End of the line

milchy · 17-02-2011, 11:50 AM

I've exclusively driven Falcons / Fairmonts for over 20 years: EA, EF, AU (which was the best one I've owned) and now the BA Fairmont 5.4 V8.

It's come time to upgrade my car and I would love to stay in a Ford. Sadly, from my perspective, it now makes little sense to. Consider the following.

My last two Fords have been affordable luxury V8s and I've loved them. Ford Aust have now alienated me though by no longer offering an affordable luxury V8. I'm certainly not going to pay $70-80k for an FPV GTE which is basically a tarted up Falcon.

The Australian built Falcon now sells in such low volumes that it is no longer a viable business proposition and will soon be discontinued. In the meantime, what happens in business when things become unprofitable? You cut corners and I no longer have the patience to spend time at Ford dealerships having problems rectified.

I could jump in a G6ET but, if I'm going down the turbo route, there is plenty of great competition in or around that price band now. Consider Volvo S60, upcoming Saab 9-5, Liberty GT or even the Passat CC. Each do 0-100 in <7s. Each are well equipped. Each are safe. Each <$70k to buy (Saab to be confirmed).

Sadly, it's no longer a rational decision to stay in a Falcon. For me, it's the end of the line.

big_landau · 17-02-2011, 11:55 AM

well thats an interesting first post.

Jack91 · 17-02-2011, 12:06 PM

Well yeah but they arent gonna make another model just for you. Obviousely the sales werent there to make it worthwhile. Agree about cutting corners though.

JUZXR8 · 17-02-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milchy

I've exclusively driven Falcons / Fairmonts for over 20 years: EA, EF, AU (which was the best one I've owned) and now the BA Fairmont 5.4 V8.

It's come time to upgrade my car and I would love to stay in a Ford. Sadly, from my perspective, it now makes little sense to. Consider the following.

My last two Fords have been affordable luxury V8s and I've loved them. Ford Aust have now alienated me though by no longer offering an affordable luxury V8. I'm certainly not going to pay $70-80k for an FPV GTE which is basically a tarted up Falcon.

The Australian built Falcon now sells in such low volumes that it is no longer a viable business proposition and will soon be discontinued. In the meantime, what happens in business when things become unprofitable? You cut corners and I no longer have the patience to spend time at Ford dealerships having problems rectified.

I could jump in a G6ET but, if I'm going down the turbo route, there is plenty of great competition in or around that price band now. Consider Volvo S60, upcoming Saab 9-5, Liberty GT or even the Passat CC. Each do 0-100 in <7s. Each are well equipped. Each are safe. Each <$70k to buy (Saab to be confirmed).

Sadly, it's no longer a rational decision to stay in a Falcon. For me, it's the end of the line.

I LOL'D. Sure you can go and buy a Volvo, Saab or some euro car, but the servicing and spare parts will be quite alot more expensive.

Pretty sure that they havn't actually said that the Falcon will be discontinued either. Especially since the last I knew they were bringing out the Turbo diesel models in the next update? (correct me if I'm wrong here)

Seems like you already have made your decision though, and you havn't really asked a question...sooooo whats the whole point of this post anyway?

AussieAV · 17-02-2011, 12:35 PM

You said your AU was the best you owned. Now assuming its was the 5.0L V8, its figures were;
Power: 175 kW
Torque: 395 Nm

Now the current model normally aspirated (non-turbo) G6E 6cyl produces;
Power: 195 kW
Torque: 391 Nm

and is a lot better on fuel consumption.

If you enjoyed the way your AU performed, maybe you should give the G6E a go. If there are still any 50th Anniversary editions around, they would be great value for money.

You'd get a lot of change from $70k !!

Brazen · 17-02-2011, 12:36 PM

At least the Ford is rear wheel drive though. Maybe give the G6ET a test-drive, just think of it as a Fairmont Ghia Turbo.

Im sure the V8 will come around eventually though if the XR8 happens?

SB076 · 17-02-2011, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milchy

I've exclusively driven Falcons / Fairmonts for over 20 years: EA, EF, AU (which was the best one I've owned) and now the BA Fairmont 5.4 V8.

It's come time to upgrade my car and I would love to stay in a Ford. Sadly, from my perspective, it now makes little sense to. Consider the following.

My last two Fords have been affordable luxury V8s and I've loved them. Ford Aust have now alienated me though by no longer offering an affordable luxury V8. I'm certainly not going to pay $70-80k for an FPV GTE which is basically a tarted up Falcon.

