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06-07-2021, 08:19 AM | #1 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Posts: 48
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Hi all
Been more than three decades since I last owned a Ford, when I lived in the northern hemisphere. My car-experience since moving down-under some 15 years ago has basically been centred around Korean and Japanese cars, and a Holden. I'm thinking of switching to Ford. This time a used one. Need your advice on what to get, and what to avoid. Back-story is that I'll be getting a new Ranger XLT dual-cab ute, and wanted to also get a Ford as a family car, to transport the kids around. The Ranger will accommodate the kids with no problems, provided we drive no longer than a 100kms, which is about the distance I'd be able to cover before the kids start a fight in the backseat. I'm thinking of something that'll take us in comfort from Brissy to Sydney. So... need something with a bit more leg-room in the back. Also something that my wife's going to be happy to drive. Bonus if it's something that sits a bit higher off the ground. But above all, it needs to be fairly reliable as a 10+ year old car. Here's what I've looked at so far: - 2009 to 2013 model years - Between $7000 and $12000 - Mileage: < 200,000 kms - SY and SZ Territory (diesel) - Mondeo wagons (diesel) - FG Falcons So far, I'm finding that the Territory and Falcons are most likely to have issues costing around $2000 to fix. Not sure about the Mondeos. Ford Focus is too small, so haven't considered it. In fact, I'd argue that the Mondeo might also be too small for our needs. Any advice? Or should I not be considering a Ford? |
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06-07-2021, 01:42 PM | #3 | |||
Kicking back
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Western sydney
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06-07-2021, 02:13 PM | #4 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Perth, Northern Suburbs
Posts: 5,033
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Every car costs money. Every car requires maintenance. Every used car will require repairs at some point.
If someone is a perfectionist, but also completely reliant on others to do their maintenance, then my advice is to buy a car still under warranty, and sell it when the warranty runs out. If you don't want all the mod-cons, and you don't mind your car having character, and you know enough to not get fleeced on repairs (or better yet can do some yourself) then buying used is an economical option. A Falcon or Territory is a good choice. Not only does ownership elevate you in the minds of people who matter (ie other Ford Owners) but they represent excellent bang for buck, and are comparatively cheap to repair, with an extensive knowledge-base. Depending on the age and number of children a 7-seat Terri is a great option. It allows plenty of separation and personal space, and can also do double duty for school-runs, etc. However the rearmost seats are best suited to those with short-legs. You will also find that, of the option, the Terri is the most preferred by mums. I would restrict your search to SY2 onwards. SZ gives the option of diesel, which is a lot more economical, but also more costly to repair. The problem with Falcon wagons is firstly that they never changed the suspension, since the 1960's. Still cart springs. Which is great if you want to carry or tow a heavy load. Secondly, they never made an FG wagon, but continued selling the BF, mostly in poverty-pack trim. And lastly, they are the most "tankish" and so least favoured by the fairer gender. |
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06-07-2021, 02:55 PM | #5 | ||
George
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Glen Waverley, Melbourne
Posts: 7,480
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__________________
BFWSM https://www.fordforums.com.au/vbport...articleid=1708 http://fordforums.com.au/wsmpub/ba/501-05.html 2007 BFII Fairmont Ghia I6 4L, ZF6 Auto, Ego Charcoal, Warm Charcoal. R/Up 2019:Winner 2023:, Best BA-BF Geelong AFD. PWR Air/Oil Cooler, K&N, Egas elbow, V8 upper F6 lower CAI. 1997 Fairmont EL Ghia Tickford 4L Auto 1985 Falcon XF GL 4.1L Auto. 1979 Fairmont XD Ghia 4.1L Auto. 1971 Cortina GL Estate 1200cc Manual. |
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06-07-2021, 03:06 PM | #6 | ||
BLUE OVAL INC.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,768
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BF3 wagons only come in povo pack trim, thats why they dropped the XT badge as there was no Futura option.
It would still be my pick though as despite the agricultural rear suspension design its still less hassle than owning a Falcon/Territory IRS. What about a ZD Escape? |
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06-07-2021, 05:56 PM | #7 | |||
Donating Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,952
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Quote:
MA, MB and MC Mondeo's are excellent highway cruisers.
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06-07-2021, 07:44 PM | #8 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Perth Australia
Posts: 3,618
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All I have to say is whatever you do buy make sure you get the upgrade model!
ie..Fairmont or Ghia I have a 2000 AU2 Fairmont, 400,000 klm, its feels like it has 4,000,000 klm but after 11 years of the 21 years being in my possession, I still climb into a "Fairmont" everyday!....not a Falcon, and all my passengers still comment about the woodgrain dash panels.....that's called CLASS... Cheers King Billy |
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06-07-2021, 07:51 PM | #9 | ||
Thailand Specials
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Location: Centrefold Lounge
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Pass on Mondeo because its got that Powercrapola DSG box - unless you can drive manual, then consider XR5 Turbo Mondeo
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-7261947/?Cr=1 MB XR5 Turbo would be better as it has a few more niceties like HID headlights, but given the price and low kilometers on some MA's circulating the market these are a good buy. Lots of leg room in the back too, its a little narrower than a Falcon. Last edited by Franco Cozzo; 06-07-2021 at 07:57 PM. |
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06-07-2021, 08:40 PM | #10 | ||
Rob
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Woodcroft S.A.
