what has tempted you to stray from the Blue Oval

[Spotty]

Easy decision.

Bought a new BA XR8 in Dec 03 for $50k sold it in June 06 for $28k. $22k in depreciation in 28 months, never again. Depreciation has been an issue for lots of brands as well as ford.

In 48000ks I had replaced:

cylinder head
power steering pump
Diff
Auto
rear shockers
front end removed and spacers fitted
2 new front brake rotors
throttle control switch
timing chain lugs
and had a traction control problem at the time I sold it

Getting many of these problems fixed under warranty was like pulling teeth. No more blue oval for me. EVER.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Spotty

Easy decision.

Bought a new BA XR8 in Dec 03 for $50k sold it in June 06 for $28k. $22k in depreciation in 28 months, never again. Depreciation has been an issue for lots of brands as well as ford.

In 48000ks I had replaced:

cylinder head
power steering pump
Diff
Auto
rear shockers
front end removed and spacers fitted
2 new front brake rotors
throttle control switch
timing chain lugs
and had a traction control problem at the time I sold it

Getting many of these problems fixed under warranty was like pulling teeth. No more blue oval for me. EVER.

Sad to hear Spotty. Hopefully you'll find peace with a different brand. : (get a subaru maybe? )

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

A black Liberty GT is on the cards for me hopefully next year. If not,I'll pick up a cheap a55 AUII fairlane and pimp the 5hit out of it! :

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Barry_v

...a liberty is a mediocre drug dealers car at best, but more likely to be owned by a bored white collar office worker.

So what are you calling me Barry? e

I know what you are saying, and to a degree I agree with ya. You can make a Lib look pretty high class, or you can rice it. I prefer the former. But at the same time I need to show customers that I am for real in my professsion and I dont think they will understand if i rocked up to their place in fire breathing blown black ZC fairlane rollin on 24's even though that highly appeals.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by aualright

Liberty drivers appear to be the reincarnation of the Torana driver. That is, always up my clacker, thinking they are Peter Brock and on a mission to be the biggest ******** on the road.

Im still yet to see your 'clacker'.

While you may have experienced a few like that, that isnt the reputation of the majority of Lib drivers. Its more a nerd thing than a point to prove thing. If u kinda know what i mean. You have to own one and meet a few others that own one to fully know what I am talking about.

[YOOT]

Originally Posted by Envi XR8

Hi All,

I want to start by saying that I consider myself to be Blue Oval to the core. I have only ever owned Fords, and probably will only ever own Fords, but.....

A mate of mine dropped by tonight in one mean a$$ Commo, and I am talking TUFF!! Now this thing is loud, proud and overall not something to mess with, and to be completely honest, has been to only Holden that has made me think, "I'd own that!" Now I am not going to suddenly sell my beloved XR8 ute to buy a Commo, but jeez mate, if it was this car I saw tonight that was for sale, the decision to walk away would certainly be a difficult one.

My post is to find out if anything has come along that has tempted you to consider owning a Holden (or anything else for that matter) as opposed to owning a Ford? I don't want anyone to leave out anything, 4s, 6s, Rotaries anything.

I do have faith that if I was tempted so much by this type of muscle car, that I would hold off and try and find a Ford equivalent, so that my brand loyalty and personal preference was met. I believe that all fast cars, or perfomance vehicles should be appreciated and respected if they meet the expectations of what a performance car should be, but to be honest I never thought I could be so tempted by something from the dark side.

Cheers all,
Envi.

I have decided to walk away for many reasons so I'll be brief:

1. Build quality is a joke, for the money you pay I don't care how fast it goes, if its depressing to drive because somethign sqeaks constantly, something falls off, or vibrates, or frequently needs replacing, then it takes away from the other amazing atributes the car has.

2. Resale, never a strong point of any car but particularly bad for Ford products. So bad you wonder why you bothered in the first place and probably the biggest reason why i will never come back.

3. Value for money. Some may find this controversial but here goes, compared to cars like the new Toyota Camery, Subarus in general, Honda and Mazda (Ford owned though!) - Equipment, technology, features and therefore value is far better found in these marks then our local products. With the exception of performance and space/versatility, the Fords and Holdens just don't have it. The Territory is the best example of competing with the Foreign marks for nearly all the mentioned features, but still lacks in some key areas. Even if these areas are unimportant, it will still suffer from point 1 and 2. Ultimately ruining the enjoyment of owning the vehicle over a long time.

4. Common, like aresholes, everyone has one! They are so damn common, I no longer feel special. I don't want to standout driving down the street, but I don't want to drive a Taxi with a turbo either. Sure you can modify the car to make it induvidial but that just makes the owner look worse. Like saying "Look at me! I can't afford a flash car, so I have ruined an old **** one and pretend like its a thoroughbred." Credit where credits due of course, but have fun trying to sell it...

