Any Pointers for Buying a Second-Hand XR6?

hermonski on 01/07/2018 - 23:33

Hi there everyone,

I'm thinking of getting a second-hand Ford Falcon XR6. Some of the guidelines I've set myself are:

  • Under $10k
  • No more than 150,000km on the odometer
  • Buy from a dealer
  • No older than 2003 (15 years)

I'm wondering what are some of the things to keep in mind for this kind of vehicle with these attributes (eg 12 years old, 135,000km)? I recall reading once that the engine should have a 'major' service at 120k? I have a natural preference for the FG, but should I be open to a BF, BA etc? Anything else I should keep an eye out for? Anything I can expect to happen as it nears/passes the 200,000km mark?

Three I've found that seem ok:

Or perhaps this one, which is a bit cheaper.

I'd actually love a manual, but they're hard to come by, and when you do they've a lot of km's on them, like this one with 286k on it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks as always!

Automotive

Comments

  • thetrain on 02/07/2018 - 00:13
    +8

    If possible aim for an FG with the 6 speed ZF gearbox if you're going auto as these are fantastic to drive. $10k should get you one easily (I assume you want an NA and not a turbo)

    I have a 10+ year old BF, Falcons are solidly built and will last if looked after. Keep in mind at this age/km some things will need to be replaced.

    Common things to check
    -rear diff bushes. Clunky rear end and will need to be replaced eventually. ask if already done
    -rough shifts. May be a sign of trans fluid/coolant contamination or lack of gearbox maintenance.

    'Major' service is 100k. This is just spark plugs, coolant flush etc so nothing major at all.

    If you buy one make sure you do
    -spark plugs
    -transmission fluid and filter (must)
    -coolant

    After that it should be good for another 100 k (assuming well maintained)

  • Steven1986 on 02/07/2018 - 00:21
    +3

    I've got a 2005 Ford BA XR6 MKII, had it since 2008 and haven't had any major issues with it.

    2 things that I have come across recently:

    1. Common issue of Ford Falcon radiator coolant and transmission fluid mixing (Google Ford falcon transmission milkshake) which I understand is expensive to fix. I came across it as I have recently been towing and it is recommended to get a transmission cooler kit fitted to avoid this. I also read that there is a risk of it happening after 150,000km even when not towing.
      http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2361640
      http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1859657
      http://www.fordmods.com/ford-4l-and-6-cylinder-f1/ba-bf-falc…

    2. There is a plastic cog in the locking mechanism of the Ford Falcon car doors that commonly snaps. You can get a replacement cheap on ebay, but need to take the door apart to fit it.
      http://www.fordaustraliaforums.com/forum/showthread.php?5695…

    (Depending on how new the XR6 is that you get, these issues may be resolved, or not).

    • vinni9284 on 02/07/2018 - 07:29
      +3

      I have the same and purchased since new. Done nearly 300K Kms … and still going strong
      I'd like to add extras:

      1. Agree with the comment above. Purchased a tranny cooler. Cost ~ $350
      2. Agree with the comment above. Practically changed all door lock actuators. (common issue. Ford has jacked up the price with these)
      3. Disks warping and shuddering - Get better branded disks
      4. Check for rust inside the boot - underneath the boot lid area weld/joins tend to rust.
      5. Power steering hose.
      6. Rear brake line hoses (factory recall)
      7. Gear box should be religiously serviced every year IMO. (check for records)
      8. Check engine belt and pulley (if it has been replaced)
      9. Check brake booster (IMO a common problem that causes brake shuddering)
      10. If you take one for a test drive and you see the "D" flashing on the dash, battery needs replacing

      They suck a bit of juice, and I get around 12.6 L/100Kms and drive on the highway/city 80/20. So get ready to spend around ~ $80 for a full tank of ULP @ $1.49c

      Please keep in mind that this model is pushing nearly 13 years old hence some "genuine" parts might be hard to acquire new.

      Cheers

  • Nugs on 02/07/2018 - 06:21

    you know it's a Ford right?

    anyway reading this;

    "I have a natural preference for the FG, but should I be open to a BF, BA etc?"

    Buy the FG if that is what you want.

    .

  • pegaxs on 02/07/2018 - 08:22
    +3

    Yeah…

    “Don’t”

  • CLoSeR on 02/07/2018 - 09:03
    +1

    Too old; big risk with this vehicle and age combination.

    How much money you got?

    • Euphemistic on 05/07/2018 - 16:36

      Why? The average age of the Aussie car fleet is around 10years. That's AVERAGE age, so there are a lot more older cars still running and plenty are Falcon/Commodores.

      These are also basic, decent sized, comfortable cars that have parts that are easy to come by. Many of them have long lives if looked after, or can do several hundred thousand kms as taxis.

  • pantsparty on 02/07/2018 - 09:42
    +1

    Why the preference to buy from a dealer? Generally you can get a better car for your money if you buy privately and don't pay the dealership mark up. Do you need a car this big? You could buy a smaller car in much newer/better condition for similar money - helps you be a good Ozbargainer and avoid repairs in the future and also the extra cost of petrol.

    • CLoSeR on 02/07/2018 - 09:50

      Probably for the 3 month warranty.

      • pantsparty on 02/07/2018 - 09:51

        Which based on what most people say on Ozbargain is basically worthless

        • CLoSeR on 02/07/2018 - 09:55

          Isn't it worth more than no warranty?

        • airal3rt on 02/07/2018 - 10:25
          +1

          @CLoSeR:

          Of course it's worth more than no warranty - it's just nowhere near worth the dealership markup, hence a bad idea.

        • CLoSeR on 02/07/2018 - 11:10

          @airal3rt: Dealership markup will depend on how you negotiate; because they often get vehicles are trade in prices you are still get great deals. Some private sale vehicles are way overpriced.

  • airal3rt on 02/07/2018 - 10:28
    +1

    Look privately and meet the previous owner, casually ask what car they've moved on to. If it's a 40+ year old Ford enthusiast the car will have been looked after, if it's a late 20's/early 30's petrolhead bogan the car will have been absolutely thrashed and you should walk away.

    • vinni9284 on 02/07/2018 - 12:23

      This seems like a good buy however …

      A bear minimum, I would recommend the BFMkII and above depending on Kms & condition.

      The advantages are:

      • Improved drive by wire system (there is a noticeable delay when accelerating off the line with the BA models) The BF acceleration off the line is instant. No delay (which is really annoying in the BA)
      • 6 speed ZF transmission.(a better gearbox in comparison to the clunky 4 speed) better fuel economy and most importantly a faster kick-down acceleration. Not cheap to service. You have to sit down to get a quote to reco though.
      • Pocket rocket for the Turbo coupled with the ZF for "possibly" under $10K however it is pot luck if it has been really thrashed. Plus the Turbos may need a reco over 180K Kms

      Cheers

  • Steven1986 on 02/07/2018 - 23:31

    I overlooked an issue in my post last night:

    The Ford Falcon Shockwave Blue paint has a known issue of peeling off of the car. It happened to my 2005 BA, though as it was a known problem, when I reported it to Ford they resprayed my car for free (this was about 5 years ago). I believe that this issue is only for Shockwave Blue paint, though it might not be limited to the BA model.

    If you were to buy an XR6 with Shockwave Blue paint, maybe ask if it has been resprayed as Ford may no longer be doing the free resprays.

    http://www.fordaustraliaforums.com/forum/showthread.php?4320…
    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1612625

  • hermonski on 03/07/2018 - 10:03

    wow, great advice, thanks everyone. definitely helps me narrow down the range and get a sense of what to look out for!

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