Posts: 21,777
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Mondeo diesel is wet clutch. While there may have been the odd issue here and there, their reliability record is actually pretty good. All Ford diesels got the wet clutch version.
As mentioned above, an MC Mondeo titanium is a lot of car and a great cruiser. May be able to find one in the budget.
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UA2 TREND 4WD BI TURBO |
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06-07-2021, 08:46 PM | #11 | |||
Thailand Specials
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06-07-2021, 08:55 PM | #12 | |||
Donating Member
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Quote:
Our MC Titanium with the Ecoboost had a wet clutch Powershift, it was flawless.
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06-07-2021, 09:16 PM | #13 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Perth
Posts: 1,675
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I was going to say, the last gen on mondeo had a standard t/c auto and that would be my pick too. Cheap because no one wants them, 2013+ I think for t/c auto, so look for the petrol MD model?
Roomy inside, more features, less susp issues than falcons. E: Can't find any out there less than $15k, you might need to do more research on the trans that the MC used. I know MDs are safe, but can't remember about MCs Last edited by oldel; 06-07-2021 at 09:26 PM. |
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07-07-2021, 01:33 AM | #14 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
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Location: Perth, Northern Suburbs
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No, the Mondeo has the larger (older style) hydraulic box, originally developed by Volvo and Getrag. It uses hydraulic shifting and wet clutches. It was developed to handle torquey diesel engines. I've driven a few, with varying kilometres, and never found a problem.
The problematic powershart boxes were lightweight units developed for the small guys. They use electric actuators and clutches that are meant to be dry but then get oiled when the engine seals fail. The MC and MD Mondeos were a good piece of kit. We almost bought a diesel wagon. The only problems were that as usual FoA refused to do any marketing, and didn't offer the best engines in Aus, and again as usual persisted with trying to sell three different trim levels of basically the same car. So the MC base model interior had a nasty interior, steel wheels, and a last century ICC. The mid spec model was just plain pointless And the Titanium, whilst a very nice car, was simply overpriced Last edited by Crazy Dazz; 07-07-2021 at 02:01 AM. |
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07-07-2021, 09:24 AM | #15 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,704
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The Mondeo isn’t a bad drive and a late model one can be well equipped.
I’ve got a BA Wagon and an SZ II Territory petrol. The Territory feels smaller as it’s quite a bit shorter and is far easier to park thanks to front and rear park sensors and reverse camera. It also has Bluetooth and sat nav that any Falcon wagon will not. The Territory is still a great family and road trip car. It is now starting to lack some of the current tech but it’s still a great drive. However, it’s not perfect as far as maintenance goes. Expect to replace diff bushes and ball joints every 100,000km which can cost $2000. Also be aware that the diesel Territory also has 2 timing belts with the front one due at 165,000km ($1100) and the rear at 240,000km ($600). The petrol engine has zero maintenance issues and is rock solid. But does use a little more fuel. My petrol Territory is currently sitting on 10.3 L/100km but does mostly highway driving with an average speed of 58 km/h. My wife has driven Territory’s since 2006 and loves them. The first one was written off due to a collision with a Camry. My wife and daughter walked away unharmed but the Camry driver went off in an ambulance. My pick would be a SZ or SZ II petrol Territory as they are more reliable than the diesels. Or an ecoboost Mondeo. I believe all the ecoboost Mondeos are tc autos. The wet duel clutch was only in the diesels. |
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07-07-2021, 09:35 AM | #16 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: North Qld
Posts: 403
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Being a devils advocate here...I love Ford and have Fords but because no FG wagon was released we had a VE and now a Holden VF wagon for daily/touring duties.
Plenty of room, stylish and the rear seats fold all the way down to make a huge cargo area. VF evoke may be in your price range too as per the below. https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...AG-AD-19670980
__________________
2015 FGX XR6T Ute - Aero Blue - Leather Trim - 6 Speed Manual 1966 Mustang Convertible - Wimbledon White - 289ci Windsor - C4 Auto - Power Hydraulic Roof / Factory AC Previous Fords: - 2012 FGII XR6 Manual Ute - Kinetic - 1984 XF Fairmont Ghia - Olympic Gold - 1987 XF S Pak - White- 1994 ED Falcon Classic V8 - Polynesian Green - 1999 AU1 Falcon S - Hot Chilli Red - 2009 LV Focus Zetec 5sp Manual - Black Sapphire |
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07-07-2021, 01:45 PM | #17 | |||
George
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Glen Waverley, Melbourne
Posts: 7,480
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Quote:
Not that I am biased in any way of coarse
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BFWSM https://www.fordforums.com.au/vbport...articleid=1708 http://fordforums.com.au/wsmpub/ba/501-05.html 2007 BFII Fairmont Ghia I6 4L, ZF6 Auto, Ego Charcoal, Warm Charcoal. R/Up 2019:Winner 2023:, Best BA-BF Geelong AFD. PWR Air/Oil Cooler, K&N, Egas elbow, V8 upper F6 lower CAI. 1997 Fairmont EL Ghia Tickford 4L Auto 1985 Falcon XF GL 4.1L Auto. 1979 Fairmont XD Ghia 4.1L Auto. 1971 Cortina GL Estate 1200cc Manual. Last edited by BFIIGhiaZF6; 07-07-2021 at 01:50 PM. |
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07-07-2021, 04:56 PM | #18 | |||
Peter Car
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: geelong
Posts: 23,145
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07-07-2021, 05:51 PM | #19 | |||
Donating Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,952
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Quote:
MB Mondeo, petrol engines had the torque converter, diesels had the wet Powershift although some early MB's diesels had the TC auto. MC Mondeo The base 2.3 petrol had the TC auto. Ecoboost and Diesel's had a wet Powershift. MD Mondeo (2015-2020) Ecoboost had a torque converter automatic, diesel had a wet Powershift.
