ADVERTISEMENT
Sort

Filter & Refine

Dealer used
Rear Wheel Drive
View Layout

FORD FALCON Used Car Review

The Ford Falcon was Australia's longest continuously running nameplate up to the cessation of local production in October 2016 - 56 years after it debuted as a US-based model. Ford's large car started to become more Australianised from the 1970s and it would eventually compete against the Holden Commodore in a famously fierce local rivalry. There were luxury models such as the Fairlane and LTD, ute spin-offs, and sportier models such as the XR6 Turbo and V8-powered XR8 of more recent times.

Pros

Cons

  • Roomy and comfortable interiors
  • Wide range of models
  • Excellent, torquey six-cylinder engines
  • Engineered specifically for Australian roads
  • Thirsty LPG engines
  • Taxi stigma
  • No longer in production
This is general information and should not be relied on as purchasing advice.
FordFalconXR8Rear Wheel DriveDealer usedClear all

Top2015 Ford Falcon FG X XR8 Silver 6 Speed Steptronic Sedan

  • 112823 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.0L

SUPERCHARGED PERFORMANCE HERO.. With a FULL SERVICE HISTORY.. 5.0L SUPERCHARGED V8 with tyre-frying 335kW/570Nm on tap.. GET IT WHILE YOU STILL CAN.. Standard high performance BREMBO BRAKES.. ZF 6-speed AUTOMATIC.. LEATHER SEATS.. Standard NAVIGATION, reverse camera, Bluetooth and cruise control.. Experience V8 AUSSIE MUSCLE with this XR8.. FIRST TO SEE WILL BUY! We have over 200 vehicles on site to choose from in the one location! They all go through a thorough workshop 100 Point Safety Che

$46,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Wangara, WA

Dealer used
10 hours ago

Top2015 Ford Falcon FG X XR8 White 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 98085 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.0L

Last of this classic Aussie muscle car Enjoy the power and sound of this 8 cylinder XR8 OR park it in the garage and watch it appreciate 335kW/570Nm 5.0-litre Boss V8 GPS (satellite navigation) 19" alloy wheels Full service history Buy with confidence knowing when you buy your Pre-Loved Car from us you will drive out with complete peace of mind in a vehicle that has been inspected, tested and approved by our licensed technicians. For your peace of mind our cars come with: 1. 12 Month Roadside

$48,463 Drive Away^
Strathmore Heights, VIC

Dealer used
17/04/2024

Top2015 Ford Falcon FG X XR8 White 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 51289 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.0L

2015 FORD FALCON XR8 6 SP AUTO SEQ SPORTSHIFT 4D SEDAN SV8 Enquire Today!! Test Drive Today Why Wait 12-16 Months for New?? Flexible Finance Options Great Reliable Car IMMEDIATE DELIVERY WE DELIVER!! BUYING A VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN SO EASY! ENQUIRE NOW!!? We will not be beaten! We are one of Australia's biggest used car operators. This means the best trade-in prices for you! All our pre-owned vehicles have had a safety check that incorporates any major accident damage checks,

$54,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Albion Park Rail, NSW

Dealer used
17/04/2024

Top2014 Ford Falcon FG X XR8 Black 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 69318 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.0L

Discover the epitome of automotive excellence with the 2014 Ford FG-X XR8, a rare gem that combines low mileage with an impeccable condition that's hard to find. This stunning vehicle is not just a means of transportation; it's a statement of style and reliability. With only a limited number of models available in such an extraordinary state, this car is a collector's dream and a driving enthusiast's delight. The sleek design, coupled with the power under the hood, promises an unrivaled driving