If you've read this far you are all probably wondering what I think a car should be that would not fall into any of the above 'Ford' pitfalls? Well yes I do personally have what I think is the ideal car, for me of course. And I consider that to be the 2007 Subaru Outback 3.0R. Dear, but no dearer than a Fairmont Ghia. Powerful, 180kw six. AWD that is far more capable than most owners would ever try end find out. Luxury and features that Aussie car makers don't offer, Like SI-Drive, Full sized sunroof designed for the car, not cut in afterwards at some approved shop by Ford. Quality, reliability, durabiliy, and class. And best of all, the highest resale of any car on our roads. Its not a big car, but since that requirement isn't one of mine, its not a downside!

There you have it! :

[blueoval]

I hear what you are saying YOOT. Great choice of future car and a nice diplomatic approach also. How it works out well for ya.

[I Wish]

Not to mention that gem of an engine in them.

[thunderoo]

I would never be tempted to buy any other vehicle for myself or family, the EL Falcon waggon (about to be fitted to gas next month) just clicked over 100,000. Basicly had it from scratch, all ive needed to buy for it has been tyres, and normal routine service work, its NEVER had any repair work done to it, no rattles, no squeeks, no annoying noises ect ect. and most importantly the wife is very happy with it. On the other hand "the toy" my XB GT 4 door replica, i have spent so much money that if i tryed to calculate the expense i knew it would take a long time to work out, and if i did im quite sure i couldve bought alot of these vehicles that you guys have been talking about. The 351 clevo with 487 horses at the flywheel that shakes...rattles....requires constant attension ( roller rocker ajustments, retesioning engine mount bolts ect ect ) squeeky front end after it rains, and constantly replacing standard parts that break all the time. Im a motor mechanic and LPG installer by trade and i get to see ALL makes and models close up. BUT i still have blue blood running in me as i would NEVER make any swap to ANY other car, yes the XB costs me money and requires CONSTANT attension, BUT i love it to deth...they will probably burry me in this car !!! Its almost to the point where i sometimes get biased ( in a nice way ) as i would never get into heated discusions between Ford and Holden, but i get to the point where i actually hate Holdens with a passion !! no mater what make or model it is !! In the end i say WHO CARES what every body else has got as im so happy with my cars that i would NEVER buy anything else. And by the way.....YES i have owned Holdens...Datsuns....Nissans....and errr.......Mitsubishits.

[pHaT`eL]

Id have to say for me a VW Bora or the new Jetta, i love the look of the Jetta, classy performance.

[cedric]

Originally Posted by HLC

VL Director
Ferrari F40, and the new F430
Aston Marton new DB9, or V8 vantage... ahhhh

how can you like posibly the sexiest car on the planet ,Aston Marton DB9,and a brutely UGLY heap of crap that VL holden lovers hate

[ClevlndStemer]

I'm waiting to see what orion offers in terms of quality, BA is just a shocker. Lease expires near in time for Orion so we'll see. Otherwise the Euro imports get my money.

[Sprint347]

i NEARLY sold up for a VY Clubsport....

[donno]

When I'm rolling in the doe one day, I'll be going for an Audi RS4. 310kw ~4.2L V8 which redlines at 8000rpm.... YES PLEASE!

[MAGPIE]

Originally Posted by Paris Hilton

God, why would anyone in thier right minds buy a WRX. They are horrible to look at, the interior is even worse, and they get thier asses handed to them in a straight line by anything with decent power, and around the corners by anything that is built even slightly for it. I've seen Peugeot 205 GTi's with 405 Mi16 engines in them run rings around them, both on and off the track, even 350 Chev powered Jags. They are fairly ****, and people cream thier pants over them. Some people need a reality check, and need to burn (with fire) the Fast and Furious DVDs.

: I think you need a reality check

[70caprigt3k]

Originally Posted by donno

When I'm rolling in the doe one day, I'll be going for an Audi RS4. 310kw ~4.2L V8 which redlines at 8000rpm.... YES PLEASE!

Thats the RS6 mate, the RS4 is a twin turbo 2.7L V6.

[S3SR]

ford should be worried.

anyways i own an AU3 SR, Dodge/Chrysler Charger RT and a valiant charger.

in all honesty id stay away from Ford altogether if i had the money, they arent worth the money, build quality is getting worse, power figures should be at the 1000kw std considering their past. i still love my AU to death

[new2ford]

I strayed TO Ford because of the Territory. I've driven some great wheels in other marques over 35 years but current offerings available in Australia are too bland for my liking - lack character. I'd go back to a Rangie if I was considering offroad again, but that is sort of Ford now. So stuck with Ford it is, the best value for money brand at present.

[donno]

Originally Posted by 70caprigt3k

Thats the RS6 mate, the RS4 is a twin turbo 2.7L V6.

