1992 Ford Fairlane NCII Ghia 4.0L in-line 6
Summary:
Reliable, very comfy
Faults:
When a new stereo was installed, the park lights fuse kept blowing, so further investigation found that the previous owner had wired the park light wire to the earth wire.
Shifter linkage is dodgy.
Needs a new exhaust, it leaks.
Leaks oil.
Cooling system leaks.
Was running too rich one day, found that the vacuum pipe to the MAP sensor had disconnected itself somehow, was promptly fixed.
Air-con doesn't work.
Drivers side headlight has dodgy connection, needs some encouragement to turn on.
General Comments:
I received this car for free as a 21st birthday present and despite the above problems the car starts first time every time.
But at almost 320,000kms the engine and transmission are starting to get a little tired and reconditioned units are on the cards, including a new exhaust, headers and XR6 cam, I may also consider an LPG conversion.
The interior has stood up very well and is very comfortable, I envy the rear passengers in terms if the vast legroom they have, but it needs more woodgrain and some leather seats, so I plan to get a good set of LTD leather seats and the woodgrain centre console.
These cars also came with a factory fitted premium sound system developed in conjunction with alpine, but the previous owner had replaced that with a cheap $29 unit, so that in turn was replaced with an brand new alpine head unit, 4 type-s speakers, mono-block amp and an 8" rockford fosgate subwoofer, following factory guidelines.
The ride is a tad bit soft but it makes it up for soaking up the rough roads.
Fuel economy is alright for a large car as well, achieving approx. 10.5l/100km on highway and 12.5-13l/100km in suburban driving.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th April, 2008
30th May 2010, 08:34
Maverick.
Yes I am in the process of restoring mine, since I wrote this review, I have converted it to a 5-speed manual, added an LTD grille, purchased an entire LTD leather interior, which will be going in as soon as I get the front seats reupholstered (very soon) and installed a MOMO leather bound steering wheel from an EB GT.
Long term plans include sportier suspension, a respray, electric sunroof, and some better rims.
Most parts are easy to come by, as the Fairlane of course shares 95% of componentry with the Falcon/Fairmont, but some other parts like headlights, tail lights and some body panels are a tad more difficult to find, but not impossible like hens teeth. If you want to add LTD bits of the same shape, be prepared to look for a while and be patient, because only 1881 DC series LTDs were built, so they will be harder to find more than anything.
Reliability wise, they don't come without their problems, but if you detect them early and rectify them like I usually do, then they are generally reliable. The only major problems I have had since this review was written was a failed fuel pump relay and a corroded water pump; both of which were replaced before they became major issues.
Mind you, I myself have owned 2 Commodores before, both VLs, and while they go well and are fairly reliable, I personally won't get back in one in a hurry, in terms of image, build quality and cop harassment.
18th Apr 2010, 23:35
Hi Fairlane 92.
I am about to embark on a new adventure. My brother in law, who was very lucky to have married my bonzer sister, has had a 91 Fairlane Ghia for a number of years. It was in great condition when he got it, and as he is a qualified motor mechanic, and a real fuss pot with his fleet (4 at present on last count I think), it has been brought up to almost as new. He wants to sell it to me as he wants another 4 X 4 to tow his boat. He has a fairly new Nissan 4 X 4, but that is only for best, like towing his 28 foot caravan when they go away for their adventures all around this great sunburnt country. Doesn't it make you sick.
Well, to cut a long story short, I am about to buy it. It's got all the latest gear, 10 stack CD player, hot and cold running sheilas, etc etc. Anything you know of that creates a problem? I don't know that he has had any worries with it. But I haven't had a Ford for, gee, 60 years. My last Ford was an A model, improved coupe, hotted slightly, then a 39 club coupe, then a 35 convertible. We used to buy and sell them for about $30-$100, and a mate of mine bought a mint 36 2 door coupe for equiv. of $800.00. That would be worth over $40,000 now.
I had a Holden Commode V8 for a short while about ten years ago, but I was a real nancy and sold it because it had a wee knock in it, which I couldn't find. As far as I know it is still blasting around the area on its lowered, mag wheeled, special system. I could cry. But it won't happen again.
Are you going to restore your bird or what? Are parts easy to get. I have been looking through the Internet, but there ain't many of that model around compared with Holdens and Toyotas etc etc. We'll see what happens. I think I will do a nice long trip in it initially to get used to its habits. I have been driving Holden Commodes for years, and while they are a good reliable bus, they are pretty plain flavoured.
Regards.
Maverick.