Will $5000 get me an AU II XR6?

[Spudz27]

It has finally become too much to bare driving the camry, not too mention trying to share a car when we work different hours is a nightmare. I am looking to spend $5000 on another falcon and was wondering if it would be enough to get an AU II or III XR6? I would love to spend more and get an 8, but I just can't do it. I was saving for a new ED but decided to save a little more and try for an AU XR6.

[The Monty]

You might scrape into a S1 for that. They hold there value pretty well.

[OzJavelin]

Not sure which state you are in, but here's one for $4500:

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...d=128B095DFCF9

Interesting they hold their price reasonably well?

Or EL XR8 will swap for small 4-cyl .. like a Camry!

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...d=128B095DFCF9

[Spudz27]

I am in W.A and saw a couple of Series 1 XR6 on car sales for 6-7k. I am not overly keen on the series one as I do not like the rear spoiler etc. Also the series 1 was plagued with issues, although one would assume 11yrs on they would have been fixed by the owners.

[Mr Hardware]

Also the series 1 was plagued with issues

do ya reckon, do ya?

{citation needed**

the 40 or so S1's i looked after for half a million kays each must have all been lucky cars then.

I've privately owned an S1 and despite the front brakes being a bit average, i loved it. Anyone who's owned both an AU1 and AUIIs/AUIIIs will tell you that the AU1 is perhaps a little more 'pure' as far as the AU experience goes.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

do ya reckon, do ya?

{citation needed**

the 40 or so S1's i looked after for half a million kays each must have all been lucky cars then.

I've privately owned an S1 and despite the front brakes being a bit average, i loved it. Anyone who's owned both an AU1 and AUIIs/AUIIIs will tell you that the AU1 is perhaps a little more 'pure' as far as the AU experience goes.

100% Agree .......... apart form the looks of a Forte & Futura which are a bit pukey, I have had a couple of series 1's - The GHIA I sold to a mate 8 years ago, still has it and would not part with it. At 280,000 the head gasket went on the wagon. I do not call that inherit problems though. Still ahve 2 Series 11's Yes the brakes are a little weak, especially jumping in the AU 11 from the AU 1 but 2 minutes you adjust very quickly. The AU was/is a very reliable car. Have more issues with the BA but they are all little niggly things anyway. The first of a new model does not necessarily mean bad despite what many like to think ....

[The Monty]

Same for me. I always get told how bad the AU1's are mechanically. FFS, learn some facts people.

[T3man]

I really doubt you'll get an AU XR of any series for $5,000 that was worth buying. You might snag one from a deceased estate that someone is willing to flog off without doing any research into their value; but other than that if you want a good one expect to pay 8-10 biggies.

[Jimmyd]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

do ya reckon, do ya?

{citation needed**

the 40 or so S1's i looked after for half a million kays each must have all been lucky cars then.

I've privately owned an S1 and despite the front brakes being a bit average, i loved it. Anyone who's owned both an AU1 and AUIIs/AUIIIs will tell you that the AU1 is perhaps a little more 'pure' as far as the AU experience goes.

+1,000,000

Personally seen AU1s roll the clock - was on third gearbox but that was the only major mechanical item; diff and engne were unopened.

Was Service Manger for the EL-BA years - the AU series had the least warranty issues out of this range.

Personally I believe the AU1.5 was the pick - I tracked down and bought a AU1.5 Fairmont Ghia VCT with full leather all the Tickford fruit, basically a luxury spec XR6VCT when you toss the restrictive exhaust for a 2.5" sports system.

This 11 year old, 160k car is tight as a drum, no rattles, no issues, everything works as new, goes like a freight train and the AU style looks newer than an FG. Brakes are an easy fix with slotted rotors and some decent pads.

Realistically, ignore the AUI - AUIII hype and drive any and all AU6s in your price range - just pick the one you want. If you stumble across a Fairmont Ghia with Tickford suspension option take it for a blast - you will be surprised...

Cheers

James

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

do ya reckon, do ya?

{citation needed**

the 40 or so S1's i looked after for half a million kays each must have all been lucky cars then.

I've privately owned an S1 and despite the front brakes being a bit average, i loved it. Anyone who's owned both an AU1 and AUIIs/AUIIIs will tell you that the AU1 is perhaps a little more 'pure' as far as the AU experience goes.

Hmm ok, havent owned them but have driven all series of AU's and will quite happily stick to AUIII. Not missing much at all not owning a series I.

[Donny]

Id say you will be hard pressed to get a decent series 2 or 3 XR6 for 5k.. Unless your happy to compromise on Klms and condition..
The ones Iv seen just having a quick look about on the net were 6-7k upto 10k and some even more.
A good clean series 1 will be within easy reach though, and apart from the diffrent bodykit, wheels and trim, they are essentially the same machine underneath..
I steered clear of the series 1 because I wasnt a fan of the external styling and I wanted the latest model AU I could get within my budget. The look comes down to personal preference.
If that is your budget and thats it, no more possible, then DONT let the series 1 stigma turn you away from a decent car. If your like me and prefer the later looks etc, then you need to consider your options.

[JC]

You might get an AU2 Fairmont for $5k. Pretty much the same car as an XR6HP, but a bit better in terms of functionality, a bit less in looks.

