looking to buy AU.... tips???

Fairlane63 · 10-09-2006, 10:16 PM

Hi I am new here on the forum, looks pretty usefull. I am looking at buying an AU soon, would love a ute but the $$ don't stretch far enough for that...bugger
looking for ideas of what to keep away from, best buys etc,
I am in Perth.
Cheers

The Monty · 11-09-2006, 05:02 PM

Try and get a series II or III as they have better brakes and suspension. Its worthh the extra money as you will most likely have to replace both of these in an AU I when you get it.

347 mont · 11-09-2006, 05:47 PM

:

: They're a top car Jonn, I just got my self a 5L AUII ghia a couple of weeks ago and absolutelty love it. However it took me close to 8 weeks to find the right one as I found them to be prown to rust so check them carefully, espeacially on the top inside of the doors and in the boot where the struts are. Good luck take your time and get a good one. I am from freo and found my pride and joy down Bunbury.

:

XR8GRL · 11-09-2006, 07:17 PM

I myself have an AUII XR8 ute with the Herrod 250kw package, you can buy mine so that I can buy a t-series.

xr6 ausome · 11-09-2006, 07:30 PM

There is also nothing wrong with the s1 Hp top car there is a thread off what to look out for and common problems AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE

:

Oh and good luck

private9 · 11-09-2006, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SR_AU

Dont But an AU Series One Forte in Winter White with ANZ Tycoon Rims , C2R Grill and a JMM Exhaust System On Gas ,,

Just a Suggestion

Daniel

he he, are you looking at a bite from anyone in particular :evil3:

Fairlane63 · 11-09-2006, 08:37 PM

Thanks for the input guys, I will be towing a little pop top with the car,does the XR6 have better brakes in the series 1?

GK · 11-09-2006, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Galea

Thanks for the input guys, I will be towing a little pop top with the car,does the XR6 have better brakes in the series 1?

Same as the other S1 cars unless, it's optioned up I believe.

Usual upgrade for many S1 owners is slotted rotors (dba or rda) and better pads (many go Bendix advance or ultimates).

Far more effective but costly upgrade is the Tickford callipers. FTG auto salvage often have some on the go, but there are lots of other options as well.

The series 2 has much better twin pot callipers.

All the best with it.

GK

GlennBA · 12-09-2006, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Galea

Thanks for the input guys, I will be towing a little pop top with the car,does the XR6 have better brakes in the series 1?

they are series 1 brakes

GlennBA · 12-09-2006, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GK

Same as the other S1 cars unless, it's optioned up I believe.

The series 2 has much better twin pot callipers.

All the best with it.

GK

yeah my AUII is fitted with dba slotteds and they're great brakes. Mine stops better than dads BA.

OzJavelin · 13-09-2006, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 347 mont

:

: They're a top car Jonn, I just got my self a 5L AUII ghia a couple of weeks ago and absolutelty love it. However it took me close to 8 weeks to find the right one as I found them to be prown to rust so check them carefully, espeacially on the top inside of the doors and in the boot where the struts are. Good luck take your time and get a good one. I am from freo and found my pride and joy down Bunbury.

:

Rust at top of the doors? I've never seen an AU with any obvious rust. Was this an AU1 "issue" or across all AU's?

Rob · 13-09-2006, 08:30 AM

I believe there was an issue with the bootlid hinges rusting where they're joined to the body. That being said, my AUIII Futura was a sensational car. Only reason I sold it was because it was 2 cylinders shy of my target

out:

HLC · 13-09-2006, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OzJavelin

Rust at top of the doors? I've never seen an AU with any obvious rust. Was this an AU1 "issue" or across all AU's?

i have some rust in the top of my door on my AU 2. only a small amount, so i went over it with touchup paint

:

if you buy one that is less than 5 years old. so a late series 2/series 3, it will still be under Ford's rust warranty. so buy it, clean it up and take it to ford and they will have to cut the rust out for you. they did a good job on my car.

347 mont · 13-09-2006, 12:48 PM

I have photos and you would be shockeked when you see them. How would I go about posting them on this thread? Its a pretty big file.

xr6 ausome · 13-09-2006, 06:11 PM

I have an Au 1 with No rust ,so it must be luck of the draw

bigjim · 13-09-2006, 06:49 PM

I've also got an early AU1, no rust problems at all

Abacus · 13-09-2006, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLC

I believe there was an issue with the bootlid hinges rusting where they're joined to the body. That being said, my AUIII Futura was a sensational car. Only reason I sold it was because it was 2 cylinders shy of my target

out:

I think the lower strut mounts are the main problem - at least that's where mine is showing some ominous signs...

