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@AndyAyres
3 жыл бұрын
At the end of last year I replaced my high mileage BA with a low mileage AU2. I have zero regrets, the car had been owned by an elderly person and had service history. I got the base model Forte, so it was a live axel rear end, but I actually find it's an enjoyable car to drive. Apart from service stuff I had to deal with a leaking steering rack and the rear seal in the transmission. One of the big pluses for me is the fact the AU still used a standard double din stereo head unit, which can be swapped out for something newer. All in all some people might see it as a step back going from a BA to an AU, but I honestly could not be happier with it as my daily.
@JackStavris
3 жыл бұрын
Definitely agree on the double-din radio, parents used to own a 2003 BA Futura and honestly despite looking older, the interior is so much nicer in my series 2 AU even with having the lower spec XR interior, the BA interior just felt cheaper and kind of brittle. The double-din radio allows it to be upgraded to something with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which can’t really be done in a BA or later which are stuck in the early 2000s
@bennyw9975
3 жыл бұрын
AU’s generally seem to be more durable and have better build quality
@barbraabsalom4531
Жыл бұрын
@@bennyw9975Absolutely , owned an au2 wagon for 18 years & a bf3 wagon for 10 , the au has stuff loaded to the max on a weekly basis jammed in every which way with no f&$ks given , the bf is just transport & weekly shopping , the bf has had many physically broken parts including the shifter , the glovebox , the crappy vinyl coated door spear inserts , the passenger side interior door handle including armrest broke off last week , the bonnet release , the stupid plastic gearbox linkage , whereas the au , nothing unless you include the headlight switch & seatbelts from wear & tear . Unless you want the power of the Barra in petrol , I say that because in dedicated lpg version the au has almost as much grunt & the gearbox & diff ratios marry up better for towing , the au is just a better built car .
@danielkennett9313
3 жыл бұрын
I don't need an AU. I'm living the experience vicariously through you Sean. Works out a lot cheaper for me LOL
@ThePowerbloke
3 жыл бұрын
Me too! :-)
@elgoogyob4119
3 жыл бұрын
Stop making me want an AU
@bennyw9975
3 жыл бұрын
The three (3) dislikes on this video are probably VT commodore owners- they’re sad because AU’s have proven the best in the test of time.
@rubinmike-litt1068
3 жыл бұрын
They're everywhere in big numbers. I parked my AU yesterday in the woolworths carpark, next to a red AU monty and was careful when reversing so I didnt hit the white xr6/8 behind me.... walking to the shop after parking I walked past a newer commodore, looking rubbish and as always, with a broken off fuel flap. passed a lot more AU's on the trip home. VT's sold a lot more but there arent many left on the road compared to AU's.
@geoffdrewer1978
3 жыл бұрын
Got a dedicated lpg series 3. Getting a bit of paint fade, and got the head serviced. Power now back to new, transmission easy to service. More than 450k on the clock and still running well. Eats up the ks nicely. 🇦🇺👍
@ut2k4wikichici
3 жыл бұрын
Nice my au2 fairmont has over 340k never been touched apart from oil changes
@phillipm1039
3 жыл бұрын
Will you please stop singing the benefits of the AU.......I am trying to pick up a 75th anniversary fairmont ghia the public must not know their value until after I find one then, yer, please do more AU vids.
@anthonyangelovski3039
3 жыл бұрын
Had an AU2 Fairmont as my first car - my dad purchased it new with a few tickford options (making it 1 of 2 actually). Sold it for a BA Fairmont Ghia (which I still have) and always regretted it. Almost 10 years later, I've bought it back! 100% not the same car it once was but it's nice to have it back. I think you need to own an AU to really appreciate what they are.
@cootason
3 жыл бұрын
My 2002 Series 3 cost me 4500 128,000km up near 176000 now absolute gem..
@DanafoxyVixen
3 жыл бұрын
AU bargains do exist. I scored my 2001 AU serries2 Forte from an elderly couple who owned it from new and were about to move into a old folks home. the car only had 83,000kms when I got it, had been kept tidy and garaged all its life. It was mainly their second car that they used to tow a caravan now and then after they retired. The car was in mint condition and was the less common column-change/3 front seat version. I got it for only $4,500 but had to go 200kms out into the country to get it, likely why it was so cheap... or at least cheap for one here in NZ
@DanafoxyVixen
3 жыл бұрын
so far ive had the car for about a year and she's still purring like a kitten
@user-ye1se9qm8m
3 жыл бұрын
Low key I actually kinda want an AU now because of you and ross reviews
@Nevergiveuponyourself
3 жыл бұрын
I am definitely fall into category 3, I loved my first AU and mocked into the XR6 look, I loved looking after it as best as possible and I am anti-burnout or hooning when I hear mates at work asking for a road test I say hell no. All my cars I get I love to bring back to road use doing the mechanical, suspension, interior and knowing everything I did was for its benefit and life. I sadly had to wreck a BA that was in good condition but had a airbag light that was going to cost more than what I paid due to the work and parts. I will just aim to save save save and even if I can, go back for the AU XR6.