[robbyj]

Easy to get a half reasonable series 1 XR6 for 5k. But over in perth.. might be more of a challenge.

The AU S1 are perfectly fine mechanically. The later series as most know got some better brakes etc.. as you would hope they make the series better. But that doesnt mean the S1 is a heap. They are fantastic cars, and i have never had a problem with mine other than needing to replace the power steering pump.

[Mont5.0]

would definetly get into a fairmont for 5k. maybe even a V8 if you look around.

[macman]

I'm going to go against the grain and say probably not but only because we're in Perth and prices seem to be higher for most used cars...

If you do find one 5k or less it'll be either luck, a deceased estate (as someone else said), a repossession or it'll need work to be a comfortable daily.

If you find a cheap one, it'll probably need at least new tyres and a license renewal or something, bringing it up to the level of a more expensive (but better) one, you know?

Keep looking though, without trying to state the bleeding obvious - determination will definitely increase the chances of you finding a suitable one!

[macman]

Have you had a look on Perth Gumtree?

AU2 XR8
http://perth.gumtree.com.au/c-Cars-V...AdIdZ246992123

AU2 S-pack manual
http://perth.gumtree.com.au/c-Cars-V...AdIdZ234427877

[hendoau99]

i own an au s 1.5 forte, i updated the grill to a futura one and it looks much better. it is comfortable, reliable and fairly good on fuel. i get around 600 kays out of a tank, i'd get more with a good tune and 2.5'' exhaust. upgrade the rims and put slotted rotors and decent pads on it and the brakes are really good. i've owned it for 7 months and have no intentions of ever selling it. i'll just keep upgrading it. it will be hard buyin an xr6 in wa for $5000. you could fly to say nsw or qld, buy an xr6 for a good price and drive it back to w.a.? it all comes down to funds though.

[camac]

I've seen them as low as $2500, but for a decent AU II XR6, probably between $5500-$8000 will get you a worthwhile one.

[Spudz27]

Originally Posted by hendoau99

i own an au s 1.5 forte, i updated the grill to a futura one and it looks much better. it is comfortable, reliable and fairly good on fuel. i get around 600 kays out of a tank, i'd get more with a good tune and 2.5'' exhaust. upgrade the rims and put slotted rotors and decent pads on it and the brakes are really good. i've owned it for 7 months and have no intentions of ever selling it. i'll just keep upgrading it. it will be hard buyin an xr6 in wa for $5000. you could fly to say nsw or qld, buy an xr6 for a good price and drive it back to w.a.? it all comes down to funds though.

If I was going to do it that way I might aswell fork out the extra for one in W.A. My other thought now is to buy a standard or an S2 Fairmont and just add rims, exhaust, lower it to make it what I want. There are plenty of those local.

[Bobman]

Easy. You can get BA XR6s from 7k these days as well.

[Spudz27]

Well I am going to inquire about an 02 XR6 ute in the local car yard I took a look at tonight. It is white, lowered, original rims, dark tint, looks immaculate. It must have only just come in as it is currently not ready for sale, but I will go see them tomorrow.

[ST]

Originally Posted by b2tf

Hmm ok, havent owned them but have driven all series of AU's and will quite happily stick to AUIII. Not missing much at all not owning a series I.

Yes absolutely agreed 100%. Going straight from an AUI to an AUIII was almost night and day, the AUIII felt like a completely different car (the change to IRS and VCT obviously would've had something to do with that). It was better in every single way and both were very young and well looked after.

But don't let that put you off a series I, mine was rock solid and reliable till somebody thought it would look better as a hatchback. If it was my choice with 5k, I'd be far more inclined to look for a decent AUI rather than a well worn series 2 or 3. Have you considered a nice EF/EL XR8? I'd dare say a bit more desirable than an AUI XR6 and of course it has that glorious V8 rumbling under the bonnet.

[Spudz27]

Well checked out the ute. It was an 01 Tickford XR6. Previous owner kept it immaculate, had ceramic headers, K&N air filter, was lowered etc. The dealer said they wanted 15k for it, I laughed and said I don't think so, I said 10k max. I could go to perth and get an 05-06 XR6 for 15k. So it is out of the question.

[XRATE-UTERUS]

you can have mine for 9.5

AU II leather auto ticky XR6

[Spudz27]

Well if I win lotto tonight I will consider flying to view it lol. Very Nice ute.

[Donny]

I just paid 10k drive away for my 4/2002 AU3 XR8 Manual Sedan with 6 Months rego and RWC. Car has 110k klms on the clock and is in very good condition.

[Jack91]

Easy. Just sold a AU1 xr6 manual for $4000 (bought it for $3000 a month ago). Look around, ebay and gumtree are your best bet. S1's arent bad at all.

[Selwonk]

i just picked up a 2002 series 3 xr6hp manual in immaculate condition like not even a stone chip on it anywhere,only got 160ks on it and drives as tight as a new one.picked it up from a ford dealer for 5k cash drive away

[Mr Hardware]

Just sold a AU1 xr6 manual for $4000 (bought it for $3000 a month ago).

[b2tf]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Ford-Falcon-2...item20b5ba2165

Its a shame you're not closer to NSW, this looks like a good buy.