Ford's Falcon has become a used car bargain that's easy to service & simple to run

[Sorted]

Perhaps the biggest unknown surrounding the launch of the Ford FG Falcon in 2008 was exactly how much of the car was new.

Certainly Ford claimed the FG was an all-new model, but other observers pointed to the similarities between the new car and the BF Falcon it replaced, and begged to differ.

Of course, it doesn't really matter now, because the BF was a solid platform on which to base a new car anyway.

But that also meant that the FG was, in all other respects, more of the same and, therefore, a pretty safe bet for Ford

And so it has turned out to be: despite falling sales of full-sized family cars in favour of (mainly) SUVs, the FG Falcon was (and is) a good thing by just about any measure and deserves to be taken seriously by used-car buyers who, generally speaking, aren't so easily swayed by this month's must-have fashion-accessory car.

Essentially, you're buying a big four-door sedan that was designed here in Australia to cope with local conditions.

The bulk of FGs out there are six-cylinder petrol-powered, but there are also factory LPG cars, some six-cylinder turbocharged models (plenty of them, actually) called XR6 Turbo and even a few 5.4-litre V8 cars dubbed XR8. A turbocharged four-cylinder badged Falcon Ecoboost was launched in 2012.

The turbo-six, Ecoboost and V8 actually merit a study on their own, so let's stick with the more prosaic models which include the normally-aspirated inline six-cylinder engine running on both petrol and LPG.

You had a variety of trim levels to choose from in the FG Falcon, starting with the XT base-model and moving through the G6 (which more or less replaced the old Futura model) and topping out with the G6E model, which was basically a Fairmont replacement.

For something a bit sportier but without the insurance costs of a turbocharged engine, there was the XR6, which used the same driveline as the other petrol models.

New model names notwithstanding, this was all pretty familiar stuff and so was the driving experience.

The four-litre petrol engine gave lots and lots of effortless performance. It could sound a bit strained when revved right out, but it was still a pretty refined, modern feeling engine for the most part.

The version with Ford's factory LPG-injection system was even faster (LPG has a higher octane level than petrol, so the engine can be tuned for more power and torque) and made 198kW versus the petrol's 195kW.

But this is where you need to know precisely what you're buying. When the FG was launched, the factory LPG version used a much simpler fuelling system that was good for just 156kW. This was still enough to propel it quite well, but it wasn't until the Falcon's first upgrade in mid-2011 that the new, more sophisticated LPG-injection system was launched on the FG.

You'll pick the earlier version by its four-speed automatic.

As far as inherent problems go, that evolutionary process that arrived at the FG also ironed out most of the glitches of previous models.

The six-speed automatic eventually became standard fitment on the FG and the German-engineered ZF six-speed unit is used on many high-end cars from other makers around the world.

Early FGs used a five-speed unit with the six-speed optional, but the six-speed became the default fitment in cars built after March 2010.

It certainly works very well, but the one recurring problem seems to be with the transmission cooler, which is mounted remotely from the gearbox in the engine bay.

Apparently the transmission cooler, which uses coolant like the engine's radiator, can fail and allow coolant to leak into the internals of the gearbox.

At this point, two things happen: the transmission fluid becomes contaminated and can't lubricate the gearbox properly, and the coolant wrecks the transmission control module, which is also located inside the transmission. The end result is a ruined gearbox and a big repair bill.

Ford specialists we talked to say that coolant changes as per the service schedule are absolutely critical to avoiding this, but one workshop recommended replacing the transmission cooler every 80,000km to 100,000km.

Cooler at a few hundred dollars is much less stress than a transmission at a few thousand – so goes the logic.

Another common FG Falcon habit is wear in the differential's centre bushing. This manifests as a clunk when taking off or selecting reverse and is a pretty easy fix.

The one thing that wasn't fixed in the transition from BF to FG Falcon was the tendency for front brake rotors to wear and warp.

This will be felt as a pulsing through the brake pedal (and perhaps the whole car if it's bad enough). Sometimes the rotors can be machined back to straight, but most times it's easier to replace them and fit new brake pads at the same time.

This has been a long-term Falcon gripe and the only real way to fix it permanently is to fit the larger rotors and calipers that Ford offered as optional packages with its high-performance versions of the car.

