Buying first car, preferably EL-EF

[Tori]

Hey guys, so I want to buy a car but the problem is I kind of don't know much about them. I would prefer to buy a ford fairmont either EF or EL because i like fords and I have a limited budget and AU's aren't really my style. I could probably settle for a falcon but i prefer the Fairmont interior.

How much should i expect to pay for a EL-EF fairmont in reasonable condition (I don't want to spend thousands on RWC)? Am I better off to just buy something for 500 and spend thousands? or is it possible to find one for like 1500 that needs minimal repairs for a RWC. Ideally, I'd like to find one that i can just put rego on straight away. Or already has rego. But since i don't know what to look for this option probably isn't realistic, since I'm more likely to get ripped off and buy a car of the same quality as a 500 dollar car.

I guess I'm just after some opinions from people who know what they're talking about and maybe some tips on the potential red flags when inspecting cars.

Thanks for your time.

[adumb]

What is your budget?
If you can get an AU series 2 or 3 they were much better than the series 1 and the EF/ELs.

[xisled]

If you unsure about cars pay someone to inspect it.

A car worth $500 and $1500 probably will be similar.

An EF to EL are 20 plus years old, so your going to have to factor in repair work down the track, things will probably break within the time you purchase the car to the first 12 months.

Also anything in the range of under $1500 you will need to spend some money to get a roadworthy.

You may find a good car for your budget, but they would be rare.

[Tori]

well preferably like 1250 but i could stretch for 2000, wouldn't want to pay that much for a car not to work though lol. As for the Au's I don't like them all that much tbh, they are ugly IMO, probably sounds stupid from someone with a 2k budget, but I'd just really like an EL/EF.

[FGX335]

I'd keep a good eye out, I've seen a few Fairlanes on Gumtree for well under $1K, and some of them are daily drivers for the current owners. Even if you had to spend a little bit to get it RWC, money well spent. These cars are pretty tough, and that level of comfort and luxury for that sort of coin is awesome. For that money when I got my licence in 1999, the cars were ****. Now, I could get something with power everything and leather on the road for under $2K. Value for money has never been better, especially with the public abandoning large cars.

[bangm001]

How much are base model XT BA Falcons?

[blackf6]

Parts are getting harder to get for EF/EL. The parts that break, break on all the cars. So become scarce. Like headlight switches.

[Tori]

How much should i pay for one that is driveable, without head gasket problems etc.

[Tori]

Well the reason I want EF/EL is its the best/my choice considering my budget, besides AU lol. I'd love a brand new car or even somthing worth like 5000 but yeah.

[FGX335]

I would shoot for the EL. AU is the best value for money at the moment, but I get why you don't want one of them.

EL's are cheap enough that if you need to replace a heap of parts, you'll be able to buy another whole car, take what you need and sell it off/crush it for not much less. Certainly cheaper than buying parts!

I often think I should park my XR8 in the garage and buy an EL/NL/DL Ghia for cheap.

[uniacidz]

Most glass other then windscreens available but only second hand

Parts can be hard to come by now also

It is a older car and a good runabout if in good nick, however once things go wrong, may be hard to get parts.

Does it have to be a ford? Other brands?

[malazn mafia]

BA/Bf could be a better option. Worth nothing, good looking, parts are plentiful, lots of styling, body kit, wheel, brake options. EF/EL have terrible brakes, head gasket issues, climate control problems, water pump issues, alternator problems, decomposing headlights, fan belts falling off, etc. On the upside, EF/EL do not have diff bush problems, ball joints are more durable, better quality interior plastics, things are screwed together vs. throwaway clips in BA/BF

[Ford_The_Win]

Yeah I really would steer you towards something more modern if you can afford it, bud. I had an EL and it was a real nightmare with electrical problems, brake problems, you name it. Those models must be older than you by now, surely! As someone who owned an EL I wouldn't recommend one to you, unless it was a nice Fairlane or something.

The AU was a step backwards in terms of looks (IMO) but they are a much more solid car by all accounts so if you can afford it, go for an AU.

[Mr Brooksy]

Originally Posted by Ford_The_Win

Yeah I really would steer you towards something more modern if you can afford it, bud. I had an EL and it was a real nightmare with electrical problems, brake problems, you name it. Those models must be older than you by now, surely! As someone who owned an EL I wouldn't recommend one to you, unless it was a nice Fairlane or something.

The AU was a step backwards in terms of looks (IMO) but they are a much more solid car by all accounts so if you can afford it, go for an AU.

That's an interesting post. I also had an EL, and loved it! Never had a thing go wrong with it til I stupidly put a cheap LPG system on it. And only then when I did have problems it was always the LPG system. Having said that, I had mine about 10 years ago now. Obviously more issues arise the older they are. So take my experience with that in mind.

If you were into cars, I would suggest and EL would be ideal, you can learn a lot from an older car that you spend your time 'playing with' ('fixing' for those who aren't so into modding) but for your budget and car interest level, maybe you should consider an AU with an XR kit or something? Just to make it look better in your eyes? A BA would again be a great choice, but you wont have any wiggle room in your budget if something breaks very soon after purchase, and let's face it, a used car will usually have a few little issues somewhere.