$49,990 Drive Away^
West Wodonga, VIC

Dealer used
17/04/2024

Top2009 Ford Falcon FG XR8 Blue 6 Speed Auto Seq Sportshift Utility

  • 188780 km
  • Ute
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

RWC/ Rego/ Warranty On-site Finance Available/ Finance Starting $35 weekly Trade ins Welcome 2009 Ford Falcon XR8 FG Automatic V8 5.4L sport Blue in very good condition/ 188,xxx kms/ Log book/Fresh Service/Central Locking/ Tow bar/ Reverse Camera/ Bluetooth/CD/Audi System/ Alloy Wheels, Body Kit/Almost New Tyres/ Cold air con/ Cruise Control/ Leather Seats/ Good Looked after, Clean/ Power steering, Power Mirrors, power windows/ Clear PPSR clear title, No accident History, No Written Off, No M

$21,997 Excl. Gov. Charges
Archerfield, QLD

Dealer used
12 hours ago

Top1998 FORD Falcon XR8

  • 202258 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 4.9L

FORD FALCON AU XR8 TICKFORD 1998 5 SPD. MANUEL…….. With the full Tickford Body Kit ( Dual Rear Spoilers ) In STUNNING Chilli Red Duco …. EXCELLENT condition inside and out……. Books Service History 3 keys and non smoker…… Owned for the last 20 years by very fastidious Ford Owner…… All ways Garaged &covered. Never driven in the Rain No Accidents no money owning not stolen clear PPSR……. Car is always serviced in January by the owner with all FORD Parts…… Using Shell Ultra Fully Synth

$27,998 Excl. Gov. Charges
Nailsworth, SA

Dealer used
18/04/2024

2009 Ford Falcon FG XR8 Winter White 6 Speed Auto Seq Sportshift Sedan

  • 149004 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

This is the write one cold air induction upgrade exhaust system maffless tune sports suspension upgrade 19 inch fpv alloys log books 2 keys service history we are located 1 and a half hours north of sydney

$37,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Hamilton, NSW

Dealer used
9 hours ago

2015 Ford Falcon FG X XR8 Silver 6 Speed Steptronic Sedan

  • 112823 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.0L

SUPERCHARGED PERFORMANCE HERO.. With a FULL SERVICE HISTORY.. 5.0L SUPERCHARGED V8 with tyre-frying 335kW/570Nm on tap.. GET IT WHILE YOU STILL CAN.. Standard high performance BREMBO BRAKES.. ZF 6-speed AUTOMATIC.. LEATHER SEATS.. Standard NAVIGATION, reverse camera, Bluetooth and cruise control.. Experience V8 AUSSIE MUSCLE with this XR8.. FIRST TO SEE WILL BUY! We have over 200 vehicles on site to choose from in the one location! They all go through a thorough workshop 100 Point Safety Che

$46,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Wangara, WA

Dealer used
10 hours ago

2008 Ford Falcon FG XR8 Orange 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 84725 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

PRICED TO SELL, XR8 MODEL, AUTO, SERVICE BOOKS, CRUISE CONTROL, REVERSE SENSORS, BLUETOOTH, CD PLAYER, ALLOY WHEELS, FULL ELECTRICS, ETC... ALL ON ROAD COSTS (RWC, REGO, STAMP DUTY AND TRANSFER FEE) INCLUDED AT THIS PRICE - NO MORE TO PAY! WITH OVER 250 USED CARS IN STOCK, WE CAN HELP IN FINDING THE RIGHT CAR FOR YOU. WE ARE LOCATED ONLY 5 MINS AWAY FROM HOPPRS XING STATION, COME IN AND EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE AT VICTORIA’S BIGGEST HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. FINANCE WITH US AND DRIVE AWAY WIT

$38,888 Drive Away^
Hoppers Crossing, VIC

Dealer used
10 hours ago

2008 Ford Falcon XR8 FG 5.4L V8 Sedan - 6SP AUTOMATIC

  • 116051 km
  • Ute
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

** BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL ON ALL VEHICLES - PLEASE CALL US PRIOR ** ** BEST COLOR AND RARE DASH GREEN ** ** LEATHER TRIM ** ** 5.4L V8 POWER ** ** 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC ** ** FINANCE AVAILABLE T.A.P ** ** VARIOUS WARRANTY PACKAGES AVAILABLE FOR THIS VEHICLE ** The one you want! Rare opportunity for the keen Ford Performance collector! FG XR8 in factory dash green, with paint being in excellent condition! Powerful 5.4L V8 engine, unmodified, with black leather interior and presents in excellen

