Weighing up buying Ecoboost or XR6

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by davenl5l

yep gotta love the internet and cheap air fares plus you get to drive it home!

While test driving the Ford Falcon EcoBoost asked the young lass in the car why the big price difference between Queensland and other States. According to her it was the fact that they had to be transported here, and the registration costs in Queensland etc.

To be frank, I can see how that would amount to anywhere near a $5,000 difference. For example, I've found quotes for transporting a car from Melbourne to Brisbane which are only about $660.

She went on to say that the boss had to let some deals go because he couldn't match what dealers in Victoria were willing to take for a comparable vehicle.

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by superfly

When I bought my XR50 last year (brand new though), the Ecoboost wasn't available so it was an easier choice. If it had been available I would have strongly considered it due to the cheaper rego bill. But personally I love the look of the XR over the normal ones. So I'd probably would've still have gotten a XR.

As for insurance, I'm not sure if the Ecoboost is more expensive to insure than my XR50 for which I pay $500 per year.

Either way both are great cars

On the weekend I ran quotes online with Budget Direct: $535 for the Ford Falcon G6 EcoBoost, almost a $100 more for the XR6, and $5 more for the standard XT. Of course, as others have stated, it depends on a whole range of conditions, such as age, any claims etc., however, $500 for your XR50 sounds like a really good deal mate.

By the way, took a look at the XR50 on Carsales.com. That's a really nice looking car.

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by gtfpv

mate . you'd be mad not to buy the 2010 xr6 for almost 10 g's cheaper . if you were looking at new for new , than it would come down to xr6 or g64 .

Nah...I'm too cheap to buy a new car...grin...can't live with that 20%+ loss the first time you drive it away.

To be frank, I'm seriously considering buying an XR6 if I can get it for a low enough price. True, it would be around $1000 extra each year out of my pocket, but as you point out 10 g's not spent.

I could enjoy driving the XR6 while I wait and see what happens with the pricing on the various EcoBoosts that Ford brings out. Build up the bank balance, and go shopping again end of 2013 or 14, depending on how things go in the market.

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by grey_esp

I just went through this myself, comparing G6, G6EB and XR6 all MKIIs tst drove them one after the other on the same loop...I bought the 6cyl G6. Reason was towing, it felt easier to drive ( like it did everything esier, but not by much) it was the same price and it only had 1500kms where the EB had 6000km i think and Im not sure how resale is going to go with the EB cars. Im very happy with it. Only had it a week tho.

Wasn't too concerned myself about the resale side of it, even though you are right when you say it is an unknown. I'll be surprised if, as people catch on to the fact that they can "have their cake and eat it" so to speak, large car with the power of a 6 but the fuel economy of a 4, popularity doesn't rise. No, the main thing for me was the driving experience, just didn't grab me like the XR6.

When I sat in the Ford Falcon EcoBoost G6 I never felt connected with the car. Struggled to find a comfortable driving position. The car seemed totally indifferent to my existence. But the moment I sat in the XR6, what a different story it was.

I felt like the car had thrown its arms around me, given me a big hug, and basically said "Welcome home! I missed you!" For the entire time it never let go, held me tight no matter how hard I took a corner, or number of times I went round and round the same round-a-bout...grin.

So now I feel caught between doing the sensible thing, and what I obviously really want to do, by a damn XR6 and to hell with concerns about things like resale values.

[johnsmith]

Do it mate, you only live once, so go get the one you really want!

I too was faced with the decision a few months ago of ecoboost vs xr6 vs g6 etc... and im so glad i bought the XR6 4.0 litre I6.. Brilliant engine and package.

Still get a grin on my face whenever i have to take it for a spin..

[superfly]

Originally Posted by Solomonkane

On the weekend I ran quotes online with Budget Direct: $535 for the Ford Falcon G6 EcoBoost, almost a $100 more for the XR6, and $5 more for the standard XT. Of course, as others have stated, it depends on a whole range of conditions, such as age, any claims etc., however, $500 for your XR50 sounds like a really good deal mate.

By the way, took a look at the XR50 on Carsales.com. That's a really nice looking car.

