Looking at downgrading

[Professor Farnsworth]

Originally Posted by smoo

In all fairness most of those 'problems' listed above are typical of any car that is a decade old.

yes, and they happen on the AU, which is what the OP is asking about

[FGII-XR6]

Originally Posted by Sox

Autos usually need replacing after 150,000k's, and are expensive.
Manuals are more reliable and much more fun, clutch is not so strong, but cheap and easy to replace.
IRS is pretty good. The upper shock mounts might need 'adjusting', and the diff mounts may need replacing. The diff centre is pretty strong.
.

Auto lasts a lot longer than that with regular servicing, I have seen them get 400K before a rebuild in a taxi. now I don't mean put it up on stands dump the fluid and filter and fill it up again.
A proper auto service from a good auto specialist is all of the above and checking / adjusting bands / clutches as well. fitting an external cooler and bypassing the radiatio is also esential to long life. so many people think the transmission is sealed ( no dipstick) so needs no servicing. they then whinge because the auto is " un reliable"

[Antwon]

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

if someone offered you that, take it and run. I've seen BF XR8's go for less

Were talking about a ute here, utes hold their value a lot more. and we are also in Adelaide, cars tend to be a bit more expensive here then in other states. The going price for nice XR utes in adelaide is 16 - 20k. Tim is my mate and i can tell you his ute is easily worth 18k, its manual in velocity, with sports bar, premium leather (with suede centres), premium sound, option 18s, low ks and in immaculate condition.

Now that thats sorted we can get on with answering his question, which wasnt anything to do with his own car.

[Sox]

Ok, I see.
But, nothing has actually separated as such, it's just the spacing was ballsed up which made the aluminium sleeve wear and caused a rattle. And of course have way too much slack causing the shock too have less effect.

Mine were very loose, but not rattling, the sleeve had little wear so all I did was pack it with washers and it's as good as new, probably better actually.

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

i can't find any decent pics at the moment, but they are about here on the forums somewhere. Have a look at this thread for a rough idea in the mean time:

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11244643

here's another thread on them:

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11258344

[Sox]

No doubt all true, but with a second hand car the accuracy of the service history is unknown.
It's something to be very mindful of IMO, as the slushys aren't cheap to replace.

Originally Posted by au3xr6

Auto lasts a lot longer than that with regular servicing, I have seen them get 400K before a rebuild in a taxi. now I don't mean put it up on stands dump the fluid and filter and fill it up again.
A proper auto service from a good auto specialist is all of the above and checking / adjusting bands / clutches as well. fitting an external cooler and bypassing the radiatio is also esential to long life. so many people think the transmission is sealed ( no dipstick) so needs no servicing. they then whinge because the auto is " un reliable"

[FreddyDUZ747]

Originally Posted by Antwon

Were talking about a ute here, utes hold their value a lot more. and we are also in Adelaide, cars tend to be a bit more expensive here then in other states. The going price for nice XR utes in adelaide is 16 - 20k. Tim is my mate and i can tell you his ute is easily worth 18k, its manual in velocity, with sports bar, premium leather (with suede centres), premium sound, option 18s, low ks and in immaculate condition.

Now that thats sorted we can get on with answering his question, which wasnt anything to do with his own car.

Most constructive post in this thread

How dare you disagree with the AU Crew Zero...

[Zero_PSI]

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

if someone offered you that, take it and run. I've seen BF XR8's go for less

Considering i was looking for a bf under 20 for over 12 months id say youre full of ****. Dead set find me a ba xr6 mk2 ute with premo everything, manual, velocity and a near perfect interior and exterior for 12k and ill give you my car.

[Mr Hardware]

Originally Posted by Zero_PSI

Considering i was looking for a bf under 20 for over 12 months id say youre full of ****.

You come across as a rather disrespectful person.