$27,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Mayfield West, NSW

Dealer used
11 hours ago

2005 Ford Falcon BA MkII XR8 Silver, Chrome 4 Speed Auto Seq Sportshift Sedan

  • 164069 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

CARDIFF SELECT CARS (NEWCASTLE) CALL US ON (02) *****7588 FOR MORE DETAILS ON THIS CAR. OPEN 7 DAYS. CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE www.cardiffselectcars.com.au. FINANCE AVAILABLE TO APPROVED CUSTOMERS AND WARRANTY PACKAGES AVAILABLE TO APPROVED CUSTOMERS. HELPING CUSTOMERS BUY OR SELL THEIR USED VEHICLES - TRADE INS WELCOME.

$18,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Cardiff, NSW

Dealer used
11 hours ago

2008 Ford Falcon BF Mk II XR8 Blue 6 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 10164 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

PRICED TO SELL, MANUAL BF MK II XR8 MODEL, SERVICE BOOKS, LEATHER, SPORTS PEDALS, REVERSE SENSORS, DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL, CRUSIE CONTROL, ALLOY WHEELS, 6 DISC CD PLAYER, FULL ELECTRICS, ETC... ALL ON ROAD COSTS (RWC, REGO, STAMP DUTY AND TRANSFER FEE) INCLUDED AT THIS PRICE - NO MORE TO PAY! WITH OVER 250 USED CARS IN STOCK, WE CAN HELP IN FINDING THE RIGHT CAR FOR YOU. WE ARE LOCATED ONLY 5 MINS AWAY FROM HOPPRS XING STATION, COME IN AND EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE AT VICTORIA’S BIGGEST HYUN

$49,990 Drive Away^
Hoppers Crossing, VIC

Dealer used
11 hours ago

2009 Ford Falcon FG XR8 Blue 6 Speed Auto Seq Sportshift Utility

  • 188780 km
  • Ute
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

RWC/ Rego/ Warranty On-site Finance Available/ Finance Starting $35 weekly Trade ins Welcome 2009 Ford Falcon XR8 FG Automatic V8 5.4L sport Blue in very good condition/ 188,xxx kms/ Log book/Fresh Service/Central Locking/ Tow bar/ Reverse Camera/ Bluetooth/CD/Audi System/ Alloy Wheels, Body Kit/Almost New Tyres/ Cold air con/ Cruise Control/ Leather Seats/ Good Looked after, Clean/ Power steering, Power Mirrors, power windows/ Clear PPSR clear title, No accident History, No Written Off, No M

$21,997 Excl. Gov. Charges
Archerfield, QLD

Dealer used
12 hours ago

2004 Ford Falcon BA XR8 Orange 4 Speed Auto Seq Sportshift Utility

  • 324729 km
  • Ute
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

"We are located 1.5 hours north of Sydney at the M1 Freeway at Newcastle. Finance options available to approved customers, Warranty options available We Can also assit with freight options Australia wide. We are a Local Family owned and operated Dealership Established for over 12 years . Contact our team for hassle free friendly service today. If the Vehicle is advertised - YES it is available - Call today to book your appointment! . "

$11,800 Excl. Gov. Charges
Beresfield, NSW

Dealer used
12 hours ago

2004 Ford Falcon BA MkII XR8 4 Speed Auto Seq Sportshift Sedan

  • 245529 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

- WE ARE LOCATED 5 MINUTES FROM SOVEREIGN HILL IN BALLARAT - SIMMONS ALLOYS - VINYL WRAPPED - COMES WITH RWC - TRADE IN’S WELCOME

