Purchasing AU One Tonner. Problems???

Dazza XLT · 13-02-2007, 12:36 PM

G'day Everyone.

My Workmate is currently looking for an AU for his son.

He has spotted an 2001 (Unsure of Month) AU XL One Tonner 6cyl Auto. 120K on the clock.
The dealership wants $14k (Bit pricey if you ask me. Opinions?)
Red Book puts the Series II at around $9,000-$11,500 (With between 120-180k on the clock)
Any problem areas that he should be checking out?
Obviously the usual stuff, but anything that a "New to AU" person wouldn't normally spot?

EDIT- 2001 Model. Not 2000.
Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

JefXR8 · 13-02-2007, 12:40 PM

Check the month to see if its series 1 or 2.
Heaps overpriced in my eyes i would think between 8 - 10 max.

Dazza XLT · 13-02-2007, 12:41 PM

Here is the ute. Located in Rockhampton QLD. 2001 Model. Checked on their website.

kenz · 13-02-2007, 12:41 PM

I got a 2000 AU tonner XL and only paid 15k for it 3 years ago so yeah I think its a bit pricey. Its been a good ute though only the usual issues that every car has. Pain in the butt for modding it legally re wheels but there are ways :sm_headba

Abacus · 13-02-2007, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JefXR8

Check the month to see if its series 1 or 2.
Heaps overpriced in my eyes i would think between 8 - 10 max.

If it's a 2001 car it has to be AU II.

Series I: June 1999 - March 2000
Series II: April 2000 - January 2002
Series III: February 2002 - September 2002

Mark One · 13-02-2007, 04:56 PM

Weren't series one made in 1998 as well? Unless the tonner wasn't

OzJavelin · 14-02-2007, 08:04 AM

As mentioned previously, biggest "issue" is if he wants to change wheels/tyres/suspension later. Legally its a REAL hassle.

The price for a AUII XL I6 sounds high to me too? I've been thinking of selling mine (AUII XL 1-tonne, V8, auto, LPG, AC, ABS, cruise, 2300kg tow, mags, chrome bars, etc) and I thought I'd be REALLY lucky to get maybe $12K for it privately?

**Mechan1k** · 14-02-2007, 05:23 PM

Other than that .... it comes down to the basic AU issues ... there is a BIG thread on Common issues with AUs .. and a lot of answers to issues in there as well.

I got my AUII ute at around the 100K mark ... and it was about $17K ... but factory LPG and not a mark on it (was immaculate inside and out).

I have had to replace the odd thing here and there ... but the auto can be tempremantal if not serviced regularly (20,000km minimum between services for the auto)

Other than that ... leaks pop up here and there. A lot of common issues though ... but sometimes you get a good one and the issues really don't arise.

Mr Hardware · 14-02-2007, 05:31 PM

Quote:

If it's a 2001 car it has to be AU II.

Series I: June 1999 - March 2000
Series II: April 2000 - January 2002
Series III: February 2002 - September 2002

Nyet, Abacus. I have driven a January 2002 AUIII. I think the changeover month was November/December 2001 actually.

Auuteage · 14-02-2007, 09:20 PM

Whats the hassle with legality on changing wheels? I have XR8 17 inch rims on my one tonner, insurance was no problem. Whats the legality issues?

kenz · 14-02-2007, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auuteage

Whats the hassle with legality on changing wheels? I have XR8 17 inch rims on my one tonner, insurance was no problem. Whats the legality issues?

The tyres and rims need to be rated to 850kg and 102 rating for the rubber. Are you sure its one tonne rated. On the tyre placard it will be 1700kg for the rear axle

mik · 14-02-2007, 09:49 PM

the car yard across the road from me has an au 1 tonner i think he has 14k on it, it is a v8 with extractors........ standard other than that, i dont know how many k`s it has done.

**Mechan1k** · 15-02-2007, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenz

The tyres and rims need to be rated to 850kg and 102 rating for the rubber. Are you sure its one tonne rated. On the tyre placard it will be 1700kg for the rear axle

What size was your rear rubber again on the new wheels????
And are your wheels 8" wide ... or 7.5"???

I am thinking about testing something on mine ... but doubt it will work due to the tub

:

kenz · 15-02-2007, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

What size was your rear rubber again on the new wheels????
And are your wheels 8" wide ... or 7.5"???