Thanks mate Mine is insured with RACQ. Interesting that the XR6 is dearer to insure than the Ecoboost.

The XR50 was good value and has great features.

Keep us posted with what you decide on. Good luck.

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by johnsmith

Do it mate, you only live once, so go get the one you really want!

I too was faced with the decision a few months ago of ecoboost vs xr6 vs g6 etc... and im so glad i bought the XR6 4.0 litre I6.. Brilliant engine and package.

Still get a grin on my face whenever i have to take it for a spin..

You sir are a bad influence!

But that's really good actually because you're telling me what I want to hear...grin. My Line Manager too is telling me to not do the sensible thing for once and just go for it.

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by superfly

Thanks mate Mine is insured with RACQ. Interesting that the XR6 is dearer to insure than the Ecoboost.

The XR50 was good value and has great features.

Keep us posted with what you decide on. Good luck.

I am guessing one of the reasons might be because the XR6 is a sports model.

Going to take a look at some XR6s tomorrow or Saturday at two different dealers. One has 2011s with $23,990 on the window, the other 2010s with a sticker price of $19,990. As has been pointed out previously the $19,990 ones are mostly ex-rentals, so a more risky prospect. However, am I wrong to think that as they still have factory warranty, arranging for a full RACQ check, or a full check by my mechanic, would be enough to offset any added risk?

I mean, I know ex-rentals and ex-fleet might have been roughly treated, the former more likely than the latter, but does that have to be an automatic deal breaker? Or does it simply mean more due diligence is required to manage the risk? After all, we can never eliminate completely the risk in buying either used or new, but only reduce it to the level that suits our personal threshold right?

There are pros and cons to buying new, ex-demo, and used. The arguments for and against seem reasonable to me. So in the end we have to decide for ourselves what we are comfortable with. For example, even when I become a millionaire - yes, I know I wrote "when"...grin - I highly doubt I will ever buy a brand new car. However, I'm all for others buying brand new cars, I respect their position, each to their own; besides, if they don't buy brand new cars there will be nothing for me to buy later....smile.

Some people won't touch an ex-demo with a bar pole, others reject even the thought of buying a used car. In the end, I think that whether we prefer to buy new, ex-demo, or previously owned cars; from dealers, auctions, through brokers, or from private sellers; via finance, lease, or outright purchase; all of these approaches to car buying are equally valid. Providing the rationale for our position is perfectly reasonable, arguing that the other positions are at best inferior, or at worst stupid, is not.

Well enough early morning philosophizing, time to get some work done. Once again thank you to everyone for the interest, useful input, and enjoyable exchanges of views. This Ford Community is so impressive. I was telling my workout partner last night just how amazingly respectful and positive I've found the members of this forum to be. My experience so far interacting with the members of this community is what I wish all forums provided. I think we have something really special here; or perhaps that is just the common nature of Ford owners...smile.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by Solomonkane

I am guessing one of the reasons might be because the XR6 is a sports model.

Going to take a look at some XR6s tomorrow or Saturday at two different dealers. One has 2011s with $23,990 on the window, the other 2010s with a sticker price of $19,990. As has been pointed out previously the $19,990 ones are mostly ex-rentals, so a more risky prospect. However, am I wrong to think that as they still have factory warranty, arranging for a full RACQ check, or a full check by my mechanic, would be enough to offset any added risk?

I mean, I know ex-rentals and ex-fleet might have been roughly treated, the former more likely than the latter, but does that have to be an automatic deal breaker? Or does it simply mean more due diligence is required to manage the risk? After all, we can never eliminate completely the risk in buying either used or new, but only reduce it to the level that suits our personal threshold right?

There are pros and cons to buying new, ex-demo, and used. The arguments for and against seem reasonable to me. So in the end we have to decide for ourselves what we are comfortable with. For example, even when I become a millionaire - yes, I know I wrote "when"...grin - I highly doubt I will ever buy a brand new car. However, I'm all for others buying brand new cars, I respect their position, each to their own; besides, if they don't buy brand new cars there will be nothing for me to buy later....smile.