$15,990 Drive Away^
Mount Pleasant, VIC

Dealer used
15 hours ago

2003 Ford Falcon BA XR8 Ute Super Cab Hyper Yellow 5 Speed Manual Utility

  • 312341 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

NSW registration till September 2024 Family Owned Business Est 1985 Free 3 Year Warranty Log books with Service History Full Car History Available and Clear of All Titles All Cars Mechanically Workshopped PLEASE NOTE WE ARE LOCATED IN 2132, SYDNEY, NSW

$13,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Croydon, NSW

Dealer used
15 hours ago

2016 Ford Falcon XR8 Sprint Aero Blue (Rare) 8133km!

  • 8133 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.0L

**Yes it's still available!!** **Located in Crookwell, 2 hours south of Sydney, 1 hour from Canberra, see last photo for map** **Driveaway pricing including 02/2024 NSW rego, stamp duty & transfer fee ($3000 )** 2016 Falcon XR8 Sprint, 5 Litre Supercharged V8 with 345kw of power! 6 Speed auto and only travelled 8133km with log books! One of the rarest colours in the limited edition Sprint range, only 18 were made in Aero blue in an auto & only 28 overall. 100% stock & excellent throughout. A

$82,990 Drive Away^
Crookwell, NSW

Dealer used
16 hours ago

2016 Ford Falcon FG X XR8 Black 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 92869 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.0L

PRICED TO SELL, XR8 MODEL, AUTO, SERVICE BOOKS, LEATHER SEATS, SAT NAV (GPS), REVERSE CAMERA, FRONT & REAR SENSORS, CRUISE CONTROL, DAB RADIO, TOWBAR, SIDE AIRBAGS, ALLOY WHEELS, FULL ELECTRICS, ETC... ALL ON ROAD COSTS (RWC, REGO, STAMP DUTY AND TRANSFER FEE) INCLUDED AT THIS PRICE - NO MORE TO PAY! WITH OVER 250 USED CARS IN STOCK, WE CAN HELP IN FINDING THE RIGHT CAR FOR YOU. WE ARE LOCATED ONLY 5 MINS AWAY FROM HOPPRS XING STATION, COME IN AND EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE AT VICTORIA’S BI

$54,990 Drive Away^
Hoppers Crossing, VIC

Dealer used
16 hours ago

2015 Ford Falcon XR8 V8 Supercharged

  • 134123 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.0L

One Owner Ford Falcon FGx XR8 V8 Supercharged piece of History Low Kms 134 ks from Sunbury so highway Km Full Sunbury Ford dealer History 2 keys clear title inspection will Impress rwc included clear title no writeoff call Now!!! Vehicle Opposite bunnings moorabbin

$56,990 Drive Away^
Moorabbin, VIC

Dealer used
23 hours ago

2008 Ford Falcon FG XR8 Blue 6 Speed Manual Utility

  • 149142 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

Now this is unique and have a look at it. Manual V8 and look at this custom tray it's great. Performance and style plus a great price. Comes with 12 month warranty and 3yrs capped price servicing so visit Coral Coast Ford today and save

$29,999 Excl. Gov. Charges
Bundaberg Central, QLD

Dealer used
Yesterday

2006 Ford Falcon BF XR8 Ute Super Cab Blue 6 Speed Manual Utility

  • 257034 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

************ SALE************ SALE *************** SALE ** HARD TO GET MANUAL XR8 MAGNET UTE** **GREY ALLOYS, MANUAL GEARS, YES MANUAL** ** RWC ALL ON ROAD COSTS INCLUDED** ** GETTING HARD TO FIND IN THIS CONDITION*** COLLECTORS ITEM HARD DECK LID WITH SPOILER** ** TOW BAR BLACK LEATHER ,WHAT A CAR **