I am thinking about testing something on mine ... but doubt it will work due to the tub

:

They are 17" x 8" with 255/45 on the back and 235/45 on the front. 255 is pretty much the widest you can go on a 8inch rim I think. What you got in mind

VeloXR6 · 15-02-2007, 05:49 PM

I just picked up a BA ute for $7k ..... ummm.... its got 320k on the clock but you cant have it all ..
Its a good project ute though...its on Gas at the moment but all will change soon.
However it works ok and does the job so far.

**Mechan1k** · 15-02-2007, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenz

They are 17" x 8" with 255/45 on the back and 235/45 on the front. 255 is pretty much the widest you can go on a 8inch rim I think. What you got in mind

too wide for my 7.5" rims ... bugger.
Was hoping to get load rated rubber to fit my rims.
Not that I can really take it ... I might just get the standard 235/45s in the K104s (as they have a 97 load rating anyway).

Unless they have 245s that have a slightly higher rating ... not sure if i can stay at 45-series though on the rear ... I am pretty sure I can ... will just fill the gaurds a little better :hihi:

DTFRMONT · 15-02-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

Nyet, Abacus. I have driven a January 2002 AUIII. I think the changeover month was November/December 2001 actually.

Back in December 01 I was put on a project at work where I was driving to our printing contractors at odd hours. I was given a brand new AU3 forte to use with only 29k's on the clock.

kenz · 15-02-2007, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

too wide for my 7.5" rims ... bugger.
Was hoping to get load rated rubber to fit my rims.
Not that I can really take it ... I might just get the standard 235/45s in the K104s (as they have a 97 load rating anyway).

Unless they have 245s that have a slightly higher rating ... not sure if i can stay at 45-series though on the rear ... I am pretty sure I can ... will just fill the gaurds a little better :hihi:

Yeah the 245/45 are rated even lower than the 235s. They are only 95 rated

**Mechan1k** · 15-02-2007, 06:30 PM

Ahhh ... stuff that ... will stick with 235/45s then for my next tyres.
How are the Ventus rubber going on your ute ... have heard mixed results from them.
I am hoping they are going to be better than the Nankangs I am running now.

kenz · 15-02-2007, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

Ahhh ... stuff that ... will stick with 235/45s then for my next tyres.
How are the Ventus rubber going on your ute ... have heard mixed results from them.
I am hoping they are going to be better than the Nankangs I am running now.

They are going much better than I thought, also the best tyre if had on it to date. When I got them I tested out the grip in the wet and had to give it A LOT of gas just to get them moving. It is an egas though thats probably why I cant make them move

I would get them again if I had others to pick from, but I am stuck with them no matter what.

DanXR6T · 15-02-2007, 06:38 PM

To the original poster, you gotta remember you are in Rockhampton, you WILL NOT see Brisbane/Sydney/Melbourne prices there, and most southern people won't understand that. If you want to drive 6-7hrs to Brisbane for a better deal, then yes you will save money, but you will also need to factor that in.

You'll pay a few thousand dollars premium on cars there, and even though people will pop up with their "magic deals" and flame me, basically thats what you deal with in Rockhampton.

Dan..

exchangewizard · 17-02-2007, 06:54 PM

travelled all over gold coast and brisbane looking for XLS ute
couldn't find anything in decent condition under $14000
finally found a nice 2000 XLS with 117000km on it at tweed heads, couldn't believe what good condition it was in
not a mark or screwhole in the tray either, and he was asking $10,500
ended up paying $10,150.
keep thinking something has gotta be wrong with it but have had it for 3 months and done 9000km, so far so good
there were lots of cheap XL utes but I wanted a bit of comfort
keep looking there are bargains out there.

Dazza XLT · 17-02-2007, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axeman82

To the original poster, you gotta remember you are in Rockhampton, you WILL NOT see Brisbane/Sydney/Melbourne prices there, and most southern people won't understand that. If you want to drive 6-7hrs to Brisbane for a better deal, then yes you will save money, but you will also need to factor that in.

You'll pay a few thousand dollars premium on cars there, and even though people will pop up with their "magic deals" and flame me, basically thats what you deal with in Rockhampton.

Dan..

He's given up on Rockhampton. Too many coal mines nearby!!!
He showed me at least 2 other utes he was keen on, and I reckon they were both overpriced.
Ex Fleet Auction on in Mackay next Wednesday, so he's heading down to take a squiz.

Thanks for the replies everyone.