Some people won't touch an ex-demo with a bar pole, others reject even the thought of buying a used car. In the end, I think that whether we prefer to buy new, ex-demo, or previously owned cars; from dealers, auctions, through brokers, or from private sellers; via finance, lease, or outright purchase; all of these approaches to car buying are equally valid. Providing the rationale for our position is perfectly reasonable, arguing that the other positions are at best inferior, or at worst stupid, is not.

Well enough early morning philosophizing, time to get some work done. Once again thank you to everyone for the interest, useful input, and enjoyable exchanges of views. This Ford Community is so impressive. I was telling my workout partner last night just how amazingly respectful and positive I've found the members of this forum to be. My experience so far interacting with the members of this community is what I wish all forums provided. I think we have something really special here; or perhaps that is just the common nature of Ford owners...smile.

Good luck with it... I know the 2011 cars are mostly ex rentals as well so just be careful. With the renter cars you do need to do more due diligence, alot of them have had irreparable damage done to the paint as hertz etc uses automatic brush car washes to clean them after every use. Dealers solve this by using polishes full of fillers so while they look good when you pick them up about 3 washes later they look terrible! The other thing to watch with them is servicing... alot of them havent been serviced on time or at all. Check the owners manual because your Ford warranty may not be worth the paper its written on if they have not had every 15,000 km service stamped. Also check the tyres, most of the time they land at the dealers with stuffed tyres, so the dealers put the cheapest tyres on the market on them... try and find one with the original Dunlop SP's.

If your hell bent on buying a used one I would be going to the auctions if I were you. You will save yourself another 4 - 5 kay, just make sure you get one with a full service history that's still in warranty.

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Good luck with it... I know the 2011 cars are mostly ex rentals as well so just be careful. With the renter cars you do need to do more due diligence, alot of them have had irreparable damage done to the paint as hertz etc uses automatic brush car washes to clean them after every use. Dealers solve this by using polishes full of fillers so while they look good when you pick them up about 3 washes later they look terrible! The other thing to watch with them is servicing... alot of them havent been serviced on time or at all. Check the owners manual because your Ford warranty may not be worth the paper its written on if they have not had every 15,000 km service stamped. Also check the tyres, most of the time they land at the dealers with stuffed tyres, so the dealers put the cheapest tyres on the market on them... try and find one with the original Dunlop SP's.

If your hell bent on buying a used one I would be going to the auctions if I were you. You will save yourself another 4 - 5 kay, just make sure you get one with a full service history that's still in warranty.

Thanks so much mate! Some genuine gems in what you wrote, things that had never occurred to me, and which for that matter I have not seen in articles or books about buying used vehicles. Being careful is one thing, knowing what to look for when being careful an entirely different matter.

When I buy a used motorbike I use a checklist for inspections. I'm going to create one before I visit to inspect these XR6s; I'll definitely include the things you have listed here.

Thanks again mate, really appreciate your passing on these exceptionally useful tips.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Here's a quick list

- Paint, inspect paint and feel it for overspray. Look at front and rear bumper closely, most ex rentals have to have these painted due to people not being careful.
- Check wheels for scrapes / damage.
- Check the car in the sun for paint variance / heavy swirls from auto washes.
- Check engine bay for cleanlyness.
- Check under the front bar to make sure it has no damage.
- Check underneath for dirtiness (car been used offroad) etc. People trash rentals!
- Check interior for smoking.
- Make sure it has a spare key.
- Check spare tyre.
- Check windscreen for pitting / damage.
- Check headlights for pitting / damage.
- Check Service records.
- When test driving check for brake shudder (when braking you will feel a pulse through the steering wheel / pedal).

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

If your hell bent on buying a used one I would be going to the auctions if I were you. You will save yourself another 4 - 5 kay, just make sure you get one with a full service history that's still in warranty.

Regarding auctions, I've been keeping an eye on offerings but haven't seen much of late. Just checked again now and only Pickles seems to have an XR6 that would still have warranty, is at least an acceptable color, and comes with a full service history. Of course that assumes the factory warranty is not voided by it being sold at auction; I believe that some manufacturer's have a clause that does not permit transfer of warranty when auctioned, though not 100% certain if that is the case.

