Your advice is warranted. - Page 3

pottery beige · 12-06-2012, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

Depends how much of a Ford enthusiast OP is - more commited enthusiast would pick AU ( car that only true enthusiast could love ) - everyone else would go for BA...

drumroll please....

ugly.. goodrunner / homemaker..

pretty.. shallow / heartbreaker..

Shonky. · 12-06-2012, 11:39 PM

ha ha. i thought that was a song lyric

look what my goggle search turned up (first entry)

http://www.google.com.au/#hl=en&outp...w=1366&bih=673

99AUXR · 13-06-2012, 12:07 AM

lol already on google, hmmm anyway. . .did anyone think to google AU vs BA

Fez WQ · 13-06-2012, 12:31 AM

Buy one of each they are both cheap :-))

Buntz · 13-06-2012, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

Depends how much of a Ford enthusiast OP is - more commited enthusiast would pick AU ( car that only true enthusiast could love ) - everyone else would go for BA...

My blood is blue. My Father owned an XT GT. There are technically 4 falcons in the immediate family. What do you think.

If I could take the BA interior, DOHC I6 and tiptronic auto, and pop it in the AU Fairlane, then there would be no need for anyones advice. I've driven my brothers BA... the throttle is laggy yes, and the weight is noticeable, still a nice car to drive... and the tiptronic is sooo much fun. (no manual, but I want to cruise.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nic85

Does it have to be a Falcon? For $7k you can pick yourself up a Mitsubishi 380 with around 150,000kms on the clock. You get a good amount of features, even in the base model. 5 speed auto, 3.8L V6 which is bulletproof, quality made and well put together car. Only issues were window regulators and a ticking ECV.

I bought an LX model last year and I've put 20,000kms on it already (63,000 when I bought it), and it's been totally trouble free. All I've done is change the engine oil and transmission fluid.

I appreciate your input. But it can only be a Ford. I would recommend a 380 to others who see cars as transport, someone who drives 10 under the limit, and wants something other than a camry. But whilst I'm still a virile young man. I will have my straight six, and I will have my RWD.
___________

Seems the majority is swaying me towards the AU. So I will keep that in mind as a win for the AU, and pop a couple on the list. But I have also found some tidy BA's with low kms, and I will try them on the same day.

Lots of good Falcon's for sale on Carsguide/Carsales/Carpoint. Feel free to bring any to my attention guys. I'm gonna call my uncle in Perth, and see if I can stay the night on Friday after work, and get in an early start of car hunting.

pottery beige · 13-06-2012, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shonkymofo

ha ha. i thought that was a song lyric

look what my goggle search turned up (first entry)

http://www.google.com.au/#hl=en&outp...w=1366&bih=673

dont laugh.. this is a tune ive been working on.. what do you guys think..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us-i3KcJb6g

please hit the like button..

Danny · 13-06-2012, 06:37 AM

If you like the sound of shuddering in drive with the brake on, metallic rattles from heat shields, obnoxious farting from exhaust areas, and overtly vocal air intakes and strange automatic trans tune that feels less refined than an AU then enjoy a BA.

Otherwise enjoy smooth quiet nicely shifting well built AU. I've said it many times, the AU was a product of most people at Ford having pride and vision, not unlike the op (a proud ford production worker) of a thread I was reading before. This showed in many many ways. AU all the way.

falconator · 13-06-2012, 07:57 AM

I have owned both,a AU series 2, Forte(new) an a BA xr6.both good cars ,and very different.The AU had a bad abs brake pulse shudder in the pedal,i think ended up replacing all the sensors.The BA,had advantages being a xr,of course,but a better ride, mainly because of the gearbox and rear end.The Barra is better than the Intech,IMO.The BA gave me no trouble at all.Vote 1 the BA.Looks better to!

Bossxr8 · 13-06-2012, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny

If you like the sound of shuddering in drive with the brake on, metallic rattles from heat shields, obnoxious farting from exhaust areas, and overtly vocal air intakes and strange automatic trans tune that feels less refined than an AU then enjoy a BA.

