Ford Falcon 2002 Problems

That same car retailed at almost $40,000 when it was new.Now, my dealer mate added his profit to the price before he retailed it out of his yard at $20,500, but even then it was still just a tick over half the original sticker price.The BA Futura used here is just an example of the bargains out there in near-new cars, particularly the Falcons, Commodores, Magnas and Camrys.The BA Falcon was a make-or-break car for Ford. After the disastrous AU the BA had plenty of ground to make up if the company was going to be viable going into the future.Thankfully for all of us it turned out to be a pretty decent car, far and away better than its disappointing predecessor.Ford pumped lots of new features into the BA, far more than it really would have, had it been a normal upgrade.The 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine was given a major overhaul with double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder with infinitely variable valve timing. In base form the Barra engine put out 182kW at 5000 revs and 380Nm at 3250 revs, more than sufficient to give the BA plenty of zip. There was the choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed auto, the latter having sports shift.The suspension was also revamped, particularly the rear suspension.The overhaul continued inside as well with an all-new layout focused around a central control console. Standard features in the base XT included airconditioning, CD sound, power driver's seat, power front windows, trip computer, cloth trim, dual front airbags, anti-skid brakes, 60/40 split-fold rear seat.In addition to that, the Futura had cruise control, power rear windows, 16-inch (40.64cm) alloy wheels, rear centre armrest, cup holders, grab handles and courtesy lamps.Make the next step up to the Fairmont and you also drove away with dual-zone airconditioning, velour trim, six-stack CD, woodgrain dash, leather-trimmed steering wheel, side airbags, and traction control.The last step, sporty XRs aside, was to the Fairmont Ghia which had the added features of a six-way driver's seat with memory for settings, adjustable pedals, 17-inch (43.1cm) alloys and fog lamps.With just 30,000km or so under its wheels there should be little that's gone wrong with the Falcon. To date there is none of the head gasket, radiator, power steering problems that were a regular occurrence on the AU. And rental car agencies say they're having a better run out of the BA Falcon than they are with the equivalent Commodore or Magna. In reliability terms they are rating it as high as the Camry.Mechanics working on roadside assistance are reporting an annoying BA problem.It seems they simply stop and can't be started again without being towed to a Ford dealer where the electronics can be checked.With decent handling from independent suspension front and rear and anti-skid brakes the Falcon delivers quite good primary safety.On the secondary level it has dual front airbags, and on the Fairmont, side airbags.There are lots of compelling reasons for buying used large cars, but saving money is the best one. At auction, BA Falcon XTs are being knocked down for as little as $14,500 on average. At retail prices, the same car will sell for $3000 more. The Futura sedan retails for about $18,500 and the equivalent wagons will cost about $18,500 and $19,500.

The importance of the BA Falcon can't be overstated.  Had it failed to excite the car-buying public it could well have been the model that spelt the end for Ford as a force in this country. Thankfully the BA has been a success. It has rebuilt the image of the Falcon in the minds of car buyers after it had been badly wounded by the disastrous AU.Model watchThe most damning criticism of the AU was aimed at its styling with its downtrodden curves that gave us a sad and sullen look. Fixing that meant major surgery to body panels, which was no cheap exercise.By the time the BA's stylists had finished there was little of the AU left. The doors were about the only panels recognisable from the old model, even the roof line had been modified. The downcast visage was gone, replaced by bright uplifting looks that gave off a positive vibe instead of the depression felt when sighting an AU.There was also an upgraded six-cylinder engine, a new independent rear suspension, sports shift mode for the auto trans, and some cute new features like the control command centre inside and adjustable foot pedals.The base engine was the familiar Ford 4.0-litre inline six, but it was heavily revamped. It now boasted double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and variable cam timing, which delivered good performance right through the rev range, with good torque at low revs and a powerful punch at high revs. At its peak the so-called Barra 182 engine produced 182kW at 5000 revs and 380Nm at 3250 revs, with good torque over a wide speed range.Underneath a new Control Blade IRS replaced the old double wishbone system, delivering the handling benefits of an independent system with improved ride comfort and isolation from road noise.  Brakes were improved discs all round with ABS standard, steering was power assisted.Inside, the awkward old dash was replaced with a much more modern design with a hooded instrument cluster and a centre dash console containing the supplementary controls for air-con and sound. Standard features included airconditioning, CD sound, power front windows, power mirrors, power drivers seat and trip computer.In the shopFew problems reported to date. The six-cylinder engine is the most powerful in its class and appears to be largely trouble-free although the extra power seems to have come at the cost of fuel consumption.Make the usual checks for crash repairs, like poor panel fit, variable gaps between adjoining panels, and colour variation.  Check also for a service record.Crunch timeThe BA was too new to feature in the recent used car safety survey, but it's fair to say that it's as least as good as the AU which fared well. Body structure is improved, and with dual front airbags, provides crash protection.Owner's viewsHamilton Saunders has done just 32,000km in his BA, which he says is a good car, comfortable, reliable and excellent for towing, but is heavier on fuel than the previous model. Problems he's encountered are a noise from the steering box, an occasional sulphur-like smell in very hot weather, neither of which the dealer has been able to fix, and the discs have required machining at every service.Ray Tonisson has completed just over 13,000km in his BA and says, apart from being thirsty, it's the best Ford he has owned. It has power and drives very well especially with the Sports suspension. Ford has lifted its bang for the buck on the XT with a good package of standard features.BA FORD FALCON XT 2002-2004* Happier, more sporty styling than the AU* Sports shift auto transmission for a fun driving experience* Class-leading power* Excessive fuel consumptionRating15/20 Much improved model you won't be afraid to admit owning