I love auctions, used to go to them on a regular basis until I accepted my current position; don't have the time anymore sadly. However, I have never purchased a car via an auction. To be frank for me the level of risk seems higher than I would be comfortable with for the following reasons:

• Unless there is a fixed price you can't test drive them;
• You can't have them fully inspected by RACQ or your mechanic. I know my limitations, and assessing the mechanical condition of a car is well beyond me. Of course I could take my mechanic with me, but I'd have to pay him, and that would be quite expensive if as I expect I need to go to more than one auction before I get the right car;
• Not sure if you can start the car, if you can't, then a real issue when it comes to buying via an auction;
• Statutory Warranty is not applicable. Though not an issue if under factory warranty as you suggest.
• A lot of the cars I've seen offered in auctions are ex-fleet and ex-rental.

Based on my previous experience with auctions, there is the other issue of the uninformed bidder. I always visited the auction the day before to examine what I was interested in bidding on. Then that night I'd research retail prices, use prices, what was selling what was not. By the time the auction started I knew exactly what my maximum bids were. And many times I'd miss out on items because others ended up bidding more than the item cost brand new from a shop!

There seems to me to be a reasonable chance of taking time off from work to go to the Pickles auction to bid on the single XR6, only to have an uninformed person bid more than I know I can get a comparable vehicle for from a dealer. Or, the interest is strong and it goes for a few thousand less than the dealer's sticker price. In the past when buying a used car in the first hour of negotiations I've seen at least $2,000 to $3,000 come off the price on the car window. Also, I've had success in negotiating for 12 month's registration, and other extras to sweeten the deal. All depends of course on how motivated the dealer is to sell at the time. My point is though that I think it is more likely I'll potentially save more with a dealer, which is why I've had less interest in car auctions.

Now having written all that I am not suggesting that car auctions are a bad idea, far from it. For some people they can be an excellent way to buy a car. One of my friends bought his car that way, saved a lot of money, and is still happily driving it today. Just sharing why I'm not going that route.

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Here's a quick list

- Paint, inspect paint and feel it for overspray. Look at front and rear bumper closely, most ex rentals have to have these painted due to people not being careful.
- Check wheels for scrapes / damage.
- Check the car in the sun for paint variance / heavy swirls from auto washes.
- Check engine bay for cleanlyness.
- Check under the front bar to make sure it has no damage.
- Check underneath for dirtiness (car been used offroad) etc. People trash rentals!
- Check interior for smoking.
- Make sure it has a spare key.
- Check spare tyre.
- Check windscreen for pitting / damage.
- Check headlights for pitting / damage.
- Check Service records.
- When test driving check for brake shudder (when braking you will feel a pulse through the steering wheel / pedal).

Brilliant! Thanks for that mate, greatly appreciated.

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

If your hell bent on buying a used one...

Grin...I wish I was hell bent on buying something, this uncharacteristic indecisiveness is frustrating the hell right out of me.

[Solomonkane]

Quick update. Rang the dealer and the 2011s are ex-fleet. They were leased, I think to Ford employees but need to check that, for 1 year. If time permits will take a look this afternoon and let you know what they are like.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by Solomonkane

Quick update. Rang the dealer and the 2011s are ex-fleet. They were leased, I think to Ford employees but need to check that, for 1 year. If time permits will take a look this afternoon and let you know what they are like.

Is that Byrne Ford?

They seem to get some of the EX ford fleet ones.

There's a really helpful used salesman at Metro Ford in the valley too... I have spoken to him a few times and he would even buy the car you wanted at the next Ford auction (ex company car) if it was in your budget.

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Is that Byrne Ford?

They seem to get some of the EX ford fleet ones.

There's a really helpful used salesman at Metro Ford in the valley too... I have spoken to him a few times and he would even buy the car you wanted at the next Ford auction (ex company car) if it was in your budget.

Yes, spot on mate, it's Byrne Ford, the one at Kedron. The guy I spoke to, Nelson, said their agent got them from the most recent Ford Auction.