And as has been said, the standard brake rotors are rubbish. Chuck them and stick in DBA slotted. Problem solved.

XITED_6 · 13-09-2006, 07:48 PM

buy this :voldar02:

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsa...6&total_rec=25

you know you want too

:

Fairlane63 · 13-09-2006, 09:09 PM

thanks for the advise guys,
there are two cars I am down to,both private sales.
A stock standard Burgundy 99 Futura 147K cruise control, VERY tidy with new tyres, rear exhaust and replaced front rotors. full service history
and a Gold 2001 Forte wagon 127K also new tyres, full service history, CD player and very tidy. there is a $1K difference between them.
any votes for each?

xr6 ausome · 13-09-2006, 09:37 PM

So u can get a newer car with cd player and lower ks for only 1000 more and your asking which one u should pick

: (that is if u realy want a wagon)

MAte if they are both in good condition go the newer one imo

MoreHPformyXR6 · 13-09-2006, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Galea

thanks for the advise guys,
there are two cars I am down to,both private sales.
A stock standard Burgundy 99 Futura 147K cruise control, VERY tidy with new tyres, rear exhaust and replaced front rotors. full service history
and a Gold 2001 Forte wagon 127K also new tyres, full service history, CD player and very tidy. there is a $1K difference between them.
any votes for each?

What's your budget mate? Would you prefer a sedan or wagon? Or would a wagon be of use to you?

Fairlane63 · 13-09-2006, 10:18 PM

I always have liked wagons, just handy to carry stuff in ya know,(camping etc)
The sedan really looks sweet in burgundy though.... ahhh decisions decisions!
I was mainly concerned about the brakes, will I have rotor problems with the series II? and are they both running the same auto's? gonna buy ONE of them tommorow I am talking $6500 and $7500

OzJavelin · 14-09-2006, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Galea

I always have liked wagons, just handy to carry stuff in ya know,(camping etc)
The sedan really looks sweet in burgundy though.... ahhh decisions decisions!
I was mainly concerned about the brakes, will I have rotor problems with the series II? and are they both running the same auto's? gonna buy ONE of them tommorow I am talking $6500 and $7500

My AU 1-tonne's done 125,000km and is still on the original rotors even with a lot of towing/carrying. Just had them skimmed a coupe of times .. can't be any worse than the brakes on my VY

Yum-Yum · 14-09-2006, 06:13 PM

G'day mate, great job at looking at the AU's, definitely look at the boot struts before you drive away, this is where I got caught out but the panel beater did a great job for $70 to clean it up and rust proof it. Didn't know about the 5yr warranty until after I got it done and still not sure if they would have flipped the bill as there's an Excess of $100 on my warranty.

bodes-sh · 14-09-2006, 06:37 PM

for the prices you mentioned, take them both for a drive and decide which one feels better, then go over both of them and see which one looks better, then decide what you would rather have...

Fairlane63 · 15-09-2006, 12:10 AM

This is a great forum, thank you all for your input. The Wagon was not a 2001 but a 2000. first registered in 01. it had rust under the front leading edge of the bonnet and was owned by a swedish backpaker.... lots of bumps and scrapes, and not so much servicing. not a lot of care there..
I opted for the 99 and after verifying with Ford all the servicing is legit and has had new rotors on the front, radiator, waterpump seal,tail pipe, door window rubbers all done under warranty. and believe me I looked for rust in the boot hinge area etc.
the steering is quite light compared to my company BA futura but that's to be expected. over all I am very happy with my purchase and he dropped $500

but, what the hell is the squeak squeak squeak when I am driving my new aquisition, (goes away with light brake application)
Thanks again and i guess i am your newest recruit to the AU fan club.

:

OZFORDAU · 15-09-2006, 11:49 AM

Welcome mate and be carefull of the mod bug!!!!

Cheers

Simon

: :eclipsee_

:

I6corp · 15-09-2006, 03:48 PM

Ok well i have missed something, anyway we are proud of our own AU's...

Respect others, and stop with the comparisons.........

Abacus · 15-09-2006, 04:20 PM

Congrats on your acquisition.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Galea

...but, what the hell is the squeak squeak squeak when I am driving my new aquisition, (goes away with light brake application)

[Smile]

Search for "hand brake" in this forum. There are many, many threads. Unfortunately, there is no cure.

**DJM83** · 15-09-2006, 04:55 PM

Well done on the purchase mate AU's are a great car ive had 2 in 2 years (not because they are crap) i had an AUII XR6 loved it but wanted a V8 thats the only reason i got rid of it hope it all goes well for you hope you enjoy the forums