The Eagle has Landed..or The Falcon has plummeted

[78xcgxl]

Originally Posted by vixf6

When I go to the supermarket I try to find items that are made by my fellow Aussies brothers and sisters, even with the disgustingly misleading labels such as made in Australia from local and imported ingredients, I still try and be positive and support these things. It seems that the "support your own country and its people" pride is gone. Shame on you Aust public, you have killed off your own auto industry. 50000 job losses is very conservative.
1. Spare parts everywhere and cheap as chips.
2. Most mechanics can fix quickly and easily.
3. Cheap to buy new.
4. Cheap to buy second hand.
5. Full sized and not some shoebox
6. Plenty of performance variants

I just don't get it

Australia is soo multicultural that there is a complete lack of patriotism. People don't care to buy Australian, all they care is about saving a few $$$ and if Australian jobs are on the line so be it. My family did their part to support the Falcon over the years and Australian jobs but the majority of the country did not. Every Falcon we have owned has been awesome and i don't see myself ever driving anything else! Long live the Ford Falcon!

[Adamz Ghia]

Originally Posted by Boosted8

Hardly surprising. I can't even count the number of issues I've had with my BAII. Just a week ago, a friend pulled the passenger's side door skin clean off... and bear in mind, this was a female.

Even when you compare it with the EAII I had, it's pretty astonishing how bad the fit and finish was.

Sorry for telling the truth. I'm sure I'll be flamed by the die hards.

With all the screws holding it in place she must have been a hulk of a woman.

[Beastie]

I think that many of us grew up in the era of the Falcon and as such, have been spoiled...What else would you buy?

I've got my BF GT and won't be selling it for quids....and, I'll be keeping a lookout for a good condition Falcon (year 2000+ onward) as a daily....

Go the Falcon!

[SYZ]

Originally Posted by Highway star

There is nothing on this list that I would own.....

BEST SELLING CARS.....

Can I ask you which of those 10 vehicles you've actually driven yourself, and over what sort of time and/or distance. Or are you simply relying on the often dodgy impressions of motoring journalists, with all their inbuilt biasses?

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

Well I guess a Toyota Corolla is a supercar too then

Add Landcruiser, Beetle, F-Series, Suburban and the Vette.

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

Well I guess a Toyota Corolla is a supercar too then

G'day ..probably is...there are definitions and definitions of super car...My AU ll is a super car to me...Love that old girl like a friend..By the way supercars in the classical sense do little for me..Just toys really..Nice to look at..nice to experience at car shows..would be great to take one for a spin but as near as dammit useless for a daily car..Imagine the stress of having it parked next to a old bomb in the work car park...you'd be worried all day if some goose opened their car door on it..Services are several times more than anything else. too Not sure how accurate but was I told once that a Porsche 911 is well over $1000 for a general service and a windscreens O'Brien chap told me he fitted a screen to a Ferrari when he worked in NSW..Windscreen was $700..labour was $1200.. .I'll keep my own 'supercars' thankyou...Cheers Rod..

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by The Beast

I think that many of us grew up in the era of the Falcon and as such, have been spoiled...What else would you buy?

I've got my BF GT and won't be selling it for quids....and, I'll be keeping a lookout for a good condition Falcon (year 2000+ onward) as a daily....

Go the Falcon!

G'day Good call...Grab a tidy XR6..BF/FG..if you get a chance...truly great car as a nice daily. (if you already have a GT). They are the ducks guts Just beautiful I saw a FG GT-F on Easter weekend too..(6000 kms only) belonged to one of the Victorian GT Club touring Tassie .My FG XR6 is my Sunday best and my AU ll is the daily...wouldn't part with either of them..especially not now..Cheers Rod..

[tranquilized]

Regardless of what the Falcon is or isn't, it's a huge shame that we're losing it and the Commodore and just another step towards a globalised automotive monotony.

But the Falcon isn't practical and hasn't been for a long time - no sedan is practical for most people and this is reflected in Falcon sales, and re-sale values of aussie and european sedans. It's why all the euro brands, once exclusive sedan builders, are now moving into SUV's in such a big way.

The Falcon isn't an exotic supercar either. But it's unique in global terms, it's ours, and it's designed, developed, and built by passionate Australians - many of whom will be out of a job this time next year.

[Highway star]

Originally Posted by SYZ

Can I ask you which of those 10 vehicles you've actually driven yourself, and over what sort of time and/or distance. Or are you simply relying on the often dodgy impressions of motoring journalists, with all their inbuilt biasses?

