I searched for ages to purchase my first ford last year. I had a very restricted budget and finally settled on a 2004 BA Fairlane. The car had been a silver service limo however one driver and was serviced every Friday. It had service records since new.
The transmission and diff are new however after 523,000 the motor is still orginal and is 0n LPG. The motor has been fully inspected by my nechanics who can't fault it.
This car is amazing to drive and so relaible. I still average 10.9L/100 around town and 8.9 on a trip on LPG.
It is a testament to having cars serviced on time and the quality of the build.
Shame they have stopped building the Fairlane