EAII Fairmont Ghia after service - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

albl · 02-14-2003, 03:07

Hi All,

I finally got my EAII Fairmont Ghia from a mechanic. It turned out that the car definetly hasn't been loved and looked after by the previous owner (I bought her about 3 weeks ago)...

The things that were fixed are (it goes on...):
1. Replace rear springs and shockers - old self-levelling suspension wasn't working and was replaced with after-market monroe shockers.
2. Replace 3 fan belts
3. Replace idler pulley
4. Replace Accelerator cable and Cruise Control cable
5. Replace top and bottom hoses
6. Flush out the radiator and replace coolant
7. Replace valve cover gasket (engine was leaking oil)
8. Replace Power Steering Rack bushes and oil (pwr steering was very noisy on low speed turns)
9. Replace Diff. Breather hose
10. Replace fuel and oil filtres
11. Clean out throttle body
12. Service and tuning and replace spark plugs
13. Service auto transmission and replace oil
14. Fit trailer plug (wires were just hanging :) )

The whole lot costed me $1500 ($600 labour and $900 parts). Is it a fair price?

I must say I don't regret a cent - I couldn't recognise the car after the service. I nearly went into a parked car when driving off the mechanics garage as I didn't exepect such a fast start... She responds, she goes and she holds on to the road now - so much more fun than before.

Cheers,
Alex

ebxr8240 · 02-14-2003, 03:24

It sounds like you have done the correct things there. What usually blows an engine with miles and age is the heater or radiator hoses break.Most those things listed are general servicing that should be done over time. You should have a good car now.Remember when buying a second hand car there usually is something wrong with it, otherwise they wouldn't trade her in..Or atleast don't spend anything on it the last few months...

Can I suggest you have a close look at the timing chain and tentioners.....