Improvements We'd Like in the FZ over the FG

[aussiblue]

I'll start, I would like:

a) More room above the clutch pedal in the manual (in my FG ute the tip of my size 12's get caught on whatever is above it).
b) More rearward seat travel and seats that can be moved closer to the floor in all models so I can more easily get my knees under the steering wheel.
c) A change to the fog light switch so it is less easy to turn on accidently with headlights.
d) A narrower A pillar or redesign of the front cabin so the A pillar is not so obstructive.
e) An eye level brake light for the ute in the sports bar, cabin roof or in the tailgate.
f) The availability of a reversing camera in the ute.
g) Change in the order of the option on the light switch wand so "Off" rather than "auto" the last setting.

[PG2]

Sorry mate, I don't mean to be negative but you MAY see the reverse camera or maybe even the eye level brake light in the ute but I seriously doubt that you will see any of the other things you mentioned.

These things would require a complete redesign and it has already been stated that the majority of the development money has been spent on aesthetics forward and rear of the A & C pillars.

You will see some extra features but they will simply be add-ons.

[Smoke Pursuit]

I don't think you will see any if that !

[Itsme]

Quality parts that do not wear out in a short period of life

[aussiblue]

Plus:

a) Removal of the "step" below the ute numberplate or installation of real scratch resistant weight bearing step; as it is now others use it as step (especially trade depot staff) scratching the paint and bending the bumper mounts.

b) The option of a greater CCA battery.

c) Built in tool box mounting threaded hole in the ute tub to optionally secure tool boxes (the could be plugged with plastic plugs until used) - it would only require some captive nuts to we welded on saving us doing that later (and Ford might even sell some optional Ford tool boxes to fit).

[aussiblue]

Sorry mate, I don't mean to be negative but you MAY see the reverse camera or maybe even the eye level brake light in the ute but I seriously doubt that you will see any of the other things you mentioned.

I know but wish listing doesn't hurt and it would be interesting if there are some easily accommodated common items listed.

[PG2]

Originally Posted by aussiblue

I know but wish listing doesn't hurt and it would be interesting if there are some easily accommodated common items listed.

Fair call.

In that case, I wish for mirrors that don't whistle from wind noise when driving at higher speeds.

[naddis01]

My only gripe with our FG mkII is the steering wheel doesn't go high enough. It looks as though it could go higher but it just doesn't. I don't think the seat needs to be lower. It has about the same steering wheel in lap seating position as a dodgem car.

[M&Ms]

An interior that doesn't squeak

[Crazy Dazz]

A special "Moaners" pack, that can be bought without actually buying a Falcon, to allow all those people who have never owned a Falcon to whinge about it knowledgeably.

[aussiblue]

.. and the rear mounted sub machine gun that automatically deals with texting drivers. :-)

[Cashie]

Pricing restructure across the range to match the reductions Holden introduced with VF
A base XR8 priced at VF SS money
Sync

[turbo4]

A Falcon badge on the boot

[1TUFFUTE]

As long as people realize this is simply a "wish list" idea, as in the real world these are budget (the cheapest)large cars. You can't expect little details in cars that take owners ages to realize they wish they had them.
Not to mention most things are majorly individual.
I have ZERO problem with the seating or steering height of our FG falcons. I'm over 6ft and my wife is very little. She's happy too.

I'm racking my brain thinking of something I wish my G6ET had........

[naddis01]

Originally Posted by 1TUFFUTE

As long as people realize this is simply a "wish list" idea, as in the real world these are budget (the cheapest)large cars. You can't expect little details in cars that take owners ages to realize they wish they had them.
Not to mention most things are majorly individual.
I have ZERO problem with the seating or steering height of our FG falcons. I'm over 6ft and my wife is very little. She's happy too.

I'm racking my brain thinking of something I wish my G6ET had........

Out of interest, can you see the top of the speedo?

[Nova 8]

To be built in Australia after 2016.

[cycle myth]

whats an FZ?

[aussiblue]

whats an FZ?

