What to buy after 97 EL Futura

[gilbertthegreat]

Gidday

I've owned a 97 Futura EL wagon for the past 9 years.

She's done me proud, but the repairs are almost ongoing, so now is the time for me to update.

I hear the AU's were terrible, but have heard good things about the BA's.

Was wondering if anyone can offer me advice on what to get?

My budget is between $5000-10000, and she has to be a wagon. I would prefer LPG too.

Any ideas on what's good that fits that criteria?

Thanks for your time and help.

Shaun

[Paxton]

AUs aren't terrible. Never have been. They are most reliable Falcon to date.

If you can, try and find a late AUIII E-Gas Futura, or an early BA Futura. Both were readily available on dedicated LPG.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Paxton

AUs aren't terrible. Never have been. They are most reliable Falcon to date.

If you can, try and find a late AUIII E-Gas Futura, or an early BA Futura. Both were readily available on dedicated LPG.

Yeah AU's got a bad rap.. mostly coz of their skin. If only it had looked like the BA when it released.

To me the BA looked like a tribute to the early E series falcons.

[gilbertthegreat]

Thanks guys.

So Au's were mechanically as sound as the El, BA and BF? It was just the style that people didn't like?

[mash85]

the au's were more reliable than the b series cars.

if u have to get a b series, the later the better, but generally, au's dont have any of the niggling little problems ba's can have

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by gilbertthegreat

Thanks guys.

So Au's were mechanically as sound as the El, BA and BF? It was just the style that people didn't like?

You may have to do your research to find out particulars. This would also be a benefit for when you're inspecting the vehicle... to make it's not showing signs of... or if things that required a recall, were carried out.

[Paxton]

Originally Posted by gilbertthegreat

Thanks guys.

So Au's were mechanically as sound as the El, BA and BF? It was just the style that people didn't like?

Yup. Probably more so than the EL, mainly because of the Head Gasket material. I had an AUIII XR6 VCT, and it was bullet proof. It was definitely the best Falcon I have owned, Reliable, and comfortable.

I'd lose the blinkers, or you may miss out on a great car.

[Grippy]

You can't go wrong with an AUIII, very reliable, a good range of models to choose from and priced very well.

[RAPID_BA]

Hi

I will be completely honest and fair

AU's are pig ugly but known to be very reliable robust cars

Ive spoken to cab drivers (who does the most km?) who swear by the last of the AU series as extremely reliable cars, moreso than the BA series

Otherwise i know someone who is selling a 97 EL futura?

[Fiesta God]

For that money you would be getting the best of the AU III models ... or the early BA models.

The AU will definitely be the more reliable vehicle with less niggling issues - not that the BA is badly built, it's just that the AU's were so solid.

Should be able to find an AU wagon on gas with fairly low km's and have some $ to spare

[gilbertthegreat]

Anyone had experience with the Falcon Forte AU?

How are AU's compared to AUIII's?

Thanks for all your help guys - I'm in research mode all night!

[2.8L Hilux]

I agree with Grippy above. If I had up to $10K to spend on an LPG Falcon wagon I'd be going with the AUIII. All the faults had been ironed out by the third series and it would be much more reliable then a BA1.

However the BA does have slightly better looks, a more comfortable driving position, tiptronic gearbox etc.

I'd take both for a test drive and go for the model you like the best...
And with $10k theres plenty of wagons out there to choose from.

Good luck mate

[Paxton]

Originally Posted by gilbertthegreat

Anyone had experience with the Falcon Forte AU?

How are AU's compared to AUIII's?

Thanks for all your help guys - I'm in research mode all night!

There were no Dedicated LPG AU series 1's. There were factory fitted Dual Fuel cars, but for mine, I'd get an AUIII. Just make sure that the top of the engine (rocker cover) is green, and you're on with a winner.

[T3man]

Originally Posted by gilbertthegreat

I hear the AU's were terrible, but have heard good things about the BA's.

Shaun

So you've met BULK HA HA then ... don't listen to him ... he drives an Aurion nuff said!

Seriously mate there is nothing wrong with an AUII or AUIII and 10 big ones will get you a very nice low km example - they can be had for much less than that if you shop around.

[Bobman]

I went from an EL Fairmont to a AUIII Futura with factory dual-fuel. It's just as reliable as the previous 2 AUs I've had.

Fantastic and robust cars, but their looks let them down. The quality of interior materials is much higher than in the BA model as well. Go for the AUIII.

[Mont5.0]

AU's mechanically are tough, but start checking the older models bodies for rust. Around boot lid hinges,rear tail lights and behind rear bumper are all proven water traps.

