Page 1 of 1

Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 7th, 2011, 9:28 pm
by edfairmont4.0
As topic suggests we are thinking of getting a new car (newer) I have swayed her away from a Territory to a falcon..want some power still.

Are there any real issues to look out for in these cars?? I have found one with 106,000km for $10,900 Sounds a little too cheap...

Is there anything really bad with Bf's to watch out for..?
Diff bushs?
Brake Shudder?
Front end clunks?
Anything else?

Getting pretty keen to upgrade, Love the EF but would like something newer the ef looks its age, paint is preety shite..
Thinking when we get it if we do, 3.7LSD Flash tune, 4495's and Quiet 2.5" exhaust to get it into the 14s :P

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 7th, 2011, 9:32 pm
by private9
edfairmont4.0 wrote:As topic suggests we are thinking of getting a new car (newer) I have swayed her away from a Territory to a falcon..want some power still.

Are there any real issues to look out for in these cars?? I have found one with 106,000km for $10,900 Sounds a little too cheap...

Is there anything really bad with Bf's to watch out for..?
Diff bushs?
Brake Shudder?
Front end clunks?
Anything else?

Getting pretty keen to upgrade, Love the EF but would like something newer the ef looks its age, paint is preety shite..
Thinking when we get it if we do, 3.7LSD Flash tune, 4495's and Quiet 2.5" exhaust to get it into the 14s :P

That's the main stuff + the usual interior cosmetics that fall apart - pretty sure there was a thread in the general section recently on this so search for that.

If you're doing those mods, why not spend the extra and get a BA XR6t and do those times std?

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 7th, 2011, 9:45 pm
by edfairmont4.0
private9 wrote:
edfairmont4.0 wrote:As topic suggests we are thinking of getting a new car (newer) I have swayed her away from a Territory to a falcon..want some power still.

Are there any real issues to look out for in these cars?? I have found one with 106,000km for $10,900 Sounds a little too cheap...

Is there anything really bad with Bf's to watch out for..?
Diff bushs?
Brake Shudder?
Front end clunks?
Anything else?

Getting pretty keen to upgrade, Love the EF but would like something newer the ef looks its age, paint is preety shite..
Thinking when we get it if we do, 3.7LSD Flash tune, 4495's and Quiet 2.5" exhaust to get it into the 14s :P

That's the main stuff + the usual interior cosmetics that fall apart - pretty sure there was a thread in the general section recently on this so search for that.

If you're doing those mods, why not spend the extra and get a BA XR6t and do those times std?


Getting a BF XR6T unflogged without spending alot more money will be hard, dont want the turbo ill want to mod it more and probably thrash it more. Would end up fixing it more often im thinking.

Hmm I forgot about the dodgy interiors... thinking about waiting for an FG.. mm.. :scratch:

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 7th, 2011, 9:49 pm
by nstg8a
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2008-Ford-Falcon ... 261wt_1139


fg's are dropping in price unbelievably fast.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 7th, 2011, 9:57 pm
by Hayden
look no further....

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/pri ... 1&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294966285 4294966463 4294727157 1622&silo=1011

:grin:

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 7th, 2011, 10:00 pm
by Parfrey
Lol @ worrying about dodgy interiors when your used to an EF.. yes bseries have some problems with the interiors but it isn't a deal breaker imo.
If you want a normal car go for the Fairmont, if you want something thats pretty quick get a turbo.. bit of a waste spending money on an na fairmont :) But i guess it depends on how much they are going for etc.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 7th, 2011, 10:07 pm
by nstg8a
Parfrey wrote:Lol @ worrying about dodgy interiors when your used to an EF.. yes bseries have some problems with the interiors


i dont reckon the early b series, esp the xt, are any better than a good ef/el ghia interior.

where they gain in better more modern design they lose by really crap cheap feeling plastics and un-supportive seats

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 7th, 2011, 10:37 pm
by Parfrey
I know alot of people talk about the crappy plastics but i haven't had any issue's with mine, but i don't normally touch all the plastics in my car as i go along :D . The ba xr seats are better for me than any ef xr seat i've sat in.. and i'd hope a BA XT seat is better than a ef gli one??

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 7th, 2011, 10:46 pm
by NUT347
I thought you said you would never get a b series!! :-P

No innterior problems at all with the 5 or 6 B series I've owned/had for work.

Watch out of clunky diff bushes, noisy racks and lifter noise on startup.

Don't get a 4 speed.

6 speeds (auto) have 2.73:1 diff gears. 3.7s would make first useless.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 7th, 2011, 10:53 pm
by nstg8a
NUT347 wrote:
Don't get a 4 speed.
.

on that note, theres heaps of info on how good the 6 sp auto is, but whats the 5 speed like? or is that fg only?

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 7th, 2011, 11:47 pm
by NUT347
5 speed autos are fg only.

Haven't heard much about them. But I had a g6e 5 speed for a hire car for a week, I loved it.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 12:43 am
by Mr_4.0
The 5 speed in the same 5 speed from the explorer and is a piece of shit....

