Buying an AU XR6

Joes_meat · 14-11-2006, 12:44 PM

I'm thinking about selling my VS Commodore and buying a 5 speed AU XR6.

I was just wondering if there is anything I need to look out for?

For instance, I've been told the LSD diffs can be prone to failure.

How much do the XR6's go for? (Series 1's)

Thanks in advance,
Jake.

JC · 14-11-2006, 01:31 PM

Good decision. You are looking at anywhere from 8 to 12k for an AU1 XR6. While they are a good car, you would be better off getting a series 2 (only slightly more in price anyway). They come with bigger brakes for start, plus have most of the early "bugs" sorted out. No real problems with the LSD - it's not like it's a commodore IRS rear, where you end up scrubbing tyres!

You could always look at this "sticky" thread for common faults etc:
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=646

Joes_meat · 14-11-2006, 01:47 PM

Thanks for the quick reply.

I was thinking around 8 or 9 grand for private sale. (Especially after looking at my bank account.) Maybe a higher km series 2 over a series 1? Hmm...

Sapper · 14-11-2006, 01:55 PM

Its defniately worth going to a series 2 even with higher kays, if only for the better brakes.

sexy_xr6 · 14-11-2006, 02:07 PM

Dont buy a series 1. they are gross!!! I think the series one is the most disgusting thing ford ever did!!!!!

**DJM83** · 14-11-2006, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexy_xr6

Dont buy a series 1. they are gross!!! I think the series one is the most disgusting thing ford ever did!!!!!

Wrong, a nice S1 XR with full kit and 17's looks great. That said i had an SII XR 5 sp was a great car i loved it but it was short 2 cylinders

loxxr6 · 14-11-2006, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexy_xr6

Dont buy a series 1. they are gross!!! I think the series one is the most disgusting thing ford ever did!!!!!

I also have to disagree with that (S1 owner).

Mine has been next to no trouble at all. All the major problems have been self inflicted (eg doing a clutch at the drags).

Whilst the brakes are definately better on the series 2, for everyday road use the series 1 are fine. It's not like you can't buy better pads or rotors anyway.

poolkeeper · 14-11-2006, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexy_xr6

Dont buy a series 1. they are gross!!! I think the series one is the most disgusting thing ford ever did!!!!!

No, au1 are nice.

xr8ute · 14-11-2006, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexy_xr6

Dont buy a series 1. they are gross!!! I think the series one is the most disgusting thing ford ever did!!!!!

LOL...relax man, and be careful what you say.

There are more passionate AU XR series one owners on here than you could handle on your own.

Joes_meat, any reason you are not looking for an XR8?

sexy_xr6 · 14-11-2006, 03:29 PM

i was just having my say!! Just like everybody else does in this forum. I just don't like the look of the front end and that is it!

Sorry if i offended anyone!! But i didn't really mean it to be offensive!

james22 · 14-11-2006, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexy_xr6

i was just having my say!! Just like everybody else does in this forum. I just don't like the look of the front end and that is it!

Sorry if i offended anyone!! But i didn't really mean it to be offensive!

I wouldnt be too concerned, besides they dont know where you live lol... j/k

Welcome to the forums...

:

BTW: Go for the Series II, bigger brakes, probs sorted out, and the dash + interior is much nicer lookin IMO :evilsasmo

Joes_meat · 14-11-2006, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xr8ute

LOL...relax man, and be careful what you say.

There are more passionate AU XR series one owners on here than you could handle on your own.

Joes_meat, any reason you are not looking for an XR8?

I'd love an XR8, bit I think they'll be a bit out of my $8-9,000 price range.

GlennBA · 14-11-2006, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexy_xr6

i was just having my say!! Just like everybody else does in this forum. I just don't like the look of the front end and that is it!

Sorry if i offended anyone!! But i didn't really mean it to be offensive!

its ok.. i think most au owners prefer the look of the series 2/3 to the series 1 anyhow. You can do an AU1 up to look as good as a series 2 though quite easily.

Cooper69S · 16-11-2006, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joes_meat

I'd love an XR8, bit I think they'll be a bit out of my $8-9,000 price range.

when i bought my au i was looking for an xr8 but they were a bit more than i wanted to spend too... found an au2 ex-police v8 forte for $9500 - had extractors, exhaust, xr 17's and tickford suspension and only 130k - personally i prefer it to an xr6, but then a 6 was never an option. the standard (non xr) 8's and 6's are fairly close for fuel economy and performance but the 8 sound is unbeatable (check here if you need convincing) and the potential for power is very good.

Rob · 16-11-2006, 10:00 PM

Have you test driven an AU? It'll feel different to the VS, because 1st gear in Fords is extremely long, it'll feel a tad gutless till you hit 3000rpm~, unlike the early girl commos, which jump off the line like a jackrabbit. Never fear though, the Falcon 6 is FAR superior to the old rattlebox 3.8. 14's are quite acheivable with an AU - diff gears, stall, exhaust tune and intake.

EDIT: Sorry mate, I was talking about autos, I only just realised you meant a manual. I've been drinking, not really paying much attention to what I read/say/type. Struggling to contain spelling errors.

Joes_meat · 18-11-2006, 05:11 PM

I've driven my mates 5 speed EF XR6 and it's an absolute dream compared to my EF GLi auto. I really don't want another auto. But I've never driven an AU.

Are AUI's the ones with the clear covers over the headlights?

The difference in brakes doesn't really bother me with AUI, I'm pretty easy going on them - if there's a problem I'll just stick aftermarkets on.

5 speed XR6 or XR8 hmm... What sort of price difference would I be looking at?

GK · 18-11-2006, 05:56 PM

I might be mistaken, but isn't the only real discernible difference between S1 and S2 XR front is the one extra horizontal plastic piece on the grille. Perhaps a little different at the bottom too, not much though!

If the dude thinks that's all that makes a car go from gross to heaps better, he needs help! :evil_laug

Allow me to demonstrate!

S1, S2 & S3!

GK

STORKYGT · 19-11-2006, 11:11 PM

i have a 99 xr8 and i love it i had the chance to buy series 1,2,3 i chose the series 1 , it comes down to what people like !!!!!

XR8-260 · 19-11-2006, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GK

I might be mistaken, but isn't the only real discernible difference between S1 and S2 XR front is the one extra horizontal plastic piece on the grille. Perhaps a little different at the bottom too, not much though!

If the dude thinks that's all that makes a car go from gross to heaps better, he needs help! :evil_laug

GK

Most people would agree that even the slight differences such as the revised rear bumper on the AUII,III help with the rear image - making it less sad looking *literally*. But then again... Its all about what you like - people have difference tastes.

STORKYGT · 19-11-2006, 11:25 PM

the one thing i love about my car and most people agree is my twin rear spoiler i think it looks awsome .

GK · 20-11-2006, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexy_xr6

Dont buy a series 1. they are gross!!! I think the series one is the most disgusting thing ford ever did!!!!!

I agree the waterfall grille / baleen whale look of the front of the S1 was awful. The rear of the S1 needed tidying up also, which was done on the S2-3's.

However, the XR's were great. Not much difference between S1-3. The dude who posted this thread is after an XR!

That's the point I was making, you appear to have been making a comment about S1 cars in general, when he was wanting XR feedback. It's hardly fair to compare a S1 Forte front with the S1 XR front!

Hope that clears it up a bit! LOL!

GK