$21,888 Drive Away^
Moorabbin, VIC

Dealer used
18/04/2024

2006 Ford Falcon BF XR8 Ute Super Cab Blue 6 Speed Sports Automatic Utility

  • 204160 km
  • Ute
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

2006 Ford Falcon Ute BF XR8 Super Cab, a powerful and versatile vehicle that embodies the perfect combination of style, performance, and functionality. Under the hood, you'll find a robust 5.4L 8-cylinder engine that delivers impressive power and performance. With a sports automatic transmission, this Falcon Ute ensures a smooth and exhilarating driving experience, making every journey a pleasure. ** Features ** Air Conditioning Power Steering Power Windows Radio CD Player Leather Steering W

$18,950 Excl. Gov. Charges
Campbelltown, NSW

Dealer used
18/04/2024

2015 Ford Falcon FG X XR8 Grey 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 88004 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.0L

2015 Ford Falcon FG X XR8 Grey 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

$50,777 Excl. Gov. Charges
Bibra Lake, WA

Dealer used
18/04/2024

2007 Ford Falcon XR8

  • 118472 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

🔥2007 FORD FALCON XR8 BF MKll AUTO MY08🔥 💥💥🔖 From Only $93 Per Week* ‼️💥💥 💪 330KW💪ZF AUTO💪MKll💪 🔖 $21,990‼️ 💰 Fast Finance & Trade Ins We haven’t seen one like this in a long time, we welcome the 2007 Bf Xr8 Mk ll to our floor a very rare and highly sought after sedan, it doesn’t come much better than this. The Xr8 is an aussie icon! Punching out a whopping 330 kw thanks to a full stainless exhaust, cold air intake, romac balancer, custom calibrated ecu, quad cam all alloy

$21,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Balcatta, WA

Dealer used
18/04/2024

2008 Ford Falcon FG XR8 Dash 6 Speed Auto Seq Sportshift Sedan

  • 115342 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

"2008 FG XR8 Sedan finished in hard to find Dash Green. Complete with leather trim and premium sound We are located 1.5 hours north of Sydney at end of the M1 Freeway at Newcastle. Finance options available to approved customers. Warranty and trade-in options available. We can also assist with freight options Australia wide. We are a local family owned and operated dealership, established for over 12 years . Contact our team for hassle free friendly service today. If the Vehicle is adver

$28,800 Excl. Gov. Charges
Beresfield, NSW

Dealer used
18/04/2024

2005 Ford Falcon BA MkII XR8 Green 6 Speed Manual Utility

  • 220996 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

RWC/ Rego/ Warranty On-site Finance Available/ Finance Starting $35 weekly Trade ins Welcome 2005 Ford Falcon XR8 BA MKII Manual V8 5.4L sport Green in very good condition/ 220,xxx kms/ Log book/Fresh Service/Central Locking/ Tow bar/ Alloy Wheels, Body Kit/Almost New Tyres/ Cold air con/ Cruise Control/ CD/ Good Looked after, Clean/ Power steering, Power Mirrors, power windows/ Clear PPSR clear title, No accident History, No Written Off, No Money Owing. For information please call CALL SAL

$19,997 Excl. Gov. Charges
Archerfield, QLD

Dealer used
18/04/2024

2004 Ford Falcon BA Mk II XR8 Yellow 6 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 307531 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

Manual..!! Manual..!! Manual..!! Ford Falcon XR8 Manual Sedan in the Stunning Canary Yellow.....!!!!!! Don't miss your chance to own a Piece of Aussie Motoring History.....!!!! Be Quick as it wont LAST....!!!!!! We are Located in Western Sydney. We are a family run business and have been serving the Sydney area for over 45 years. We pride ourselves in only re-selling the best quality second hand cars. Every one of our cars come with a valid Pink slip / PPSR and Clear Title. All of our stock c