[RAPID_BA]

For your price range, AU3... solid car, get the best example around under $10k

BA's will only get the rougher examples for under $10k, more km, more issues

[Smoke Pursuit]

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...eot=1&__Ntt=ba fairmont&silo=1011&__sid=12ED4EA2B268&keywords=ba falcon&__D=ba fairmont&SearchAction=N&trecs=59&__Ntx=mode matchallpartial&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 751&__Nne=15&__Dx=mode matchany

Something like this.. BA Fairmont Ghia, less then 100,000 km for 10,990. You should be able to get it for 10 kay!

[ILLaViTaR]

Originally Posted by gilbertthegreat

Gidday

I've owned a 97 Futura EL wagon for the past 9 years.

She's done me proud, but the repairs are almost ongoing, so now is the time for me to update.

I hear the AU's were terrible, but have heard good things about the BA's.

Was wondering if anyone can offer me advice on what to get?

My budget is between $5000-10000, and she has to be a wagon. I would prefer LPG too.

Any ideas on what's good that fits that criteria?

Thanks for your time and help.

Shaun

AU's actually have a better rep than BA's when it comes to reliability. We have a BA II Ghia, I've driven a few AU falcons, both extremely good. AU seems more solid, BA is full of cheap plastics, I could break the T bar off with my bare hands, and the door trims flex....

But the BA does drive nicer, however saying that the AU drives incrediblely well.

[Paxton]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...eot=1&__Ntt=ba fairmont&silo=1011&__sid=12ED4EA2B268&keywords=ba falcon&__D=ba fairmont&SearchAction=N&trecs=59&__Ntx=mode matchallpartial&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 751&__Nne=15&__Dx=mode matchany

Something like this.. BA Fairmont Ghia, less then 100,000 km for 10,990. You should be able to get it for 10 kay!

Nice car Brent, but it is neither a Wagon, nor is it E-Gas.

[Bobman]

Originally Posted by Paxton

Nice car Brent, but it is neither a Wagon, nor is it E-Gas.

Why does it have to be e-gas? AUIII dual-fuels are a safer bet I think.

[RAPID_BA]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...eot=1&__Ntt=ba fairmont&silo=1011&__sid=12ED4EA2B268&keywords=ba falcon&__D=ba fairmont&SearchAction=N&trecs=59&__Ntx=mode matchallpartial&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 751&__Nne=15&__Dx=mode matchany

Something like this.. BA Fairmont Ghia, less then 100,000 km for 10,990. You should be able to get it for 10 kay!

Not a bad find, but its used so who knows what the history is. Definately on the cheap side

[gilbertthegreat]

Thanks so far for all the replies.

Is there a list floating around of what goes wrong at certain kms for the different models.

I've been told you can set a clock by when heads crack etc on Futuras.

Cheers

[Antwon]

ive got an AUIII XR6 and love it, not 1 thing has gone wrong with it (touch wood). AU's are definatly more reliable then BA's, mechanically AUs are very similar to E series which means everythings tried and tested. On BAs everything mechanical is pretty much new, which is why they have a lot more little problems.

And what do you mean about the heads going on futuras? They have the same motor as all other models so why would they?

[gilbertthegreat]

I have a Futura, so that was an example of my experience.

BF XTs - anyone with experience?

[Brazen]

Along with the TL Magna, is an AUIII one of the best second hand cars on the market? Definately.

[ILLaViTaR]

Originally Posted by Mont5.0

AU's mechanically are tough, but start checking the older models bodies for rust. Around boot lid hinges,rear tail lights and behind rear bumper are all proven water traps.

This also applies to B series, and territory's. Huge rust issues.

[ILLaViTaR]

Originally Posted by gilbertthegreat

Anyone had experience with the Falcon Forte AU?

How are AU's compared to AUIII's?

Thanks for all your help guys - I'm in research mode all night!

Also AU1's have a horrible reputation, I've never driven one but everyone says to steer clear. Pretty sure they still blew head gaskets too, AU II and III used multi layered steel gaskets.

[Bobman]

The rust issues are not huge holes or half of the car missing like the old XA-XF models. It's common on the AU sedans to have rust on the boot strut knob. Guess it pays to keep your car under cover and always wipe the channels after washing to compensate for poor design.

Originally Posted by ILLaViTaR

Also AU1's have a horrible reputation, I've never driven one but everyone says to steer clear. Pretty sure they still blew head gaskets too, AU II and III used multi layered steel gaskets.

AU1s are solid cars, just had dodgy brakes and were uglier on the inside & out. No head gasket issues since the EL. That's not to say it didn't happen but it was much less common from AU1 onwards.

Perhaps you should drive one before commenting on them

[Paxton]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Along with the TL Magna, is an AUIII one of the best second hand cars on the market? Definately.

Never thought of suggesting the Magna. These are great cars. Almost bullet proof, with things like Four Power Windows, Climate control, and possibly the best sounding V6 to ever roll down a production line in Australia. They also hammer.