FORD FALCON ED-EL XR6
1993 - 1998
BODY & CHASSIS
1990s Fords seem less prone than other cars of their era to rust so one with bubbling around the wheel arch edges, sills and doors or showing evidence of body filler will likely be neglected in other ways as well. Check the battery tray for corrosion. Broken locating clips on the one-piece bumper/ air-dam result in rattles and uneven gaps. Boot seals can leak so check for dampness which can promote rust and affect operation of the rear lights. Replacement headlights come as high/low beam pairs at around $400 each. Higher wattage bulbs will improve night vision but generate more heat and blow more often.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Ford overhead cam engines are known oil leakers. Head gaskets also fail and only lucky owners will manage 200,000 kilometres without a problem. Most common cure involves replacing the original head with an AU unit. EFs were the only XRs with coil packs and misfiring will likely be down to a failed pack. Ford specialists recommend replacing all of the packs at once but that costs plenty. The five-speed manual transmission is clunky in its action but durable. Four-speed autos last seemingly forever, just getting rougher and noisier as they age. Replacing a worn auto is cheaper than fixing it.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
Original discs will almost certainly be gone; hopefully replaced by better quality rotors that are less prone to warping and premature wear. Check that the handbrake holds the car on a moderate slope and doesn’t require brute force to release it. Also find a stretch of quiet road to test the ABS. Look carefully at the alloy wheels for cracks, especially to the inner edges. Cars that have been retro-fitted with bigger diameter wheels and lower-profile tyres will deliver a harsh ride unless the springs and suspension bushes have also been replaced.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
Fords of this age feature the frustratingly unreliable Smartlock central locking system. Doors might not lock at all, stay locked when they should be open or even unlock themselves as you are walking away from the car. Some cars had complete system replacements under warranty and the problems recurred. Seat frames can bend or crack under the weight of hefty occupants and original seat belts will by now be needing replacement. Airconditioners need to be tested and can swallow $1500 in the case of a major repair. Lucky buyers may find a car with the trip computer and cruise control still functioning.