Which one to buy?

xyute · 21-09-2005, 07:26 PM

I Have to decide between four AU's. a 11/98 Fairmont fully optioned 97,000km's for $11,990. or one of three Futura's all made between 2000 and 2001 ( series 2? ) all with 130,000 +km's for the same price. Which is in your opinions the best buy? Are there any problems with the series 1? Are the any significant improvrments in the series 2 apart from some cosmetic changes?

Any feedback appreciated

Racecraft · 21-09-2005, 07:28 PM

THe brakes and front end geometry is a vast improvement from series 1 > II and III

That is worth a grand or two in handling comfort and peformance alone imho..

cArSiK · 21-09-2005, 07:34 PM

I agree. AU1's were great cars , but with every model the second / third series will allways get something new. In this case its the twin pot calipers and afew NVH changes like the firewall and better engine mounts for the I6. IMO it just makes it feel "newer" and heaps more refined to drive. Thats why i choose an AUII anyway :dj:

boodek · 21-09-2005, 07:56 PM

Keep looking around though - I've just bought a very good 08/02 AU3 Futura with 77,000km up - one local owner, country car etc. from the local Ford dealer for $13,500.

AU-MUSTD · 21-09-2005, 08:46 PM

I own a series one and dont have any dramas with the noise or brakes even towing 1500kg,s daily the brakes are great. The fairmont sounds pretty cheap for those kays.

jonbays · 21-09-2005, 08:47 PM

AUII just for the brakes and better sound deadening.

Shop around more and you'll get a fairmont AUII which have all the gear and are nicer as a family car. high k's and a country car is OK avoid high k city cars if you can.