@1969Risky
3 жыл бұрын
Great video Sean for those chasing after a Ford. The basic structure is the same from AU to FG-X. Other areas of rust to look for is around the driver & passenger side plenum in the engine bay. Also any leaf & twig debris can cause blockages where the drains are. If you open the engine bay & see leaf & twig buildup, the owner has your n't looked after it. Other rust areas are around the welds in the engine bay & boot along the seam where it's joined. I agree on originality but both Ford & Holden do share trim problems. Seats being one of them. I bought my Holden VY Series I S Ute for $1800 back in 2014. I was after an SS Ute but everyone I saw had been thrashed. My ute was sitting in the back of a car yard unregistered & the dealer was going to use it as a parts vehicle. The paint work was tired but mechanically, the previous owner had spent money ensuring it was a good reliable drive. I drove it for 6 months until a mate of mine challenged me to do a budget rebuild for $10K (including the cost of the ute). I agreed to the challenge. I replaced everything that needed to be replaced with NOS parts & trim except the seats & the steering wheel. I went $100 over budget which included spraypainting & still won the bet. It's my daily driver & turns heads where ever I go. Ford & Holden paint booths were notorious for thin paint at time of production, hence paint fade & clear coat peel. It is recommended that if you're keeping your vehicle that you see a good spraypainter before it gets worse. NOS parts/trim are getting scarce & even wreckers are having problems finding good stock. Another tip for buying is stay away from those vehicles that have P plates displayed as you know the owner is young & never gave a crap about his/her car. Another tip is look at the wheels in each photo. In some ads I've seen, there's been 3 different wheel setups & they aren't current photos.
@nathanrust6918
3 жыл бұрын
I love to think the wine on my n/a ba xr6 is a hidden turbo hehe
@josemanuel5749
3 жыл бұрын
Nice to see content about Australia's Crown Victoria.
@tturi2
3 жыл бұрын
And Australias Crown Athlete/Majesta
@barscogarage5918
3 жыл бұрын
Great video Sean, Good to see the AU's finally starting to get the love they deserve, A true Aussie classic. I bought mine in around 2012 for $750 back in the day off gumtree. Probably the most reliable car we've owned. Used to do 100km a day round trip commuting to the city. You've inspired me to do a video on mine, Maybe I can send you it in the "Futura" haha, Keep it up mate lovin the content!!!!
@heavymetal9622
3 жыл бұрын
The chrome wheel arches and the fact that your headlights are clear and not sun damaged really makes you’re AU look like brand new!
@martyburgess341
3 жыл бұрын
I was taught by my Uncle to ever go for any series one car. They are the ones that have all the bugs and glitches. It has paid off every time.
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
It's true, the last run of any model will always be the best.
@martyburgess341
3 жыл бұрын
@@MotoringBoxTV 100% agreed!
@kris8742
3 жыл бұрын
@@martyburgess341 The last run of the series can also have metal parts replaced with plastic parts
@dangrego7031
3 жыл бұрын
Great work mate. Sadly less on the road each year! Keep boosting their value for us. Am sitting on a stock AU3 Fairmont with 108,000 kms mechanically never missed a beat. Couldn't say that for many 20 year old cars especially the Euros!!
@lancecooper4646
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, spot on vid m8, mechanically they're a piece of piss to fix, but you're right about those hidden rust issues for a RWC....just depends how thorough the tester is 👍
@panners125
3 жыл бұрын
Short trips kill mufflers. If you don’t drive a car for 20 minutes or more. The exhaust will hold water and rust. People who drive long trips tend to have no muffler problems.
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Good tip. Sometimes it's unavoidable though, unless you want to take the long way to work.
@jamesfrench7299
3 жыл бұрын
Get a wagon now that you're a father. I really like the deep rear bumper viewed from the side and looking at the taillights at the same time. I agree it's an acquired taste but once you acquire it, the car becomes a thing of beauty and awe. One of your best videos.
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
You never know, I've always been a sedan guy though.
@jamesfrench7299
3 жыл бұрын
@@MotoringBoxTV every AU wagon I see has some kind of damage or degradation to the body. I still see lovely sedans about though. Sadly some with undesirable looking new owners. Btw, when I mentioned the rear lights and deep bumper aesthetic, I meant your sedan. It might me misconstrued I was talking about the wagon. Must say, I have grown to like the wagon rear, but you can see they designed it after a long lunch one afternoon before giving themselves an early mark!
@ZarzTV
3 жыл бұрын
Man, I miss my series 3 Futura wagon so much! Couldn’t find a Fairmont wagon at the time and the futura was a great compromise. People thought it was a Fairmont at first. My Dad had a series 3 Fairmont with a factory body kit ( sedan) as a company car in the same silver as in this vid. It was a great car too.
@jamesfrench7299
3 жыл бұрын
@@ZarzTV I have always liked and admired station wagons. I don't know, it just garners respect.
@ZarzTV
3 жыл бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 I often day dream of a ba/f wagon with xr6/f6 typhoon front end and grafting on the last few inches of the boot lid/lights /bumper of a sedan ( preferably typhoon) and having fairmont/ghia interior. White with the exterior grey trim and black interior trim. Sadly I have neither the funds or know how for such a project. Ha ha
@Golzie1
3 жыл бұрын
I miss my old AU's. I used to have an AUII Forte wagon that was a column shift 6 seater as the second car I ever bought. Then for a while there I also had an AUII S in manual. That manual car was one of the most economical cars I ever had on the highway. Used to put my 4 cylinder Subaru Liberty to shame. Maybe I need to start looking for another Falcon again...
