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15-04-2012, 01:43 AM | #1 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Melb north
Posts: 12,025
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i can`t speak for you guys , but this week past i`ve been in 2 cars i have never been in before, and after driving the other 2 vehicles and hopping back into my old ford,(AU s2 XR6) i thought dam this thing is good to drive, admittedly the first car i drove was a Hyundai getz, ......... OMG IT WAS HORRIFIC, truly i hated it,
the ride in the au and effortless nature of driving it wonderful steering, very stable handling compared to the economy car, early saturday i drove a lexus ls400, and it was very good car,did everything well, had everything that opens and shutsand over $100,000 buks new, but it just did`nt have the feel of the AU, but after driving it and hopping back in the au , wow Ford got it right in the AU, i`ve had mine for 7 years, it`s been the rock of the family, when other family members cars have bit the dust, out comes the AU with a trailer for rescue operations, when a family member was sick in hospital for three months the au was the ever reliable taxi to go back and forth to hospital daily, i`d be lying if i said i did`nt get bored with it at times, as i said it`s been my daily taxi for 7 years, a bit sorry i did`nt get the v8 (note to self if you really want the bigger engine get the bugger), small flaws aside, mine has been a truly ripping car. any one else have a similar experience?? |
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15-04-2012, 06:38 AM | #2 | ||
LIFELONG DJR SUPPORTER
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Posts: 5,324
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I purchased my AUIII XR6 new in Feb 02. Just a few moms till it rolls past 200k and apart for replacing the PS hose and the alternator which the resulting oil leak killed, it has been an amazing car! I will never sell it.
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15-04-2012, 07:26 AM | #3 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 437
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I often think jumping between my AU XR8, and our BA XR6 is like chaulk and cheese - that AU is just so well balanced, and offers a little oversteer (it is a ute); the BA understeers pretty hard and often has me wondering if it will turn in when pushed hard.
I find the AU tends to feel like it's gonig fast, where as the BA you can easily go fast but it feels like your walking. I love the XR8 it's a fantastic package, even if it is a little under powered. |
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15-04-2012, 09:13 AM | #4 | ||
Auto Nerd
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Sydney
Posts: 808
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In 2000 I had an AU2 egas for a company car. Loved it. They upgraded in 2003 to a BA egas. What a nightmare. This was backfiring constantly and the rotors would warp after about 2000k's. When I left the job in 2006 I bought a camry - understeers and handles like a boat, but the only work I have to do to it is change fluids.
I went and bought a AU3 in 2008 caused I missed it. They just have that nice feel on the road. We have a range of cars in our fleet at work, Corolla's, Focus', Commodores, Hyundai I30' and Subaru Forresters. Nothing compares with the AU in terms of driveability. Everything in our fleet has is short geared, so they rev and there is a lot of throw back, but you don't go anywhere. Mind you the balance on those other cars is probably better, but there is just something that makes them feel like you are driving a billy kart. Having said that the focus has so much grip. This would be my pick if I couldn't drive my AU. |
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15-04-2012, 11:53 AM | #5 | ||
Starter Motor
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Perth
Posts: 29
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Yes they are a nice car, I have a III xr8 sedan and a III xr6 ute. Both have been excellent cars with ute well over 200,000 and still a pleasure to drive.
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XR8 II ute auto Silouette XR8 II ute manual Venom 66 Mustang Convertible 56 F100 |
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15-04-2012, 02:49 PM | #6 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,290
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Damn good
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15-04-2012, 06:17 PM | #7 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sunshine Coast
Posts: 82
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I was brought up a fully fledged Holden fan (my Dad is v8 supercar mad and lovesss Holdens)
Since about 6 months after buying my AU (Dad was devo I bought a Ford but it was cheap and and I was a P plater... anything was better than a 4 cylinder Corolla) I decided I was officially Ford all the way thats gotta mean something lol |
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15-04-2012, 06:28 PM | #8 | ||
Walking with God
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 7,321
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Wagon has near 255,000 kays and I still love it. A wonderful family car.
SR has 200,000 and I love driving it also. GK
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2009 Mondeo Zetec TDCi - Moondust Silver 2015 Kia Sorento Platinum - Snow White Pearl 2001 Ducati Monster 900Sie - Red Now gone! 1999 AU1 Futura Wagon - Sparkling Burgundy On LPG Want a Full Life? John 10:10 |
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15-04-2012, 07:19 PM | #9 | ||
Donating Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,952
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My first car was an AU III Fairmont, sold to buy an FG. I have just returned to the AU series with a TS50, and I have to say its good to back. I still have the FG and its a fantastic car. However there is just something about the AU series that I just cant shake. Its probably because it was my first car, but the feel and simplicity of the AU that makes it feel so familiar after 4 years apart. I also love the curves and angles that laterm models traded for relative conservitism.
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The Fleet - 2016 PX MK II Ranger Cool White 2008 FG XR6 Sensation Blue 2014 FG X XR8 Emperor Red 2024 Mustang GT Race Red The Departed - 2002 T3 TS50 Blueprint 2017 Mustang GT Race Red |
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15-04-2012, 07:42 PM | #10 | ||
The Villan
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: NSW, SW Sydney
Posts: 1,086
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AU series 1 Fairmont Ghia had from new with 308,000k's still going strong. At the helm is my dad which calls it a 'retro' car.
Paint & the aerial lets it down though.
