how long does a falcon last for?

[dexxl]

i'm looking to buy a ford falcon ute, assuming normal use. it would be a 2000 model with close to 200k on the odometer.

this would be the first ford i'm purchasing and i'm not very good with cars anyway. should i walk away and look for something earlier? are there many known problems with ford falcon utes that age?. or how much money should i put aside for contingency if anything happens?

thanks

[AUIII XR8 MAN]

The newer, lower the kays the better. A car will last as long as you want it too. Look for one with a good service record.

[MO]

Ok I've got a 2001 AUII SE ute with just under 95000k if I was to be buying this ute today I'd expect to pay around $17k..this is due to low ks and VERY GOOD condition.

However having said that I'm sure there are cheaper ones out there.

Maybe around $12/14k.

Just as an aside mine is full Ford service history till warranty ran out.
Then I got myself a very good mech.

As for how long it will last thats upto you and how you look after it

[Stav]

Most cabbies do 1 million killometres out of an au engine and they keep going.Mention a ba -bf and watch them roll their eyes.

[JC]

To answer your question - twice as long as its half life. But as there are still XL/XK/XM/XP utes (circa 1964 ++) on the road, forever may be an understatment.

Auto gearboxes need replacing/rebuilding (cost around $2500) at around 250,000km (even on cabs), but the motors pretty much go forever - though a replacement motor is only around $600 plus fitting anyway.

If the ute is cheap enough, you can always factor in costs for a transmission rebuild (or manual conversion at around $1500 plus fitting) and replacement of shocks, bushes, discs and pads, with a calliper overhaul as well - all up around $2500 to 3k. But at least then you'll know that the suspension, steering and brakes are up to scratch, then it's just a matter of enjoying the car until the motor/boc fails, at which time you will replace it!

[loony888]

buy the latest model AU you can find with the lowest kays possible. the single overhead cam 2 valve engine will run for a very long time with regular servicing and has enough hi tech gear (eg. digital ignition)to keep it trouble free. the BA's seem to be getting a rep as fragile, while AU's run relatively free from issues.
if you're looking for a manual check the firewall, if it's an auto, get the box checked out, especially if it has a towbar. other than that they're all good.
i have an AUII XLS ute and have had it for 3 years, it's cost me a battery and a set of tyres, that's it. runs great.
good luck,
paul.

oh, and another thing, if you do buy one, hang around here, there's loads of valuable tips and info to be had, i just found the place myself!

[au2sw]

Originally Posted by loony888

buy the latest model AU you can find with the lowest kays possible. the single overhead cam 2 valve engine will run for a very long time with regular servicing and has enough hi tech gear (eg. digital ignition)to keep it trouble free. the BA's seem to be getting a rep as fragile, while AU's run relatively free from issues.
if you're looking for a manual check the firewall, if it's an auto, get the box checked out, especially if it has a towbar. other than that they're all good.
i have an AUII XLS ute and have had it for 3 years, it's cost me a battery and a set of tyres, that's it. runs great.
good luck,
paul.

oh, and another thing, if you do buy one, hang around here, there's loads of valuable tips and info to be had, i just found the place myself!

what paul means by check the firewall with a manual, is that the clutch cable "stretches" the firewall and allows water to enter the cabin when it rains. easy fix with some silicon and a bit of time.
BTW welcom to the forums and have fun with your AU!!
col

[JC]

Originally Posted by au2sw

what paul means by check the firewall with a manual, is that the clutch cable "stretches" the firewall and allows water to enter the cabin when it rains. easy fix with some silicon and a bit of time.
BTW welcom to the forums and have fun with your AU!!
col

It could also be where the pedals mount to - they tend to crack the firewall.

[dexxl]

thanks for all the replies.

i'll definately take the advice on hand when looking at cars. i think on tuesday i will call the car brokers and get them to search for me too. i'll let y'all know what i end up with.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Stav

Most cabbies do 1 million killometres out of an au engine and they keep going.Mention a ba -bf and watch them roll their eyes.

The BA straight Gas will do 1 million K's it's that POS auto that wont last.

Falcons are designed by Ford for 240,000k's and 10 years for the body.

[FGII-XR6]

i drive a cab with 827000Ks on the original engine need I say more

[MYEBII]

how long is a piece of string??

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by MO

Ok I've got a 2001 AUII SE ute with just under 95000k if I was to be buying this ute today I'd expect to pay around $17k..this is due to low ks and VERY GOOD condition.

However having said that I'm sure there are cheaper ones out there.

Maybe around $12/14k.

Just as an aside mine is full Ford service history till warranty ran out.
Then I got myself a very good mech.

As for how long it will last thats upto you and how you look after it

That's pretty much what I paid for mine ... with the same service record as well.

I found myself a good LPG mechanic (as mines an EGAS) ... always keep money put aside fo things though. You might be lucky and get away with nothing much happening ... then on the otherhand ... thangs could go wrong.

If the auto goes ... you are looking at approx $1500 at least to get it fixed/replaced inc. labour.

Then there's mods ... if you are into that sort of thing ... and being in this forum ... the temptation is really there ... but there is a lot of information for cost-effective enhancements though.

[JC]

Originally Posted by MYAU

how long is a piece of string??

Twice the distance from one end to its midpoint.

[onfire]

Originally Posted by Stav

Most cabbies do 1 million killometres out of an au engine and they keep going.Mention a ba -bf and watch them roll their eyes.

Pretty much the answer in Melbournes Herald Sun Car Guide a few months back.. " theres a reason 9/10 Taxis are AUs "

[Jastel]

Yeah, you can't gas a commodore!!! (and get it to last)
LOL

Had no major engine problems on AU or BA taxis, sump leaks are fairly common, BA has coil problems, AU had lead problems so much the same in my experience

Transmissions last for 300-350,000km with regular oil changes

Though they might be "still going" at 1000000km, the engine (and whole car)would be a POS and I wouldn't want to be driving it.

I pension mine off at around 500000km or so and they are stuffed, it's cheaper to replace the car than fix it.

[FGII-XR6]

Originally Posted by Jastel

Yeah, you can't gas a commodore!!! (and get it to last)
LOL

Had no major engine problems on AU or BA taxis, sump leaks are fairly common, BA has coil problems, AU had lead problems so much the same in my experience

Transmissions last for 300-350,000km with regular oil changes

Though they might be "still going" at 1000000km, the engine (and whole car)would be a POS and I wouldn't want to be driving it.

I pension mine off at around 500000km or so and they are stuffed, it's cheaper to replace the car than fix it.

true about the crummydores (GMH get mechanic hurry! ) the cab i drive 827000 ks still drives well with good regular maintenance and when it has to retire in a few months it would make a gr8 local run arould car but i know a few cabs around that owners go cheap on maintenance and they are high K POS so good maintenance is essential