Ah, the days of looking for your first car... oh so long ago... and I'm only in my 30's! HAHAHA

[MrEL]

Didn't you just buy an Aurion Hulk?

[Maka]

Hi there, imo go for a el that comes with receipts for parts replaced, don't go the cheap path & then have to be under it fixing it all the time or paying some one to do it. Good luck!

Ps - hulk don't waste my time if its you ok

cheer's, Maka

[Mr Brooksy]

Originally Posted by MrEL

Didn't you just buy an Aurion Hulk?

(PSST, Hulk is an expert remember!!!)

[BradEL]

Hi Tori, on my 17th birthday I went out and bought my first car, EF Fairmont 1996 with 140,000 kms. Was a great car, I paid nearly 4000 for it but it was very tidy with proof of very careful and regular maintaince. I'm 19 now and have since sold that and had 2 EL XR6s one of which I still have. I love the EF/ELs and definitely would recommend one for a first car, just don't try and cheap out on one, its definitely better to go for a tidyer car because a cheap one could cost you a bit if you later find rust or major oil leaks or other issues.
Get someone who knows the cars to check out something before buying it if you arnt too mechanically minded.
In terms of value a Fairmont or Fairmont Ghia would be the best. They look good better than the budget spec GLi or futura, and are a lot cheaper than a similar XR6 or XR8.
Good luck with searching for a car, hope you find yourself a nice one.

[johnnymc]

I have had two BF lanes. I missed my e series so much I went and bought an NL ghia. I think EL's/Nl's handle nicely and feel great on the open road. I now enjoy the best of both models but probably prefer the NL to drive as a daily. Try to find a low km El and you'll be very happy. AU's and BF's have their issues too!

[Tori]

Hey guys, thanks for the help

Does it have to be a ford? Other brands?

Would prefer a ford, I have grown up with them and like them.

BA/Bf could be a better option

.
Can i buy BF/BA's that are more or less ready to go for 2000?

maybe you should consider an AU with an XR kit or something?

AU's are getting fairly old aswell, and I don't really like their interiors either, so I'd rather drive a car I like and fix something than fix something on a car I don't really like. In reality any car I buy is gonna be this price for a reason.

Does it have to be a ford? Other brands?

I prefer fords but if it doesn't seem worth it I'll probably get something else, but like i said is it safe to assume any car is going to have problems for my budget?

Also is 700 for a 1998 EL fairmont a dcent price? It has chassis damage apparently, and needs 2 tires for roadworthy, but they are willing to put 6 months rego on it . So the car will be drive able straight away I guess
Is chassis damage significant?
Edit: Actually they didn't say chassis damage they said something needs fixing in it, not sure if same thing.

[tapeworm]

I have had an EF Fairmont for 11 years. Mines still going strong at 340k and uses 9 litres per 100k average. But it has had a list of problems since I have had it, mainly due to km's and age just catching up. They do still have a nice a nice shape and nice with a set of mags and lower ride height. They handle good too with some new springs and shocks. EF/L fairmonts and XR's have a good quality interior.
From 160k to 340k, just off the top of my head, it's done a head gasket which is expensive to pay someone to fix, but I did mine and used a metal AU head gasket with no further probs, shocks replaced, Auto died at about 240k, Power windows can give probs as well as locking and we had a fuel pump death at 250k.
Like everyone else has said AU's are bullet proof but have the looks issue. I would suggest low km EF/L (if you like the shape) and then keep the service intervals up to date and you should be pleased.

[tut0r]

With any car you look at that is 20 + old you are going to be hard pressed to find clean examples the older they get, that and if you want maintenance free you're generally going to have to up your budget a bit.

But I agree with you I don't like AU's either! Yuck!

[Crazy Dazz]

Listen to what people are telling you.
Look for a series 2 or 3 AU.
Only the series 1 was butt ugly.
The brakes and front end are much better in the series 2.
AU's ARE the best value by far at the moment.
Intech engine is indestructible and almost unstoppable.
2nd hand parts are plentiful and cheap.

Yes, keep money in the bank. ANY car that age will need plenty of maintenance; tyres, brakes, steering, cooling, ignition, tranny, etc, etc. Not to mention rego and insurance.
You must also be prepared to do a lot of work yourself, and have the car off the road on weekends whilst you work on it.
If you have $2,000, look to spend $500 on the car, maybe $1,000 tops if it has RWC. Rego, insurance, and maintenance will very quickly eat the rest.

If you can find one with LPG for the same price, go for it, it will save you heaps.

With that kind of budget, the last thing you can be concerned with is appearance.

If you can, get somebody who knows cars to go with you looking.
You want something that starts easily and runs smoothly with no strange noises and no smoke. Temperature gauge should stay under halfway.
Check thoroughly for leaks. A drop of oil is ok, coolant no, transmission fluid not so good, brake or power-steering fluid leaks are a big NO.
When driving make sure the steering self-centres and the car runs straight. Brakes should pull the car up straight without grinding or squealing.
Check tyres thoroughly for even wear and plenty of tread.