Likely the model series designation for the last model for the Oz Falcon; skipping FH and going straight to FZ see http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...79652&page=172

[Ford_The_Win]

Wider and much firmer seat bolsters

[malazn mafia]

LED taillights and not the current units that light up like a reshaped AU unit. Better sound system. FG2 was worse than FG1

[Professor Farnsworth]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

LED taillights and not the current units that light up like a reshaped AU unit. Better sound system. FG2 was worse than FG1

i put JL c2 600 and c2 600x in my FG2 with "prestige" audio (splits in front, coax in rear) and it sounds monumentally better

[Bobman]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

LED taillights and not the current units that light up like a reshaped AU unit. Better sound system. FG2 was worse than FG1

They didn't even bother to have a centre stop LED light as fitted on VE and other cars since the 90s.

Makes me glad my Fairlane has it though.

A lot of these wishlists won't feature on the last Falcon, but won't stop me from getting one.

[Crazy Dazz]

What I'd REALLY like to see in the FZ?
A MASSIVE change in Attitude from Ford:
So how about instead of "we're leaving and killing the Falcon so let's exploit our loyal customers by gouging them for every cent we can," we get
"We're going, the money is sunk and Ford's investment in Australia has already been written off, hence squeezing very cent isn't important. So why don't we leave a legacy to be proud of; make this the BEST car ever built in Australia, load it with features and options and price the pants off it so that people will still be talking about the 'Legendary FU Falcon' in 20 years time."

[Taily]

My wife and I must have been deadset lucky with our FG as at 63XXXkm+ now we still don't have even so much as a squeak from our (well bolstered) XR50 leather, our stereo is enough to make your ears bleed and turn your spine to mush, the worst thing we have ever had need to replace on the car is a tailshaft damper and a wheel speed sensor over the whole time we've owned it and both were done under extended wty.

I am 6'4" and the "high seating" position was a bit odd for about the first 2 minutes of the first ever drive - that's it! Those (so called) motoring journalists seriously have appendage firmly in hand the way they carry on about it (mob mentality), it is seriously a "no issue" and to me is actually safer/better visibility around the car.

I think many of the peole bemoaning the Falcon should be made to wrap their behinds in a standard 60's or 70's Falcon for a week/month.... They'll soon see just how far the Falcon has come during its lifetime! Squeaks, rattles, near flat vinyl seats, attrocious brakes and handling, wandering steering with wallowing suspension that flogged tyres out in 15,000km, upper ball joints and idler arms (every twelve months!) cars that were already beginning to rust out just out of warranty (XD/E/F C-pillars anyone?).

Most of the moaners don't know just how good we've got it in just how far the vehicle has come! I also am struggling to try and think of something out FG had that it doesn't already - apart from a blown 5lt under the bonnet, but that would mean swapping out that sweeeeeeeeet I6T (never going to happen so it is almost time to stump up my cash for a new XR8 in a couple of months).

To the OP, a wish list is always going to be subjective but things like the thick A pillar are a sign of the times of ANCAP ratings and crash protection measures. I'd love them to be as slim as my old 70's cars but that is never going to happen again - anywhere. The rest of what you wrote would be nice but that clutch pedal issue intrigues me. I have a size 13 boot and when driving a mate's FG turbo I don't seem to have that issue of getting my foot stuck anywhere (I can see how you would though!), but then again I only use my toe area of my boot on the clutch. Just one knotch further back on the ute seat would be great too!

[Professor Farnsworth]

Originally Posted by Taily

My wife and I must have been deadset lucky with our FG as at 63XXXkm+ now we still don't have even so much as a squeak from our (well bolstered) XR50 leather, our stereo is enough to make your ears bleed and turn your spine to mush, the worst thing we have ever had need to replace on the car is a tailshaft damper and a wheel speed sensor over the whole time we've owned it and both were done under extended wty.

I am 6'4" and the "high seating" position was a bit odd for about the first 2 minutes of the first ever drive - that's it! Those (so called) motoring journalists seriously have appendage firmly in hand the way they carry on about it (mob mentality), it is seriously a "no issue" and to me is actually safer/better visibility around the car.