Certainly, Let's start with the utes. I'm 6'4 tall, I don't fit in a Ranger/Hilux/Nissan/Toyota etc etc, tried them all at some stage, That's why I still have 2 RTV's for work Plenty of leg room comfortable on long trips and enough ground clearance to drive over dead roo's especially where I live. Then there's the tray size? The RTV's have a 2.4 meter tray , I can carry all my tools with ease and a decent load of materials, try that in your twin cab?

Now for the cars, Again I don't fit in the Pie vans so cancel out any of those in the top 10, secondly if I make a trip to town which by the way is a bit more than your average city commute, then I'm going to do it in comfort and cruise with a bit of grunt when I need to overtake a tripple road train, that's why I have the G6e Turbo for that very job.

So sorry to burst your bubble, but we did use to make cars here that made sense, they just weren't fashioned enough for the latte sipping crowd or the 3'oclock house wife doing the school run.

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by tranquilized

Regardless of what the Falcon is or isn't, it's a huge shame that we're losing it and the Commodore and just another step towards a globalised automotive monotony.

But the Falcon isn't practical and hasn't been for a long time - no sedan is practical for most people and this is reflected in Falcon sales, and re-sale values of aussie and european sedans. It's why all the euro brands, once exclusive sedan builders, are now moving into SUV's in such a big way.

The Falcon isn't an exotic supercar either. But it's unique in global terms, it's ours, and it's designed, developed, and built by passionate Australians - many of whom will be out of a job this time next year.

G'day...Not sure I agree with you about practical..especially if the station wagon had been retained , sadly no more..How practical do you need for MOST people. Nearly 600 litres of boot space in the FG for example.. AND a 60/40 split rear seat if needed..SUV's boxes on wheels aren't much more..Who said the Falcon was Exotic...It's not exotic ..and who'd want it to be..Bloody Lamborghini Advenador..don't know don't care what they cost...If they sit for more than a couple of minutes idling or if revved quick...BLOODY CATCH FIRE..There are dozens of them doing it..Every speed bump is an issue..Zero storage..Geez..Australians have been hoodwinked into thinking that an SUV is more practical .We used to be able to get a Station wagon , panel van or a ute as well as the sedan.Buy your Falcon for your specific needs..THAT'S PRACTICAL...SUV's are a fashion statement these days , keeping up with the Jones's as much as anything .Trouble is Ford Falcon hasn't/didn't had a station wagon for years now unless you consider the Territory one..I think BF ll was the last dedicated station wagon possible..I bet you a good old s/wagon could carry the family of five..and a whole lot of stuff for 95% of the population..Nup..stupid easily led Aussies buy a friggin SUV..***** me to tears .Cheers Rod

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by Highway star

Certainly, Let's start with the utes. I'm 6'4 tall, I don't fit in a Ranger/Hilux/Nissan/Toyota etc etc, tried them all at some stage, That's why I still have 2 RTV's for work Plenty of leg room comfortable on long trips and enough ground clearance to drive over dead roo's especially where I live. Then there's the tray size? The RTV's have a 2.4 meter tray , I can carry all my tools with ease and a decent load of materials, try that in your twin cab?

Now for the cars, Again I don't fit in the Pie vans so cancel out any of those in the top 10, secondly if I make a trip to town which by the way is a bit more than your average city commute, then I'm going to do it in comfort and cruise with a bit of grunt when I need to overtake a tripple road train, that's why I have the G6e Turbo for that very job.

So sorry to burst your bubble, but we did use to make cars here that made sense, they just weren't fashioned enough for the latte sipping crowd or the 3'oclock house wife doing the school run.

I am not as tall as you but find RTV more cramped than a PX Ranger. Ranger can be had in extra cab configuration with large tray ,diesel torque and economy and genuine offroad ability. People buy them because they are good utes. RTV absolutely had its place but Ford decided to discontinue it . FG RTV ute and modern wagon would of been a great addition to Falcon range - as sales of Sportwagon show . Ford has unfortunately decided that is not worth investing into development of those.
I also enjoy cruise with a bit of grunt (V8 sedan) but my sedan is nowhere as practical as an suv or a dual cab - try carrying a large ,wet dog or a muddy mountain bike in a sedan.