Otherwise enjoy smooth quiet nicely shifting well built AU. I've said it many times, the AU was a product of most people at Ford having pride and vision, not unlike the op (a proud ford production worker) of a thread I was reading before. This showed in many many ways. AU all the way.

You do realize that most of the people who built the AU's built the BA's as well don't you?

Buntz · 13-06-2012, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

You do realize that most of the people who built the AU's built the BA's as well don't you?

Haha... yeah. There's a reason there was only one A series Falcon.

Saw an AU fairlane in a car park this morning when I went to grab my coffee. Classy car, I couldn't take my eyes off of it.

max_torq · 13-06-2012, 06:20 PM

If buying a luxury car look for a specially cared for, as it left the factory, low km example with all the options.. check everything works... the condition is more important than the age.

But the BA engine is so much better, and also easier to modify the car with parts from a wide variety of models, that if you want to modify the car at all go the BA. The BA looks just a bit more modern. I'd try to find a nice leather seat BA Fairmont Ghia, don't bother with the XT and futura, though.

Bossxr8 · 13-06-2012, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max_torq

If buying a luxury car look for a specially cared for, as it left the factory, low km example with all the options.. check everything works... the condition is more important than the age.

But the BA engine is so much better, and also easier to modify the car with parts from a wide variety of models, that if you want to modify the car at all go the BA. The BA looks just a bit more modern. I'd try to find a nice leather seat BA Fairmont Ghia, don't bother with the XT and futura, though.

I thought the Fairlane was a V8, the second most modifiable engine in the world behind the small block chev?

So those comments are a bit redundant. Different if it was a 6.

buickman · 13-06-2012, 07:42 PM

The FG is a class above the cars you are looking at but since there a limit on what you can spend I would go for a car that has been well looked after.

They both have some issues as in upper rubber mount cracking on IRS, CCmodules fading in premium AU series and electrolysis on the upper passenger side radiator I had both replaced on my old AU ghia under warranty and had the upper shocker mount replaced before I sold it.
Both can give you good service if they have been serviced correctly from new.
Pick the best car you can get for your money but the AU series has lighter steering and fitting of aftermarket stereos can be less of a hassle but the BA's have the better 6cyl mtr and neater appearance.

Buntz · 14-06-2012, 08:36 PM

I drove my bro's BA again today. Lovely car. Everything is kinda soft and disconnected though. Plenty of pickup, engine sounds great, tiptronic auto is fabulous, and the thing just gets up and goes. Handling is lovely.

Unfortunately the AU Fairlanes are being held onto, and I can't justify a V8. Only one 6 cyl example going in my price range, and it's got 207k kms on the clock, where as there are sub 150k BA's for the same price. Some under 100k. They are nice examples of BA's.

observe:
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/de...ref=RecentItem

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/de...ref=RecentItem

BENT_8 · 14-06-2012, 08:51 PM

Km's mean little if the vehicle is straight and has good service history.

207k's is just run in for a good AU series.

The BA has already been seriously reduced, so negotiation will be almost impossible, tha Fairlane is at full retail, it will come down $500-1K easy.

Buntz · 15-06-2012, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Km's mean little if the vehicle is straight and has good service history.

207k's is just run in for a good AU series.

The BA has already been seriously reduced, so negotiation will be almost impossible, tha Fairlane is at full retail, it will come down $500-1K easy.

You think so? Alright... I will keep that in mind when I look at the vehicle tomorrow afternoon.

I'm driving straight up to Perth after work, and will drop in and take it for a drive. And make my mind up. The registration ran out on the vehicle in march, so I will be expecting them to pay for that, and get me an inspection on the vehicle before taking it further. Assuming it passes my inspection.

flooded one · 15-06-2012, 12:09 AM

I like the colour of Fairlane!! the BAs interior looks abit more cared for going by the pictures but it isnt really a good way too tell unless you see them in person. kilometre wise the BA has less driving then the AU but you'll get heaps more out of both yet!!! I'd haggle them for a bit less for the AU if you can

Buntz · 15-06-2012, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildrider

I like the colour of Fairlane!! the BAs interior looks abit more cared for going by the pictures but it isnt really a good way too tell unless you see them in person. kilometre wise the BA has less driving then the AU but you'll get heaps more out of both yet!!! I'd haggle them for a bit less for the AU if you can

I like the colour also. But I have extra pictures from the dealer that you don't, and they don't inspire confidence.

