What to look for when buying a NA fairlane? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

docomo · 10-29-2003, 03:49

Will get a NA Fairlane in the later week, just want know where it's likely to cause any drama in the car. I've had a look at the car today and it drives well, look is in showrrom condition (both exterior, interior and even in the the engine bay). But I heard some slight whine when the car pull off from first gear, just want make sure if that would be a problem or not. If not, I may get the deposit tommorrow or on Friday.

PS : It's a 1988 model with 283k on the clock, but the engine and the transmission was reconditioned in 1997.

Troutman · 10-29-2003, 04:02

Sounds like a good car. If you're in doubt, getting a trusted mechanic to look over it is a good idea, and a warranty is even better.

Regarding the first gear whine, you might find any automatic six cylinder Falcon does it - at least EA onwards. In fact, my manual Falcon does it too. :s5

docomo · 10-29-2003, 04:06

Yeah, she goes like a champ and the body looks pretty regid with only some slight squeaks when passing bumps.............

How long would you expect the engine and transmission last before the next rebuild?

And, BTW, are NA's differential prone to fail? Herad of some friends with RWD cars have lots of problem with the diff.

Troutman · 10-29-2003, 04:12

The squeaks are normal too - some can be repressed but normally you wouldn't worry. :)

My diff was in absolutely brand new condition after 175,000, but then it all depends how the car is driven. They are dirt cheap anyway.

The 3 speed autos are tough as nails as well, while the engine will probably be fine with just the occasional bit of work required over time: thermostats, head gaskets

... all the usual. All of which is very cheap if you're into DIY.

danege · 10-29-2003, 04:14

It sounds like a really good deal.

Just check for the usual (leaks / coolant oil stains)

Perana XR8 · 10-29-2003, 04:16

Check the Self Levelling suspension as these can be very troublesome.

docomo · 10-29-2003, 04:24

How to see if the head gasket is failed or not? Is it just by looking at the coolant or is there any other skills? And for the self levelling suspension, is there any way to tell if it's working or not (or replaced with standard parts). In fact I wouldn't be too worry about the repair stuff as it would come with a 3 year unlimited km warranty (I'm likely to extend that to 4)...............

Troutman · 10-29-2003, 04:43

The self-levelling can be replaced with non-self levelling components - in my case the conversion cost $130 all up, and I could have done it even cheaper if I'd known what I know now. There is a test to check if the self levelling is working, but I can't remember it now. Something about opening the driver's door and pressing the interior light button 3 times?

The gasket would be leaking coolant into the oil and the car driving very sluggishly if it's gone, which obviously isn't the case. But unfortunately they do tend to go every 100,000 or so kms.

docomo · 10-29-2003, 18:31

Placed deposit on the car and will take it next week..................
Just want to know when should I replace my head gasket? The owner said that he's got the engine rebuild 5 years and around 80000k ago.

EFFalcon · 10-29-2003, 18:38

replace the head gasket when u know one has gone.
generally you can tell as you will be losing coolant or getting coolant/oil mixed together.