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by roddy1960

G'day...Not sure I agree with you about practical..especially if the station wagon had been retained , sadly no more..How practical do you need for MOST people. Nearly 600 litres of boot space in the FG for example.. AND a 60/40 split rear seat if needed..SUV's boxes on wheels aren't much more..Who said the Falcon was Exotic...It's not exotic ..and who'd want it to be..Bloody Lamborghini Advenador..don't know don't care what they cost...If they sit for more than a couple of minutes idling or if revved quick...BLOODY CATCH FIRE..There are dozens of them doing it..Every speed bump is an issue..Zero storage..Geez..Australians have been hoodwinked into thinking that an SUV is more practical .We used to be able to get a Station wagon , panel van or a ute as well as the sedan.Buy your Falcon for your specific needs..THAT'S PRACTICAL...SUV's are a fashion statement these days , keeping up with the Jones's as much as anything .Trouble is Ford Falcon hasn't/didn't had a station wagon for years now unless you consider the Territory one..I think BF ll was the last dedicated station wagon possible..I bet you a good old s/wagon could carry the family of five..and a whole lot of stuff for 95% of the population..Nup..stupid easily led Aussies buy a friggin SUV..***** me to tears .Cheers Rod

The good ole tuned FG2 GT actually gave 2 Huracans a run for their money. Nailing the throttle from 60kph to well over 130, the exotic overpriced designer twins couldn't pull away from the GT, much to the owners' surprise.

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by tranquilized

Regardless of what the Falcon is or isn't, it's a huge shame that we're losing it and the Commodore and just another step towards a globalised automotive monotony.

But the Falcon isn't practical and hasn't been for a long time - no sedan is practical for most people and this is reflected in Falcon sales, and re-sale values of aussie and european sedans. It's why all the euro brands, once exclusive sedan builders, are now moving into SUV's in such a big way.

The Falcon isn't an exotic supercar either. But it's unique in global terms, it's ours, and it's designed, developed, and built by passionate Australians - many of whom will be out of a job this time next year.

G'day...Not sure I agree with you about practical..especially if the station wagon had been retained , sadly no more..How practical do you need ? Nearly 600 litres of boot space , AND a 60/40 split rear seat if needed..SUV's boxes on wheels aren't much more..Who said the Falcon was Exotic...It's not exotic ..and who'd want it to be..Bloody Lamborghini Advenador..don't know don't care what they cost...If they sit for more than a couple of minutes idling or if revved quick...BLOODY CATCH FIRE..There are dozens of them doing it..Every speed bump is an issue..Zero storage..Geez..Australians have been hoodwinked into thinking that an SUV is more practical ..Get a Station wagon or a ute then...if a full sized cabin and a humungus boot isn't enough..trouble is Ford Falcon hasn't/didn't market them for years now Watch this..Now this is when we had brains https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ0iUnDfzN0 and these https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUZK...99.377..Cheers Rod

[xr6tjet]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

I see a few people talking about every thing else being appliances. What exactly is the Falcon? Its a basic 4 door sedan. People talk of it like its some exotic supercar or something.

I wasn't talking just about the falcon. In theory everything now used is an appliance, we are living in the age of use and throw away. They are cars that have character though, that's why there is such a following of them and a basic XY falcon rusted to **** is still very sought after...

[Boosted8]

Originally Posted by Adamz Ghia

With all the screws holding it in place she must have been a hulk of a woman.

It wasn't the full door skin - she pulled the handle part off. A fairly petite woman.

[Giant Cranium]

Originally Posted by roddy1960;562****

G'day...Not sure I agree with you about practical..especially if the station wagon had been retained , sadly no more..How practical do you need ? Nearly 600 litres of boot space , AND a 60/40 split rear seat if needed..SUV's boxes on wheels aren't much more..Who said the Falcon was Exotic...It's not exotic ..and who'd want it to be..Bloody Lamborghini Advenador..don't know don't care what they cost...If they sit for more than a couple of minutes idling or if revved quick...BLOODY CATCH FIRE..There are dozens of them doing it..Every speed bump is an issue..Zero storage..Geez..Australians have been hoodwinked into thinking that an SUV is more practical ..Get a Station wagon or a ute then...if a full sized cabin and a humungus boot isn't enough..trouble is Ford Falcon hasn't/didn't market them for years now Watch this..Now this is when we had brains https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ0iUnDfzN0 and these https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUZK...99.377..Cheers Rod

what do you drive? model year also

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by Giant Cranium

what do you drive? model year also

Got two...well three actually...Sunday best---FG XR6 N/A with ZF 6 speed
Daily drive--- AU ll Futura
Dog transport 89 Magna s/wagon for Missy (border collie) and Daisy (kelpie)..
Thinking about something funny actually Re..Ford Global Platform..Turn it around 180 degrees and adopt the "Aussie Way" Remember when the Falcon was...A 6 cylinder and V8 Family sedan , Station wagon , sports coupe , van and utility all in one basic chassis ..Now that's practical..In fact the Ford Mustang was built on the Falcon platform in the USA..As for SUV meaning Special Utility Vehicle...They'll soon have to change the name won't they.. No longer special...cos everyone's got one like a certain part of the anatomy..Cheers Rod..