BENT_8 · 15-06-2012, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

You think so? Alright... I will keep that in mind when I look at the vehicle tomorrow afternoon.

I'm driving straight up to Perth after work, and will drop in and take it for a drive. And make my mind up. The registration ran out on the vehicle in march, so I will be expecting them to pay for that, and get me an inspection on the vehicle before taking it further. Assuming it passes my inspection.

If the Fairlane has sat for so long it will be due for a reduction to clear it from the books, usually 90 days, atleast thats how long we held stock before offering discounts.
When buying vehicles of this age i think to myself, how many k's will i put on it in the time i'll own it.
If your like me and change cars every 2-4yrs and like being on the road you'll proberbly add 600-100k in that timeframe.
With that in mind, the Fairlane in question would have somewhere in the vacinity of 260-300k.
Plenty of people on here can vouch for AU's with those k's still going strong.
If it was a good car to start with, and with regular upkeep it would still be worth 3-4k come upgrade time.
If you tend to keep your cars for longer periods, go with the lower k's, its a no brainer.

Buntz · 15-06-2012, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

If the Fairlane has sat for so long it will be due for a reduction to clear it from the books, usually 90 days, atleast thats how long we held stock before offering discounts.
When buying vehicles of this age i think to myself, how many k's will i put on it in the time i'll own it.
If your like me and change cars every 2-4yrs and like being on the road you'll proberbly add 600-100k in that timeframe.
With that in mind, the Fairlane in question would have somewhere in the vacinity of 260-300k.
Plenty of people on here can vouch for AU's with those k's still going strong.
If it was a good car to start with, and with regular upkeep it would still be worth 3-4k come upgrade time.
If you tend to keep your cars for longer periods, go with the lower k's, its a no brainer.

Well I don't really plan ahead that far. I figure I will depart with it when I've fancy something new. I'm not driving all that far... maybe 15k's to work and back, and just now and then. Which is why I want something comfortable, and something that will look nice parked in the garage.

And here's some other info. Two weeks ago when I posted the inquiry on the site. I got a call about it in less than an hour. I think they want it gone. I'm going there just to satisfy my word, but I'm being open minded about it.

Kieron · 15-06-2012, 01:21 AM

Not sure a 207,000K AU is just run in.

Those 4spd autos had a design life of 250,000k's and plenty have failed much earlier. My brothers SIII AU has circa 180,000ks on it, second owner - first was a Father (as in church) who passed and my brother has had it religiously serviced. It's got the 'taxi whine' and has recently started making odd trans noise, mechanic said it's on it's last legs.

That 'Lane would make a nice cruiser though, just make sure you give it a serious going over and try and find it's driving and service history.

on AU vs BA, if you can accept the AU styling, then it's really best to go for whatever has the best driving history/lowest K's/condition. Both models have their failings, many of which have been noted in this thread and many may have already been rectified on the cars you look at.

Anything else re styling, handling, steering etc is personal opinion and up to you to digest/form your own opinion.

My opinion based on a SIII AU (on BA XR6 17" rims) and S1 BA XR6 -

AU steering too light, twitchy and lacks feel. Reminded me of my old P6 LTD after driving BA/FG. Some may prefer this though.

BA sport shift is funky for a while, but you get tired of it after a while and just use D.

BA engine is far more refined, but if you drive them sedately, the AU isn't too bad. Performance wise, fairly even and probably a mute point it there's a few tenths in it, the AU is better on fuel though.

BA feels a more refined, modern car overall.

Styling, hands down the BA is far and away more handsome inside and out and i'm starting to think, is nicer than the FG and the latter ages and I drive an FG XR8.