[Professor Farnsworth]

Originally Posted by Zero_PSI

Considering i was looking for a bf under 20 for over 12 months id say youre full of ****. Dead set find me a ba xr6 mk2 ute with premo everything, manual, velocity and a near perfect interior and exterior for 12k and ill give you my car.

whoa, loose the attitude champ, i've tried to give you constructive and fact based info the whole way through. Based on my experience of owning the cars you're talking about. You're the one storming in throwing the cat amongst the pigeons and talking smack. As for eloquently labelling me 'full of ****" - try using carsales:

BF XR8's less than 18 grand

[Zero_PSI]

Funny. Didnt see a single ute there.

I think i reserve the right to have an attitude when im told my ute, which i've spend countless hours and alot of money keeping in pristine condition is worth $12,000.

Besides, if you read my original post i was asking about common problems with AU xr8's. Not what some epic bellend on the internet thinks my cars worth without ever seeing it once in the flesh.

I can say expressing that au's aren't the most attractive cars was wrong. But i believe my negativity towards the people arguing with me for no real reason is justified.

In short, no! I don't have respect for people who completly disrespect me.

[Zero_PSI]

Back on topic. Thanks to the 2 or 3 people that actually cobtributed and didn't let their ego's get in the way of asking a harmless question.

I'm looking for a manual so i shouldn't have to worry about the auto problems. But do the msd ignition sets eliminate the coil problems (not that it's anything major anyway).

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

whoa, loose the attitude champ

Agreed
Keep on topic or it gets locked. That goes for everyone, we arent here to comment on the value of the OP's car but offer advice on an AU.

[b2tf]

I think more like 250,000 and you'll see auto issues.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by Zero_PSI

But do the msd ignition sets eliminate the coil problems (not that it's anything major anyway).

Generally yes but it can sometimes be the cam synchroniser which is a different part. Still less than $100AU from the states and it's all fixed.

[Professor Farnsworth]

Originally Posted by Zero_PSI

Funny. Didnt see a single ute there.

I think i reserve the right to have an attitude when im told my ute, which i've spend countless hours and alot of money keeping in pristine condition is worth $12,000.

Besides, if you read my original post i was asking about common problems with AU xr8's. Not what some epic bellend on the internet thinks my cars worth without ever seeing it once in the flesh.

I can say expressing that au's aren't the most attractive cars was wrong. But i believe my negativity towards the people arguing with me for no real reason is justified.

In short, no! I don't have respect for people who completly disrespect me.

every issue i outlined for you applies to the XR8

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

Door actuators fail, rear shock mounts fail in IRS models, brake warpage, steering racks, coilpacks and electrics can give issues with higher KM, window switches fail, window regulators, some models have paint issues, etc etc.

best of luck with your purchase

[robbyj]

Iv read a fair bit that a lot of the AU V8's have diff back lash, making loud noises etc.. i wouldnt know personally however.

are you looking for another ute or a sedan?
Because EATHSV's V8 is a very nice, clean example of an AU V8

[Racecraft]

Originally Posted by Antwon

Were talking about a ute here, utes hold their value a lot more. and we are also in Adelaide, cars tend to be a bit more expensive here then in other states. The going price for nice XR utes in adelaide is 16 - 20k. Tim is my mate and i can tell you his ute is easily worth 18k, its manual in velocity, with sports bar, premium leather (with suede centres), premium sound, option 18s, low ks and in immaculate condition.

Now that thats sorted we can get on with answering his question, which wasnt anything to do with his own car.

To be fair... it is about his car, he stated he wanted to trade and put cash in his pocket...His car vs his next purchase is what this thread is about.

Everything you mentioned about Zero'ss car and it's value would carry over to the owners of the car he wants to buy..

