Advice on buying a First Car.

[Franco Cozzo]

Common thing with E series cars is flat blade screwdriver through the lock barrel with a hammer to get in.

[Ford_The_Win]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Common thing with E series cars is flat blade screwdriver through the lock barrel with a hammer to get in.

Yeah but who'd want to pinch an E-series?

[OffRoadFalcon]

A quick few questions...

I'm on the lookout for AU2 or 3 Fairlanes, preferably a VCT 6 (for ease of maintenance and costs), and any colour but organza a silver (Can't stand either much!), and not LPG. Then I'd just make up some better mudflaps, find some 16' S2 Fairmont/S3 Futura wheels, and get a couple of driving lights.
Won't know for a coupla more weeks from my parents how much they wish to put towards my car. Seen a few good appearing ones come and go lately too.

I'm just wondering if I should limit my options to I6 cars. If a good V8 came up at the right time would it be worth getting that? How much more would servicing and maintenance cost? How much more fuel will it really use? How reliable is the 5.0?
I'd enjoy the sound of the V8 more probably, but I also like the I6 engine's sound plenty, and skids or any other kind of 'hooning' is not on my agenda (unless you include deserted dirt roads, then I might have a little fun, though not dangerous). The majority of driving I do is highway/rural roads between 60 and 110 km/h. The closest to stop start is the 10 minute drive (the way with the view :P) into town, with little traffic.

Also if I were to buy a LPG car, I will probably wish to remove the LPG system for extra boot space. Anyone know how much that may cost?

Thanks

[xisled]

With the v8 double the cost of the 6. Repairs maintance is double. Lol hooning on a deserted dirt road is just as bad as anywhere else, unless it is on private property, even then can be dangerous. As I said before you may think you won't hoon but when you got people egging you on all thought goes out the window.

[OffRoadFalcon]

Double huh? Can anyone else confirm this? (Don't want another thing with one person saying yes and the other saying no, and I become confuddled)

How about fuel consumption as I asked above? Websites indicate only 1 litre extra is used per 100kms. How about in approx. conditions I described?

I've driven a lot on dirt roads over the years on my uncle's farm, and driven every vehicle possible : combine harvesters, semis full of wheat, hayloaders, sprayer trailer towing, the F250, V8 NC Fairlane, HT KIngswood.......................... I still somehow feel more comfortable driving on dirt roads than tarmac (after doing all the driving I possibly can this past 10 months, well over 200 hours). I just feel that I 'know' the surface a little bit more. Understand how dirt surfaces affect a car a bit better. I find it more fun too, and just more pleasant! Obviously I still have a lot to learn yet though! I do not claim to be any expert at all.
It can be dangerous but you don't exceed the limit or your skill and keep control, it should be okay. I certainly haven't felt there's any more risk than driving in heavy traffic in a relaxed manner!

Challenge accepted! I've never been one to let peer pressure get the better of me. I don't care to look 'cool' or impress anyone. I've known people who've decision to act that has ended horribly. I don't want to do anything like it. I'll buy a rally car instead.
I love to drive, it may be slowly, or quickly, or simply relaxed, but I will never get bored. I'm as happy driving sedately on public roads as I am in a dusty paddock. I don't have any reason to want to endanger anyone or anything on a public road. It's just not the place for it.

[Ford_The_Win]

Go for the I6. You'll get good fuel economy with the I6 (8-9l/100 on the highway at least) but you won't get anywhere near that with the V8. The V8 is all well and good, but unless you're a 50 year old man that has to have a V8, don't get one, they are a thing of the past. Get the six.

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by Ford_The_Win

Go for the I6. You'll get good fuel economy with the I6 (8-9l/100 on the highway at least) but you won't get anywhere near that with the V8. The V8 is all well and good, but unless you're a 50 year old man that has to have a V8, don't get one, they are a thing of the past. Get the six.

and here i am thinking peeps dont go the V8 cos they cant afford the rego or fuel

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by Ford_The_Win

Go for the I6. You'll get good fuel economy with the I6 (8-9l/100 on the highway at least) but you won't get anywhere near that with the V8. The V8 is all well and good, but unless you're a 50 year old man that has to have a V8, don't get one, they are a thing of the past. Get the six.

That's what I was thinking. I've never been at all disappointed with the I6 in our AUII wagon, it sounds great, plenty of power, and great economy. Reliable as hell as well!

Originally Posted by pottery beige

and here i am thinking peeps dont go the V8 cos they cant afford the rego or fuel

Well, that and for me, the V8 really isn't that much more powerful (167 or 8 kw vs 175kw) than the six...

