rorym1980

hello, i am trying to decide between buying a 1996 ford fairlane or a 1994 ford LTD DC, and the LTD has Self-Leveling Independent Rear Suspension on it. so does anyone know what its like to drive a LTD with that? is it worth buying a LTD for that? is it really comfortable or what? because the fairlane has really nice interior im having a hard time deciding. please help, thanks.

Aussiblue

I have two Fairlanes with Self Levelling Suspension (SLS)and although they can give minor repairable problems that have encouraged some people to change the suspension to standard I like SLS and have retained it. Fairmonts also have SLS suspension. It's main advantage is when you tow or carry weight in the boot or back seat; it retains the normal ride height despite the additional weight on the rear suspension.

I wouldn't buy a long wheelbase Ford just for the SLS. Besides the fact that you can get it with a Fairmont there other major advantages with LTD's and Fairlanes including:

a) More legroom in the front and especially in the rear (also handy if/when you have with small kids you need to get in and out of bay seats etc);
b) Premium sound with multiple speakers CD stackers etc and premium upholstery (which in the cloth type is much more hard wearing);
c) Larger boot for carrying things;
d) Longer front end crumple zone;
e) Safer in terms of colliding with objects and other cars (statistically you will live a few years longer if you drive a larger car);
f) All the extras are standard;
g) The first owners generally look after them very well and the usually have a good service history and low Kms compared with smaller Fords;
h) the are generally very heavily discounted on the second hand car market as the don't generally appeal to the younger set and many of the older set think the extra gizmos might be just something else to go wrong; and
i) comfort. comfort and comfort.

Downsides - they use slightly more fuel and stock they corner a little slower.

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Regards Blue

rorym1980

thanks alot for that info, im definately getting a DC LTD. but what do you mean about velour being more hard worn? and why do some LTD's have velour seats while others have leather?
and as for the downsides you listed, i love driving slow and cornering slow, lol. i drive like an old person but im only 19! lol.
thanks for your help.

Aussiblue

Hard wearing it will last much much longer and not wear into holes like the cheaper models.

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Regards Blue