[FGII-XR6]

Originally Posted by Sox

No doubt all true, but with a second hand car the accuracy of the service history is unknown.
It's something to be very mindful of IMO, as the slushys aren't cheap to replace.

that logic can equally apply to the engine or diff as they are expensive to replace too and we don't know the history of them either

[Day-mow]

i cant really say anything to help cos i have 0 experience with them. but if your willing do travel and do some searching you can pick up some pretty nice units with low K's for a nice price.

good luck with the new hunt

[WannabeXP]

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

if someone offered you that, take it and run. I've seen BF XR8's go for less

I'll second that! Dads BFII with <50,000km, 6 spd ZF, Mint, sold for 20! Still kick myself for not buying it!
As for problems, Rust around the tail lights under the rear bar, also in the boot behind the moulded carpet... apart from that i cant think of anything out of the ordinary for an AU in particular.

Cheers Jason

[Antwon]

Originally Posted by Racecraft

To be fair... it is about his car, he stated he wanted to trade and put cash in his pocket...His car vs his next purchase is what this thread is about.

Everything you mentioned about Zero'ss car and it's value would carry over to the owners of the car he wants to buy..

To be fair its not about his car, yes he stated thats the reason for doing it, but it wasnt his question. and like i said in my last post, considering the going price for BA XR utes, and AU XR8s here in ADELAIDE, yes he will be putting a nice chunk of money in his pocket.

[Zero_PSI]

Originally Posted by Antwon

To be fair its not about his car, yes he stated thats the reason for doing it, but it wasnt his question. and like i said in my last post, considering the going price for BA XR utes, and AU XR8s here in ADELAIDE, yes he will be putting a nice chunk of money in his pocket.

This. Thankyou antwon!

[EATHSV]

Probably be a good idea to get yourself a really nice AU XR6 ute in one of the cheaper states like vic You should pick something clean and origional for less than 15k easy. I honestly can't see the point in getting rid of a perfectly good BF XR6 for an earlier thirstier V8 to save yourself some coin. Short term gain long term loss.
Looking at your ute it seems you know how to look after something well and can make a nice ride out of the earlier car.

Best of luck mate

Originally Posted by bobuleh

Because EATHSV's V8 is a very nice, clean example of an AU V8

Cheers mate appreciate that!

[Sox]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

that logic can equally apply to the engine or diff as they are expensive to replace too and we don't know the history of them either

Not really, for 3 reasons.

1 - Engines and diffs are much hardier devices, they can go for much longer with out giving a thought to correct maintenance.
A diff in particular can go for several hundred thousand k's without breathing on it.
Engines only need a good sniff of oil now and again and they'll run for the same time.
Engines have been known to run for many years with out ever having an oil change, just top ups
Try that with an auto tranny sometime.

2 - Most people will do something about the engine, because we are more programmed to provide a good life blood for our engines. Transmissions are much more ignored, partly because the transmissions generally can't be serviced by the home DIY type (much to do with not having a dipstick), and secondly because they just continue to run without any problems right up until something serious goes wrong. Engines can often make odd noises which the owner will hear and have looked at. Or it will start missing and need plugs and/or leads. It is often a cheap fix at that point.

3 - Whilst an engine is more expensive to replace than a transmission (new or reco), it can most often be repaired quite cheaply. Second hand is also a good alternative with an engine as it is easy to bench test, whereas it's virtually impossible to bench test an auto, so can be unknown as far as second hand.
And diffs are just not that expensive. A full reco can be done for $1000, drive in - drive out. You can more than double that for an auto tranny.

[Jimmyd]

Credo from back in the day I ran a Ford Service Dept and sold Falcons off the show room floor - AU is the car the engineers built; B series is what happened when they let the marketing team overide the engineers.

In my expereince - well maintained AU XR8s in the real world are no more thirsty than a B series six; surpsingly less so in the case of many driving styles. Remeber, the Windsor delivers torque far lower down in the rev range than the B series DOHC six - naturally driving style would need to be substantially different to get the best out of them.

Good luck in your hunt for your AU, look for a (relatively) low k car with service history.

The following only applies if you are looking at sedans -

While much has been said of the upper mounts in the AU IRS, this really is a minor issue that is easily rectified. Besides, the AU IRS, in my opinion, is far superior to the B series control blade in design, handling, rear wheel control and ride quality.