Internally, the AU appears to be more spacious in front as the dash is shallower, but that means controls don't fall to hand like the BA's do.

Plastic's in the BA are not as good quality, easily scratched compared to the AU.

AU A/C is hands down, better than the BA (and FG for that matter).

BENT_8 · 15-06-2012, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kieron

Not sure a 207,000K AU is just run in.

Those 4spd autos had a design life of 250,000k's and plenty have failed much earlier. My brothers SIII AU has circa 180,000ks on it, second owner - first was a Father (as in church) who passed and my brother has had it religiously serviced. It's got the 'taxi whine' and has recently started making odd trans noise, mechanic said it's on it's last legs.

Again it comes down to vehicle history.

The AU2 SR my wife drives was a one owner retired couple, who used it to tow their caravan around.
Had 163k's on it when i looked at it, still tight as a drum and in as new condition.
It now has 210k's on it.
I replaced the radiator straight away and gave it a trans service. The mechanic said it was spotless and one of the best AU's he'd ever worked on.
I replaced the shocks and springs, i figured id kill two birds with 1 stone and replace the stressed springs and shocks and get it closer to the ground at the same time.
It had a gas tune and a buff.
I paid $6k in August 10 and could still get $5k today privately.
Normally i would offload it in the next year or so with 230-250k and would not accept a cent under $3.5k, id rather keep it and most likely will as it is so reliable.
My eldest son will be due to get his licence by then so he can have the choice of it or my XR6 as his first hack.

How could you complain.

flooded one · 15-06-2012, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Again it comes down to vehicle history.

The AU2 SR my wife drives was a one owner retired couple, who used it to tow their caravan around.
Had 163k's on it when i looked at it, still tight as a drum and in as new condition.
It now has 210k's on it.
I replaced the radiator straight away and gave it a trans service. The mechanic said it was spotless and one of the best AU's he'd ever worked on.
I replaced the shocks and springs, i figured id kill two birds with 1 stone and replace the stressed springs and shocks and get it closer to the ground at the same time.
It had a gas tune and a buff.
I paid $6k in August 10 and could still get $5k today privately.
Normally i would offload it in the next year or so with 230-250k and would not accept a cent under $3.5k, id rather keep it and most likely will as it is so reliable.
My eldest son will be due to get his licence by then so he can have the choice of it or my XR6 as his first hack.
How could you complain.

you sons got two great cars too choice from then!!!

Kieron · 15-06-2012, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Again it comes down to vehicle history.

The AU2 SR my wife drives was a one owner retired couple, who used it to tow their caravan around.
Had 163k's on it when i looked at it, still tight as a drum and in as new condition.
It now has 210k's on it.
I replaced the radiator straight away and gave it a trans service. The mechanic said it was spotless and one of the best AU's he'd ever worked on.
I replaced the shocks and springs, i figured id kill two birds with 1 stone and replace the stressed springs and shocks and get it closer to the ground at the same time.
It had a gas tune and a buff.
I paid $6k in August 10 and could still get $5k today privately.
Normally i would offload it in the next year or so with 230-250k and would not accept a cent under $3.5k, id rather keep it and most likely will as it is so reliable.
How could you complain.

I did say go for whatever has the best driving history/lowest K's/condition, which would encompass servicing.

I also mentioned my brothers AUIII is religiously serviced and previously owned by a Father (church on Sundays bit hehe)and now has that taxi whine and another odd noise, your's was used for towing which isn't kind to transmissions, therefore i'd suggest it's not always down to history, just luck of the draw.
Trans is the same for both models though so it comes down to K's/condition as I mentioned

AU II's can be had with those K's for much less under 5.5K, even from dealers, your's looks to be a sweet example so keeping it in the family is financially the best deal

**DJM83** · 15-06-2012, 02:58 PM

Not interested in an XR6? IMO they are the pinnacle in the AU series, i loved mine (AUII XR6 HP 5sp). Sure it isnt as nice as a fairlane with a high series dash but they are bloody good fun.