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 5:56 am
by [Sterling]
nstg8a wrote:where they gain in better more modern design they lose by really crap cheap feeling plastics and un-supportive seats

Lol, I have a BA XR6, my interior is still mint doesn't fall apart or feel like "cheap tacky plastic" doesn't creek or rattle and it's done 234k. I also do roughly 700k's a week and these seats are much more comfier than an E-Series.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 6:16 am
by [Sterling]
P.s OP: do a fucken search kunt.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18632

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 7:40 am
by edfairmont4.0
Yeah I know fatz but I was thinking whether its worth fixing up the EF Cosmetically or not...On the same token ive fixed everything else on the bloody thing.

And yeah I would def try to get a 6 speed auto. The black Car with the BF motor had a bit of lifter noise too....Wonder if that was anything to do with 2 minute skids at 6000 rpm :mrgreen: :-P

Just thinking something new which needs No work at all would be nice...Hmm we may end up waiting for an FG..

Heres the list of what ive replaced in the EF it's kind of not worth getting rid of....
Replaced Engine (AU) 90,000km
Rebuilt Gearbox (Au)
Replaced Roof Lining
Replaced A/C Module
Replaced HVAC unit behind dash Including Evaporator and Heater, Due to broken blend door for demist and feet mode.
Replaced 3 Electric Windows
AIRCON REGAS, Icy Cold . No Leaks Detected.
Replaced Stereo JVC CD.MP3
Replaced Rear Speakers
Replaced High mount brake light holder + Bulb
Replaced Rear Brake light holders L+R + Bulbs
Replaced Reverse Light Holders + Bulbs
Replaced Indicator Light Holders + Bulbs (EF1 rear globe holders contacts shit themselves)
Replaced 4 tyres
Replaced diff oil 75w 140 penrite.
Machined Rear Rotors
Replaced Rear Pads
Replaced front rotors RDA Slotted
Replaced front wheel bearings
Replaced front pads
Replaced front calipers due to one siezed on due to lack of service previous owner idiot.
Replaced Gluggy brake fluid.
Replaced Leaking Coolent Resurvior + Sensor
Replaced All Heater Hoses + Coolent
Replaced Radiator
Replaced Thermo Fans
Rewired Thermo fans to remove Low + Mid Settings , Now is HIGH or OFF.
Replaced Thermostat 82c
Replaced Upper and Lower Ball Joints
Replaced Clunking Front and Rear Sway Bar D Rubbers
Replaced Power Steering Pressure switch
Replaced Power Steering High Pressure Hose.

We just spoke on the phone we are going to restore the EF body and repaint it Charcoal grey and put some chromies on it,Darkest Legal Tint. It will be our wedding car :P

Then FG G6E.

Thanks for the input though!!

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 2:36 pm
by edfairmont4.0
Change mind.

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dea ... 5&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294966463 4294966280 410 900&silo=1011&PriceTo=410&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=78&__sid=12E04381BE4F

AU FTW.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 2:59 pm
by private9
That's a bit of coin for an AU man, I'd be wanting a Ghia 5lt for that money. Otherwise it does look clean.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 4:17 pm
by NUT347
Seats look well used and it's missing the little plastic things in the front bar.

I'd give the EF a quick respray and hang onto it.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 8:00 pm
by heebyJeebies
edfairmont4.0 wrote:Change mind.

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dea ... 5&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294966463 4294966280 410 900&silo=1011&PriceTo=410&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=78&__sid=12E04381BE4F

AU FTW.


you could bargain this one down to a similar price and have optioned tickford kit, wheels & suspension
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/pri ... 20matchany

and an AUIII Fairmont for 6500
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/pri ... 20matchany

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 8:15 pm
by edfairmont4.0
MMMM i really like the maroon fairmont....

This is a real looker as well http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dea ... 5&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294966463 4294966280 410 900&silo=1011&PriceTo=410&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=78&__sid=12E04381BE4F

Fatz When the EF is painted I may change my mind depends on what I would get for the EF. I would want atleast 3000, Considering it's basically rebuilt.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 9:19 pm
by Commando
Nothing wrong with the good old BTR!

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 9:45 pm
by private9
edfairmont4.0 wrote:MMMM i really like the maroon fairmont....

This is a real looker as well http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dea ... 5&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294966463 4294966280 410 900&silo=1011&PriceTo=410&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=78&__sid=12E04381BE4F

Fatz When the EF is painted I may change my mind depends on what I would get for the EF. I would want atleast 3000, Considering it's basically rebuilt.

Seriously mate, still too expensive for an AU - view them as the rest of Australia does - ie an ugly 10 year old POS and then search accordingly ;-)

Not trying to be negative, AUs are great & I've had a few of them, hope you can pick up a clean one for a good price.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 9:57 pm
by edfairmont4.0
I have had a pretty good run with them, Big auto cooler, Well serviced they aint bad, Just SHIT first gear.

