Stay with the xf or go with the ea? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Blues_Mobile · 07-22-2003, 05:43

I have a decision to make, need a little convincing either way, so here goes:

Have an 87 xf gl 4.1 carb 3sp auto, just put in reco'd engine and gearbox, runs pretty good, (average reco job) a few niggly probs with it, nothing too major,

Or,

Being given an ea series2 wagon, 3.9cfi, 4sp auto, on gas, owned by a mechanic for about 9 years, runs well, don't think it has had too many probs.

What do you think? Which one should I keep? I wll be selling the one I don't want.

AndrewsXR8 · 07-22-2003, 06:59

tough choice, i'd probably stick with the XF. At least you know its "niggly probs", with the EA you're gonna find new ones. Plus if your engine and box have just been rebuilt, then you should have years of trouble free motoring ahead. The EA might die on you as soon as the XF is gone. Thats just my opinion.
Oh, and you know that a mechanics car is usually looked after less than anyone elses-they work on other peoples cars all day. Could you be bothered finishing work, and then going home and doing the same thing??

Modded · 07-22-2003, 20:24

I'd go with the EA. Gas is better and the CFI can be easily converted to MPI giving it more power and more fuel efficiency on petrol.

It seems to me that the reputation of the EA is undeserved. Like someone else told me in another thread, if you look after it, you won't have problems.

Plus, it's a newer car and it's the series two which apparently had some significant changes to it (four speed auto being one) from the series 1, ie.the 'bugs' had been rooted out.

If it's been kept by a mechanic then you can be assured that it's been looked after. I've known two mechanics in my life and both have been obsessive about car maintenance, even if the insides of their cars were absolute pig-styes :D

blueoval · 07-22-2003, 20:36

IMO the XF. Still some potentail left the 80's cars. And as AndrewsXR8 said, you know the issues with it.

mongrelEB · 07-23-2003, 06:08

Me, I prefer the looks of the XF and the power of the EA (well, OK, not the CFI)
I suggest sticking with the XF, mainly because I reckon the 250 will be a better motor than the CFI 3.9
Speaking as a mechanic (of sorts

) I usually keep the car well maintained. The interior's been in pieces for the last week, but the motor's new!

69CapriGT · 07-23-2003, 10:51

XF is a proven, never say die unit while the EA has a reputation for extreme dodginess.

I don't think there's a decision here to make. Plus EA wagons are ugly as arse.

EBXR · 07-23-2003, 12:05

Take them both for a spin, and see which you prefer to drive.

Each has it's positives, but see what you prefer driving.

blueoval · 07-23-2003, 16:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69CapriGT

I don't think there's a decision here to make. Plus EA wagons are ugly as arse.

Depends which kind of arse you like! Put a nice 18yo blonde chick in an EA and 9 times out of 10 you would probably choose the EA! (Not for car reasons though)