Aftermarket brake components would be another option and this is one area of the Falcon we don't mind seeing modified intelligently.

The other big thing to watch out for is an ex-rental car or an example that's been flogged along its whole life as a fleet car for a government body or big corporation.

Rental companies loved the Falcon for its size and running costs and plenty of fleets felt much the same way.

Red FG's are likely to be ex-fire-brigade cars, and beware of any example with shadows on the paint where corporate decals once resided.

Holes drilled in the dashboard or centre console are another giveaway that despatchers or two-way radios were once fitted to a particular vehicle.

A couple of recalls affect these cars, the first for a check on the brake booster of LPG-powered cars. The booster could develop a leak and reduce its assistance to the brake pedal. The brakes would still work, but would need a harder application.

The second recall was for a batch of cars on which the incorrect tyres were fitted. This seems like an almighty error, but it's also true to say that the Falcon's original, Chinese-made Dunlops were pretty ordinary even when sized correctly. An FG on its second set of tyres might just grip and brake a whole lot better if decent replacement rubber has been fitted.

On the safety front, the FG Falcon is a solid five-star performer, although our old complaint about the base-model Falcon remains: no side-curtain air-bags as standard.

Nuts and bolts

Engine/s: 4.0 6-cyl petrol/LPG

Transmissions: 5-auto/6-auto

Fuel economy (combined): 9.9 litres per 100km (XT petrol)/14.9 litres (XT LPG)

Safety rating (courtesy of www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au): 5 stars

Our rating: 3.5 stars

Likes:
• Great long-distance car with seats for five.

• LPG versions offer reduced running costs. Later LPI system the pick.

• Depreciation makes them great value now.

• Easy to service and simple to run.

Dislikes:
• Station-wagon dropped for this model.

• LPG range-anxiety for some owners.

• A few quality niggles – information screen can blank out on hot days.

• No standard side-curtain air-bags on base-model.

Competitors:

Holden Commodore – The Falcon's arch-rival for more than 30 years, the Commodore embodies similar packaging and strong points. Popular with fleets also and beware of pre-hooned examples. 3.5 stars

Toyota Aurion – Solid and dependable with V6 power in what is essentially a Camry bodyshell. Won't scare the horses and needs no introduction at the local club. 3.5 stars

Chrysler 300C – A bold looking alternative with the choice of petrol V8, V6 and even a turbo-diesel option. The latter makes good sense, actually, and only poor interior plastics really let it down. 3 stars

What to pay (courtesy of Glass's Guide):

Model Year New Now

XT 2008 $38,290 $9600

XT 2009 $41,290 $11,200

XT 2010 $40,290 $14,100

XT 2011 $40,290 $16,300

XT 2012 $37,235 $19,400

XT 2013 $37,235 $24,100

XR6 2008 $41,490 $13,400

XR6 2009 $44,490 $15,100

XR6 2010 $43,990 $16,800

XR6 2011 $43,990 $19,400

XR6 2012 $40,990 $26,700

XR6 2013 $40,990 $31,200

G6 2008 $39,990 $11,500

G6 2009 $42,490 $12,900

G6 2010 $43,490 $18,100

G6 2011 $43,490 $21,200

G6 2012 $40,835 $28,400

G6 2013 $40,835 $32,500

G6E 2008 $46,990 $16,800

G6E 2009 $49,490 $18,400

G6E 2010 $50,390 $21,500

G6E 2011 $50,390 $25,200

G6E 2012 $46,735 $32,800

G6E 2013 $46,735 $37,600

source:- http://news.drive.com.au/drive/used-...605-2npkh.html

[csv8]

Good article !! my 2007 BFMk2 Ghia is worth nothing..thats why I have kept it. and its been very reliable and has good fuel economy..But a V8 VF Calais V is tempting!!!! $55K drive away. Keep the ole girl awhile yet...

[GQ_Smooth]

Originally Posted by csv8

Good article !! my 2007 BFMk2 Ghia is worth nothing..thats why I have kept it. and its been very reliable and has good fuel economy..But a V8 VF Calais V is tempting!!!! $55K drive away. Keep the ole girl awhile yet...