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The Fleet - 2016 PX MK II Ranger Cool White 2008 FG XR6 Sensation Blue 2014 FG X XR8 Emperor Red 2024 Mustang GT Race Red The Departed - 2002 T3 TS50 Blueprint 2017 Mustang GT Race Red |
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07-07-2021, 07:15 PM | #20 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Perth, Northern Suburbs
Posts: 5,033
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Quote:
No, pretty much the exact opposite. Bizarrely, there are still people who think that their 15 year old is still worth twice that of the otherwise identical car next door, because it has a different badge on the boot, or because 15 years ago it had a few minor different features. It's one of the reasons it took me so long to get into a Territory, and why we never bought a Mondeo. In the end, I decided I wanted the Turbo, and by the SY2 that meant a TTG, so that's what I got. But otherwise you'd have to be nuts to pay what they were asking for the so-called luxury versions. |
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07-07-2021, 09:33 PM | #21 | |||
Regular Member
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Location: North Qld
Posts: 403
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Quote:
The VE2 LLT SIDI and 3.0 LFW and 3.6l LFX in the VF does not have that problem.
__________________
2015 FGX XR6T Ute - Aero Blue - Leather Trim - 6 Speed Manual 1966 Mustang Convertible - Wimbledon White - 289ci Windsor - C4 Auto - Power Hydraulic Roof / Factory AC Previous Fords: - 2012 FGII XR6 Manual Ute - Kinetic - 1984 XF Fairmont Ghia - Olympic Gold - 1987 XF S Pak - White- 1994 ED Falcon Classic V8 - Polynesian Green - 1999 AU1 Falcon S - Hot Chilli Red - 2009 LV Focus Zetec 5sp Manual - Black Sapphire |
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07-07-2021, 09:42 PM | #22 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Riff
Posts: 12,422
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Latest RWD Petrol Territory.
Unbeatable value. https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/for...km-kilometres/
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FGII XR6 IN LIGHTNING STRIKE R52 SIII IN GUN METALLIC Last edited by Mont5.0; 07-07-2021 at 09:52 PM. |
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07-07-2021, 09:44 PM | #23 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,938
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why do you think the Ranger is going to be a problem for the kids? outside of a Falcon/Territory you are not going to find another Ford with more leg room than a dual ab Ranger
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07-07-2021, 11:11 PM | #24 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
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Location: Perth
Posts: 1,675
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Quote:
MC - Now I remember why I never got one myself. The duratec mazda based 2.3 isn't solid and the 2L ecoboost (zetec?) had powershift The new TC gearbox (ford and GM project that ford used for the fusion and maybe mondeo) came out in 2012. Not sure if any MCs got them anyway. If I was going to look into a mondeo (say I wanted a wagon) I'd only look at MDs. Out of budget anyway - try get a cheap BMW LOL |
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08-07-2021, 08:48 AM | #25 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 462
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I'd go for Territory petrol. Less risk of costly repairs compared to diesel. Diesels in general are suited to long runs.
It's also worth investigating the Kluger. If you don't need SUV Falcon G6 / G6E and Holden Calais V sedan / wagon. |
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08-07-2021, 09:47 AM | #26 | ||
Banned
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Location: Perth Australia
Posts: 3,618
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Well HMC you certainly got your question answered!..lol
Now you just have to " take your pick "...lol..good luck with that ! Cheers King Billy |
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08-07-2021, 09:51 AM | #27 | ||
DIY Tragic
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 22,901
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If he’s clever, he will have posted a similar “insert brand” question across multiple forums, rapidly generating pages and pages of opinions to filter.
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08-07-2021, 10:40 AM | #28 | |||
Banned
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Location: Perth Australia
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Quote:
Of course my last post was tongue in cheek, but there is going to be an awful lot of research on the part of HMC, and its always the same for the rest of us or anyone purchasing a new or second hand car, especially sticking to just one model, that being a Ford! Cheers King Billy |
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08-07-2021, 11:58 AM | #29 | ||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,815
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WM Statto or Caprice is a good buy - budget for timing chains if they haven't been done before though
Statto: https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SSE-AD-7271503 |
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08-07-2021, 07:15 PM | #30 | ||
BANNED
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,886
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Just get a Camry wagon....
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