@vtberlina1999
3 жыл бұрын
I have a bit of a soft spot for the AU's, but I love my EF. brought her from a family who upgraded for the small sum of $350 with the trans slipping, just needed a top up then a service, She does have an AU silver top engine swapped in, but she's been a problem child for the 7 years I've owned her. Window regulators, door lock actuators, rear mufflers those I've had to replace multiple times, over the 7 years I've spent 20 times what I brought her for but I still love the old battleship.
@bradg5910
3 жыл бұрын
Love my AU 2 V8 LTD. Rare car thats been well cared for. Long live the mighty AU
@change_your_oil_regularly4287
3 жыл бұрын
Lines I never thought id hear in my life - AUs are starting to become hot property. If someone told me that would happen 20yrs ago I'd have still been laughing now. A lot of much younger people don't realise just how badly the AU was received on release. Even most Ford guys didn't want to be seen in one. Especially after the well received and very nice EF/EL My old man's EF Fairmont in metallic grey was a great car. When new its one of the nicest daily cars I've ever driven. Comments for the alg
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
When you see XF GL's going for $15k+ suddenly AU's going up in price suddenly seems possible. It'll happen... eventually.
@change_your_oil_regularly4287
3 жыл бұрын
@@MotoringBoxTV no doubt. I'm in SA and the prices here are extremely high for decent example and it's only rising. You want a shock look at prices on good examples here in SA. I'll be hanging onto my two.
@Clyntonsshed
3 жыл бұрын
I have a base xf in ok condition stored at a mates salvage yard paid 500 bucks for it. Every week I could sell it for 5k now 😳
@DESTRUCTO1617
3 жыл бұрын
Got my Series 2 EF with 95k km 4 yrs ago for $3400. Currently got about 122k
@change_your_oil_regularly4287
3 жыл бұрын
@@DESTRUCTO1617 EF is a great car 👍 I wish I had purchased my father's EF Fairmont when he sold it many years ago. Great car for longer trips also.
@ricknel76nelson54
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome video! Showed it to my wife, told her, "see, I not the only one who loves AUs!"
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
It's a pandemic
@JackStavris
3 жыл бұрын
I think values of most Aussie cars are going up, but AUs are especially going up quickly. I picked up my AU XR8 for only $6,500 back in March through Greys Online auctions and I’m so glad I did as it’s worth $10k-$13k for an auto like mine, or about $15k-$18k for a manual. Mine’s a series 2 XR8 built in May 2000 in the same silver colour as yours (one of the best colours for an AU imo) and used to be owned by the NSW Police (according to the back page of the owner’s manual anyway), it’s a higher mileage one with 317,000 kms on it when I bought it, but honestly if it’s been treated right that’s not a huge deal. Mine needs a bit of suspension work like any Falcon with IRS does, as the XR8s & Ghias with V8s also have the IRS, not just the VCTs, as well as mine has an electrical problem where no interior lights work aside from the cluster & radio. But it’s in great cosmetic shape that even after fixing the issues I’ll still be roughly under $10k, and the values are only going up so it’s still a winner in my book. Always loved the AUs, they’re weird and kind of ugly, but so am I so I guess we’re a match made in heaven.
@Gokizzmass
Жыл бұрын
I got my XR8 about 14 years ago, thinking they'd never go up in value, just a nice car to drive, and much cheaper than a BA / BF GT at the time. Hard to believe anyone actually wants these now ?
@ThePowerbloke
3 жыл бұрын
Great quality content and great advice as always Sean. Thanks for sharing mate. Just love your honesty and passion for your cars. :-)
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Colin!
@tturi2
3 жыл бұрын
AU1 are also known for head gaskets when they aren't maintained, every. single. falcon. will rust in the boot sill/under the parcel shelf, sills, bottom of the doors, bottom (wheel well/door hinge area) A pillars,
@nashadam1231
3 жыл бұрын
Spot on vid. I completely agree with you, specially with all the $1,234 stuff out there and people showing us they are washing their cars 😅. Love your channel and your cars!
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Check out my AU Falcon feature video for a run down on the list of different models, and how they compare to Bunnings sausages! kzitem.info/news/bejne/yGp-m4t7h6aTlqQ
@OzRetrocomp
3 жыл бұрын
Speaking of snags, I read earlier this week that VW is discontinuing its currywurst. That was one of my main reasons why I want to go to Germany one day.
@MartinJones123
3 жыл бұрын
@@OzRetrocomp Yeah because they want to 'reduce' their carbon footprint and because the CEO is vegetarian! I hope Bunnings doesn't follow Volkswagen down that path.
@stewatparkpark2933
3 жыл бұрын
The coil pack located under the inlet manifold develops cracks eventually and can cause rough running .
@fatbusaracing1347
3 жыл бұрын
Funny thing, I was looking at an AU XR8 ute for sale this morning while scrolling Ytube and your vid popped up. I do currently have a 99 XR6 work ute, that's been bloody brilliant. But your right about the price of them. About 5 years ago you could buy a series 3 Pursuit ute for under 20k, now you'll only get a clean XR8 for that sort of money. The Rebel XR8 also has had a decent increase in value with their 220kw motor. Always enjoy the AU content, would be cool to see some XR8 and or TE/TS 50 vids if the opportunity ever pops up..
