The car was purchased unregistered. Climate control had to be fixed - costs $1200 for air con company to fix it.
Head gasket did not blow - was found to be leaking my mechanic and replaced at 200,000 kms.
Radiator tank had a crack in passenger side and had to be replaced.
Radiator core was flexing - replaced.
Catalytic converter/mid mufflers and rear mufflers all had to be replaced - corrosion problems.
The battery lasted only two and a half years.
Self levelling suspension shocks leaked and replaced with a Pedders kit - then pedders shocks leaked and both replaced.
Power steering pump, auto gearbox seal leaking and all replaced.
Universal joints had to be replaced - worn out.
Power window switch for the driver wore out - whole switch pad replaced.
Fuel sender in tank died and had to be replaced.
Dashboard panels for glovebox, fusebox, centre console and radio were all cracked and were replaced.
Gear selctor panel for three speed auto is getting harder to find, it cracks over time, and I found one, and replaced it.
Headlining was replaced as the lining was sagging in some places.
This car travels well on the road - smooth as silk.
The boot is huge and can carry lots of luggage.
Don't make the same mistake I did - I bought an early model NA fairlane - buy a series two model - less faults.
The cabin is a bit bland in vinyl and cloth - had the door trims and seats replaced from a DA Ltd. Much nicer and the front seats are electric - they can wire straight into the NA's so easily.
Fuel consumption is good for a big car. I get 450/500 km around town from one tank.
Highest ever record for highway fuel consumption was 680 km - Melbourne to Albury and then from Albury North to Melbourne - all on one tank and trusting the trip computer's range meter.
A bit big to park as the body is long.
Good horn when warning other drivers.
After market stereo and CD stacker are easy to fit - good access to remove parts.
The engine bay has lots of space for access to parts.
Removing lower radiator hose can be a tight squeeze.
Engine a little noisy when cruising at highway speeds.
Windows are elctric and surprisingly quick when going up and down.
Paint quality was poor - primer was showing, mismatched panel, a blend job on rear was found due to a dodgy past paint job.
Rust was very minimal - some found under weather strips.
Good dash layout - easy access to all features.
Digital speedo was very accurate and futuristic looking.
Disagree about easy Under Bonnet access, ever try to replace the Distributor Module... easy if half the car is dismantled... only the most useless parts are eadily accessible, the important parts difficult to get to without considerable dismantling. Apart from That, would agree with Most comments.
The Automatic Rear levelling system was a Pain, replaced with conventional springs and shocks, disconnected the air compressor, and its been a great car to drive.
Disagree about easy Under Bonnet access, ever try to replace the Distributor Module... easy if half the car is dismantled... only the most useless parts are eadily accessible, the important parts difficult to get to without considerable dismantling. Apart from That, would agree with Most comments.
The Automatic Rear levelling system was a Pain, replaced with conventional springs and shocks, disconnected the air compressor, and its been a great car to drive.
I brought my NA for $3500 its been great so far although I have been having loads of trouble with the cooling system. I have flushed it 3 times in the last month, changed the thermostat and hoses and cannot for the life of me get the temperature gauge to drop below a half. Its also hard to believe that something as small as the M.A.P. sensor can cause such huge issues (have had to replace this too) this is a common problem so I'm told. Tottaly agree with the interior being a bit bland, but the amount of space it has has is phenomenal (I've got three car seats in the rear and can get the kids in and out quite easily).The self levelling suspension was removed when I brought it, but I am considering putting it back on as when the car is fully loaded the top 4 inches of the back tyres disappear into the wheel arches (even with heavy duty springs).Overall though the car is fantastic, drives well, handles great, the fuel economy surprised me considering how big the car is and the extra features though pointless (cigarette lighters in the rear doors) are a nice touch... well done ford.
Good review above. well done. You must be told that the thermostat WILL NOT drop below half. this is this particular models operating position on the gauge. I have replaced the whole motor with a 4.0L EB motor replacing the NA 3.9L and replaced all coolant equipment. and surprise surprise.. it never drops below half. keep in mind.. the white line between hot and cold, that is the NORMAL operating temperature.
As for the hoses blowing off in these models, the series one didn't have a screw based tightener clamps they were bent metal clamps.. when under pressure can just pop off. as for hoses bursting, a lot of these cars were never serviced to the guide line 10 k. even then they were not a service book service in which the hoses grow weak.
Change them every 50k
change oil and get tune every 8thou ks.
Also don't forget, if your ford is running on gas, RUN IT ON FUEL for at least once a day per week. also make sure service change your petrol filter. easy to forget, but they're getting old now, and so are the tanks and years of bad fuel build up. and also the car uses injectors. they will get blocked. and is around 250 bucks to clean them.
Hope this helps.
also remember. clean out radiator, remove any obstructions leaves ect plastic bags blocking air flow. and make sure your clutch fan or "viscous coupling" hasnt ceased and is permanantly stuck on. this will make engine very noisy and increase fuel consumption and lower power. around 150 to buy and change over. makes a huge difference
I've hade a few muscle cars; Fords and Holdens, and in 2007 I purchased a NA 90 Fairlane.
I agree with all above, however the car is best suited for country long trip driving. It's a shame that Ford stop making the Fairlane. Because most cars now have good size areas in the front for tall people, but don't sit in the back unless you're 5 years old.
A friend of mine lives in the US and says that the Chrysler 300 (pimp daddy car) is crap, and to think that all these aussies are sucked in and buy one of these, when we make better cars than the US make these days. I have three kids; all very tall, over 6ft, and not even 16 yet, and the Fairlane takes them all with room to spare.
Have not had a problem with it yet (knock on wood) AC/Pwr Windows and 4 Sp auto.
And I would rather drive the NA before the other cars I own, which are BMW 525 and HQ GTS.
And of course how much did it cost - $520.00.
And I've done 20,000kms without a problem. And yes, the fuel economy is great for such a big car.
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