I'll visit the Metro Ford Valley website later see what they have. That's a great thing, him being willing to buy at the Ford auction.

[4stanger]

In 2002 I bought a 'programmed falcon' (for whatever that meant) it had a 40000km and 15 months of warranty and scheduled free servicing for which I squeezed 2 free services.
It probably was a rental, but it was easily $10000 + cheaper than the new current shape AU3 at the time so I had the impress the neighbors look. I had no real big troubles at all with this car, this could be due to the fact that the Falcons are a very reliable car of that era, you only had to look at the taxi ranks for proof! I still regret trading this car for an outlander(wifes car) for the 'minimum trade of $3k'. If the FG has that Taxi proof reliability still with it, you would have just about no problems with the history of any FG.
IMHO if I was mainly putting around the city, get the ecoboost;)

[davenl5l]

this is in qld http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11383963

[Solomonkane]

Thanks again everyone for the help provided. Wanted to update all of you regarding my progress thus far.

Test drove two of the XR6s at Byrne Ford on Thursday. Both had various causes for concern, so decided against them. Did the rounds today, and one of the dealerships I visited turned out to be my organization's preferred Suzuki supplier. The only reason I found out was because I was wearing a cap with our organization's name and logo on it. Got introduced to the guy who deals with our fleet manager, and had a really interesting chat with him. He gave me what I think is some rather good advice.

1. Ask my Fleet Manager who our preferred suppliers are for different models. Then contact them and explain that my Fleet Manager suggested I see them about a car. According to him I will get a much better deal, and better treatment, than I would as just another buyer walking in off the street so to speak.

2. Get them to agree to let me test drive the Ford Falcon EcoBoost for at least a whole day. The idea being that a 10 to 15 minute test drive isn't going to be long enough for me to figure out if this is a car I'm going to be happy driving for the next 3 to 5 years.

3. Do however many test drives I need to in order to find the car that is right for me, however, wait until January to buy. According to him prices are going to drop significantly in January, particularly the 2012 models, so there will be more near new and ex-demo cars on offer.

More than once he recommended taking another look at the Ford Falcon EcoBoost. I think it's pretty good when a salesman for a rival manufacturer is so willing to put a customer first that he will encourage them in the direction of a competitor's vehicle. Will certainly be telling our Fleet Manager on Monday how good this guy was.

Another new development happened late Friday afternoon. A while back I contacted our organization's preferred supplier for salary sacrificing arrangements asking for a quote on leasing a car to see if it was worthwhile or not. I confess I just wasn't able to wrap my head around it, mainly due to the fact that I have dyslexia and dyscalculia.

The representative was having no success in demonstrating how I would be better off financially, he just made it seem even more complicated. So Friday morning I sent him an email basically saying thanks but no thanks, just too complicated and confusing, so I was giving up on the idea.

When I was leaving work, big surprise, received a call from the CEO of the company himself concerned that I'd been given the impression that it was so complicated. He offered to personally go through the numbers with me next week when it suited me, convinced he will be able to clearly and simply show that I'll be far better off financially if I lease rather than buy the car. Talk about service! I find that pretty impressive.

I'll be going through the process with him next week to crunch the numbers. If he can prove to me that a Fully Maintained Novated Lease will save me money, then I'll lease rather than buy. Don't get me wrong though, I'm no innocent abroad. I've done a lot of reading on the subject, the various advantages and drawbacks, and the traps to be wary of, and I'll have my accountant go over any offer before I even consider signing on the dotted line. However, it is appealing as it would give me a bigger budget to play with, and therefore make getting a car a lot easier.

So, will definitely not be buying anything until January, and will be test driving the Ford Falcon EcoBoost again before then. Will most likely take another run at the Ford Mondeo EcoBoost too.

Hope the leasing option turns out to be a winner. If it does I will be able to use some of the money I was going to have to spend on the car to buy a Honda Magna 750 instead! Rode one for years when living in Seoul South Korea; made the mistake of selling it instead of shipping it home when I returned to Australia. Super popular in the States, unfortunately never took off in Australia, instead it was the Honda Shadow which I find a seriously underpowered ride. My previous bike was a Yamaha FJ1300, but from the first moment I rode the Magna I knew that this was, and would always be, MY bike. Low center of gravity, a full on muscle bike, comfortable for long rides, brilliant for scratching, and drop dead gorgeous from either side due to the dual exhaust system. Would love having a car and bike again, truly the best of both worlds. Here's hoping!

