Free printable checklist
What to Look For When Buying a Used Ford Falcon
What to check on a used Falcon, sedan or ute, what a problem looks like, and when to walk away.
Covers
- BF 2005–2008
- FG 2008–2014
- FG X 2014–2016
Or get a checklist built for the exact Falcon you're looking at:
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used Ford Falcon
The most commonly reported problems on a used Ford Falcon are brake shudder from warped discs, clunks and whine from the rear diff, coolant getting into the automatic's fluid through its cooler, and leaks from the water pump and heater. LPG cars need a current tank test, and with the Falcon out of production since 2016, check parts prices before you buy.
Which of these apply depends on the year and engine. Shufti works that out for a particular car from its listing.
Brake Shudder From Warped Discs
A big, heavy sedan or ute that tows or carries loads is hard on brakes, and owners report the discs warping, which you feel as a shudder under braking.
On the test drive, brake firmly from 80 km/h where it's safe. The car should stop straight, with no shaking through the pedal or steering wheel and no grinding. A wobble through the wheel can also mean worn front suspension parts.
New discs and pads aren't a huge bill, but they're an easy one to take off the price.
Rear Diff Clunks and Whine
The rear diff sends drive to the rear wheels. As its rubber mounts wear, it clunks when you take off or change gear, and a worn diff whines.
On the test drive, accelerate from a stop, lift off and accelerate again: listen for a clunk from the rear. At steady speeds, listen for a whine that rises and falls with speed. Look under the car for oil around the diff.
Diff mounts are a moderate repair; a diff rebuild is more. Price either into your offer.
Coolant Getting Into the Automatic's Fluid
The automatic's fluid is cooled through the radiator. If the cooler inside the radiator cracks, coolant and gearbox fluid mix, and coolant in the gearbox can destroy it.
Check the coolant tank for a pink, milky or oily look, like a milkshake. On the test drive, feel for slipping, flaring or harsh changes.
Ask whether the radiator has been replaced, with receipts; many owners replace it before trouble starts. If the coolant looks milky, walk away: the gearbox may already be damaged.
Water Pump and Heater Leaks
Owners report coolant leaking from the water pump and the heater, which loses coolant and can leave a damp floor or a fogged windscreen inside.
With the engine cold, check the coolant is at the mark, and look around the front of the engine for crust or drips. Inside, feel the front floor carpets for damp and sniff for a sweet smell. Check the heater blows hot and the temperature controls work.
A water pump is a moderate repair; heater work behind the dash costs more. Price either into your offer.
Which Ford Falcon Years to Avoid?
No Ford Falcon year is one to avoid outright. Which problems a particular car has depends on its generation, its engine and how it was used, so judge the one in front of you rather than the year alone, starting with its recalls and reported faults (Shufti looks these up from the listing).
- BF (2005–2008). Every one is now over 10 years old, so condition and history count for more than the year: look hard for rust, worn suspension and leaks, and check whether a timing belt (if it has one) has been replaced.
- FG (2008–2014). Every one is now over 10 years old, so condition and history count for more than the year: look hard for rust, worn suspension and leaks, and check whether a timing belt (if it has one) has been replaced.
- FG X (2014–2016). Every one is now over 10 years old, so condition and history count for more than the year: look hard for rust, worn suspension and leaks, and check whether a timing belt (if it has one) has been replaced.
Which recalls and reported faults apply depends on the exact year and engine. Shufti works them out for the Falcon you're looking at, from its listing.
Ford Falcon Inspection Checklist
Tick it if it's fine. Cross it if it isn't, and note what you found so you can price it into your offer.
- Safety critical
- Affects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy.
- Negotiate
- Costs money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Get a quote and take it off the price.
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Before You Go
01
Exterior
02
Under the Bonnet
03
Underbody and Wheels
04
Interior and Electrics
05
Test Drive
06
Documentation
Stay Safe
Never go under a car held up only by a jack, and never open the radiator or coolant cap on a hot engine. Keep hands, hair and loose clothing clear of fans and belts when the engine is running, and do checks under the bonnet with it switched off where you can. On the test drive, hold a current licence, confirm the car is registered and insured, obey road rules, and only brake hard when the road behind is clear. Meet in a safe, public-facing place, take someone with you, and don't carry large amounts of cash to a viewing.
Take this checklist to the viewing.
Download the free PDFOr let Shufti tailor it to the car from the listing link, with PPSR and recall checks included.