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Mr. Grinzy

How reliable is the 5.0?

the car will be a pile of rusted metal before the windsor even hints at getting tired. they are bullet proof if left untouched.

they are a very solid motor and will actually return fairly respectable fuel economy if driven normally. i would actually believe that they are only about 1L more thirsty. sounds about right to me. the windsor powered eb i had was highly modded so i can't really compare but even with aftermarket computer and 3.9 diff gears it still got nearly 500km to a tank, so a stock one would certainly do better.

there's no way maintenance costs would be anywhere near double. rego will be slightly dearer, insurance will be a fair bit dearer but maintenance wise will be almost the same. 2 extra spark plugs every 100000km (iridium). woop di doo.

if you find an 8 for similar money, go the 8. nothing like a LWB v8 cruiser.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Mr. Grinzy

That's what I was thinking. I've never been at all disappointed with the I6 in our AUII wagon, it sounds great, plenty of power, and great economy. Reliable as hell as well!



Well, that and for me, the V8 really isn't that much more powerful (167 or 8 kw vs 175kw) than the six...

Look again

killerwasps for show, newton metres for go........

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by prydey

the car will be a pile of rusted metal before the windsor even hints at getting tired. they are bullet proof if left untouched.

they are a very solid motor and will actually return fairly respectable fuel economy if driven normally. i would actually believe that they are only about 1L more thirsty. sounds about right to me. the windsor powered eb i had was highly modded so i can't really compare but even with aftermarket computer and 3.9 diff gears it still got nearly 500km to a tank, so a stock one would certainly do better.

there's no way maintenance costs would be anywhere near double. rego will be slightly dearer, insurance will be a fair bit dearer but maintenance wise will be almost the same. 2 extra spark plugs every 100000km (iridium). woop di doo.

if you find an 8 for similar money, go the 8. nothing like a LWB v8 cruiser.

Thanks for that! That's very helpful to know. Cruisin' is what it'll be for. If I find one I'll have a look.

Does anyone know about how much rego and insurance might be? Or would I have to enquire about that?

Originally Posted by flappist

Look again

killerwasps for show, newton metres for go........

Whoops, of course yes.

[Ford_The_Win]

Originally Posted by Mr. Grinzy

That's what I was thinking. I've never been at all disappointed with the I6 in our AUII wagon, it sounds great, plenty of power, and great economy. Reliable as hell as well!

Plus, the V8 doesn't really offer much of a performance advantage in the AU Fairlanes, not enough to justify the extra cost. The OHC 6 will get the Lane to 100 in about 8 seconds which is quick enough for somebody that has just got his licence.

[Drizz06]

Go the 8! My Au 5litre gave very similar fuel economy to my mum's Au six if driven easy.
However if you gave it the beans it was a whole different story, you'll see the fuel gauge drop lol but IMO its worth it.
I really miss my old 8.

[Buntz]

You've got taste Grinzy. AU Fairlane is what I wanted.

In fact I think Cars on Cook has one, a green one. Probably 1999. It's overpriced, but if you do your homework you might be able to bring him down. Although I don't know what condition it's in. Pretty sure it's a six.

But if you do buy an AU Fairlane I will be totally jealous. and may be inclined to cut you off if ever I see you. :P (j/k)

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by Ford_The_Win

Plus, the V8 doesn't really offer much of a performance advantage in the AU Fairlanes, not enough to justify the extra cost. The OHC 6 will get the Lane to 100 in about 8 seconds which is quick enough for somebody that has just got his licence.

I'll have to look into the extra costs and see whats best, but right now I'm thinking either engine should be just fine.

Originally Posted by Drizz06

Go the 8! My Au 5litre gave very similar fuel economy to my mum's Au six if driven easy.
However if you gave it the beans it was a whole different story, you'll see the fuel gauge drop lol but IMO its worth it.
I really miss my old 8.

The vast majority of the time it will be driven easy. Generally cruising at 60-110.

Originally Posted by Buntz

You've got taste Grinzy. AU Fairlane is what I wanted.

In fact I think Cars on Cook has one, a green one. Probably 1999. It's overpriced, but if you do your homework you might be able to bring him down. Although I don't know what condition it's in. Pretty sure it's a six.

But if you do buy an AU Fairlane I will be totally jealous. and may be inclined to cut you off if ever I see you. :P (j/k)

Haha! Thank you mate. How come you didn't get one then? Thanks for the tip! Might have to ride my bike down sometime and have a look. Everyones very busy here at the moment, little chance for me to get anywhere via car till the 10th.

Haha! I still haven't spotted you anywhere, seen a few other BA XTs with different wheels though!

[xisled]

If you want to find out the difference in insurance.