[usernametaken]

I have a fully novated lease that I just signed on for my missus as her daily (Dualis Ti-L)

You really need to see what your pay out figure is at the end of the lease and comapre it to cars that are of the same age. EG. a three year lease vs. what 3 year old cars are selling for on the net.

Some you can actually make money on.

The big thing with Novated Leases is that you are saving 30 cents on the dollar straight up as a portion comes from your gross pay (ie before you pay tax)

This limits your taxable income.

The other thing is the GST component on the car is wiped.

The crappy thing is that it takes a chunk of your pay BUT that chunk covers everything - fuel tyres etc...

What you need to do is work out just how much you spend every week on your current car and include everything that would be included in the lease. (insurance, fuel, rego...) this makes it easier to compare with the lease

Just be aware that there are no 3 year old ecoboosts on the market so you are taking a bit of a risk, however, you can just hand back your car atthe end and get a new one...

[Resurrection]

Originally Posted by Solomonkane

Hello everyone!

Brand new to the site, and looking for information and advice regarding the XR6 and the Ecoboost.

I’ve been driving a Ford Falcon GLi for years now but finally the mechanic has said the car must go; oil leak requiring the head to be removed to fix, water leak, and the automatic transmission slipping at random times.

Test drove an XR6 yesterday and absolutely loved it! Dealer has a bulk lot of XR6 Sport Falcon 2010s on offer right now. Sticker price $19,730, average ks 50,000 to 70,000, 6 speed automatics, full electrics, and balance of new car warranty. Like the idea of the Ecoboost; not only the cost savings, but also I would expect resale to be much better for a 4 cylinder in the future. Best sticker price I've seen so far in Brisbane is $28,990, for a 2012 with less than 3000 ks.

Would appreciate hearing from any of you who have seen better pricing, especially on the Ecoboost. The more information I have the more I have to work with when I sit down to negotiate the deal. For example, if I remember correctly, read a posting elsewhere today about someone buying a demo Ecoboost for around $27,000 with 3 years free servicing.

What I'm thinking at the moment is it might be best to negotiate best deal possible on an XR6, and drive that for a few years until we see where resale values go on the Ecoboost. Based on how far I drive each year I am looking at somewhere in the region of only $600 to $700 extra in fuel costs annually if I go with the XR6.

Interested in your thoughts. Thanks in advance for any advice and information you provide,

Regards,


Solomon Kane.

XR6 with EcoLPI - power and cheaper running costs.

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by usernametaken

I have a fully novated lease that I just signed on for my missus as her daily (Dualis Ti-L)

You really need to see what your pay out figure is at the end of the lease and compare it to cars that are of the same age. EG. a three year lease vs. what 3 year old cars are selling for on the net. The big thing with Novated Leases is that you are saving 30 cents on the dollar straight up as a portion comes from your gross pay (ie before you pay tax)
The crappy thing is that it takes a chunk of your pay BUT that chunk covers everything - fuel tyres etc...What you need to do is work out just how much you spend every week on your current car and include everything that would be included in the lease. (insurance, fuel, rego...) this makes it easier to compare with the lease. Just be aware that there are no 3 year old ecoboosts on the market so you are taking a bit of a risk, however, you can just hand back your car atthe end and get a new one...

Thanks for the advice mate; hadn't thought of comparing it to cars of the same age, though as you rightly point out there are no 3 year old EcoBoosts yet. As for the chunk of pay, that's what the CEO was saying, that there was nothing more for me to pay for running the car, and that I'd also effectively be getting my petrol cheaper because I was using pre-tax dollars to pay for it.

