Ford Falcon 2002 Problems

THE Jackaroo should be OK, but I'd look at a Pajero, which I think would be a better choice. As for the Falcon, the cars you are looking at have to be seen in isolation because of their age and kilometres. The Falcons are generally tough, but are known to have problems with radiators and head gaskets. At that number of kilometres I'd have the auto transmission carefully checked, particularly if you intend to tow.

YOU will recover the cost of the conventional system much quicker and start saving money sooner, so if that's your priority that's the best system. The injection system will take longer, 12 to 18 months, before you get back to square one and start saving money, but it will be the better driving and performing system.

YOU'VE done your homework on the problem and come up with the answers, but you would need to be a ``roads scholar'' to keep on top of it. Good info, though.

IT IS common for mechanics to machine the discs about 50,000km, then replace them at 80,000km or so. There was a time when the drums or discs on a car would last the life of the car, but it seems discs have become consumables like pads. Aftermarket disc rotors may be a way around it. They tend to be of a higher quality, but I have no first-hand knowledge of their service life.

I DON'T believe the problem is associated with the brake hoses, though you should take it to a Ford dealer and have them change the hoses. But I would take it to a brake specialist and have them check it. One you could try in Melbourne is Hoppers Stoppers.

YES, it's quite a common problem with Falcons.

IT COULD be the surface you're driving on. Tyres will often squeal when driving slowly over some surfaces in car parks, showrooms and places like that. Even if they squeal on those surfaces they shouldn't squeal at normal driving speed. You could try increasing the pressure to 34-36psi and see what happens. If that doesn't help check the alignment.

BACKFIRING is common on cars with LPG that haven't been well maintained. Backfiring is generally caused by stray sparks igniting the fuel/LPG mixture in the intake manifold, so have a mechanic check the ignition system.