@andrewrose9707
3 жыл бұрын
I paid 23K for my series 1 XR8 back in 2003 - which was a bargain at the time. Black, manual, body bit, sunroof, and the 17" alloys. Still looks pretty mint (admittedly I had it resprayed about 8 years ago). After watching the value decline over the years, it is nice to see it going the other way. Wonder if it will ever reach my original purchase price? Not that I have any intention of selling it - love it WAY too much for that! And yes, the Windsor V8 is super-reliable. It has never let me down, and only had to replace plugs, leads, and injectors. Certainly replaced other bits and bobs on the car over the years though
@OzRetrocomp
3 жыл бұрын
Plenty of good stuff in the video, well worth the time to watch. Just a couple of suggestions: 1. Have a look under the boot floor. It'll tell you if the spare wheel is there (and what condition it's in), along with whether the tools are still with the car. Also look for rust and any evidence of a rear end shunt, such as obvious welds that shouldn't be there or mismatched paint spots. 2. When looking at the tyres, look at the brand(s) as well as condition. If there are four different brands of tyre on the car, it probably means that one of the previous owners skimped badly on maintenance. If you've never heard of the brand, or if the brand has a ridiculous name (such as "Goodride"), they'll need to be changed ASAP. A well-known British automotive KZitemr with an AU Fairmont will confirm this last point.
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Good tips
@phillipevans9414
3 жыл бұрын
OzRetrocomp. Goodride tyres are fine, and great value for money - they are made by Bridgestone. But yeah, I agree I would not recommend any of the real el cheapo (Chinese) brands though.
@danehamilton8831
3 жыл бұрын
Nice car mate, haven't seen a better AU Ghia since I was doing PD inspections on them when I worked for Ford NZ, drove every model of Falcon including Fgx Sprint6 and GT-F before leaving in 2016 to start my mobile mechanic business. Have had a AU1 XR6 Manual for 10yrs now so can add four different ways a clutch cable can fail, broken pedal box, cracked firewall, rubber cable damper on clutch fork and 3 x cables...etc. IRS is high maintenance but is worth it for the better handling. Anyway got to go and clean a window switch....
@brendanmatthys3788
3 жыл бұрын
Don't forget to check the sills. When I was 19 I bought an AU S1 and all four sills had rusted through. Cost me half the price of the car to fix it. That car then ended up costing me probably well over $10k over the years, and I only had it for 2 years! Awesome video. It's definitely a good idea to keep an eye out for a lemon to avoid getting one. But there's no better way to know what to look for instinctively than owning a lemon yourself
@snoochpounder
3 жыл бұрын
Sean always up and early as well getting things done. That’s how to do it.
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
You know it
@shreda125hilux7
3 жыл бұрын
For me when I buy a used car my top priority is: 1 - ENGINE AND GEARBOX 2 - PAINT FADE / RUST 3 - MAJOR BODY DAMAGE (I usually don't care about scrapes/dings or dents or door/fender damage as these can be replaced) The rest of the car can easily be repaired
@shreda125hilux7
3 жыл бұрын
Note: even if it has minor fixable engine problems (eg a timing belt replacement or oil leaks) I will still buy it and fix it myself , as long as engine or gearbox doesn't need a rebuild
@philnorbury9032
Жыл бұрын
I’ve had au to fg models, utes and sedans. They’re pretty solid, great buying tips in this video, can’t really go wrong. Parts are cheap too.
@ut2k4wikichici
3 жыл бұрын
From one sean to another you must mention the rear live axle shudder/tramp/wobble which is bushes and shocks and hubs front and rear and diff clunking (indicators of a certain cartel of mexico activies) also a big one (and i speak from person experience) the front and rear main seals weep if the engine has been overheated and the timing cover leaks no matter how its treated/repaired AND last one the BCM can fail and take out ABS TCS and make starting locking and unlocking the car a pain, my old au2's alarms used to trigger for no reason, there is a fix and its a bcm bypass/replacement/loom/ecu swap from a ba bf these problems dont seem to effect the fg fgx which just have rear diff bush issues (i assume similar on the irs au's as well)
@barbraabsalom4531
3 жыл бұрын
Most of what your talking about is basic dogshit general maintenance & repairs , they are NOT serious or problematic issues that are ingrained into the au series . Also about the timing case is absolutely NOT usually the cause of any oil leaks , it is normally the fault of dumbass repairers when changing the belt tensioner , the bolts of which go straight into the oil gallery & require cleaning & sealing with loctite aviation no.3 or hylomar . If you ask most general repairers if the belt tensioner bolts go into a blind hole they usually say yes , GO ELSEWHERE , preferably Ex taxi shops which know the car back to front , remember this & from my experience , many mechanical shops f#@k more cars than they ever fix , inexperienced dickhead spanner twirlers are everywhere .
@miket8763
3 жыл бұрын
I have an S2 Ghia and an S3 Xr8, owned them less than 12 months and combined has made me 6-8 grand in appreciation. Buy them while you can afford them.
@psivewri
2 жыл бұрын
I can't wait to do a video on the 2000 AU2 S Pack one I bought for $1,200 recently :)
@MotoringBoxTV
2 жыл бұрын
Then I suppose I should do one on the $100 Compaq Presario Win 98 desktop I picked up a few years ago 😁
@dalesmith4985
3 жыл бұрын
it's getting difficult to find one in good condition now days, where i' am backpackers have them and they are clapped out, the lack of maintenance flogged within an inch of it's life, or lived near the beach and rusted out lol
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Yup, I take a look most days just for fun and they do pop up though - at least one a week that satisfies my criteria 😁
@MattExzy
3 жыл бұрын
There's an elderly lady that lives across the road from me, she has a blue station wagon AU. The thing creaks, groans, the rear scrapes every time she backs it out, so the rear struts maybe are bad. I doubt it gets any maintenance at all, but it just keeps going and going. I'm sold on them though, if ever I need to look for another car in a pinch, the AU is up there on the shortlist.