Actually, I'm already on Salary Sacrifice. Each fortnight they subtract a set amount from my salary before it is paid so I am taxed on a lower amount. Then the next day that money is paid into my bank account. All I have to do is make sure I pay my credit card in full each month, and keep them provided with 12 month's worth of credit card statements. If I lease a car that amount will be roughly about half what I am getting now.

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by Resurrection

XR6 with EcoLPI - power and cheaper running costs.

A few others have suggested that option too. The thing is I only do about 12,000km a year, and not a lot of that is highway driving, so the savings might not be there for me.

[XR6TCraig]

Go the ecoboost.

Cheaper to run, register and it will have the better warranty being a new one, obviously.

[Resurrection]

Originally Posted by Solomonkane

A few others have suggested that option too. The thing is I only do about 12,000km a year, and not a lot of that is highway driving, so the savings might not be there for me.

It will take you longer but eventually the you will end up in front with the EcoLPI. Test drive one and you will be impressed.

[XtRmn8]

Be careful about late 2011 builds that are being sold as ford demos. While looking for an FG XR6T recently I came across some well priced late 2011 FGs that were ex ford and many were hail damage repaired. The ones I saw were all registered in feb 2012.

[Solomonkane]

Originally Posted by XtRmn8

Be careful about late 2011 builds that are being sold as ford demos. While looking for an FG XR6T recently I came across some well priced late 2011 FGs that were ex ford and many were hail damage repaired. The ones I saw were all registered in feb 2012.

Thanks mate. One of the reasons I passed on some of the XR6s I looked at was what appeared to me to be a dodgy use of touch up paint to cover something up. Just a little spot here and there that you might miss if you weren't looking for it.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by Solomonkane

Thanks mate. One of the reasons I passed on some of the XR6s I looked at was what appeared to me to be a dodgy use of touch up paint to cover something up. Just a little spot here and there that you might miss if you weren't looking for it.

The hail repaired ones are miles better then buying a used car... Most of the melb Christmas 2011 hail damaged ones had very light hail... Some cars only had 4 - 5 dints. It's the ones that were damaged a few weeks ago in qld that I would be staying clear of.

[fanboi]

Originally Posted by Solomonkane

I am guessing one of the reasons might be because the XR6 is a sports model.

Going to take a look at some XR6s tomorrow or Saturday at two different dealers. One has 2011s with $23,990 on the window, the other 2010s with a sticker price of $19,990. As has been pointed out previously the $19,990 ones are mostly ex-rentals, so a more risky prospect. However, am I wrong to think that as they still have factory warranty, arranging for a full RACQ check, or a full check by my mechanic, would be enough to offset any added risk?

I mean, I know ex-rentals and ex-fleet might have been roughly treated, the former more likely than the latter, but does that have to be an automatic deal breaker? Or does it simply mean more due diligence is required to manage the risk? After all, we can never eliminate completely the risk in buying either used or new, but only reduce it to the level that suits our personal threshold right?

There are pros and cons to buying new, ex-demo, and used. The arguments for and against seem reasonable to me. So in the end we have to decide for ourselves what we are comfortable with. For example, even when I become a millionaire - yes, I know I wrote "when"...grin - I highly doubt I will ever buy a brand new car. However, I'm all for others buying brand new cars, I respect their position, each to their own; besides, if they don't buy brand new cars there will be nothing for me to buy later....smile.

Some people won't touch an ex-demo with a bar pole, others reject even the thought of buying a used car. In the end, I think that whether we prefer to buy new, ex-demo, or previously owned cars; from dealers, auctions, through brokers, or from private sellers; via finance, lease, or outright purchase; all of these approaches to car buying are equally valid. Providing the rationale for our position is perfectly reasonable, arguing that the other positions are at best inferior, or at worst stupid, is not.

Well enough early morning philosophizing, time to get some work done. Once again thank you to everyone for the interest, useful input, and enjoyable exchanges of views. This Ford Community is so impressive. I was telling my workout partner last night just how amazingly respectful and positive I've found the members of this forum to be. My experience so far interacting with the members of this community is what I wish all forums provided. I think we have something really special here; or perhaps that is just the common nature of Ford owners...smile.

its all about statistics, a hoon kid is more likely to buy an xr than an ecoboost and smash it