[Highway star]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

I am not as tall as you but find RTV more cramped than a PX Ranger. Ranger can be had in extra cab configuration with large tray ,diesel torque and economy and genuine offroad ability. People buy them because they are good utes. RTV absolutely had its place but Ford decided to discontinue it . FG RTV ute and modern wagon would of been a great addition to Falcon range - as sales of Sportwagon show . Ford has unfortunately decided that is not worth investing into development of those.
I also enjoy cruise with a bit of grunt (V8 sedan) but my sedan is nowhere as practical as an suv or a dual cab - try carrying a large ,wet dog or a muddy mountain bike in a sedan.

If I was looking at replacing the RTV's now, then I would of chosen a Ranger Hi Rider 4x2 space cab. Yes I like the 5 cyclinder turbo diesel, and it covers what the RTV has. Whether it can tow a big load over a long distance like the RTV I have my doubts. And then do I want to spend nearly 50K on a new work ute and loose 20K when I drive out the door.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by roddy1960;562****

How practical do you need ? Nearly 600 litres of boot space , AND a 60/40 split rear seat if needed..SUV's boxes on wheels aren't much more..

Territory has a lot more room than a Falcon - its not only taller its wider. with the option of 7 seats.
the only unpractical thing is it just costs a little more to run

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by roddy1960

As for SUV meaning Special Utility Vehicle...

Actually it's Sports Utility Vehicle.

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

The good ole tuned FG2 GT actually gave 2 Huracans a run for their money. Nailing the throttle from 60kph to well over 130, the exotic overpriced designer twins couldn't pull away from the GT, much to the owners' surprise.

G'day...Enough said...A Ford V8...don't get much better...I reckon an F6 in good tune or an FGX XR6T would make them curl up their bottom lip too..They're insane acceleration too..Re the Adventador..The other night I chanced on a crowd saying how great they are until someone posted quite a few links of YT's featuring them literally catching fire..Apparently something to do with no air flow at low speed or stopped..due to the rear end location of the engine...Not for this person even if I was a millionaire..Have a look on your browser if you type in Lamborghini Catches Fire...Cheers Rod..Re the F6 v Huracan..I think a Typhoon is bigger than a Hurricane..ain't it ?...

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

Actually it's Sports Utility Vehicle.

G'day Thanks for that I heard a bloke who owns a Hyundai Santa Fe call it Special a little while back... I stand corrected..Shows you how much I think of them..Zero. Cheers Rod

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

Territory has a lot more room than a Falcon - its not only taller its wider. with the option of 7 seats.
the only unpractical thing is it just costs a little more to run

G'day ..Fair enough , I'll take your point..but how many of us NEED a Territory . My real point is that IF Ford had continued to build a Station wagon , sports wagon ...many may well have chosen one over a Territory..Only those who genuinely NEEDED the extra bit of height would buy..Something we'll never know no matter how much we argue the point..I really do like the AWD Territory by the way and loyalty to the Blue Oval might one day have seen me buy one..but I have no need for one right now..I needed a Falcon so I bought one...See MY point..Bottom line is this...How many of those 'Toorak Tractors" as some call them are needed..I'd suggest not as many as are already cluttering up car parks , school zones and highways..NEED not WANT is the issue here...hence the end of the Falcon..Cheers Rod..

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by roddy1960

G'day ..Fair enough , I'll take your point..but how many of us NEED a Territory . My real point is that IF Ford had continued to build a Station wagon , sports wagon ...many may well have chosen one over a Territory..Only those who genuinely NEEDED the extra bit of height would buy..Something we'll never know no matter how much we argue the point..I really do like the AWD Territory by the way and loyalty to the Blue Oval might one day have seen me buy one..but I have no need for one right now..I needed a Falcon so I bought one...See MY point..Bottom line is this...How many of those 'Toorak Tractors" as some call them are needed..I'd suggest not as many as are already cluttering up car parks , school zones and highways..NEED not WANT is the issue here...hence the end of the Falcon..Cheers Rod..