Waiting to see the FH XR8/GT before we make the decision on our BF2 Ghia. Ease of service and relatively cheap parts keeps me happy with it, reliability has been as expected.

[big_landau]

now that the falcon is going people are saying its a good thing, funny thing is it always has been a great car. i cant work em out.

[peterljohnson55]

Thanks for the post, Sorted, very helpful.

I picked up one matter in the your post (quoted below) about warped rotors. I have subsequently posted ...
'Brakes are pulsing… new rotor+pad advice, please' to...

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11404068

I hope some can help and give me whatever advice you can.

The one thing that wasn't fixed ..... was the tendency for front brake rotors to wear and warp.

This will be felt as a pulsing through the brake pedal (and perhaps the whole car if it's bad enough). Sometimes the rotors can be machined back to straight, but most times it's easier to replace them and fit new brake pads at the same time.

This has been a long-term Falcon gripe and the only real way to fix it permanently is to fit the larger rotors and calipers that Ford offered as optional packages with its high-performance versions of the car.

Aftermarket brake components would be another option and this is one area of the Falcon we don't mind seeing modified intelligently.

[Silver Ghia]

I'd go along with that article, except that dependent on how the cars were driven, I didn't think there was a problem with the brake rotors warping on FG's. And who would've paid the full prices as quoted in the article? With the manual transmission, the apparent main niggle regarding the auto transmission coolers does not apply.




.

[ea90gl]

This guy probably just marketed the falcon more than Ford has done in the last 3 years

[last fairlane]

Not sure on his model names/numbers
XT=base model fair enough
G6=Futura dont think so more like = Fairmont
G6E= Fairmont no way G6E= Fairmont Ghia
and G6ET never got a mention where XR8 did
amI picky or what

[5riven]

Question

I have a 2009 G6E which needs new coolant in the radiator.
I have just lost my job so I don't want to pay the $177
I cant find the drain plug or how to get to it.
Has anyone done this before and how much coolant will I need.
Cannot find instructions anywhere.
Cheers Paul

[blue sleeper]

I knew it was Morley! Good writer that bloke!

[ivorya]

Originally Posted by 5riven

Question

I have a 2009 G6E which needs new coolant in the radiator.
I have just lost my job so I don't want to pay the $177
I cant find the drain plug or how to get to it.
Has anyone done this before and how much coolant will I need.
Cannot find instructions anywhere.
Cheers Paul

Check Search function

Drain plug under passenger side, front of car. Will have to remove plastic shield.
Coolant will be left in engine block, flush is required.
Many people have suggested to buy the 5L concentrate (nulon, whatever brand floats your boat - but green) then fill with DI water.

[Pepscobra]

Ease and cost of servicing and repairs is why I have and will always love the Falcon.
And also Territory... Looking at getting an early one too.

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by 5riven

Question

I have a 2009 G6E which needs new coolant in the radiator.
I have just lost my job so I don't want to pay the $177
I cant find the drain plug or how to get to it.
Has anyone done this before and how much coolant will I need.
Cannot find instructions anywhere.
Cheers Paul

Welcome to AFF, Paul. There are many sections in this forum, one section to look in for this query is the 'Falcon passenger cars FG' section where this and many other topics are covered.

To expand on ivorya's post, and to save you looking this time, here's your answer: http://www.fordforums.com.au/showpos...46&postcount=3

[b2tf]

Wouldnt say it 'has become' a used car bargain - it's always been one. Good quality, well built aussie cars. Gonna miss 'em.

[Nikked]

Fleets sales love 'em,

Get a XR6, chuck some horribad 19's on it and tacky stripes, Fleet Sales special!

[5riven]

Many thanks ivorya
Will take a look tomorrow

Also thanks to Silver Ghia for pointing me in the right direction.

First time I have been on this Forum
Have owned 3 falcons
S Pack, Fairmont Ghia and the G6E
they just keep getting better.

[Blem]

Re draining coolant
Plastic flap on front undertray. Drivers side ?
Open flap & there's the drain plug

[Blem]

Also not heard of any FG's with warped front rotors.
Have heard of heat exchangers giving up with only 28k on the clock.
Check ZF milkshake posts.