@anmolsaxena_
3 жыл бұрын
my first car was an au xr6 vct it had all the p plater goodies: spooled diff, short shifter, twin plate clutch, extractors and exhaust, a drift spec steering wheel and a bangin stereo only owned it for a month then had to sell it coz my parents werent too fond of that car
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Must have been pretty hectic for the folks to not like it.
@anmolsaxena_
3 жыл бұрын
@@MotoringBoxTV haha nah its just they didn't think it was a safe car, no airbags and also it was really hard to daily drive it because i kept stalling it and the fact that we live in an area with steep roads, it just wasnt fun to go to and from uni
@12superoo
3 жыл бұрын
Years ago, 2002, I bought an AU XR8. In fact I have had each model XR8 up to and including the FGX. All great cars. Recently I bought an under 170,000 k AU1 Forte. Clean as, even better after replacing the usual front end, lower suspension, mild exhaust and brakes. A bit of paint on the rear bar, new mags. Maintenance tune up. Notbing actually needed replacing, I just went right through it to be like a new car. What a lovely car to drive, stands out in the car park. A keeper. All that for under 10k. Yep, I could have gone newer, but not in as good condition. My money is on the AU for a cheap but very drivable keeper. BTW, great KZitems.
@samkaur4098
3 жыл бұрын
I bought a 2001 Ford Falcon Futura wagon in 2004 and can honestly say that was an awesome car.Unfortunately in 2006 it was written off parked on the road outside my mates house by a drunk driver.I would love to find a car like that again.BTW i love your videos.Keep up the good work Sean.
@commodore665
3 жыл бұрын
I always kind of liked the shape of the AU .
@jcbfeather
3 жыл бұрын
still running my au ute i bought in 1999 with 360k on the clock im on the second engine only due too upgraded too the tickford motor and ecu plus i put in the xr dash and the old auto died so i had too get a recon one but the old girl is still my daily driver and works hard
@MrMightyZ
Жыл бұрын
I’ve never loved the appearance of AUs except the first brand new series 3 XR8 I saw. It was gleaming black and manual and it looked nuts in a great way. My friend remarked “It looks like fucken Batmobile man!” and with its dual headlights, body kit a huge wing and knowing it was 300hp and manual it really seemed so crazy that I had to agree. After that I loved all the AU XR8s despite being more of a Holden dude.
@JohnDoe-tn3tx
3 жыл бұрын
I miss my AU2 forte it was the most honest car I ever owned...
@bentullett6068
3 жыл бұрын
Ian from Hubnut brought me here. Check out his AU Fairmont called Betty that he used to tour New Zealand and as of this year imported it to the UK.
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Welcome! Hope you enjoyed the video 👍
@nzwotb2525
3 жыл бұрын
I bought a series 2 forte wagon a year ago for $50 had been sitting for 7 years
@juststuffwithwolfe4482
3 жыл бұрын
Also my dad had a series 1 au wagon ex taxi the original engine did 1million until he blown it up And the second motor did another 100,000 until the water pump stopped working and the engine overheated and blew up But before that he backed into a semi trailer and smashed the boot and the glass But it’s was a good car god it was bulletproof
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds like one tough unit.
@juststuffwithwolfe4482
3 жыл бұрын
@@MotoringBoxTV yeah I should show a picture of it And we still have it
@diegosilang4823
Жыл бұрын
Falcon are discontinued, so preserving every one of them is a must. Their numbers are dwindling due to neglects and bad drivers.
@chrisnewton2325
3 жыл бұрын
I had a 99 series 1 that I had a full respray in Oxford green I put a c2r body kit custom headlights. I ripped the garbage grey interior out and put black and blue interior from a Sr and I put a full exhaust system on it with 18 chrome Advanti wheels. I've owned skylines ss commodores turbo vl commodores but the one car I miss the most was my dam au. My au in my opinion was sexy as hell I wish I could post a photo. Unfortunately in 2012 my wife had a accident in it and she was a write-off 😑
@shanecameron7869
3 жыл бұрын
Great video. Did you have to arrange the roadworthy yourself, or did the owner have one already?
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
The owner provided one generously enough
@shanecameron7869
3 жыл бұрын
@@MotoringBoxTV Wow. That's a win.
@phillipevans9414
3 жыл бұрын
Shane Cameron. Unless it's really cheap and you're looking for a "project", never buy a car without a roadworthy - 9 times out of 10 it's a costly mistake. If the seller says "it only needs X for roadworthy", get them to do it first and also get the RWC - mostly they'll make some excuse (because they know it needs huge money spent on it to be roadworthy) like, I don't have time bla, bla, bla - walk away. If they are telling the truth and the car is in nearly roadworthy condition, they'll do what is needed to make the sale. Good luck.
@shanecameron7869
3 жыл бұрын
@@phillipevans9414 Yeah, I agree. Getting a pre inspection done can be the best $270 you can spend.
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Good tip. Another one is the "but it's an easy fix". If it's so easy, why didn't they do it.