If you find yourself having a hard time getting your head around the AU dash design, have a look for the Fairmont Ghia with Tickford optioned suspension - yes, they are auto and the V8 version is only 175kw out of the box, but invest some of the coin you will save over a XR8 you can easily fix those minor quibbles....

[Professor Farnsworth]

yeah my full exhausted AU Fairmont Ghia V8 is exactly the same 0-100 as a S2 200kw XR8, actually a tad quicker. That's all it has too, a full exhaust with cats that aren't high flow.

[RG]

Sox - The upper mounts can seperate but only if the car has been owned and maintained by people who don't know what to look for and are left in after they've failed. I've seen them do it on an XR8 with <200k. My old XR8 had them showing signs of splitting at 78k when I replaced them!!

Originally Posted by bobuleh

Iv read a fair bit that a lot of the AU V8's have diff back lash, making loud noises etc.. i wouldnt know personally however.

are you looking for another ute or a sedan?
Because EATHSV's V8 is a very nice, clean example of an AU V8

That's be only the XR8 sedans and Ghia V8's that do that, well the IRS equipped V8's anyway. It's not actually a backlash caused by the diff it is just a clunk and shudder. Easily fixed with a diff oil change to a heavier weight oil and LSD additive if it arises.

The backlash 9/10 times would be caused by the bloody T5 manual box.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by FPVGT500

I agree with ya mate I cant look at an AU model in the face without thinking did the designer get shot!!! LOL, everyone has their own opinions

Nope, he actually went on to help design the FG. Steve Park was his name.

[Zero_PSI]

Originally Posted by EATHSV

Probably be a good idea to get yourself a really nice AU XR6 ute in one of the cheaper states like vic You should pick something clean and origional for less than 15k easy. I honestly can't see the point in getting rid of a perfectly good BF XR6 for an earlier thirstier V8 to save yourself some coin. Short term gain long term loss.
Looking at your ute it seems you know how to look after something well and can make a nice ride out of the earlier car.

Best of luck mate



Cheers mate appreciate that!

Cheers, i try my best. I was thinking about the v8 thing. A xr6 ute might be the option. Then i could keep on woth the utes.

[Donny]

Iv gotta admit 2 years ago if I was asked what I thought of AU's looks wise, I would have said that the B series was a better looking car. Even today, an AU without some kind of bodykit and rear spoiler isnt really my scene. But when it comes to XR's, the AU is miles ahead for looks and uniqueness. Each time I see one on the road (and you dont see many around), I look a quite a few times. The B series XR's are sooo common and plain jane generic looking things that I dont even look twice at em today.

Only a B series owner would consider the AU a downgrade though...

IMHO the AU trumps the B series in most areas. Bar the overall looks package as a whole and braking. The AU trumps B series in better more user friendly engines, which are cheaper to repair, modify and more economical fuel wise, better IRS, better 4 speed autos, miles better trim and dash in AU's and AU's dont have that useless ICC waste of space thing.. (Iv owned AU3 XR8, BA1 XR6 and BF2 GT-P) Still got the XR8. The overall feel in the AU as you drive them is more engaging and less clinical too..

There are a reasonable amount of series 2 cars about that should meet your budget requierments, then depending on how fussy you are as to getting a good example.. Series 3's at 10k will be a harder ask, and you may find lesser quality units unless you are prepared to wait a while for the right car to come along and travel to get it. Carsales only had around 15 S3 XR8's last I looked a few days ago, most were auto... I know as Im hunting one down for a friend ATM..

Problems wise, most have been covered above. But hunt for a good, cared for and well looked after example and you should be trouble free. Try to get as low klms as you can. If your after a manual version, note that around 100k klms if its got a stock clutch, then its likely well on its way out, check for slippage. Also the clutch cables can dry out or go out of adjustment, so watch for that. The boxes are always notchy and you do have to be wary of the cracking on the firewall where the pedal box mounts, especially if it has a heavier clutch fitter to it. Most of the rest is just regular ware n tare that happens to all cars.. HTH.