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New addition! 2010 FG XR50 Turbo in Lightning Strike The PX Ranger has arrived! XLT Metropolitean Grey Previous Ride - 2007 BF MK II XR6 in Lightning Strike
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15-04-2012, 09:14 PM | #11 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 795
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I just bought my first SERIES II XR8 and wow!!! Compared to the FG XR6T I had prior to that, this AU just handles and steers way better!!! Doesn't have the out right speed or acceleration of the FG, but the sweet sound of the Tickford 302 on song sounds awesome, and its still quick enough to get you into trouble!!! Fully optioned with the big brake package as well, makes braking a breeze!!! I love the damn thing
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http://i56.tinypic.com/23hlk6p.jpg |
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16-04-2012, 09:21 AM | #12 | ||
When in doubt, GAS IT!!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Lower Eyre Peninsula, SA
Posts: 3,018
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Our wagon is getting close to ticking over 300k and ya can't kill it with an axe handle let alone a stick. I keep the fluids and spark plugs up to scratch and it just goes and goes and goes. If it got killed tomorrow I'd have no hesitation in going out and finding another one in an instant.
Bushbasher
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. HERS- BFIII Wagon Gold, alloys, dual fuel, bullbar, big tow pack, trans cooler, fully rebuilt HD suspension, Clarion, alarmed, full 2 1/2" sports system, mint body MINE- AUII Forte Meteorite, dual fuel but otherwise bog stock. MINE- AUII Fairlane Sportsman Liquid Silver over meteorite,HIDs', Airhog, Eagle Leads, dual fuel, custom rear springs, BA slotted discs + a second one for spares . |
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16-04-2012, 09:45 AM | #13 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 108
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Ive had my s3 SR for 5 years, got it at 187k ex company car, but was in good condition, its now about to tick over 330k and its doing well, slightly feeling its age which means ive got a bit of work to do on it, just the minor things (suspension soon but its done allot of kms i dont blame it) about 5k ago i did a motor swap, the old one was using lots of oil and the sump plug bolt was threaded, now got a mint motor...
Still love my falcon ive taken care of it mechiancally and its never let me down not even once... what else can you ask for? |
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16-04-2012, 09:56 AM | #14 | ||
The 'Stihl' Man
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TAS
Posts: 27,591
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yeah its doing a smashing job and I will keep it for a few years while I sink money into some classic cars instead of buying new.
I always think about upgrading it, Ill get something new for the missus to cart the kids around but just for me I dont care so much. It has space, enough power for a daily, with a SVI system its good on fuel dollar wise ($150 for Melb to Canberra and back is nice) and I love its curves. So while it is not costing me alot to keep on the road it will stay, only think i would change is converting it to a manual but thats way to much effort. Its a rock.
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16-04-2012, 10:00 AM | #15 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Port Lincoln, SA
Posts: 5,138
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mines been pretty solid. Still ironing out minor issues due to previous neglect, but i cant complain really.
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cheers Shaun Current SY FPV F6X Territory #214 Previous FG MkII G6E Turbo built by Heinrichs Performance and Tuning BFII FPV TORNADO #0021 351rwkw - Heinrich Performance and Tuning "Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer" - Arnold Schwarzenegger |
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16-04-2012, 10:07 AM | #16 | ||
Donating Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,142
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If cars are a "labour of love", then the AU takes out the labour part. Thats how good it is.
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16-04-2012, 11:56 AM | #17 | ||
5.6L x 2 pilot
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Canbra
Posts: 15,088
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I probably shouldn't comment. Very heavily biased. I will say though, buying an AU was quite by chance and probably would not have been my first choice. Converted now, and will be hanging on to mine until it dies.
Dare I say it, LTD luxury, ~270fwkw, Brembo stopping power and handling to boot! One happy camper! Cheers Stu
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2002 AU II LTD 5.6L 342ci T3 Short, AFR165 heads, Comp XE270HR-12 Cam, Brembo 4/4s(355/330), T3 5 spokes, LC-1 wideband, Whiteline HD swaybars, TCE 3K Hi Stall, PWR Auto Trans Cooler, Koni shocks, King Low Springs, Hurricane headers, 100 cpsi cats, Twin 2.5" exhaust. Quarter Mile: 13.73 @ 105.86mph Runner Up NA/DA to BF Fairlane/LTD Geelong AFD 2024 2002 XR8 pursuit 250 Custom twin 2.5" exhaust w Herrod modifed extractors, Tuned with Moates QH
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16-04-2012, 01:02 PM | #18 | ||
Adam.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Garfield, Victoria
Posts: 2,652
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I purchased my 3rd AU a few weeks ago, can't go past them for a reliable nice to drive car. Good value now too!
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2004 BA XR8, Winter White, Manual, 20's, Bluepower Custom Tune, Difilippo Extractors, etc - 241.4rwkw Build Thread SOLD 2007 BF Mk2 Winter White E-Gas Wagon, 6 Seater. 2002 AU3 XR6, Liquid Silver, Manual, Sunroof, LPG, Rebel Kit, BA GTP's, Momo Steering Wheel & Gear Knob. |
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17-04-2012, 06:24 PM | #19 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Melb north
Posts: 12,025
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i stuffed up really bad this past week, i had a chance to buy a garaged all it`s life car, used as second car with only 77,000 kliks on it, a 200 kw Au s2 xr8 in pristine order......some one slap me., and then i did something even dumber, more on that later in the week .
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17-04-2012, 06:45 PM | #20 | |||
Starter Motor
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Perth
Posts: 29
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Quote:
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XR8 II ute auto Silouette XR8 II ute manual Venom 66 Mustang Convertible 56 F100 |
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17-04-2012, 08:59 PM | #21 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Melb north
Posts: 12,025
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nah i think the professor already had his . we will wait an see.
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