Nope RS4, got the wheels article on my desk. http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/audi_rs4.asp ;)

[70caprigt3k]

Originally Posted by donno

Nope RS4, got the wheels article on my desk. http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/audi_rs4.asp ;)

Sorry mate you are correct i was thinking of the B5 platform which had the RS4 and RS6 with a 2.7L twin turbo V6 and 4.2L twin turbo V8 respectively but on the new B7 platform they have canned the RS6 and put the 4.2L V8 in the RS4 but left it N/A.

[BlueRaven]

Originally Posted by YOOT

I have decided to walk away for many reasons so I'll be brief:

1. Build quality is a joke, for the money you pay I don't care how fast it goes, if its depressing to drive because somethign sqeaks constantly, something falls off, or vibrates, or frequently needs replacing, then it takes away from the other amazing atributes the car has.

2. Resale, never a strong point of any car but particularly bad for Ford products. So bad you wonder why you bothered in the first place and probably the biggest reason why i will never come back.

3. Value for money. Some may find this controversial but here goes, compared to cars like the new Toyota Camery, Subarus in general, Honda and Mazda (Ford owned though!) - Equipment, technology, features and therefore value is far better found in these marks then our local products. With the exception of performance and space/versatility, the Fords and Holdens just don't have it. The Territory is the best example of competing with the Foreign marks for nearly all the mentioned features, but still lacks in some key areas. Even if these areas are unimportant, it will still suffer from point 1 and 2. Ultimately ruining the enjoyment of owning the vehicle over a long time.

4. Common, like aresholes, everyone has one! They are so damn common, I no longer feel special. I don't want to standout driving down the street, but I don't want to drive a Taxi with a turbo either. Sure you can modify the car to make it induvidial but that just makes the owner look worse. Like saying "Look at me! I can't afford a flash car, so I have ruined an old **** one and pretend like its a thoroughbred." Credit where credits due of course, but have fun trying to sell it...

If you've read this far you are all probably wondering what I think a car should be that would not fall into any of the above 'Ford' pitfalls? Well yes I do personally have what I think is the ideal car, for me of course. And I consider that to be the 2007 Subaru Outback 3.0R. Dear, but no dearer than a Fairmont Ghia. Powerful, 180kw six. AWD that is far more capable than most owners would ever try end find out. Luxury and features that Aussie car makers don't offer, Like SI-Drive, Full sized sunroof designed for the car, not cut in afterwards at some approved shop by Ford. Quality, reliability, durabiliy, and class. And best of all, the highest resale of any car on our roads. Its not a big car, but since that requirement isn't one of mine, its not a downside!

There you have it! :

This reminds me why I decided to take a step away from modern ford. I have an XB, which will be on the road soonish, and I have it for a very specific reason. I love its age, character and style.

But as a daily driver, we have an AU Falcon - which it turns out is a mistake. Many things have changed since we first bought that car, we stopped liking its newness, we started to dislike the look of AUs again, and the resale on them became terrible. Obviously there are more factors as well that shifted our opinion (build quality is a major concern).

Now owners of AUs that they want to sell are faced with a terrible problem - Why is anyone going to buy our car when a 2nd hand BA is only a few grand more?

If I had my choice, my next car would be a 2004 (or thereabouts) Subraru Liberty.

[Steffo]

Wouldn't be too hard to sway me from a Ford vehicle unless you gave me 70k and told me to buy a brand new car. That's the only price bracket in which Ford is truley unbeatable - F6 Typhoon.

I almost bought a Polo 1.9 TDI (and still want to) before my Fiesta Zetec, but the finance wasn't right.

[Steffo]

Originally Posted by 70caprigt3k

Thats the RS6 mate, the RS4 is a twin turbo 2.7L V6.

RS6 was a 331kW Twin Turbo 4.2 V8, and it didn't get close to 8000rpm.

RS4 used to be a 2.7 Twin Turbo V6 but now its got a 309kW 4.2 V8, N/A, that hits like... 8200rpm or something.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by BlueRaven

...If I had my choice, my next car would be a 2004 (or thereabouts) Subraru Liberty.

Great choice Blue Raven. :Reverend:

[drcook]

http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/09/audirs405_11.jpg

hot digidy !

[Smoked]

Seems the main sway of people is to Subaru Liberty's and Audi R series.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Smoked

Seems the main sway of people is to Subaru Liberty's and Audi R series.

Oh yes. I like hearing that!

[kyro_02]

Vlt !!!

[Spotty]

Originally Posted by Smoked

Seems the main sway of people is to Subaru Liberty's and Audi R series.

I switched from my bA xr8 to a new accord v6 euro . good performance, great build quality AND an alloy spare!!

[MoreHPformyXR6]

My BA XR6 Mk II & the great deal that came along with it caused my to sway from Holden. If Holden had had offered an equivalent great deal I could be in a VZ SV6 but there deal wasnt even in the same ballpark. It was a blessing they didnt im much prefer driving the BA than a VZ.