Used Ford Falcon review: 2011-2012

Mark DeRycke wants to buy a 6-cylinder prestige car. His budget is $20,000 and he wants a car that would last 10 to 15 years.

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The G6E is to the FG Falcon what the Fairmont Ghia was to previous models. In other words it was the Falcon with the works.

When it introduced the FG Falcon Ford split its range into two branches, one being the sporty models such as the XR6, the other being the prestige/luxury models like the new G6. Sitting atop the latter branch the G6E was the ultimate expression of Falcon prestige.

Fundamentally the G6E was like any other FG Falcon, a comfortable, roomy four-door sedan with a good-sized boot. The mechanical package was the same as other Falcons, made up of a proven six-cylinder engine, smooth six-speed automatic transmission and drive through the rear wheels.

With 195 kW and 391 Nm on tap from the big six effortless performance flowed from low rpm through to the higher reaches of the rev range. The six-speed automatic transmission was well matched to the engine and delivered smooth seamless progression from low-down to top-end.

Driven with a sensitive right foot it could also deliver decent fuel economy. In keeping with its promise of comfort and refinement a noise-deadening package keeps engine, wind and road noise in check.

Likewise, the suspension has been tuned to deliver a mix of luxury ride and sports response. The ride is a little firmer than the XT base model Falcon, but there's also less roll in corners, more grip and more steering accuracy than the base model.

The G6E has an appealing presence with its clean lines and bright external trim that makes it a standout in the FG range. It's a very European look, a sort of Grand Tourer in the tradition of cross-continental cruisers of a bygone era.

The feeling of luxury carries through to the cabin where there was leather trim, comfy seats, and a raft of high-end gear, including a reversing camera, dual zone climate-control air-conditioning, powered driver's seat, and eight-speaker sound.

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For someone like our reader the G6E makes perfect sense. Priced around his budget of $20,000 the big roomy sedan has all the refinement you could want in a car of its age and price. Able to tow up to 2300 kg (braked) the G6E also meets his requirement for a car capable of towing when needed.

His other need is a car that would last 10 to 15 years, and while it's not possible to predict the lifespan of a car with any accuracy, there is every reason to think the G6E will go the distance for him. The engine is a proven design that is showing no signs of being troublesome; Falcon engines have always had a solid reputation for reliability.

We have had one or two reports of trouble with the 6-speed transmission, and they are expensive to rebuild if needed. It would make good sense to have the fluid changed regularly to keep it clean, particularly if the car is being used for towing.

When test-driving a car pay attention to any noises that can be heard, in the Falcon listen for clunks from the driveline or suspension, they could be rear bushes telling you they're shot.

A service record is important so always ask to see the service book and check to see that your chosen car has been regularly serviced, and by a creditable mechanic.