Faults:

Head gasket blew at 140,000km's, fixed myself and bent all exhaust valves and also have a new camshaft.

Clutch replaced at 140,000km which was a little early.

Plastics have started to age quite badly over the last year or so.

Heater Coil failure stopped me in my tracks, luckily was on a quite road.

Starter motor starter broke an armature and drew twice its normal amount of current resulting in a number of flat batteries.

General Comments:

It is funny thinking of all those parts that I have had to change on the vehicle, but it hasn't ever really made me want to sell it. It was a basic Futura Classic and was one of the first Dual fuels to come out of Tickford, especially being a manual. Has EF XR 16 inch rims fitted, EL XR suspension and XR6 exhaust, 2 inch from the headers. Was one of the better sounding Fords around till the BA XR8 was released.

The reason I am happy with it is that it is a car you go cruising in, the LPG makes it economical and the 4.0L provides enough torque to leave it on cruise in 5th and it still pulls up all the hills I have come across so far. The body is still looking good, and with a bit of a clean still sparkles.

Waiting to decide whether to trade in or give it a bit of help at the traffic lights with a Jim Murcock tuning kit.

Faults:

BRAKE DISCS AND PADS REPLACED 130,000KM.

SUSPENSION STRUTS REPLACED 140,000KM.

TRANSMISSION PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACED.

HORN BUTTON REPLACED.

Centre console lid, broke.

Transmission missed 3yrs of services, and still works beautifully, except for no engine breaking when manually dropped back to 3rd, although it actually has engaged.

General Comments:

Car has been extremely reliable, although it has also been well looked after. Servicing done at home, oil/filter changes, plugs, air filter and injector cleaner every 10,000km.

Service items are inexpensive at local supermarket, and good quality. Only Mechanic she has seen is the Automatic man, for the service.

Above mentioned items replaced as they had worn out. The vehicle has never left us stranded and even though driven daily, never thrashed, still looks new, except for the new dent by a careless car parker who didn't leave a note.

Car is also always garaged.

Plenty of room and power, also has stood up to 2 young boys very well, though we do have seat covers, Sheepskins are recommended for the front, comfort. A very comfortable and fun car to drive, factory stereo is top notch, Pioneer. Cheap tyres lasted 70,000km, expect more from the new Ultra Hi-performance Sumotomis.

Considering fuel prices and the fact we may keep the vehicle long term, we may go for LPG, but I believe we get about 7.5km/L and it is very good with Premium.

Thoroughly recommended, if you can find one preloved, and get the wagon should you have kids. I would love to get a sports exhaust and air filter to match, as this would improve it all over including economy wise. Just love that steering wheel too.

Faults:

I have bought a new set of tyres since acquiring the car, but that is just everyday wear and tear.

Also had a clunk from the suspension, found out that there was a ping-pong sized rock caught between the bolt and the suspension arm.

I have found no faults with relation to the manufacturer.

General Comments:

The car is quite quick for a family sedan.

It's a 5 speed manual, which helps heaps, and could use a taller 1st gear.

I have lowered it since purchasing it, and would highly recommend lowering for any model falcon, it handles so much better than factory, but can be a bit of a harsh ride.

Interior trims are quite good, seats are quite comfy, engine likes to rev.

Only downside is that it needs an LSD, an open wheeler does nothing for the manual gearbox!

Faults:

I have had no problems with this car at all.

General Comments:

I own a ED Falcon Classic. It has been great for me, I have had no problems at all. This car is seriously quick and handles like it's on rails. I think Fords are great cars and I will continue to purchase them in the future.

Faults:

Bearing at the base of steering column seized. Very expensive ($400), required a new column assembly.

Horn button shorted. Poor design, two pieces of metal held apart by foam rubber. The foam perished and the two pieces of metal touched, continuous horn. Fixed with a piece of foam rubber and glue.

General Comments:

It's been quite reliable, no real problems. It's an un-exciting but reliable hack.

I hate going to Ford in Penrith (western Sydney) because the parts manager has to be one of the rudest people I have ever come across. I and a few others only go there if absolutely necessary.