My EF auto gave up the ghost at 206,000 (no cooler then nor serviced for 70,000km)
EB auto 236,000 was mint original auto (Had cooler, Good service history)
my gold ED auto original popped at 250,000 was doing WEIRD shit lol (had no cooler, lack of service)
White ED, Who knows!! 446,000km original motor def not box! motor had some power! head gasket was repaired with goo ran shit cold poored oil out the exhaust till warm. Could rip twins started with the brake and could fishie for about 30+ metres in the dry..Was amazing for nothing but exhaust lol (3.08 diff)

I dont hate the 4 speed. I'd like to mate mine up with 3.7s give it some better launch but still economical.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 10:00 pm
by edfairmont4.0
private9 wrote:
edfairmont4.0 wrote:MMMM i really like the maroon fairmont....

This is a real looker as well http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dea ... 5&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294966463 4294966280 410 900&silo=1011&PriceTo=410&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=78&__sid=12E04381BE4F

Fatz When the EF is painted I may change my mind depends on what I would get for the EF. I would want atleast 3000, Considering it's basically rebuilt.

Seriously mate, still too expensive for an AU - view them as the rest of Australia does - ie an ugly 10 year old POS and then search accordingly ;-)

Not trying to be negative, AUs are great & I've had a few of them, hope you can pick up a clean one for a good price.


Can you come with me when I go look at them, Sound like you can haggle better then me :thumbsup: :mrgreen:
Yeah man i'll be looking around for a few months anyway the EF will get some love before I sell it anyway. If i do :scratch: Body work (paint) and Detailing.. want to get some good coin for it considering all the hard work put into it.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 8th, 2011, 10:07 pm
by Hayden
You're better off to get a fairmont ghia.. if you really want an AU. the standard fairmont doesn't really offer anything more over a falcon except rear power windows and electronic climate control...

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 9th, 2011, 7:00 am
by edfairmont4.0
The Ghia only has leather seats and different rims doesnt it? Oh and the VCT motor I dont really want the VCT. Just the stock donk is what im after. Better on juice.

Velour seats elec windows cruise climate control Fairmont rims, woodgrain is what im after a fairmont is fine! I only have ever owned fairmonts lol wait the Black EB was Ghia but nothing ghia was in it except the optional BF twin cam motor :-P

See how I go, If a tidy ghia Series 3 pops up at the right price ill snap it up.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 9th, 2011, 2:54 pm
by private9
edfairmont4.0 wrote:
private9 wrote:
edfairmont4.0 wrote:MMMM i really like the maroon fairmont....

This is a real looker as well http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dea ... 5&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294966463 4294966280 410 900&silo=1011&PriceTo=410&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=78&__sid=12E04381BE4F

Fatz When the EF is painted I may change my mind depends on what I would get for the EF. I would want atleast 3000, Considering it's basically rebuilt.

Seriously mate, still too expensive for an AU - view them as the rest of Australia does - ie an ugly 10 year old POS and then search accordingly ;-)

Not trying to be negative, AUs are great & I've had a few of them, hope you can pick up a clean one for a good price.


Can you come with me when I go look at them, Sound like you can haggle better then me :thumbsup: :mrgreen:
Yeah man i'll be looking around for a few months anyway the EF will get some love before I sell it anyway. If i do :scratch: Body work (paint) and Detailing.. want to get some good coin for it considering all the hard work put into it.

Lol, it's just a case of doing your research and knowing what they're worth.

Are you only spending on the EF to sell it? If so you may want to reevaluate that... The average non XR EF regardless of spec is worth SFA so you will probably just be pouring money down the drain.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 9th, 2011, 6:18 pm
by edfairmont4.0
yeah im just thinking the way the ef looks id be like to get 2000 with probably a couple of hundred spent i rekon i could bump it up to around 3000 Under the skin its mint on the outside its abit rough and to the average idiot thats all they are looking at...

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 9th, 2011, 8:41 pm
by private9
edfairmont4.0 wrote:yeah im just thinking the way the ef looks id be like to get 2000 with probably a couple of hundred spent i rekon i could bump it up to around 3000 Under the skin its mint on the outside its abit rough and to the average idiot thats all they are looking at...

Screw that, don't spend a cent - sell cheap! Chances are the money you put in you won't get back. Not always the case, but I wouldn't risk it.

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 10th, 2011, 7:51 am
by ClassicAU
AU FTMFW!!! Excellent choice! See if you can find a decent Futura Classic, it was the one I had and is still my favorite of all the cars I have owned. You don’t get the fake wood climate dash, but they die easily anyway. You do get almost everything else you would need though. Elec windows all round, elec mirrors, cruise, velour seats. Chuck a Ghia nose on it, and your done!

Re: Thinking of buying a BF Fairmont...

PostPosted: February 10th, 2011, 12:22 pm
by edfairmont4.0
Thanks man! See hoe it goes, Private9 yeah see what happens... Ill ask what I want for it and see what response i get..