Ford Problems

A LOT of work has been done in recent models to make the Falcon six smoother. A rather large engine, it is subject to vibration. This was regarded as fairly normal in past models because we didn't complain about it. The vibration your father is feeling sounds like a drive-line vibration -- a less-than-pleasant feature of all Falcons of that era. Try looking at the prop shaft, particularly the shaft angles. But it is more likely coming from an overall drive-line stiffness problem, with contributions from many areas, including the transmission housing, the engine and transmission mounts, the prop shaft, prop shaft angles, even the suspension mounts and wheels and tyres. Sorry.

THE Explorer probably wouldn't be my first choice. I'd opt for a Nissan Patrol, Toyota Landcruiser or Mitsubishi Pajero. But if you're towing only 1600kg I'd consider a smaller four-wheel-drive wagon such as a Pathfinder or a Prado. Even a Subaru Outback would tow your caravan, happily cope with the bush roads you want to go down, and be more comfortable. The Explorer is known to have problems with the auto transmission and the timing chains, which are at the back of the engine and costly to replace if they break.

THE KE Laser has moved beyond the age at which dealers are interested, but they are a popular little car and would make a good starter for a young driver who wants economical motoring. If your car is in good condition I would think its worth $2500-$3500 if sold privately.

THE dedicated E-gas option on the Falcon costs $1400, which is what you need to recoup before you start saving money. My calculations, done after driving a dedicated LPG Falcon against a petrol one, suggest you will be in front after 20,000km, which I estimate to be a little more than a year's driving. That's a new Falcon, but it's going to be less with a used car because the market doesn't value the E-gas option, so you should be able to pick up a BA E-gas car for the same price as a petrol one. You're saving money from the start that way. Holden didn't have an LPG option in the VY, so any you find on theused-car market will be an aftermarket installation.

WITH $3000, your son shouldn't be choosy. Cast a wider net and search for the best car you can find for the money. It's better to have a car in good condition, though it might not be a cool choice. That might sound boring, but he'll get better service out of a car in tiptop shape than one that might have a better image but is run down.

FORD tells us they stockpiled 7.3-litre V8s before production ceased and have enough to last for quite a while, so there are no plans to change to the 6.0-litre yet.

THERE is no easy answer. Ford's responsibility expired when the warranty ran out, so it's a matter of negotiation. I think you have a good case against Ford. The door-lock problem was well known at the time and should have been traced and fixed when you first experienced it. It would help if you have a record of having reported it to your dealer at the time, but even without that you have a case.

Ford didn't promote the Mondeo well here, but it sold well in Europe. The Mondeo handled well, had quite good performance and few problems in service. The car you describe sounds good and $6000 is reasonable.

THE benefits are all about the lower cost of LPG. The disadvantages are few with the BA E-gas Falcon. You lose some boot space to the spare wheel, which is relocated to accommodate the LPG tank, and you may find it hard to get LPG if you go off the beaten track.

YOU can contact both companies through their customer assistance hot lines, but you've probably already registered your interest with this letter. Ford has told us there are no plans to have an LPG option on the Territory, but we have heard Holden is working on one for its V6 engine. Having spent some time in the E-Gas Falcon recently, I have to say I'm surprised at its slow sales. I couldn't fault the way it drove and the savings at the pump suggest you'd be in the black after a year.