@glennmk5167
3 жыл бұрын
Just having bought a 2nd car myself, I looked for cleaned and service history, and absolutely agree with you about overall kms the vehicle has done,
@cootason
3 жыл бұрын
Think my power steering pump is on the way out as well. It's got a weird issue If my ac is off it doesn't engage, turn ac on power steering starts working. But getting it serviced soon and possibly replaced. Great video mate :)
@tx5brent
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds more like you need to replace the fan belt
@cootason
3 жыл бұрын
@@tx5brent Might have to actually did not think of that :) its going in for a service so hopefully they check these issues out and give me a report. (I have a mechanic service the car.)
@tx5brent
3 жыл бұрын
Fair enough, you know when these power steering pumps are on the way out, they make a very distinct noise. Mechanic should be able to sort it out for you
@ShonicTHedgehog
3 жыл бұрын
2:46 Oh woooow, what a coincidence. That 520JTN Falcon used to belong to my housemate, then a friend of mine bought it. Then that person sold it on to someone else, and now it’s going again. It’s made the rounds quite a bit in such a short time! This has all been within the last 2 years roughly lol
@maxliu285
Жыл бұрын
Recently bought this exact model thanks to this video !!
@peterriggall8409
3 жыл бұрын
Very thorough advice that could be applied to any used car purchase. 👍
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! 👍
@sambonney971
3 жыл бұрын
I’ve got a series 3 ford forte sedan with 127,000km got it for $500 all smashed up fix it best thing I ever did all original too which as a p plater is rare
@arokh72
3 жыл бұрын
You forgot the 4th group. The bogan on Centrelink who wants a decent car they can pull apart in their front yard, doesn't cost a mint, and also feature fairly regularly on DCOA etc speeding, performing illegal overtaking, good for those runs to the local meth dealer, etc :P Seriously though, when the AU was released in 1998, I never thought it become as popular as it has. The car the nearly killed Ford Australia has become an icon, who would have thought such all those years ago? It was a used 99 XR6 that turned me onto the blue oval and away from the red lion, as I felt the XR6 was the better car overall, despite the loose rear, than the VT SV6. I have a soft spot for the AU Fairmont Ghia, but being poor can't afford another car haha.
@juststuffwithwolfe4482
3 жыл бұрын
Got an au for first car She’s gonna be my daily soon hopefully
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Good luck mate.
@juststuffwithwolfe4482
3 жыл бұрын
@@MotoringBoxTV thank u
@willsmarty21
3 жыл бұрын
Great video covered all the main things to look for in a au. With the v8s pull the dipstick check the oil level and how it looks. And check the idle aswell as how it returns to idle after revving to around 2.5k.
@sonnyjimm23
3 жыл бұрын
Great info mate, thanks for sharing your experience. I'd also recommend checking the heater pipe at the back of the water pump for coolant leaks. If it has been a long time leaker, there'll be green staining on the backside of the pump housing or there'll be excessive sealant around the pipe/pump join. Just my 2 cents 👍
@MrButtonpresser
3 жыл бұрын
Falcons with rear spoilers can let water into the boot lid skin. Check if the boot lid bungs under the lip below the licence plate have been removed. Sure sign of water ingress. Ask me how I know... Can been seen at 10:25
@351tgv
3 жыл бұрын
You could of got the AU Series I, II & III Forte and Fairmont with IRS as a factory built option but not the Futura or the Series II / III Forte & Futura with E:Gas engine, for some reason Ford kept the Futura as a live axle sedan model only as it was going against the GMH Acclaim (VT / VX Commodore). Also all sedan with V8 were from the factory with IRS, the Fairmont Ghia VCT also has a lower torque and power output due to the different exhaust system they used over the XR6 VCT (that was the same for EF / EF II and EL Fairmont Ghia). The AU XR6 HP was only offered in Series I and Series II by Series II it was simply the AU Falcon XR6. I my self own 2 AU Falcon, 1: AU Series II Futura E:Gas (low km's and always garaged driven by a grandmother) and 2: AU Series III Falcon XR8 5-speed manual (August 2002 build one of the last ones made) enjoy them both. Some of the rare from the factory specials: AU Falcon S (S-Pack) for Series I only replaced by the AU Falcon ESP (IRS with LSD standard + ABS/Traction control) which probably are the most rare AU Falcon editions. AU Series II Falcon 75th anniversary edition AU Falcon SS (only 10 made for production car racing) - none came with compliance plates so they cant be registered. There was a V8 wagon made complete with IRS however only the factory saw it, there was also a rumour that the ute was developed with IRS for the XR6 VCT and V8 version but again never happened as a production version. Stay clear of Series I versions unless you want a paddock basher, best ones to find are the 2002 versions (so Series III) which had all the issues fixed by then.
@xacoupeguy
3 жыл бұрын
I'm glad i was able to buy and sell and mess around with AU xr8s when they were cheap was even able to buy an AU xr8 220 rebel for 3k, those days are long gone even BAs and FGs have all gone thru the roof. but hey its the games we play. good video!!
@Shanes_Shed
3 жыл бұрын
Ah that listing price $1234 also shits me to tears.
@derrynmcmaster2727
3 жыл бұрын
Good video mate. Been looking at buying one for a while. Just a quick note the Fairmont Ghia came out with VCT 168KW/370NM Ford didn't want to upset the XR6 VCT people 172KW/374NM.