You can do an online quote takes around 10 minutes.

http://www.aami.com.au/

Here is AAMI web address. Pretty basic quoting system will give your price at the end.

Just do 2 quotes, 1 on a 8, 1 on a 6.

Ok I have a BA GT, this was my daily. Insurance cost, $1600 a year. Petrol use is around 15.5l/100ks. Maintenance is more expensive and these prices do not include labour as my brother is a mechanic. Front discs, $450 for mid-range discs and pads. Spark plugs from Repco $22 each $176 total, 5.5 litres of oil needed for service, Castrol edge 5 litres $75, 1 litre $30, filter $12. Radiator $400. Timing chain tensioner $400 for Kit, Quoted around $1200 from a mechanic for kit and install. Diff bush, Mechanic replaced $1100.

My old BA XT, insurance $750 a year, Petrol use was around 11l/100ks, front disc and brake pads $150, radiator $200, service cost was around $50 this included oil and filters. Spark plugs $18 each from Repco $108 in total. Nothing else went wrong.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Mr. Grinzy

Haha! Thank you mate. How come you didn't get one then? Thanks for the tip! Might have to ride my bike down sometime and have a look. Everyones very busy here at the moment, little chance for me to get anywhere via car till the 10th.

Haha! I still haven't spotted you anywhere, seen a few other BA XTs with different wheels though!

Because there wasn't one when I wanted one.

White BA XT, dark grey polished mags, green P's.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by xisled

Ok I have a BA GT, this was my daily. Insurance cost, $1600 a year. Petrol use is around 15.5l/100ks. Maintenance is more expensive and these prices do not include labour as my brother is a mechanic. Front discs, $450 for mid-range discs and pads. Spark plugs from Repco $22 each $176 total, 5.5 litres of oil needed for service, Castrol edge 5 litres $75, 1 litre $30, filter $12. Radiator $400. Timing chain tensioner $400 for Kit, Quoted around $1200 from a mechanic for kit and install. Diff bush, Mechanic replaced $1100.

My old BA XT, insurance $750 a year, Petrol use was around 11l/100ks, front disc and brake pads $150, radiator $200, service cost was around $50 this included oil and filters. Spark plugs $18 each from Repco $108 in total. Nothing else went wrong.

hardly relevant.

he's talking about AU not BA. the windsor won't need expensive plugs or oil or chain tensioners or any of the above. disc rotors and pads are the same as the 6 or very similar.

i stand by my comment that there would be very little difference in cost when comparing an AU 'lane 6 v 8.

[Drizz06]

Did 120 odd thousand K's in my Windsor without spending a cent apart from basic service parts.
Only expensive item was the leads.
Motor was as sweet as a nut! Not a leak or rattle in sight.

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by xisled

If you want to find out the difference in insurance.

You can do an online quote takes around 10 minutes.

http://www.aami.com.au/

Here is AAMI web address. Pretty basic quoting system will give your price at the end.

Just do 2 quotes, 1 on a 8, 1 on a 6.

Ok I have a BA GT, this was my daily. Insurance cost, $1600 a year. Petrol use is around 15.5l/100ks. Maintenance is more expensive and these prices do not include labour as my brother is a mechanic. Front discs, $450 for mid-range discs and pads. Spark plugs from Repco $22 each $176 total, 5.5 litres of oil needed for service, Castrol edge 5 litres $75, 1 litre $30, filter $12. Radiator $400. Timing chain tensioner $400 for Kit, Quoted around $1200 from a mechanic for kit and install. Diff bush, Mechanic replaced $1100.

My old BA XT, insurance $750 a year, Petrol use was around 11l/100ks, front disc and brake pads $150, radiator $200, service cost was around $50 this included oil and filters. Spark plugs $18 each from Repco $108 in total. Nothing else went wrong.

Thanks for that link mate. I got a quote for both the 8 and the 6, for third party property damage plus fire and theft coverage for my vehicle. The prices are $7 apart and very acceptable at $322 and $329. I assume there isn't any further cost here?

Thanks for that comparo there. Not really sure if it's totally applicable here though because the vehicles are quite different to what I'm looking at and each other.

Originally Posted by Buntz

Because there wasn't one when I wanted one.

White BA XT, dark grey polished mags, green P's.

Great, I'll make sure I'm the first one to cut the other off then kidding.

Originally Posted by prydey

hardly relevant.

he's talking about AU not BA. the windsor won't need expensive plugs or oil or chain tensioners or any of the above. disc rotors and pads are the same as the 6 or very similar.

i stand by my comment that there would be very little difference in cost when comparing an AU 'lane 6 v 8.

That's good to know. Have you owned one before?



Anyone else who has any information on V8 vs 6 and about the Windsor engine, I'd really appreciate the input!

