Which one would you buy?

[in_xcess]

I can do a deal in the next couple of days on one of two decent AUII's but can't split them.

Here's how they read:

Option 1
2001 AUII Fairmont Ghia 5.0L V8
One owner/deceased estate - full history
108,000kms
White with 16in factory rims
1 year warranty

Option 2
2000 AUII Fairmont Ghia 75th Anniversary VCT 6cyl
One owner/elderly - full history
136,000kms
Bronze with 17in Tickford rims
1 year warranty

I won't put prices so comments are based only on the merits of the car/s. Suffice to say Option 2 is $1,000 cheaper in changeover deal (should it be more?).

Don't leave comments saying 'buy a BA or FG...' as my mind is made up to get an AUII or III for short, mid and long term reasons.

Is a V8 a better option or as I have read here and elsewhere, do they need lots of aftermarket bits to get them truly performing to their potential? Will the 75th model have a degree of collect-ability down the track?

I'm not a hoon looking to stick XR stuff on them and won't be thrashing them. I'm looking for a daily cruiser as I do about 120kms a day and about 30-35,000kms per year so looking to convert to injection LPG is a big consideration.

Feedback?

[Iggypoppin']

Theres a debate? V8!

[smoo]

Both aren't quick, even for their day. A dirty old VN 3.8 will give them a run for their money.
I'd go V8 for future desirability/resale and the sound. The I6 are pretty agricultural but put out some decent numbers, and will be easier on the wallet but that's about it.

[gcg2503]

V8 > 75TH 6 Cylinder

[THE SLUG]

Well if you want the more economical one go for the six (dah)
But if that's not a concern definitely the V8

[XRGhia]

The VCT can use as much, if not more fuel then the V8...


Go with whichever you prefer....

[GTP 044]

V8 for the win!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gcg2503]

My AU II XR8 uses less fuel than my dads old AUII VCT Ghia

[z80]

The V8 and put vapour LPG injection on it.

[blackf6]

I would say if you are doing 35 000 km's a year go for the v8. But it would come down to running costs.

[galaxy xr8]

The V8 all the way.

[davenl5l]

go the v8 but demand new plugs as i have heard of these corroding in the head and snapping off when being changed ! dont know if you can use never sieze on them but if you can that should fix it for next time(talked to at least 4 owners who have had this problem)

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by davenl5l

go the v8 but demand new plugs as i have heard of these corroding in the head and snapping off when being changed ! dont know if you can use never sieze on them but if you can that should fix it for next time(talked to at least 4 owners who have had this problem)

That was a 3V BA problem wasn't it, not an AU problem?

[in_xcess]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

That was a 3V BA problem wasn't it, not an AU problem?

Plugs won't be a drama... corroding plugs would be the result of neglect... this car will be regularly serviced. If it takes platinums, I'll put those in it anyways.

[davenl5l]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

That was a 3V BA problem wasn't it, not an AU problem?

DOH!!!........brain fade sorry that will teach me not to come on half cut

[Elks]

V8 all day. The nice thing is it will sound good cruising.

[Bossxr8]

V8 any day of the week.

Especially such a low k one as option 1.

75th anniversary models will never be collectable, just like a 30th Anniversary EA.

Having a V8 will make it more collectable than a 6.

[Dilzzyy]

Definately the v8 . Lower kms too!

[Kryton]

Have you considered the difference in insurance costs?
How about the difference in servicing/running costs?

Neither will be collectable anyway - especially if your putting the Km's on them, so you dont need to worry about that.

[Windsor342ci]

IMO V8.
A little more torquey to when you need it.

[Powdered Toast Man]

Yep go the V8. More torque and refinement in the V8. The VCT 6 would be a nice drive too I suspect. Both engines should last 300,000kms if looked after.

If you want big performance from the 5.0L then yes you will need to throw some bolt ons on it. But the 175kw windsor is a nice daily cruiser standard. Will respond well to injected LPG too, but consider the distance you need to travel to recoupe the installation costs (with the kays you said you are doing I'd guess it would take 3-ish years with current prices, including rebate).

[mik]

the vct`s go well, probably not much difference in go i suspect, i bought an xr6 with vct and it`s been a great engine/great car and can really haul *** when required, but the v8`s do have a feel all their own, if i had a choice again it would be the v8.

[AU Mont]

having owned both my thoughts are..

the V8 will chew more fuel (suburban driving V8 - 14.5L+...... VCT - 13.2L). The VCT is HEAPS more forgiving than the V8 when driving with a heavy foot suburban & highway driving.

the VCT is a more revvy & responsive motor and goes better than the V8 in stock form (inc intake/exhaust mods). Mine was fantastic, and as the VCT model got 3.45 diff gears it just went that little more better again. The V8 got 3.23 diff gears.

The VCT models generally seem to be more reliable & motor easier to work on. My V8 has a rooted balancer & corroded (leaking) timing cover which seem to be common problems with the windsor aside from other things... ticking charcoal canister etc.

The V8 with a full aftermarket exhaust will make you forget my previous comments as the note is bliss, and pedestrians always look up to see what car is making that sweet note as you drive past, which makes the car just that little more special in the end... oh and i love the wood MOMO steering wheel which is standard in the 75th ghia's and optional in other fairmonts

[AU Mont]

i assume these are the cars?

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/de...94966210%20246

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/de...0%204294966210

the V8 ghia looks to have a big mark in the rear leather, possibly from babyseat? Also looks a bit funny is the ghia badge glued onto the front of the glovebox. Makes me think previous owner couldve been a young fella, and not the "elderly owner". Pay the 30 odd dollars and do a full history check.

Without any pics being shown on the other ad, id be more inclined to go the 75th ghia, even though it doesnt have that great sound

[Whoosha]

Daily on Gas V8 for me if they are the choices, on petrol there wouldn't be much in it but the 8 is always going to do it just a little easier

[FalconXR6]

A V8 Fairmont gets instant respect

If you're getting a Fairmont Ghia you MUST get one with a V8 in it !!!

[Grippy]

The windsor for the sound alone. My old XR6 VCT did like to chew through the fuel too.

[Till_Lind]

6. Better economy, lower rego and much better colour too.

[Mr Hardware]

that's a really tough call - the VCT will outlast the windsor, but with those low kays its likely the age will kill the car before the kays do.

i used to own a vct ghia, and it drank fuel way too much. i suppose if you're happy to have a fuel sucking monster, at least go with the sound and respect of the V8.

[pottery beige]

V8....