The Australian built Falcon now sells in such low volumes that it is no longer a viable business proposition and will soon be discontinued. In the meantime, what happens in business when things become unprofitable? You cut corners and I no longer have the patience to spend time at Ford dealerships having problems rectified.

I could jump in a G6ET but, if I'm going down the turbo route, there is plenty of great competition in or around that price band now. Consider Volvo S60, upcoming Saab 9-5, Liberty GT or even the Passat CC. Each do 0-100 in <7s. Each are well equipped. Each are safe. Each <$70k to buy (Saab to be confirmed).

Sadly, it's no longer a rational decision to stay in a Falcon. For me, it's the end of the line.

Try a G6ET, if you dont like it than fine, I personally think they are a great car and very good value for money (being closer to $50K than $70K)

BigBlue · 17-02-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milchy

Ford Aust have now alienated me though by no longer offering an affordable luxury V8.

Ahhh I would not take it personally!

Peter.

Brazen · 17-02-2011, 12:58 PM

PS I wonder if all the emotional investment a repeat Fairmont Ghia buyer has in the nameplate is suddenly lost when the car changed to G6E,

maybe the OP doesnt even realise it...as its probably subconcious.

What is telling is him discussing the rational of choosing his next car.. Its now come down to features and equipment whereas maybe Ford shouldnt be throwing away the emotional (subconcious or not) reasons in buying a car.

flappist · 17-02-2011, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milchy

I've exclusively driven Falcons / Fairmonts for over 20 years: EA, EF, AU (which was the best one I've owned) and now the BA Fairmont 5.4 V8.

It's come time to upgrade my car and I would love to stay in a Ford. Sadly, from my perspective, it now makes little sense to. Consider the following.

My last two Fords have been affordable luxury V8s and I've loved them. Ford Aust have now alienated me though by no longer offering an affordable luxury V8. I'm certainly not going to pay $70-80k for an FPV GTE which is basically a tarted up Falcon.

The Australian built Falcon now sells in such low volumes that it is no longer a viable business proposition and will soon be discontinued. In the meantime, what happens in business when things become unprofitable? You cut corners and I no longer have the patience to spend time at Ford dealerships having problems rectified.

I could jump in a G6ET but, if I'm going down the turbo route, there is plenty of great competition in or around that price band now. Consider Volvo S60, upcoming Saab 9-5, Liberty GT or even the Passat CC. Each do 0-100 in <7s. Each are well equipped. Each are safe. Each <$70k to buy (Saab to be confirmed).

Sadly, it's no longer a rational decision to stay in a Falcon. For me, it's the end of the line.

Hmmm

Well I am glad the Volvo, Saab, Liberty and Passats are all RWD V8s and not FWD/AWD turbos....

Want a luxury V8? Heaps available......ISF, M3, C63 just to name a few.

Want to stay in the Ford fold but won't buy a $50k G6ET out of bloodymindedness, the Mondeo XR5 is a fairly good choice (and would blow all of your previous into the weeds)

Want a cheap V8....www.holden.com.au has all the bogan pride you need.

Your choice......

Ford_The_Win · 17-02-2011, 01:44 PM

Ford have alienated me too, by not offering the Falcon at $6600 RRP. They did it in 1981, why can't they do it now??!!!

BENT_8 · 17-02-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milchy

I've exclusively driven Falcons / Fairmonts for over 20 years: EA, EF, AU (which was the best one I've owned) and now the BA Fairmont 5.4 V8.

It's come time to upgrade my car and I would love to stay in a Ford. Sadly, from my perspective, it now makes little sense to. Consider the following.

My last two Fords have been affordable luxury V8s and I've loved them. Ford Aust have now alienated me though by no longer offering an affordable luxury V8. I'm certainly not going to pay $70-80k for an FPV GTE which is basically a tarted up Falcon.

The Australian built Falcon now sells in such low volumes that it is no longer a viable business proposition and will soon be discontinued. In the meantime, what happens in business when things become unprofitable? You cut corners and I no longer have the patience to spend time at Ford dealerships having problems rectified.

I could jump in a G6ET but, if I'm going down the turbo route, there is plenty of great competition in or around that price band now. Consider Volvo S60, upcoming Saab 9-5, Liberty GT or even the Passat CC. Each do 0-100 in <7s. Each are well equipped. Each are safe. Each <$70k to buy (Saab to be confirmed).

Sadly, it's no longer a rational decision to stay in a Falcon. For me, it's the end of the line.

You joined up with a Ford Forum just to tell us you no longer wish to own a Ford....OooK

Just remember to shut the door behind you, dont want any more strays making their way in...