$18,980 Excl. Gov. Charges
Minchinbury, NSW

Dealer used
18/04/2024

1998 FORD Falcon XR8

  • 202258 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 4.9L

FORD FALCON AU XR8 TICKFORD 1998 5 SPD. MANUEL…….. With the full Tickford Body Kit ( Dual Rear Spoilers ) In STUNNING Chilli Red Duco …. EXCELLENT condition inside and out……. Books Service History 3 keys and non smoker…… Owned for the last 20 years by very fastidious Ford Owner…… All ways Garaged &covered. Never driven in the Rain No Accidents no money owning not stolen clear PPSR……. Car is always serviced in January by the owner with all FORD Parts…… Using Shell Ultra Fully Synth

$27,998 Excl. Gov. Charges
Nailsworth, SA

Dealer used
18/04/2024

2005 Ford Falcon BA MkII XR8 Purple 6 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 151470 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

RWC/ Rego/ Warranty On-site Finance Available/ Finance Starting $35 weekly Trade ins Welcome 2005 Ford Falcon XR8 Manual 6speed V8 5.4L sport Purple in very good condition/ 151,xxx kms/ Log book/Fresh Service/ Central Locking/ 2X Remote Keys/ Alloy Wheels, Body Kit/Almost New Tyres/ Cold air con/ Cruise Control/ CD/ Good Looked after, Clean/ Power steering, Power Mirrors, power windows/ Clear PPSR clear title, No accident History, No Written Off, No Money Owing. For information please call

$18,997 Excl. Gov. Charges
Archerfield, QLD

Dealer used
17/04/2024

2000 Ford Falcon AU XR8 Red 5 Speed Manual Utility

  • 301315 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 4.9L

Unleash the power of this 2000 Ford Falcon XR8 AU Utility in eye-catching red! With its 4.9L engine, 5-speed manual transmission, and sports suspension, this beast is ready to conquer the roads. Equipped with airbag driver, anti-lock braking, cruise control, and limited slip differential for your safety and comfort. The leather steering wheel, sport seats, and tonneau cover add a touch of luxury to this powerful machine. With over 300,000 km on the odometer, this well-maintained Falcon is ready

$9,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Wangara, WA

Dealer used
17/04/2024

Overview of the Ford Falcon

Overview of the Ford Falcon

The Ford Falcon was Australia's longest continuously running nameplate up to the cessation of local production in October 2016 - 56 years after it debuted as a US-based model.

Ford's large car started to become more Australianised from the 1970s and it would eventually compete against the Holden Commodore in a famously fierce local rivalry.

There were luxury models such as the Fairlane and LTD, ute spin-offs, and sportier models such as the XR6 Turbo and V8-powered XR8 of more recent times.

FORD FALCON GENERATIONS (SINCE 2002)

2002-2008

2008-2016

RUNNING COSTS

Fuel Consumption (not including ute models)

EcoBoost turbo 4-cylinder: 8.0-8.7 litres per 100km

LPG 6-cylinder: 11.7-13.5 litres per 100km

6-cylinder: 9.0 litres per 100km

6-cylinder turbo: 9.5-11.1 litres per 100km

V8: 13.6-13.7 litres per 100km

= Highly economical.

= Good economy.

= Average fuel use.

= Heavy consumption.

Servicing

SIMILAR MODELS TO FORD FALCON

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: FORD FALCON (FG, 2008-2016)

Watch out for a used Falcon that has been abused by a previous fleet-operator owner.

Clunks over bumps can mean worn suspension bushes.

A pulsing through the car when you apply the brakes probably means worn and warped front brake rotors. Sometimes these can be repaired, but usually new rotors are the best strategy.

The automatic transmission has an external fluid cooler, but these can fail, allowing coolant into the gearbox where it quickly wrecks both the mechanical and electronic functions of the automatic. Check the transmission fluid for milkiness that suggests the coolant and oil have mixed. If they have mixed, give that car a miss.

Make sure the central locking works perfectly, as this is an early sign of a failing body computer.

Check for low coolant level in the radiator. An O-ring at the back of the water pump is a common cause of coolant loss.