@IcePenguin61
2 жыл бұрын
this guy is amazing puts so much effort into all his videos
@HazeyAuto
3 жыл бұрын
Standing ovation. Interesting observation- your Ghia isn’t fitted with a coolant level sensor, and a lot of lesser models (my S1 Futura, for example) has one. It’s like the factory occasionally ran out of stock of them occasionally but just kept on assembling them.
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, no idea why it doesn't have one. I did replace the overflow tank, but the old one never had it either.
@alamerichs
3 жыл бұрын
it was droped in the s2 for the 6 only the v8 got it
@runslaTe
3 жыл бұрын
back in the day I owned a series 2 xr8 and now I own a series 3 xr8 ..both had dicky aerials that seized at half mast ..AU life
@bobbyeustace6706
3 жыл бұрын
Got an su xr8 pursuit Ute 200kw for 4,500, did need a trans rebuild though as it was shifting rough as guts now I have a comfortable and smooth shifting v8 🙂
@johnc3522
3 жыл бұрын
AU XR8s and T series all got IRS as well, not just the VCT engined cars. I’ve had 9 AUs - great cars
@heavymetal9622
3 жыл бұрын
In my opinion Falcons always looked as though the air intake system was an afterthought. The battery and air box should have swapped sides so that the air intake would then simply be a straight pipe across the engine and directly into the throttle body, rather than having that awkward looking 180 degree bend.
@xbgtfella
3 жыл бұрын
Great video. Boot rust is a real problem where you indicated. Ive got a fgx sedan and i figured its the 2 rubber bungs that cause a watertrap in the boot bottom. Bout 2 months after i got the fgx new i opened the boot to hear water sloshing around. Removed the bungs and near 1/2 litre of water came out. Needless to say, the bungs went in the ashtray. Bit of trans oil injected in the holes and left to stew for a week and we are golden.
@alexander1485
3 жыл бұрын
not with chrome fender style strips I won't. PS- I thought the XA and XB Falcon was Ford Australia's most famous car?
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
They're not welded on you know. Besides, they're hiding fender scrapes from the previous elderly owner.
@GTFORDMAN
3 жыл бұрын
i can remeber when you could buy an AU XR6 VCT for about $500 and that was only a few years ago!
@xbgtfella
3 жыл бұрын
Yea saw a blue au xr6 manual with 200k at the wreckers 3 year ago in brizzy. Asked the question and for 600 notes it was mine. Run n drive too. Didnt wanna risk divorce if i dragged it home so there it stayed.
@xbgtfella
3 жыл бұрын
Had fully intact interior too albeit dirty but nothing a deep clean wouldnt have sorted. In hindsight a few days in the dogbox would have been well worth it. Damn!!!!
@mongoose3800
3 жыл бұрын
Watch the dodgy bubbly tint on rear window. Looks awful and to me a sign if was owned by a budget owner
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Not necessarily, could just be very old tint which has lost its battle with the sun.
@darrenpalmer6073
3 жыл бұрын
Fairmont Ghias tend to be the good go to vehicles in the Ford range as they were generally bought new by older people as they were relatively expensive and thus tend to be looked after. I always prefer to buy ones without towbars as at least there is a good chance they haven't had their butt pulled out of them towing monstrous caravans which sometimes was a Falcons fate as they were and are still competent tow cars.
@seanwebb995
3 жыл бұрын
Great video, once again Sean. Similar to you, when I was younger thought the AUs looked weird, but did imagine one with crazy mods and paint job, as if from fast and furious. Also, I was more into Holdens back then, still am, but also appreciate Falcons and want one too. Like you, I also want a Falcon just to drive around and appreciate as it is. Had a the opportunity to buy a low mileage S3 Fairmont a few months back. Overall, very tidy (most likely from someone's Grandad). Did pass it on as I yearned for a B series XR6 at the time (the car yard offered the AU to test drive while I waited for an XR6 to test drive as well), and trying to save up as much as I can too. I don't regret passing it on too much, as there are countless other cool cars that I've passed on as well. That said, I'll continue to look and try to act on it when I find the right one.
@vrmooo
3 жыл бұрын
Not sure if you have done this, but is the rocker cover a pain to replace? Got quoted 2200 to fix it, and they said they have to “pull the engine out” to check for other oil leaks.
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
I would go elsewhere mate, they're taking you for a ride. Pulling the engine out is too extreme just to "check" for oil leaks. You can check from the outside pretty easily without having to remove anything. I can understand the price if they HAD to remove the engine because they had a whole lot of seals they need to replace. But for just a check that's BS.
@vrmooo
3 жыл бұрын
@@MotoringBoxTV yeah BS 'rural tax' since the other closest mechanic is 2 hrs away, would you recommend just trying it myself? i've heard its not too much effort, and it saves the scam. Plus only paid a grand for the thing haha
@glenstransportvideos
3 жыл бұрын
Found an base model AU on FB marketplace, can’t remember how much it was but it had 40,000km and the engine was taken apart
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a bit of a nightmate. I'd never buy something that has been taken apart, unless you're prepared for those bits to not go back together again.
