Faults:

Main problems have really been just typical maintenance required for a car of this age and distance. Tyres, brakes, battery and exhaust have been replaced.

The night we went to pick up car, the climate control failed. The previous owner fixed it, at a cost of $500 or so I think. It has been fine since.

The drivers power window can be slow. These are the only problems we have had.

General Comments:

The car has been very reliable. It has done many long journeys and never given any problems. Latest trip was a 4500km trip from Sydney to Wilpena Pound and back, driven by relatives.

It has towed a big caravan from Melbourne to Sydney in 40 degree heat without complaint.

It is a car which feels like it won't let you down.

Handling is average, ride is quite good. Being a Fairmont it is very quiet.

In my work I get to drive the latest Fords, Holdens and Toyotas. Surprisingly none are quieter than the Fairmont. Below 100kmh the Fairmont is quieter, over a 100 it rustles a bit, probably due to weathershield on drivers door which the work cars don't have.

I do all the servicing myself. This has been an oil change every 10000kms, plugs, brake oil and coolant every 40000kms and recently new leads (this is a little tricky). So servicing costs are on average about $40 each service (plus my time).

I previously had a VN Holden. At 70000kms to 100,000kms it was OK. Then the faults (too numerous to list) started every 5000kms. At 150,000kms it was getting very tired. The AU is vastly more reliable.

Faults:

I needed to get the digital display changed when I purchased it, and the driver's side rear door doesn't unlock from the outside.

General Comments:

I really love the overall feel of the car. I find the handling very predictable, and the power is just enough. When I'm on a freeway the economy is terrific. At 100 km/h it's on about 6l/100km consumption. closer to 13 in heavy traffic and that is my only serious complaint.

The cloth interior is suited perfectly for what I wanted. It still has the features, like climate control, woodgrain finish, power windows and what you would expect, but it still is practical, and I don't stick to the seat like I would on leather interior.

The torque is great. Off the mark it really rolls off comfortably and you still get a good feeling with low throttle. I usually drive with economy mode on, but take it off when I'm on a freeway. The burst powering down the on-ramp is very pleasing and I recommend giving it a squirt yourself (safely).

Faults:

Rubber brake pedal keeps falling off whilst driving.

Coolant leaking at fast rate.

Keys have had to be replaced twice.

Drivers door failing to close properly & would sometimes open whilst driving.

General Comments:

Vast plastic interior.

Steering wheel too big and feels too plasticky.

Awful styling, has not grown on me.

Rear end prone to coming loose whenever going around roundabouts or tight corners.

Clunky transmission.