For decades, the Ford Falcon has been a cornerstone of Australian motoring — a reliable, powerful, rear-wheel-drive icon that has carried tradies, families, and enthusiasts alike across thousands of kilometres. But as we move deeper into 2026, a question is being asked more often:
Are Ford Falcons becoming too expensive to maintain?
Let’s unpack the real costs of owning an older Falcon today — from running costs to maintenance — and figure out whether these classic Aussie machines are still worth it.
1. The Ownership Landscape in 2026
Today’s Falcon owners are a mix of:
- Classic car enthusiasts keeping nostalgic favourites alive
- Budget-minded drivers using older Falcons as daily transport
- DIY mechanics who enjoy working on them
But age and mileage are catching up. Most Falcons on the road are 20-30 years old, and many have logged over 200 000 km — which brings its own set of maintenance realities.
2. Purchase Price: Still Affordable at the Start
One of the reasons Falcons remain appealing is their relatively low purchase price compared to newer cars or other classics.
Typical values (2026 general market):
- Early AU Falcons: $3 000 – $10 000
- BF/BA Falcons: $5 000 – $15 000+
- FG Falcons (clean examples): $10 000 – $25 000+
These prices are still far cheaper than many modern cars — but you don’t own a Falcon just for the sticker price.
3. Running Costs: Fuel, Rego, Insurance
Fuel
Traditional Falcon engines are muscular but thirsty:
- Inline-six and V8 Falcons typically average 10–15 L/100 km
- At current Australian fuel prices (often $1.80–$2.20/L), that translates to $2 000 – $4 000+/yr in fuel for regular use
LPG conversions help cut costs, but they add maintenance complexity and aren’t ideal for every user.
Registration & CTP
- Standard rego + Compulsory Third Party: $700 – $1 000+ per year depending on state
- Historic or club rego can be cheaper but comes with usage limits
Insurance
- Basic third-party or agreed-value classic policies are often $800 – $1,800+
- Performance or everyday use insurance can be higher
Even before serious repairs, running costs add up quickly.
4. Maintenance: Where the Costs Bite
Maintenance is where the real ownership cost emerges — especially for older, high-km Falcons.
Routine Servicing
Servicing basics still cost:
- Oil & filter: $200 – $350
- Brake service: $350 – $800
- Coolant + brake fluid changes: $150 – $300
If you DIY some of this, you can save a lot — but not all service items are simple.
Wear Items & Repairs
As Falcons age, parts that once lasted thousands of kilometres begin to wear more rapidly:
- Suspension bushes & shocks: $800 – $1 500+
- Brake rotors & pads: $500 – $900+
- Wheel bearings: $200 – $500+ each
- Steering rack & pump issues: $1 800 – $3 500+ — one of the most common unbudgeted repairs
Engine & Transmission Work
- Major engine repairs (head gasket, reseals): $1 500 – $4 000+
- Automatic transmission overhaul: $2 000 – $5 000+
- Clutch and flywheel for manuals: $800 – $1 800+
Older Falcons don’t always fail all at once — but slow-burn wear and tear adds up faster than many owners expect.
5. So Are Falcons Too Expensive to Maintain?
It’s all about context — and there are two very different ownership experiences:
1. Enthusiast / DIY Ownership
Falcons can still be excellent value if:
- You enjoy working on cars yourself
- You stay on top of regular servicing and small repairs before they escalate
- You use the car for weekend drives or casual motoring
DIY owners can keep Falcons on the road for far cheaper than workshop-only owners — sometimes spending $2 000 – $4 000/year total.
2. Daily Driver / Workshop-Only Ownership
For those who:
- Rely on a Falcon for daily commuting
- Don’t (or can’t) do their own maintenance
- Buy cars with unknown histories
Costs can balloon quickly — $6 000 – $12 000+ per year isn’t unusual once fuel, rego, insurance, servicing and unexpected repairs are factored in.
6. What’s Driving the Cost Increases?
Several trends are pushing Falcon ownership costs higher:
Parts Scarcity
As Falcons get older, some parts become harder to find — increasing prices, especially for body panels, steering components, and electrical parts.
Aging Components
Bushes, seals, hoses and electronics wear out with age, no matter how well looked after the car has been.
Complex Late-Model Falcons
Later AU/BA/BF FG Falcons include more sensors and electronics — making diagnostics and repairs more expensive than on older, simpler cars.
7. How to Keep Costs Manageable
If you want to own a Falcon without breaking the bank:
Do a Thorough Pre-Purchase Inspection
Check for:
- Steering feel and fluid condition
- Suspension wear
- Rust hotspots (sills, wheel arches, boot floor)
- Service history
Stay Ahead with Maintenance
- Change fluids regularly (engine oil, differential, transmission, power steering)
- Replace suspension bushes early
- Address minor rust before it becomes structural
Learn the Basics
Falcons are great DIY cars — learn to:
- Change brake pads
- Replace filters and hoses
- Do alignment checks
- Diagnose common issues
Final Verdict: Expensive — But Not Always Too Expensive
Yes, Ford Falcons are becoming more expensive to maintain as they age — particularly if you ignore preventative care or rely solely on a workshop.
But no, they’re not inherently too expensive if you:
- Buy the right car
- Stay proactive with maintenance
- Embrace DIY where you can
They’re still one of the most iconic and enjoyable cars you can own in Australia — and many owners still find them rewarding and cost-effective when approached with the right expectations.