Careful where you tread here.
You take the point of need vs want for SUV style cars. Others could do the same with V8s, why do you NEED one when a turbo 6 can do the same?
Why do you need a station wagon when a SUV can do the same and more?

Fact of the matter is, there is a lot we don't need, but we have the freedom to want (or in some cases need) it and if the opportunity arises we buy it.

What you categorise as a need vs a want, others may or may not differ.

[SpoolMan]

Having the same interior in a car for 6 plus years didn't help, when you buy a new car you want to feel something new and special inside, not the same as the last model you purchased. (only change was a bigger touch screen)
The Red team kept updating and there interior, and is supreme to Falcons offerings.
This all doesn't matter at the end of the day it's a Ford decision based on economics, if people don't buy why should they make.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by Adamz Ghia

With all the screws holding it in place she must have been a hulk of a woman.

Careful, you'll start a ruckus mentioning the "h" word around here.....

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by roddy1960

G'day ..Fair enough , I'll take your point..but how many of us NEED a Territory . My real point is that IF Ford had continued to build a Station wagon , sports wagon ...many may well have chosen one over a Territory..Only those who genuinely NEEDED the extra bit of height would buy..Something we'll never know no matter how much we argue the point..I really do like the AWD Territory by the way and loyalty to the Blue Oval might one day have seen me buy one..but I have no need for one right now..I needed a Falcon so I bought one...See MY point..Bottom line is this...How many of those 'Toorak Tractors" as some call them are needed..I'd suggest not as many as are already cluttering up car parks , school zones and highways..NEED not WANT is the issue here...hence the end of the Falcon..Cheers Rod..

Fairly subjective Post - you don't know everybodys circumstances.

Why did you need a Falcon?

[Express]

Many homes these days also have multiple vehicles that are purchased to target different wants or needs so a ‘jack of all trades’ isn’t as essential as say 30 years ago.

For example I want a Cleveland powered XY and by damn I’m going to have one.

But do I need it, well of cause I do as it satisfies my want.

[tranquilized]

Originally Posted by roddy1960;562****

G'day...Not sure I agree with you about practical..especially if the station wagon had been retained , sadly no more..How practical do you need ? Nearly 600 litres of boot space , AND a 60/40 split rear seat if needed..SUV's boxes on wheels aren't much more..Who said the Falcon was Exotic...It's not exotic ..and who'd want it to be..Bloody Lamborghini Advenador..don't know don't care what they cost...If they sit for more than a couple of minutes idling or if revved quick...BLOODY CATCH FIRE..There are dozens of them doing it..Every speed bump is an issue..Zero storage..Geez..Australians have been hoodwinked into thinking that an SUV is more practical ..Get a Station wagon or a ute then...if a full sized cabin and a humungus boot isn't enough..trouble is Ford Falcon hasn't/didn't market them for years now Watch this..Now this is when we had brains https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ0iUnDfzN0 and these https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUZK...99.377..Cheers Rod

Mate I completely understand your stance on SUV's because I share it I hate the things! The level of practicality they offer over a wagon is virtually nil - more ground clearance that is rarely used. But the practicality they offer over a sedan is massive. Don't even mention boot capacity in litres, it doesn't mean much. I remember going from an EB Falcon to a KA laser and the laser killed it for load space practicality despite being so much smaller.

So people have moved away from sedans, and until recently wagons looked terrible and had a bit of a stigma, so where do they go? SUV's of course. It does make sense in a way.

Most people can't afford/don't want to afford/don't have the space for multiple cars, so one car that can do multiple things is needed. Can't move bulky items in a sedan, can't transport a dog in a sedan without trashing the interior etc.

In my case I needed a sensible family car that could occasionally carry bulky items, be a comfortable long distance cruiser, (easy so far) but the next requirement that narrowed the contenders considerably - it had to be fun to drive. The VF sport wagon ticks all those boxes but unless my financial situation improves in the next few years I might have to keep it forever cause there isn't anything else on the market like it at that price.

[Mercury Bullet]

Originally Posted by Boosted8

It wasn't the full door skin - she pulled the handle part off. A fairly petite woman.

Originally Posted by Boosted8

Just a week ago, a friend pulled the passenger's side door skin clean off... and bear in mind, this was a female.

I've got a bridge, it's a really, really big one.