I think many of the peole bemoaning the Falcon should be made to wrap their behinds in a standard 60's or 70's Falcon for a week/month.... They'll soon see just how far the Falcon has come during its lifetime! Squeaks, rattles, near flat vinyl seats, attrocious brakes and handling, wandering steering with wallowing suspension that flogged tyres out in 15,000km, upper ball joints and idler arms (every twelve months!) cars that were already beginning to rust out just out of warranty (XD/E/F C-pillars anyone?).

Most of the moaners don't know just how good we've got it in just how far the vehicle has come! I also am struggling to try and think of something out FG had that it doesn't already - apart from a blown 5lt under the bonnet, but that would mean swapping out that sweeeeeeeeet I6T (never going to happen so it is almost time to stump up my cash for a new XR8 in a couple of months).

To the OP, a wish list is always going to be subjective but things like the thick A pillar are a sign of the times of ANCAP ratings and crash protection measures. I'd love them to be as slim as my old 70's cars but that is never going to happen again - anywhere. The rest of what you wrote would be nice but that clutch pedal issue intrigues me. I have a size 13 boot and when driving a mate's FG turbo I don't seem to have that issue of getting my foot stuck anywhere (I can see how you would though!), but then again I only use my toe area of my boot on the clutch. Just one knotch further back on the ute seat would be great too!

that's all very well, but not every car is built exactly the same, so some people WILL have issues that you don't, just take a look at my thread

they're fantastic cars but it's luck of the draw.

[Taily]

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

that's all very well, but not every car is built exactly the same, so some people WILL have issues that you don't, just take a look at my thread

they're fantastic cars but it's luck of the draw.

I hear you and feel for you having read your thread about your experiences previous to now. I wasn't having a shot at anyone, I just made the observation that we've had a very good run with my wife's FG and have (luckily) not seen so many of the issues that seem prevalent.

[LoudPipes]

Originally Posted by Taily

I think many of the peole bemoaning the Falcon should be made to wrap their behinds in a standard 60's or 70's Falcon for a week/month.... They'll soon see just how far the Falcon has come during its lifetime! Squeaks, rattles, near flat vinyl seats, attrocious brakes and handling, wandering steering with wallowing suspension that flogged tyres out in 15,000km, upper ball joints and idler arms (every twelve months!) cars that were already beginning to rust out just out of warranty (XD/E/F C-pillars anyone?).

Most of the moaners don't know just how good we've got it in just how far the vehicle has come!

And those who can’t be bothered moaning will just buy something else.
That’s the whole thing about expectations, everyone’s are different and everyone takes a different approach or expects more or less for their money.
This will be the best Aussie Ford ever as far as advancements go but that doesn’t mean everyone is going to be happy with it or want to buy one.

[Bobman]

Originally Posted by Taily

Squeaks, rattles, near flat vinyl seats, attrocious brakes and handling, wandering steering with wallowing suspension that flogged tyres out in 15,000km, upper ball joints and idler arms (every twelve months!) cars that were already beginning to rust out just out of warranty (XD/E/F C-pillars anyone?).

Some of these issues still live on with modern Falcons. Ball joints, diff bushes, centre bearings etc that wear out prematurely and commonly.

Just had a 30,000km FG MkII here and the centre bearing rubber and rubber donut were already showing signs of heavy cracking. The diff bush was no different.

The only difference between those older Falcons and the current is that the current has things that go wrong which cost a lot of money and to replace one small part needs the removal of an entire assembly (dash or diff cradle etc).

In saying that, I still love Falcon, but the quality, cost of maintenance and reliability dropped off significantly after the EL/AU.

[marcyeo]

Well better build quality seems to be the resounding theme here and I agree - only 5000km's on my brand new GT and already got a squeak behind the dash, a rattle behind the driver's door - and my driver's seat is already starting to squeak!

It's almost like they gave up trying to build a good car after Ford announced closure - the build quality is worse than my previous F6!

Stronger diff's and ZF's that don't milkshake would also be on my "wishlist"..

[Dash_XR]

Diff bushes, everything else is fine.