Buying a Fairlaine Ghia BA MKII

[alanjwells]

Hello all,

Thought I would put it out there and ask this question.

Any reason you would not buy a Fairlaine Ghia BA MKII? Looking very closely at one to replace our aging 1998 AU Ford Fairmont Ghia that has 210,000 kms racked up.

All comments appreciated.

Cheers,
Al

[vztrt]

Only problem would be that it dosn't have the 6sp auto. There is a big difference in these transmissions. Other than that the fairlanes are nice. Drove a BF Fairlane one weekend and its very nice as a cruiser and it handles quite well too.

[wodahs]

Originally Posted by vztrt

Only problem would be that it dosn't have the 6sp auto. There is a big difference in these transmissions. Other than that the fairlanes are nice. Drove a BF Fairlane one weekend and its very nice as a cruiser and it handles quite well too.

whats the difference between the two boxes , if you could please

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by wodahs

whats the difference between the two boxes , if you could please

Besides one having 2 more gears. The 6sp is a much better designed and stronger box than the 4 sp. It'll give you a much smoother ride and you wont get a driveline clunk as some of the 4sp equipped cars had. You need to drive a 4sp and a 6sp and you'll know why you would take the 6 or the 4.

Only downside to the 6sp is if it dies on you than your looking at alot of money in repairs, but if you drive the car sensible and get a auto place that knows what they're doing when servicing it (as there is a specific procedure) than you shoudln't have any trouble with the auto.

[ltd]

Originally Posted by vztrt

Besides one having 2 more gears. The 6sp is a much better designed and stronger box than the 4 sp. It'll give you a much smoother ride and you wont get a driveline clunk as some of the 4sp equipped cars had. You need to drive a 4sp and a 6sp and you'll know why you would take the 6 or the 4.

Only downside to the 6sp is if it dies on you than your looking at alot of money in repairs, but if you drive the car sensible and get a auto place that knows what they're doing when servicing it (as there is a specific procedure) than you shoudln't have any trouble with the auto.

100% correct. They are worlds apart in terms of refinement and those extra 2 gears really make a huge difference in terms of economy, NVH and quality feel of the car overall. Overtaking is a joy too in the BF's, the power is instantaneous and the choices the car makes for the gears is always spot on for the best peak power. We tested a BF fairlane 6 against a BA mk2 LTD V8 to 100km/h and they were pretty much an even match. Frankly, the ZF just delivers the best of the engines that ford has to offer.

[Dr Smith]

I agree with vztrt, find out how much a BF F'lane ghia is going for and if it's not a major difference I'd take the ZF equiped car everytime.

[alanjwells]

Thanks for the comments.

The price for the Fiarlaine BA MKII is $27.990 with 74,000kms on the clock. I'm thinking $20K change over once I trade the AU Fairmont Ghia with 3 yr warranty.

Seems like an OK deal when they are new for $60 odd K, what do you think?

Cheers,
Al.

[alanjwells]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

I agree with vztrt, find out how much a BF F'lane ghia is going for and if it's not a major difference I'd take the ZF equiped car everytime.

Yeah I would like a BF but they are going for around $38K minimum. A little more than I want to pay.

[Dr Smith]

I could live with that, I take it it's a six, any other options?

[alanjwells]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

I could live with that, I take it it's a six, any other options?

Yep its a six.

What more options do I need? It has a tow bar!

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by alanjwells

Yep its a six.

What more options do I need? It has a tow bar!

Sorry, I meant things like sat nav, sunroof etc...won't add much to a second hand price but expensive options at new car ordering time.

[alanjwells]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Sorry, I meant things like sat nav, sunroof etc...won't add much to a second hand price but expensive options at new car ordering time.

No none of those options.

The fairlaines are few and far between, 100 Falcons, 30 XR6's, 8 XR8's, 4 Fairmont Ghia's to every Fairlaine!

[cool65]

If you look around you will find G220 with under 100K for under 30k (late 04/early05)

[alanjwells]

Originally Posted by cool65

If you look around you will find G220 with under 100K for under 30k (late 04/early05)

Have seen a few G220's. Seems to add about $4-5k to the price.

[wodahs]

so the six speed is stronger or just beefed up and if this is so then can the 4 speed be beefed up

already understood the 2 extra gear situation and can understand the power is instantaneous as the ratio's are closer , and im not to worried about refinment just strength as for what im puttin it behind is the 3 valver with a fair bitt of of work done to it and all goin in to a zh so i just dont wantta get out on the road only to pop the box

[ltd]

Wodahs, if you have done some serious work to the 3V then I'd dare say you will need your auto strengthened. There are companies that do this for around 3 grand. If you check some of the auto forums you'll see various members who have popped their 4sp and blown planetary gears etc, have had them strengthened.
Good Luck

[wodahs]

thankx for the answer
i was watchin the BTR strenghtening thread abd also keep an eye on others so i get all the info and dont go down the wrong track

[JBomb3000]

If you can find one you would be better off with a LTD, their harder to find than Fairlane's but the ones i have seen don't seem to be selling for any more than a Fairlane with similar k's

[Fordmeister]

I'm driving a BA Fairlane at the moment - nice as mate - no reason not to buy one as like you said you get a hell of a lotta car for the $$ second hand - but if you find a LTD do as Jbomb says!