Windsor220 · 17-02-2011, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milchy

FPV GTE which is basically a tarted up Falcon.

I never get when people say this because it is a tarted up Falcon. Thats what its supposed to be. Just like a Senator is a tarted up Commodore or a Grange is a tarted up Stato.

flappist · 17-02-2011, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windsor220

I never get when people say this because it is a tarted up Falcon. Thats what its supposed to be. Just like a Senator is a tarted up Commodore or a Grange is a tarted up Stato.

Or a GT3 is just a tarted up Beetle........

**Elks** · 17-02-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

Or a GT3 is just a tarted up Beetle........

Have to support you guys Windsor220 and Flappist and add...

A C63 a tarted up C200 for 3 times the price. And the point is...

mik · 17-02-2011, 02:31 PM

interesting 1st post..........

Donny · 17-02-2011, 02:33 PM

The truth is a GT-E is a damm expensive car right upto the time you buy it and drive it off the lot..
Then if something happens to them the perception changes and it is considered as a tarted up optioned XT Falcon..
This is how the insurance companies see and consider these cars, and with the way FPV CRC runs, I guess thats how they classify them too..

**FTE217** · 17-02-2011, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elks

Have to support you guys Windsor220 and Flappist and add...

A C63 a tarted up C200 for 3 times the price. And the point is...

hehe and the M3 a overpriced 330 and don't forget the M5

prydey · 17-02-2011, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milchy

I've exclusively driven Falcons / Fairmonts for over 20 years: EA, EF, AU (which was the best one I've owned) and now the BA Fairmont 5.4 V8.

did you buy them new? or second hand?

**Polyal** · 17-02-2011, 04:06 PM

Although I do agree the lack of V8 option is an issue. I agree with others, this is spam..

Perhaps sending Ford an email directly might make you feel better.

XR6TCraig · 17-02-2011, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brazen

PS I wonder if all the emotional investment a repeat Fairmont Ghia buyer has in the nameplate is suddenly lost when the car changed to G6E,

maybe the OP doesnt even realise it...as its probably subconcious.

It's not really just a nameplate change if you are driving a v8 farimont though is it?
]You would have no luck trying to buy a V8 G6E as a replacement, would you!

dags41v · 17-02-2011, 04:13 PM

What was the question??

JutroXR8 · 17-02-2011, 04:24 PM

I love my V8's and I am a V8 man to be honest. But the G6ET is an awesome vehicle. It will blow you away in terms of performace, and fuel efficiency. Plus its a great looking car!

You state that the Volvo S60, upcoming Saab 9-5, Liberty GT or even the Passat CC. Each do 0-100 in <7s. But they are nowhere near the same performance level as the G6ET which will do 0-100 in close to 5s flat. Believe you me, they go damn well. Try one and see.

munners · 17-02-2011, 04:40 PM

I guess sometimes you just have to vent...???

CODSASR · 17-02-2011, 04:58 PM

Ford alienated me when they stoped building XB coupes

AussieAV · 17-02-2011, 05:00 PM

Ford alienated me when.............. wait...............what does alienated mean???

Tough Ford · 17-02-2011, 05:11 PM

G6ET all the way. All the other overpriced POS you have got to be joking right? Blue Blood does not flow through those vains. You have a right to your opinion but...............

prydey · 17-02-2011, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brazen

PS I wonder if all the emotional investment a repeat Fairmont Ghia buyer has in the nameplate is suddenly lost when the car changed to G6E,

su·per·sede
/ˌsupərˈsid/ Show Spelled[soo-per-seed] Show IPA
–verb (used with object), -sed·ed, -sed·ing.
1.
to replace in power, authority, effectiveness, acceptance, use, etc., as by another person or thing.
2.
to set aside or cause to be set aside as void, useless, or obsolete, usually in favor of something mentioned; make obsolete: They superseded the old statute with a new one.
3.
to succeed to the position, function, office, etc., of; supplant.

Escort_RPDriver · 17-02-2011, 05:16 PM

Ford and most of the automotive world alienated me when they stoped making small and middsized Rwd for imo an inferior handling Fwd cars but you do hear me bitching.

**TUF_302** · 17-02-2011, 05:16 PM

Ford has alienated all of us, I mean they only Turbo'd the 6, and Supercharged the 8,how selfish of them!!, I mean why don't they make an awd, 79ltr limo so we can all enjoy something so ridiculous as your 1st post again!!

Seriously if you don't like fords any more why bother joining a forum about them!