Disclaimer. Shufti is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford; Ford and Falcon are trademarks of Ford Motor Company. Figures are counts from Shufti's analysis of official records and published reports, not a statement that any particular vehicle is affected. This checklist is general information only and is not professional, mechanical, legal or financial advice. It covers common checks, not every possible fault, and a car can pass every item here and still have problems. It is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, which is worth considering before you buy, especially if anything tagged Safety critical turns up. Repair costs vary widely; get your own quotes. Roadworthy, registration and transfer rules differ by state, so check with your state road authority. Private sales generally don't come with the consumer guarantees that apply when you buy from a dealer. You use this checklist at your own risk and, to the extent permitted by law, Shufti accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from its use.
What This Guide Can't Tell You About the Falcon You're Looking At
6+
recalls on Falcons built since 2005
9
common faults reported on Falcons built since 2005
Money owing, stolen or a write-off?
A tidy car can hide all three.
What's each fault worth?
Shufti's negotiation coach turns it into leverage.
A Shufti inspection covers all of that, plus:
- Guided checks for the exact car you're inspecting
- PPSR and government recall checks included
- Crosschecks 3M+ recalls and owner complaints
- Spots issues from your photos and audio
- Test drive routes with turn-by-turn navigation
- Negotiation coach with repair cost estimates
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Start from the listing
Drop in a link from any major car sales website. Shufti retrieves the important information about your vehicle to guide you through a customised buying process.
Start from the listing
Drop in a link from any major car sales website. Shufti retrieves the important information about your vehicle to guide you through a customised buying process.
* Shufti analysis, October 2026, of official recall notices, complaints lodged by vehicle owners with vehicle safety regulators, and independent reviews and owner forums. Faults are counted when two or more independent sources report them.
Buying a Used Ford Falcon: Questions Answered
Is a used Ford Falcon reliable?
It depends more on the particular car than the badge: how it was driven, loaded and serviced. Work through the commonly reported problems above, read the service history for servicing done on time, and run a PPSR check.
Which Ford Falcon years should I avoid?
No Ford Falcon year is one to avoid outright. Which problems a particular car has depends on its generation, its engine and how it was used, so judge the one in front of you rather than the year alone, starting with its recalls and reported faults (Shufti looks these up from the listing).
This checklist covers the BF (2005–2008), FG (2008–2014) and FG X (2014–2016) Ford Falcon. Problems reported across them include brake shudder from warped discs, rear diff clunks and whine, coolant getting into the automatic's fluid and water pump and heater leaks.
How many kilometres is too many for a used Ford Falcon?
Kilometres matter less than how the car was driven and serviced. A high-kilometre sedan with a full service history can be a better buy than a low-kilometre one that's missed services, towed, or been used as a taxi, rideshare or fleet car. Check the history for regular servicing, and on a hybrid ask for a battery health check.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a used Ford Falcon?
It's worth it if you can. A mechanic can spot hidden crash repairs, worn suspension and gearbox problems that are easy to miss on a short test drive. Most buyers don't book one, though, so whatever you decide, check the car thoroughly yourself with this checklist first. See Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it?
How do I check a used Ford Falcon for money owing or a write-off?
Run a PPSR check with the car's VIN. It shows whether there's finance owing and whether the car has been reported stolen or written off, and costs $2. Run it on the day you pay. See What a PPSR check covers and what it doesn't
Mechanic, Checklist or Shufti?
Here's how Shufti stacks up against your other options.
A mechanic's inspection is the most thorough, but most buyers go without one. Shufti makes sure you're well informed either way.
| Feature | Shufti $24.99 per check | Mechanic Inspection $250–350+ per booking | This Guide Free the basics, on paper |
|---|---|---|---|
Guided, model-specific checks | Yes | Yes | No |
PPSR and government recall checks | Yes | No | No |
Crosschecks over 3 million recalls and owner complaints | Yes | No | No |
Smart detection of issues from your photos and audio | Yes | No | No |
Test drive route planning and navigation | Yes | No | No |
Instant report generation | Yes | No | No |
Negotiation copilot and repair cost estimates | Yes | No | No |
Plain-English explanations, not jargon | Yes | Yes | Yes |
No booking or waiting required | Yes | No | Yes |
See it for yourself. Open the free sample report in the app, no sign-up needed.
Comparing Other Cars?
Looking at a different car? Use the general used car inspection checklist or browse every inspection checklist.