Buntz · 21-06-2012, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

Not interested in an XR6? IMO they are the pinnacle in the AU series, i loved mine (AUII XR6 HP 5sp). Sure it isnt as nice as a fairlane with a high series dash but they are bloody good fun.

They have a premium on them because everyone wants one.

A brief update. Went to Perth, had a look at a few yards out of a few hundred. Drove an AU Forte, and a BA Futura. Unfortunately I drove the BA first. The BA is a much nicer feeling car I believe, however the AU felt tighter. But I didn't like it's light steering. The fairlane I looked at was rubbish on the outside, the boot stank, and dealer seemed dodgy, so I didn't even bother driving it. So for the moment I still haven't driven an AU with IRS. Spoke to the used car salesman an Nuford in Wangara. Nice bloke, gave me some tips on what to look for, what to test. Beautiful Ford dealership. I may have taken a little side tour inside a G6ET. (WOOOOAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!)

Today I had a look at an AU FG which is closer to home. Very nice... starting to show signs of age. But the dealer wasn't really interested in letting me test drive it, or be haggled on unless I was looking to buy this very afternoon. Then he really tried to railroad me by getting his finance guy to 'give me approval' only if I filled out the contract. Which would be torn up if I were not to go ahead with it. Which I'm sure if I did, he'd make me feel like an ******** for not going through with it. Will take another gander at a BA on Saturday, but I'm starting to think that Private is the way to go.

Buntz · 30-06-2012, 04:35 PM

Took an 02 SIII Forte on factory gas for drive the other day. Unfortunately it hadn't yet been cleaned. And there was some cosmetic damage to the back. Lacked pickup power also, however the torque was still all Falcon, rest your foot on the throttle and you're off. I think there was some diff whine which went away after a while, and the transmission clunked at times. Everything worked, but the power windows on the drivers side had issues... getting stuck or just seemed to work and then not work. I've told him I'm going to think about it. But as yet no car/experience has left me without doubt.

Getting a bit sick of car hunting. And as a man I naturally hate shopping. Wish someone could do it for me.

Buntz · 07-09-2012, 11:10 PM

Just thought I would finally end this story. Three weeks ago I bought a 2002 BA XT. White. Auto. 141000 k's. For $7500. From Bunbury Toyota

New mags, and very presentable on the outside, and the inside. Best example I could find locally. Only niggles are a noisy fuel pump, and an idler pulley or belt that whistles when cold. (and that thing like there is tape in the air vent that rattles like a kazoo, and you have to blast it with the full force of the fans to make it go away. Hopefully it doesn't come back.)

A week after purchasing, I got GeoFord in Busso to fit the trans cooler for $360 total. So no worries there. Except yesterday when I had to race it back to Ford because trans oil was leaking everywhere.

The Foreman promptly took my keys as soon as told the girl at the desk what the problem was. Had it up on the hoist in less than 60 seconds. 45 mins later. All fixed and crisis averted.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I'd never have been happy with any car I bought - cause that's just how I am - but everyone tells me I bought a good car. And I'm happy for the most part with it. It does drive exceptionally.

In the next week or so I will post some pics for you. Maybe tomorrow.

mas89 · 08-09-2012, 01:31 AM

With the ba being first of it shape and the au being the last. Most of it problemshave been ironed out .. most of the time the first in a new shape & technology they have problems but also the technology if it works you cant beat it.

Road_Warrior · 08-09-2012, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Again it comes down to vehicle history.

I'll say. The AU wagon I have at the moment would have to be the biggest pile of crap I have ever owned, in 10 months of ownership I have had to spend more on it in repairs than in 6 years of owning my BA. Both of them are ex Government fleet FWIW, but the BA I bought directly from the auction whereas the AU was bought secondhand some years after the fact. The seller can spout and fawn about how well it was looked after but at the end of the day you really have to take his word for it. Some of the stories I was spun with some of the cars were laughable.

I regret buying it to be honest, I wish I had have waited and saved more an bought a BA or a better AU. Come November this thing is goooorne.