NL Fairlane Ghia V8 Buying advice please....

[falconboy]

Hi all, hoping for some advice about a car I'm thinking of buying.

I've got an ED Fairmont Ghia V8 as a temporary runabout whilst in between cars (looking to buy a BA/BF Futura wagon), and since buying it realised how I missed some luxury and in my cars (not much choice in wagons that I've owned), and how I do like the V8 (I'm a V8 virgin)

Thinking I don't really need a wagon, although they are handy, and I've come across someone I know who has a 98 NL Fairlane Ghia V8 at what seems a good price of $4500, HOWEVER, I've been told its got over 300,000 k's on it.

My main question is about fuel economy. I'm hoping once I check this thing out a bit closer, if I buy it, I hope to keep it for a while, but the fuel economy is an issue. I realise a V8 will use a decent amount of petrol, but the ED I have is disgraceful, and the amount of fuel it uses I would only ever want it as a temporary runaround. Do I assume correctly that even though the NL is a lot newer, that mechanically its similar enough that fuel usage would be similar to the ED, given its probably a bit heavier than the ED as well.

Thanks

[froggie22]

keep looking for another one, there is a few for sale around that mark that don't have that sort of km's on it.
I got an nf and it averages about 15L/100km it loves to cruise and sits at about 7 or 8L/100km when doing about 100kms.. so its not that bad.

[wazza69]

I have a DF LTD, it has the 5.0 V8 in it, and has done 330000km - which is nothing for those motors, fuel economy is great - averages 10-11L/100km.

[schnoods]

300,00km is just run in on a windsor!

However the rest of it isnt, you should be able to find something similar in that price range with the 8 in it, a fairlane or fairmont, perhaps a LTD. Nice cruisers, just make sure it idles fine and the auto doesnt slip, you should be fine.


Until the bug bites. :

[JC]

I have an NF Fairlane Ghia, and it uses around 24l/100km on LPG - no idea what it uses on petrol, but it has to be better than that! Just changed the O2 sensors today, and already idle has improved markedly, so here's hoping LPG comsumption will get better (looking for under 20l/100km). They're a nice car though; you won't be disappointed!

[prydey]

you know this is what you really want.

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...=1#post2337115

shameless free plug for my car :

[falconboy]

Good try prydey.

Thanks for the comments. Usually I wouldn't even look twice at a car with so many k's, but I'm under the impression he's owned it since new (or close to), and he is definitely a enthusiast who looks after his cars and gets them serviced when required - and a lot can be said for regular servicing. There is another one local (an NF though) which I will check out as well and compare.

[Powdered Toast Man]

An NL Fairlane won't use less fuel than your ED Fairmont. About the only fuel saving upgrade between the ED 5.0L and the NL 5.0L is the fact that the ED has a clutch fan and the NL has thermos. And then like you said the Fairlane is heavier, an equivelant EL Fairmont Ghia would be heavier than your ED ghia so a Fairlane would difinitely be heavier.

[banarcus]

You never buy a V8 with fuel economy in mind. Relatively speaking though, there wouldn't be a great deal different between the Fairlane and your ED assuming that there is nothing wrong with it in the first place

[klawsterfobik]

It REALLY depends on how your driving it.

I've a DFII LTD, with the same amount of K's (316,000) and I use anywhere from 11 - 14 l/100.

Things to look out for include Electric Windows, Climate Control working properly and then the engine, trans etc.

[falconboy]

Thanks guys. Not really 'worried' about fuel economy as such I guess, but was hoping the NL might be a bit better than the ED. Trip computer on the ED says 14.6L per 100K. THe NL is on the back burner at the moment considering the K's I think.

I saw a NF Fairlaine, classy looking car but just didn't feel right, seemed to be lacking power, a lot of the power options weren't working etc. Albeit it was only $3500.

[DBourne]

first off, dont let the K's worry you at all.

second, if you do a few things like a free flowing exhaust and intake, and a light foot i'd say the economy won't hurt you anymore than what you are used to now

[falconboy]

Originally Posted by SgtBourne

and a light foot

Thats easier said than done.

[NFLANE]

i got a nf fairlane its got about 136,000ks (its only a baby) and it pretty fuel efficent a tanks last me about 350-400ks around town