Thanks guys

[XRGhia]

Honestly, an I6 Fairlane, even with it being an ex-taxi, has more then enough power for me.

So if I were you, get an I6 Fairlane. Or even get an AU I6 Fairmont (non-Ghia). It's lighter, and should save you a bit in fuel.

[MrEL]

Whoever says the AU 5.0 guzzles fuel and costs twice as much to maintain as the 6 obviously hasnt owned one.
Parts are as cheap as getting them from the states if you know what your after and where to get it from.
They use fuel when your up them for the rent but on open roads they use stuff all.
My missus's 5.0 Ghia Auto is good for 700km from a tank highway driving at a steady 110 and my manual 5.0 ute is good for 850km.
Start driving them and having fun and well I have managed to get my ute down to 250km from a tank before.
They are a good thing.

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by xrghiawagon

Honestly, an I6 Fairlane, even with it being an ex-taxi, has more then enough power for me.

So if I were you, get an I6 Fairlane. Or even get an AU I6 Fairmont (non-Ghia). It's lighter, and should save you a bit in fuel.

I agree, it has plenty of power for me. Where I drive, the difference in fuel consump. will be very little anyway. The V8 sound would be nice, but I'm plenty happy with the six.
Just from personal preferance I'd prefer a Fairlane... always liked them as well as wagons so I thought, why not?

Originally Posted by MrEL

Whoever says the AU 5.0 guzzles fuel and costs twice as much to maintain as the 6 obviously hasnt owned one.
Parts are as cheap as getting them from the states if you know what your after and where to get it from.
They use fuel when your up them for the rent but on open roads they use stuff all.
My missus's 5.0 Ghia Auto is good for 700km from a tank highway driving at a steady 110 and my manual 5.0 ute is good for 850km.
Start driving them and having fun and well I have managed to get my ute down to 250km from a tank before.
They are a good thing.

Thanks for that testimonial mate! If I end up with one I hope it's just like yours then!

Cheers guys.

[99AUXR]

Windsor is a good motor if you think you can afford the extra $$ in fuel and insurance do it. I think I saw someone mention VCT. VCT will drink close to what the Windsor will but will have similar power to the Intec. So either the OHC Intec or Windsor. Good luck.

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by 99AUXR

Windsor is a good motor if you think you can afford the extra $$ in fuel and insurance do it. I think I saw someone mention VCT. VCT will drink close to what the Windsor will but will have similar power to the Intec. So either the OHC Intec or Windsor. Good luck.

From what I know, the fuel shouldn't cost too much extra, being in an area without much stop-start driving at all, I don't think it would be an issue.
AU Fairlanes are only available with the VCT I6 or the Windsor V8, not the OHC Intec I6.
Cheers

[OffRoadFalcon]

Had a bit of a play around on photoshop this morning.

Guess this'd be what I'd do if I could get the 'perfect' Fairlane haha. Do like em in Regency red, but I'll take a good car in a different colour rather than a bad car in the right colour!

The image came from Wikipedia, was of a silver LTD. Turned the tailights back to Fairlane, ignore the LTD badge.
I'm not a big fan of the standard Fairlane wheels, bit bland IMO, and I'd prefer to stick with 16' for comfort, and lots of spokes being a luxury car I think it looks more... luxurious. So I decided S2 Fairmont/S3 Futura wheels suit it well. Then I'd make some better bigger mudflaps, light bar on the front, and UHF with aerial up the front too.

Probably most people here wouldn't be much of a fan. I don't even know why I like 16 inch wheels, mudflaps, lights and an aerial. Maybe it's got something to do with some of my family having a farm, we visit a fair bit (It's always been my favourite place, I used to get real upset when we had to come home!), and of course, they all have Fords (as well as Toyotas), 16s, mudflaps, lights, V8s or I6s, and aerials...

[OffRoadFalcon]

Can anybody recommend insurance companies for me to look into?

My parents are insured with RAC, but I just did a quote with them and they don't do the third party fire and theft insurance for my vehicle for vehicles worth less or more than $1000-$5000. It seems to reckon a Fairlane will be worth more.

[OffRoadFalcon]

No one knows of any?

So far the best for price I've found is AAMI...

[ultvict]

AAMI is cheapest but you pay for what you get.

When my car was fully hail damaged 2 years ago, it took 4 months until they finally decided to write it off. It took 1 month to be assessed, then 3 months of waiting, they kept changing their minds to repair it or write it off.

Its the only insurance I've claimed so I'm a bit one sided.

[Franco Cozzo]

I'm with Just Car Insurance, underwritten by AAMI anyways.

AAMI gave me a lot of hassles when I totalled my Focus.