1988 EA Ford Fairmont Ghia advice - Ford Forums

03-31-2003, 07:51

Hi! All,
I would really appreciate any advice on the above car. I've stumbled on one. I'm a student and was just wondering on how well does the car run and what i should look out for. Is fuel consumption significantly higher than regular V4's? I would be using it to travel in the country during holidays other than to University.

It has all these features :
power windows - mirors - cruise control - climate control - trip computer - sony CD player - 3.9i EFI multipoint engine - reconditioned trans and head.

The owner attest to using the finest coolants, petrol and has it serviced regularly. I've had a drive and it does seem ok as what he says. It has 330,000 K's clocked. I could get it for AUD$3,600.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx in advance.

Sebastian
Perth, WA.

Troutman · 03-31-2003, 08:06

If you're looking for all-out reliability and low running costs, I would recommend a common 4 cylinder small/medium car instead. On the other hand, if you see appeal in the size, comfort, features and value of the EA, I'd go for it. Most EA owners find that things do go wrong from time to time, but then that is true of any car of this age.

I'd get that particular example checked out by someone you trust (such as your mechanic), and that way you can get a good idea of whether it is worth putting down your hard-earned for.

Rmyers · 03-31-2003, 10:42

Exactly what Jack said :) Were not gunna lie to ya, EA's aren't the most economical cars out there and they do have a few problems that seem to plague it's series. IMO though they are very good value for the money and my only advice is that if you do choose it, it's best to just do a little research to get a better understanding of the car.

Pro's include that they are large (but still have a better turning circle than alot of smaller cars out there), comfortable, parts are cheap and readily available, and they are EASY to modify!

TopGhia · 03-31-2003, 12:04

Quote:

Is fuel consumption significantly higher than regular V4's?

It's a six cylinder, not a 4. To be honest, if you are a student, I would get a small Jap 4 cylinder car for economy. With the uncertain price of petrol, that's what I would do.

The only trouble with a small four is that back seat nookie room is a bit cramped. :)

EFJase · 03-31-2003, 19:33

Quote:

It has 330,000 K's clocked. I could get it for AUD$3,600.

Personally i think 330000ks is getting well up there, though its not uncommon to see ea's well over at mark.

Have a read through www.eafalcon.com fo background, problems, etc.

I've got a 89 Ghia, i've finallty ironed out most of the problems. It does use round 15L/100 which isn't too bad but, if ur short on $ it might cause woes. (i'm first year uni atm, not much of a prob)

There a great car, heaps of room, enough power etc, but a 4cyl would be heaps cheaper to run, insure, tyres...

-Jase

P.S. my '89 Ghia is for sale, perth north-metro area, simular price, 189K kms

04-01-2003, 03:43

G'day mates!

Thanx for the information, i really appreciate it. I'm going to put it up for an RAC inspection and take it from there. One thing i do know for sure, the moment i sat in it to take it for a test drive, there was only one thing on my mind and it was COMFORT!

It would be hard to find a 4 cyclinder car for that price and features or am i wrong with saying that?

Best Regards,

Sebastian

TopGhia · 04-01-2003, 12:01

The fairmont is a good comfortable car.
If it checks out OK, and you can afford the petrol (driving style has a lot to do with fuel economy), then go for it.

I checked the Red Book price on private sale $1,900-$3,700

http://www.redbook.com.au/vehiclesea...p?key=FORD88BP

So with that mileage, the car is not worth that money. Offer $3,000, but it would still have to be in top mechanical condition.

Patience is a virtue when buying used cars.

cheers

galapogos01 · 04-01-2003, 21:49

if youre a student, why not get a 4 door luxury sedan on LPG? best of both worlds IMO.

Jase

speedy · 04-01-2003, 23:48

hey there celticdr, I think ea's are great cars and the one you are looking at has everything. If u like the car and it checkes out to be Ok then get it. The choice is yours. If fuel becomes too expensive the get it put on gas.

If you get it, we might see you at one of our meets.

Your in perth right?

XR6_ cortina · 04-01-2003, 23:55

my ea ghia has just clicked over 400k and only the head and diff have been done from what I can tell... although the engine and trans are getting a little bit tired... great car though, just a little bit thirsty...