@rodneymcgiveron
3 жыл бұрын
In 2003 Sean I bought my AU ll Futura Classic..It was just two years old . It has predominantly lived outside ever since . She has not been spared ...She's been places in the 18 years since on fishing/hiking trips that's just not fair . She has been serviced every 5-7000 kms though ...She's had the front brake calipers replaced just early this year when one started not completely releasing ..but we did both fronts to keep them the same , one alternator in 2015 caused by a power steering tank swivel hose leak as it happens , one inlet manifold gasket at 125 ,000 k's , one power mirror switch , one main power window switch bank that I later found out wasn't necessary as the original just needed cleaning contactors . Original components still fine ....Intech engine still runs superbly , BTR auto still smooth , no diff issues , no tailshaft issues , original radiator , heater /A/C still okay , steering rack slight weeping only . Simple things starting to need attention now are ...headlining around the back window , clock backlight but the clock is fine , wear on the drivers seat but the rest is still good , sway bar rubbers due for replacement as she squeaks in dry weather on speed bumps and real rough roads and the auto antenna only goes halfway up and down . I also put in an after market head unit for USB music devices but still have the factory one.Things I can't do myself ...Badly sun damaged paint (liquid Silver like yours) really needs respray , bootlid rust below the number plate , rust around the bonnet catch also . I also own a gorgeous FG XR6 like new condition with still only 74,000 Kays ...and drives like new but the old AU just keeps chewing up the kilometres in comfort , drives sweetly every time , carts stuff around like it doesn't matter and is part of the family ... This tough old bird will stay with me forever ... I love it .. Also love your amazing videos....
@barbraabsalom4531
3 жыл бұрын
Yep , that’s what there good at , racking up really high Kim’s & towing with mostly good old basic servicing & repairs with little fuss , mine 458000 owned for 16 years , truly the most reliable & durable car I have ever owned , can’t say the same about the partners bf which has only done half the Kim’s , no towing , religiously serviced , whole cooling system replaced at 10 years old , fairly fragile interior with wrinkly vinyl wrapped crap , idiotic plastic auto shift linkage & now a blown head gasket , You can stick the ALMIGHTY BARRA , it hasn’t lived up to its reputation in my experience , give me an au with intec everyday , SOHC the world !
@AdrianM082
3 жыл бұрын
Another great vid Sean, Another bit of info for you, IRS was an option on lower spec models. I've owned a series 2 for 20 years, IRS on the silver top engine and it's not a fairmont 👍
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
That's awesome!
@AdrianM082
3 жыл бұрын
@@MotoringBoxTV like you i want to own 20 of them 😁
@singlepeg8331
3 жыл бұрын
Sorry mate got confused n bought my fleshlight instead 👍
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Like I said anything you can use against the seller to get the price down is a good thing 😂
@cootason
3 жыл бұрын
I like those crome things above the wheels a lot ^_^ time I get some :)
@stephenwardle9268
3 жыл бұрын
Sean did that because the leading guard edges were rough paint wise, cheaper than paying someone to paint them!
@RossReviewsau
3 жыл бұрын
YES... JUST YES.... #UPTHEAU
@jamo8896
3 жыл бұрын
How come you drive this to work and not your turbo?
@jonobrtn
3 жыл бұрын
How does it take 32 minutes to say yes?
@djjohnnymusic
Жыл бұрын
Series 1 was basically an E series drivetrain with an AU body. I've upgraded my S1 wagon with BF XR front suspension, so taking the the 289mm front rotors and changing them to 298mm using DBA Kangaroo Paw Rotors, and moving the sway bar to the same location as S2/3, and added a Camber/Caster kit for improved cornering.
@jimamizzi1
3 жыл бұрын
These cars handle well, good quality tires even better.
@anonymous3738
15 күн бұрын
As an American, I can clearly see that this was the most American sedan that was never sold in America. It was full-size with a V8 and RWD which were classic American sedan specs but this one stood out because it was from an American brand, that being Ford. Furthermore, because the Falcon had sedan, station wagon and pickup forms, it looked like the Crown Victoria, Country Squire and Ranchero, respectively lived on Down Under but not in their own country. As for revival, the Ford Mustang Mach-4 sedan is reportedly under development and it’ll most likely match the last Falcon and be a spiritual successor but also be sold in its own country, America this time. As for a station wagon and pickup, station wagons are no longer popular in America unlike in Europe where they still are so it’s unlikely and a car-based pickup wasn’t too popular in America so that’s unlikely too. But at least the American V8 sedan’s void which was empty since the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300’s discontinuation would be filled.
@michaelbyrnes7944
24 күн бұрын
I’ll buy a AUSSIE made AU falcon just for the 302 Windsor and maybe some other stuff off it for my 1975 ford TD hump bonnet aussie cortina SO a xr8 one cortina is complete but I sold the shity 3.3 or 250 cross flow and crap auto gearbox
@Low760
3 жыл бұрын
So the V8 didn't have irs? Should have mentioned that even if this is about the 6
@arkhsm
3 жыл бұрын
V8 XR8's and Fairmont Ghias, and all Fairlanes, + ltd's too had the IRS !!
@Low760
3 жыл бұрын
@@arkhsm I'm aware, but for someone watching the video and not doing any other research its not fair to exclude them.
@brett1983
3 жыл бұрын
Hahaha all your prerequisites really resonated with me 🤣🤣🤣 us 80's kids think alike
@MotoringBoxTV
3 жыл бұрын
Haha, I know right?
@brett1983
3 жыл бұрын
@@MotoringBoxTV we must be getting old, I can't stand removed spoilers with those rubber plugs and car wash pics 🤢
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