I thought it would be interesting to pass on my research into the values of various E-Series cars in the Vic Trading Post. The research was minimal, but nonetheless gives an idea of some comparative prices.
In theory, it is possible for anyone to sell their car for a good price, then buy a bargain-priced newer model, thus make a substansial upgrade for next to nothing. Lately I've been a bit fed up with Ford's obscene spare parts prices, rip-off mechanics and dodgy wreckers, so I thought it would be worth a bit of research. The results were surprising.
ED Fairmont
I singled out this model as one of the high points in the E-Series model range in terms of value. Most are still in top condition, and it is the culmination of the countless EA-ED updates, resulting in very solid motoring. Crucial safety features like ABS, 3 point rear/centre belt and door side intrusion beams distinguish this model from the nonetheless-excellent EB series II. And in all honesty, I can't name many worthwhile features that the Ghia of the time has over it, except for those who like leather.
The cheapest example in the Trading Post was just shy of the $6,000 mark. However, some dealers were charging up to double this price, so shopping around would be worthwhile. I think it would be realistic to get a good example for $6k. There was only one V8 model this week, which was going for 12 from a dealer - a premium that cannot justified by any means.
EF Fairmont
Building on its predecessor with a much more modern appearance, improved overall refinement and a driver's airbag, the big surprise with the EF today is that there are so many available. Three pages worth, compared to 1 page for the ED.
Pricing begins on the budget side of $8k and goes as high as $14 from dealers. Interestingly, the Ghias start from only a grand or so extra. The only V8 Fairmont was a $12,750 proposition. Also of note, one particular example of a '94 EF six is going for just $6,990 from a dealer. Looks very clean from the picture, too.
EA Fairmont Ghia
A good, solid EA Ghia makes for a cheap way to buy a car which lacks nothing in space, features, looks or comfort. But in this case, the research was being done for trade-in reasons.
Prices ranged from $900 for a damaged example right through to $6,200 for a private-sale, modified series II with 17" wheels and the like. All available were automatic.
The Verdict
In my particular case, I realised that the EA is too heavily modified to make this exercise feasible. I'd be faced with selling the car as is, and getting a pitiful value increase from mods like the 16" wheels that cost me a fortune, or the other option of stuffing around with buying stock EA wheels, trying to sell the 16s etc... and that's just one example. Then there's the fact that an ED or EF would need money spent on it to equal the EA's acceleration and handling - money which isn't available.
So I have decided that my best option is stop modifying the EA for a while, and use it as a daily driver until I can afford a new car. Then I will hopefully have the funds to modify the EA more substansially without worrying about the effects of modifications on its reliability. For now, I'll pay the $200 that Ford Spart Parts want for 2 pieces of clear plastic with a couple of 50 cent globes, but that's it for a while.
Even though it is of no use to me, this research may be of interest for others. Modifying and customising cars may be a lot of fun, but you get a hell of a lot more for your money by simply upgrading every so often and putting up with the blandness of stock cars.
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