DON'T listen to whatever BS the seller tries on, especially if they try the "oh yeah it needs a new thingy, I got a quote and its only $50" line on you.

Forget about what colour it is, or whether it's a Fairmont or a Forte, find the one that is best mechanically.

[Adamz Ghia]

I owned an EF Fairmont and I couldn't fault it. It was a comfortable cruiser and it never let me down once.

A car can be 20 years old and have half a million kilometres on it, if it's been looked after you won't have any problems with it. EF and EL's have a particular charm about them, if you want one take your time to find a good one and you'll have a good run.

[gossy]

Plenty of bargains around, just make sure you know what to look out for as others have said.

Have you tried the Auctions? http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0001-...matic?spr=true

A few other Falcons available too there.

[MattSAU2XR8]

Easy to say I know, but $1500 may be a bit too low for a car you expect to be reliable. I know because I've owned about 10 vehicles bought toward the end of their 'trouble free' life which generally means under 100 kkms for cars and under 40 kms for bikes. I.e. once you pass these distances you start to encounter worn radiators, clutches, diffs, suspension bushes and shocks and ball joints, forks seals etc.. So you buy the vehicle cheap and then pour money into it. If I had my time again I'd have gotten a loan from anyone who'd lend me the money and aimed to get a vehicle with less than these kms and gotten rid of it by the time it reached these mileages. Only exception might be a basic Toyota like a Corolla or Camry where its likely to be built a little better and go 150 kkms without anything wearing out. As people above have said AUs are a better built car than ELs, particularly if you go series 2 or 3. So perhaps if you could find a grandpa AU2 with 60 odd kkms and then get a small loan, and once you've paid it off put a nicer set of wheels on it and lower it. Or, even though this is a Ford forum, consider a VX 2 Commodore with similar mileage. Probably a little better looking to be honest and similarly durable, although handling not quite as good.

That said, IF you're good at working on cars, and have the time and space to do it, your options open up a bit. Although its still usually cheaper to BUY a good/reliable car than to make one out of a not so good example.

[BENT_8]

Find a nice EL with a blown head, get it cheap and throw an AU donk in it.

Shouldnt cost you any more than 1500-2k all up and is a good project for a first go if thats your thing.
You could be on the road with AU reliability in a few days if you can swing spanners.

I did this a few years back for my nephew, picked up an EF Gli with a blown head gasket for $500, sourced a 90k AU donk for about the same, a few quick mods, full service and on the road for under $1500.
Never missed a beat.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Find a nice EL with a blown head, get it cheap and throw an AU donk in it.

Shouldnt cost you any more than 1500-2k all up and is a good project for a first go if thats your thing.
You could be on the road with AU reliability in a few days if you can swing spanners.

I did this a few years back for my nephew, picked up an EF Gli with a blown head gasket for $500, sourced a 90k AU donk for about the same, a few quick mods, full service and on the road for under $1500.
Never missed a beat.

Yes, may be easy for someone that knows their way around an engine bay or has the knowledge / connections to do the work themselves but I assume by the questions posted that Tori has a limited scope (as well as funds) to undertake buying a car with a blown engine, then locate a suitable replacement engine, then arrange to have it swapped, then arrange for the inspection and change of details paperwork.

We all know how easily a person who presents themselves to a workshop with little mechanical understanding can be taken for a ride.

Tori, I suggest you look at cars that are 'ready to go'. Registered, clean looking and in running order.

When you are the lower end of the market I disagree that a $500 and $1500 vehicle will be similar. They are all hit and miss, but a car sold at near scrap metal prices with some rego will need a ton of work to get it back on the road, whereas a car with another grand on the price will be priced there as it may have longer rego, more meat on the tyres, AC that works, some evidence of maintenance work, a better kept body and perhaps sold by a person that prices it with no rush to sell.

I can't comment on what model but when you do a search order them from lowest to highest and perhaps skip the first few cars that will be a basket case.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Short rego, perhaps you can haggle on that price?

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...-3637890/?Cr=2

Longer rego, could haggle a bit off that as well.

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/de...10823646/?Cr=2

New(ish) engine with some nice additions. Big price drop already, a hand full of cash may get that for $12-1,500 and the rest on rego when due.

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...-3406529/?Cr=5

You may need to wait a while but keep your eyes open and search often and soon enough you will find what you want and a fair price.

[Crazy Dazz]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

You may need to wait a while but keep your eyes open and search often and soon enough you will find what you want and a fair price.

No point buying a $2,000 car if that's the OP's total budget.
Not only does he need to transfer and insure it, you can bet dollars to doughnuts it will be off the road in a month because he can't afford to fix something.

I'm not suggesting the "buy something cheap with a blown engine and replace it" route. I am simply warning the OP that ANY car you buy in this budget will require maintenance and lots of it.

People get rid of old cars because they can't be assed fixing them.
9 times out of 10, if you look closely enough you'll find a major expenditure looming that the seller either knows or suspects.

Also remember when looking that most used car sellers are utterly delusional when it comes to pricing