Western Sydney. Can anyone help? Contact me - coz@mis.net.au.
I am 16 years old and bought my XF Fairmont auto a few months ago. These cars make Holdens second class citizens! I have had to fix up a few problems caused by the previous owner neglecting it a little. I beat all of my mates Commodores, and it sounds great when its about to peak! I have since gotten tinting and a JVC cd player. Can't wait to bring this monster down from the clouds. I think they look great with Simmons B45 mags! It has done 340,000 K's so I'm expecting the worst to come soon. :- (But I don't care, I am going to fully restore this beauty and drop a 351 C in some day. Built FORD Tough!
Cheers,
Joel.
How do you put / get a 5-speed box for a XF fairmont?
I have owned my '85 XF Fairmont Ghia (white) for nearly 5 years. I have wanted one ever since I first saw one as a teenager. It was in GREAT nick when I bought it. People have told me they think I am mad to keep such an old car since I can afford a much newer one. But the fact of the matter is that apart from the fact it is automatic (although the floorshift manual Ford boxes of the time weren't all that pleasant anyway), I can't think how you could improve upon it. It's as comfortable as you could ever possibly want, and the S Pack suspension means the handling is far better than any standard Falcon.
Being an '85 model, it will run on LRP, ULP, or Premium, I have managed to get 680km out of the 80L tank, and off the line it will give anything on the road a run for it's money until it hits 2500rpm in first. I am going to keep this car through the years and keep restoring it when it needs it. I may own other cars, but this one is staying.
Tell your friends. These cars are classics.
I own an "87" XF Fairmont that I inherited from my grandparents which at first I was reluctant to take, given my mates constantly told me that a 19 year old shouldn't be seen cruising in one of those tanks. However, it has become the most reliable car I could have asked for. For a car that has travelled around Australia and done 302,000km it's engine is squeeky clean and the interior is second to none for a car it's age... Even the local cop approved when he pulled me over with a car full of mates, who by the way have slowly warmed to the idea of trying to pick up chics in the XF instead of their VL Turbo's!
I own a 1985 (registered 1987) xf fairmont ghia that is two tone blue. It has been professionally lowered and handles like a dream. I bought it off my brother over a year ago and haven't really added anything to it. It has extractors, a 2.5 inch exhaust right through with two coby's and a chrome tip, it sounds awesome. Its done 193000 kms and has been a really good car, far better than a VL commodore which I've also owned. My fairmont also has an after market oil cooler situated by the transmission cooler. The only complaint I could make about the car apart from the turning circle is the large amount of fuel the old girl goes through. They are just a good car that are as reliable as anything.
An LPG unit fitted to my 1985 4.1 auto made this fine car an affordable (if not cheap) vehicle to be in regular use, city or highway.
I would recommend LPG without hesitation, as fuel economy was the main real complaint people would voice regarding this model.
Properly maintained, this model can give great value. (And this comes from a previously staunch Holden fan)
I just bought a 87 XF fairmont a few days ago. I havn't driven it much, but the little I have driven it, it drives like a dream! its the most comfortable car I've ever driven! I was thinking about getting an EA falcon, but when I drove this, I bought it straight away, nothing compares!
I have noticed a few problems with it lately though. the boot catch and gas cap solenoids don't work very well, but this might be a recurring problem with this model. there is a little rust on the boot near the back windscreen, but that is the only visible damage at all! it is in absolutely perfect condition! I was very surprised when the dealer said it was $1200!!
All up, a great, comfortable car that I have yet to fault. although it does use a bit of fuel!!
Cheers!
I'm looking for a Fairmont ghia on LPG.
I've recently seen one in a car yard, but it is not EFI.
I believe it's an 85 model. Can anyone here confirm that any 85 XF Fairmont Ghia's came out with just a carby 4.1?
I'm not sure if at some point in this car's life, someone has replaced the EFI engine with a carby one!!
They may have changed it to carby, considering the XF is a later model then my XE Fairmont, and my XE is EFI. I have never heard of a stock carby XF.
I loved my "87" Fairmont Ghia,I miss it!