Defects...whatcha think? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

damienpw · 12-16-2002, 23:14

Well, I just received back an RACQ inspection on a 90 model EA Falcon SPac I am looking to purchase. Thought some others here, who actually own E-Series Falcons, might have something to say about the items listed. If anyone has noticed me in these forums this past few months, then they'll know that I have been looking for a set of wheels at around the $5,000 or under mark. My own opinion is that a reasonable EBII should be had for this money. The EA SPac I have taken a shine to looks to be in lovely condition - and (in my opinion) would want to be for a $4,000 price tag - but there are a few points of concern. I welcome any comments or advice concerning these faults and the probable cost of rectification.

Some are quite minor, but have been listed by the mech as faulst requiring attention:

Headlamps Misaligned - This is a roadworthy issue, but I'm sure not hard to fix.

Oil wetness to rear of gearbox, tailshaft freeplay inside extension housing bush - OK...this caused me a little concern but the mech said that the oil was fairly typical of these Falcons. Can someone describe the extension housing bush to me though?!?!

Movement in tie-rod end - Another roadworthy issue, and a must-fix as far as I'm concerned.

Floor plug missing from below spare - Something surprised me here, I'm sure that the mech said something about this preventing roadworthy?!?! Maybe I was just hearing things.

Windscreen washers missaligned. Wiper rubbers ineffective. - Another roadworthy issue...but really, who cares?

Rear suspension upper trailing arm bushes worn - Roadworthy issue again.

Dampness and debris on rear shock absorbers - Roadworthy issue

Coolant leak at hose connection to thermostat housing. Radiator cap seal worn - I assume that at the worst a new hose and/or thermostat housing will rectify this...not too expensive are they?

Wheel alignment needed.

Well, I hope that some of you can provide me with some more info on these things. I'm not to bad as a backyard mechanic, but I'm quite unfamiliar with the Falcons.

It's a sobering experience getting a check done on an older vehicle. Certainly has dampened my desire to buy this car (has been building steadily for this past week). But I long to get back into a Falcon again (I have some sick fascination with these cars!), so maybe these things can be rectified, and the purchase proceed!

Cheers,
Damien

Brent79 · 12-16-2002, 23:44

Dude, it sounds like it was in a head on prang! my headlamps dont align properly coz of a smash i took. speccially if there is some freeplay in the tailshaft... hmmm

Brent

WBT56 · 12-17-2002, 00:33

Floor plug below spare is probably a possible gas leak into cab risk. All of these cars get freeplay in the extension housing bush. So long as it doesn't drip oil it shouldn't be an issue.

Axeman82 · 12-17-2002, 01:56

***
Windscreen washers missaligned. Wiper rubbers ineffective. - Another roadworthy issue...but really, who cares?
***

Until it starts to rain.. ;-)

But seriously I would be getting a quote to fix all these things, especially if something is required for roadworthy and then using this to haggle with the seller or whoever to get the price down a bit. Its a condition that cars have to pass a roadworthy if they are being sold registered or at least have the safety certificate - I hope thats right.

Also check for the obvious things such as whether the head gasket has been replaced and rocker gover gasket with the better rubber or the old cork ones... Others are more knowledgable than me on this stuff...

Dan...

12-17-2002, 02:17

Thats all very minor stuff, nothing to be concerned about at all. You can do all those jobs yourself quite easily, the hardest job being the front shocks, not too much of a drama.

Because I know EA's and the RACQ might not I'll tell you some trouble spots you should check yourself before finally buying the car.

Underneith:

1.Check rust holes in exhaust especially at the rear under the right hand tyre well.

2. Get a visual look if possible of engine mounts on both sides to see if they have disintegrated

3. Tap the power steering rubber boots to check for oil leaking into the boots(meaning your seals are f%cked). If you can hear fluid inside the boots you have a stuff PS Unit.

Body wise:

Rust forms in a few main spots on the EA's. Check mainly along the sills especially right at the front and right at the back, if you notice any "bumps" in the paintwork along the sills there will be significant rust behind them.

Have a careful look at the area of body just behind the rear wheel arches. This is another spot rust shows up.

Check the windscreen seal area on both the front and back windscreen for rust by pulling the rubber seal back a little. Check especially hard in the corners.

Inside: Check quality of the carpet, seats, etc.

Once you buy the car, check under the back seat!! There will be a heap of surprises, and a good amount of cash too hopefully!

damienpw · 12-17-2002, 02:17

Yes...head seems OK...not too much you can check here. Just seems to be no leaks from it, and no oil in the radiator.

Rocker cover? Well, it's rubber, with the usual minor leak coming from the front bit.

Tyres have got less tread than I had originally thought - 2-3mm (1.5 is roadworthy)...so there's another expense to consider.

Was considering offering less, an on condition that things are fixed, and a roadworthy is obtained at MY chosen inspection station (seller's relatives are mechanics - cause for a concern when it comes to SC authenticity perhaps). Not sure though, considering stepping back from the car buying thing for a couple of weeks maybe.

Damien

Timmeh · 12-18-2002, 00:11

Good thinking, always take your time buying a car. Better deals always come along later anyway.

Good luck with it.

Cheers.......... Tim

Jakobi · 12-19-2002, 02:11

I wouldnt pay 4G for a car in that condition.. my car is exactly the same.. 90 model EA S which i have only recently pruchased say (a month ago) and i paid $2500 for it as is and the only thing i had to fix for a roadworthy was the windscreen.. other than that a degrease of the engine bay and $50 for a saftey cert and i'm on the road...

It has got a lil rust starting around teh windscreens which i was aware of a small oil leak but other than that its all schmick (few small dints here and there).. One thing to remember is if you are trading an EA in to a dealor they wont give you much over $1500 so your best bet is to find someone with one who is looking for a new car and make em an offer... most will take anything in comparison to a measly 1.5G!! Goodluck mate

big_pete · 12-19-2002, 02:22

I wouldnt pay that much, my mums car is the same, she bought it about 5yrs ago for $5000.
My dad just bought a EA Auto on Gas with CD player for $250.(No Joke)

damienpw · 12-19-2002, 12:41

$250...I have seen some like that at auction.

Yes, I am aware that $4,000 is on the high side. I think that max red book (for private sale) is around $3,500. This thing looks to be in great condition though - I have not seen one with an interior as neat as this, and the body only shows the usual minor trolley dents and stone chips you would expect. Not a sign of rust - I'd say it's been undercover much of it's life. Just under 186,000 on the clock.

Anyway, I told the owner I wouldn't consider it as it is unless the price was down at $3,000 - obviously down below her own acceptable limit, as she's going to have a big think about it.