[MercurySilver]

double

[MercurySilver]

177 for what?
to drop and drain coolant????

blimey i got quoted 60 bucks for coolant and a flush when the trans bypass thingy was done

[5riven]

Originally Posted by MercurySilver

177 for what?
to drop and drain coolant????

blimey i got quoted 60 bucks for coolant and a flush when the trans bypass thingy was done

Yes I know
That's what ford charges.
Have bought the coolant, which the guy at Repco said I would need 9 litres, for $24 and am starting the process now.
Will let you now if it's successful

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by 5riven

Have bought the coolant, which the guy at Repco said I would need 9 litres, for $24 and am starting the process now.
Will let you now if it's successful

I hope you have read my link properly. The coolant capacity is about 12 litres, however about 3 or 4 litres remains in the heater and engine block, so after flushing, that amount of water remains.

Therefore coolant concentrate should be used, not premixed as the water remaining will reduce the concentration to below what's required. Therefore I use 5 litres of concentrate, and the rest demineralised water as per the link. Also it is important to use an anti-boil anti freeze coolant for modern vehicles, not just green coolant like Ultra-Cool.

Originally Posted by Blem

Re draining coolant
Plastic flap on front undertray. Drivers side ?
Open flap & there's the drain plug

Haven't noticed any flap like this in the undertray on my FG.

[mik]

A fair article, but it annoys me a bit when people talk as though no other brand/type of
car warps rotors, I think it is more common moreso because even in standard guise the falcon is a fairly rapid car for a big family cruiser and those choosing to drive it harder and over heat the rotors.............. grand pa and grandma in their rear parcel shelf pillow equipped aurion is more likely to never see the rotors skimmed because they drive like they are going to church on sunday as opposed to the more aggressive driver in an xr6 or the fleet special xt.

[5riven]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

I hope you have read my link properly. The coolant capacity is about 12 litres, however about 3 or 4 litres remains in the heater and engine block, so after flushing, that amount of water remains.

Therefore coolant concentrate should be used, not premixed as the water remaining will reduce the concentration to below what's required. Therefore I use 5 litres of concentrate, and the rest demineralised water as per the link. Also it is important to use an anti-boil anti freeze coolant for modern vehicles, not just green coolant like Ultra-Cool.



Haven't noticed any flap like this in the undertray on my FG.

High Silver Ghia
I have read your article.
I drained the radiator and filled up 3.5, 2 litre milk bottles, 7 Liters in total, including some metal shavings. The Green fluid I got out was a little darker than the fluid I bought, so I'm guessing it contains some rust.
I have flushed it out with water plugged it and bought it up to temperature.
I didn't replace the thermostat as I flushed through the top hose.
Thermostat seems to be working fine.
Just waiting for the car to cool down now.
I bought Tectaloy 60 plus it is a radiator coolant.
It's not a concentrate but premixed.
Looks like I've bought the wrong stuff
I see what your saying about the remainder in the heater coils.
What I 'll do now is drain the water then fill up with coolant, bring the car up to temperature again and drain the coolant again as this will be mixed with the water.
I'll let it cool down again and then refill with what I have left this should keep the dilution to a minimum.
The guy at Repco looked up the capacity and said I needed 8.8 litres.
I have 11.5 Litres so I should have enough.
If not I'll get some more.

The flap on the drivers side is access for the Air conditioning coil.

Thanks for your help

Cheers Paul

[ivorya]

Originally Posted by Blem

Re draining coolant
Plastic flap on front undertray. Drivers side ?
Open flap & there's the drain plug

INCORRECT!!!!!!! DON'T DO THIS!!!

Air con Valve here...... ALL Troubles if you do this!!

[5riven]

Originally Posted by ivorya

INCORRECT!!!!!!! DON'T DO THIS!!!

Air con Valve here...... ALL Troubles if you do this!!

Hi Ivorya
I didn't touch this plug.
I realized this was for the Air con, I found the right plug on the passenger side.
All good. After the flush with the diluted coolant I refilled with full strength and took it for a spin.
The tank was down and refilled to the line it is holding now as I have been on another trip.
Thanks for the advice everyone, will have to do this every 2 years now as 4 years without a change means iron filings floating around in the system.
Not good for the engine I would imagine.
Regards Paul