FPV Problems

Most of the issues were problems with the BA-BF Falcon, but there were few specific problems relating to the F6 Typhoon. Perhaps the main one is a problem with the auto trans cooler, which can fail and allow transmission oil to mix with coolant and damage the transmission. Other than that look for signs of the car being thrashed, go for one that has been looked after.

It’s really hard to say, particularly because the “end of the day” is a very long way off. Any appreciation you might see will be many years away. Both could well appreciate eventually if you’re prepared to wait long enough, but the 2012 Pursuit might be the better choice simply because of its lower build number and supercharged engine.

The GT and its derivatives should be the ones with the most appeal to collectors in the future. The GT badge is one of the most iconic of all in Australia, so that should be a no-brainer. Look for a one-owner car, make sure it's a numbers-matching example, and go for the classic colours, with stripes where they were optional. I don't think the interior trim material will make much difference. As for the odometer, go for the lowest possible.

I believe the three local makers will maintain their commitment to owners long after they stop manufacturing. In your case, the credit goes to Ford's Stephen Kruk who was straight onto the problem.

It sounds as if the fan is coming on when it shouldn't, so have the dealer check the temperature when it does kick in, or simply have the fan replaced.

The Australian LPG Warehouse has developed a JTG liquid-injection kit for your car.

BOTH have awesome performance, but I would put the Typhoon slightly ahead in that area. The Clubsport is smoother and a little more refined on the road. In terms of fuel consumption, really if you're planning to buy a performance car such as either of these, fuel consumption shouldn't be a consideration. But under normal driving I would expect both to return 15-16 litres/100km. Neither is particularly good in that area. In reliability terms, the Typhoon has had problems with the clutch and there's a question mark over the rear axle, so the Clubsport is probably the better there. Both are exhilarating to drive, the Typhoon perhaps slightly better.

GENERALLY it's better not to baby an engine during the run-in period. It's better to run it in with a little load so you generate enough heat for the block to settle and the rings to bed in, as long as you don't thrash the engine in the process. We asked FPV for their recommendation for running the BA GT, which is: avoid exceeding 4500 revs in the first 750km; accelerate positively in all gears, particularly when driving uphill; progressively increase engine speeds up to 5500 revs between 750km and 1500km with occasional use of full throttle during acceleration within the speed limits; on long stretches during the first 1500km vary engine speeds by occasionally using lower gears; where possible, apply high engine loads for short periods by using high gears at speeds below 60km/h. FPV has an initial fill of Castrol Protec OW/40 mineral oil in its Boss 290 engine to allow the rings to bed in during the run-in phase. Because of this, it is not unusual for customers to experience oil consumption in the first 5000km. From then they recommend customers refill the engine with Castrol Formula R OW/40 synthetic oil and completely change the oil to this specification upon reaching 15,000km, when the first major service is due.