💵Buying an AU Falcon - The MotoringBox Buyer's Guide to Ford Australia's Most Legendary Car

Has the AU Falcon bug bitten you, and bit hard? Well here's a few tips for what I'd be looking for in an AU Falcon! I'm far from being an expert at buying cars, but I hope these top tips will help ease you into the comfortable seats of the bastard child of Ford Australia. THE AU. #MOTORINGBOX
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:12 - Searching FB marketplace
03:41 - Inspecting the body
05:48 - Checking door actuators
07:19 - Checking for rust
12:27 - AU Series & Engines
17:12 - Windows & Interior
22:35 - Engine starting
23:49 - Road testing - what to look for
27:16 - Pricing guide (for 2021)
28:36 - Final thoughts
30:24 - Conclusion
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🚘 About MotoringBox
MotoringBox is an Australian based KZbin channel run independently by Sean McKellar since 2019. It focuses on quality content about Australian car culture and some of the incredibly unique vehicles we manufactured here. I work a day job and publish videos in my spare time, so thank you for your patience and I hope you enjoy my videos.
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Please note: I enjoy working on cars but I can't promise that what I do will work for your particular car, or that you won't harm yourself, someone else, your car, or your warranty doing it. Please be safe, be responsible and if you're not sure what you're doing, get a qualified mechanic to help you out.

[@MotoringBoxTV]

Thanks for watching! Like, comment or sub to support the channel. 👕Or grab a shirt from www.motoringbox.com/shop

[@AndyAyres]

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]

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]

AU’s generally seem to be more durable and have better build quality

[@barbraabsalom4531]

@@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]

I don't need an AU. I'm living the experience vicariously through you Sean. Works out a lot cheaper for me LOL

[@ThePowerbloke]

Me too! :-)

[@user-ye1se9qm8m]

Low key I actually kinda want an AU now because of you and ross reviews

[@bennyw9975]

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]

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.

[@heavymetal9622]

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!

[@anthonyangelovski3039]

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.

[@josemanuel5749]

Nice to see content about Australia's Crown Victoria.

[@tturi2]

And Australias Crown Athlete/Majesta

[@DanafoxyVixen]

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]

so far ive had the car for about a year and she's still purring like a kitten

[@geoffdrewer1978]

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]

Nice my au2 fairmont has over 340k never been touched apart from oil changes

[@cootason]

My 2002 Series 3 cost me 4500 128,000km up near 176000 now absolute gem..

[@bradg5910]

Love my AU 2 V8 LTD. Rare car thats been well cared for. Long live the mighty AU

[@nathanrust6918]

I love to think the wine on my n/a ba xr6 is a hidden turbo hehe

[@Nevergiveuponyourself]

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]

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.

[@jamesfrench7299]

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]

You never know, I've always been a sedan guy though.

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@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]

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]

@@ZarzTV I have always liked and admired station wagons. I don't know, it just garners respect.

[@ZarzTV]

@@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]

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]

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.

[@ricknel76nelson54]

Awesome video! Showed it to my wife, told her, "see, I not the only one who loves AUs!"

[@MotoringBoxTV]

It's a pandemic

[@barscogarage5918]

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!!!!

[@glennmk5167]

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,

[@willsmarty21]

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.

[@nashadam1231]

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!

[@martyburgess341]

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]

It's true, the last run of any model will always be the best.

[@martyburgess341]

@@MotoringBoxTV 100% agreed!

[@kris8742]

@@martyburgess341 The last run of the series can also have metal parts replaced with plastic parts

[@brendanmatthys3788]

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

[@sonnyjimm23]

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 👍

[@dangrego7031]

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!!

[@fatbusaracing1347]

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..

[@xbgtfella]

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.

[@samkaur4098]

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.

[@maxliu285]

Recently bought this exact model thanks to this video !!

[@IcePenguin61]

this guy is amazing puts so much effort into all his videos

[@miket8763]

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.

[@12superoo]

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 KZbins.

[@peterriggall8409]

Very thorough advice that could be applied to any used car purchase. 👍

[@MotoringBoxTV]

Thanks! 👍

[@ThePowerbloke]

Great quality content and great advice as always Sean. Thanks for sharing mate. Just love your honesty and passion for your cars. :-)

[@MotoringBoxTV]

Thanks Colin!

[@andrewrose9707]

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

[@chrispele8485]

It's a good day when you wake up to a au falcon thanks for the info Sean maybe I should buy one

[@chrislloyd4673]

Top marks. Just bought a 2000 AU11 Fairmont station wagon in mint condition with just 121ks. Took all the advice from this vid

[@seanwebb995]

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.

[@MrMightyZ]

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.

[@xacoupeguy]

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!!

[@philnorbury9032]

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.

[@commodore665]

I always kind of liked the shape of the AU .

[@derrynmcmaster2727]

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.

[@geoffreybanditt4355]

Great video. As someone who grew up around a earlier 90's Fairmont I always thought that the standard styling of the AU was a slap in the face, these times I actually don't mind the looks of the AU Fairmont's. Though I do think they look better in white or silver. Also I do agree with you saying about picking up about 10 of them for the different models. I would actually like to pick up a XR model au before the start getting higher up in price as a collectors car. Also if the clear coat is on it's way out like on yours with no rust it wouldn't take much just to give it a little touch up with clear coat.

[@markemarc8256]

had an ED xr8, EF xr8, sort of upgraded after writting them off. I loved them, then i got an AU XR8 series 3 and it had a stroker motor like the te50s etc unknowns to me at the time i bought it. Had one of those sick manifolds and throttle bodies too. I loved nailing it out of a corner and the IRS sat the ass end down and launched. Sure i blew a diff, destroyed a gear box and more than 5 heavy duty clutches but the car was a beast. Parked it outside when i had a work vehicle and the sun screwed the black paint in a few months. Electric window switches needed to be regular cleaned. bit of rust around the rear spoiler. Sold it to a guy who was ready to get it back on the road for a decent price.

[@OzRetrocomp]

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 KZbinr with an AU Fairmont will confirm this last point.

[@MotoringBoxTV]

Good tips

[@phillipevans9414]

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.

[@snoochpounder]

Sean always up and early as well getting things done. That’s how to do it.

[@MotoringBoxTV]

You know it

[@Ragnar6000]

I got my AU 4 years ago for 5k...still driving it love it!

[@brianfidge6531]

Gotta love watching a video of someone hoping on market place and seeing ya mates barra converted au

[@danehamilton8831]

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....

[@rodneymcgiveron]

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]

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 !

[@stewatparkpark2933]

The coil pack located under the inlet manifold develops cracks eventually and can cause rough running .

[@kayoticwrath]

Always loved the look of an AU XR and forever wanted a replica of the green eyed monster but never could get past the interior.

[@johnc3522]

AU XR8s and T series all got IRS as well, not just the VCT engined cars. I’ve had 9 AUs - great cars

[@waynefarnham9922]

G'day again Sean, I recently went through my side table draws looking for something and came across a very pleasant surprise. I found a Ford pocket that was supplied with the car when sold from brand new. I discovered that there was only 1 previous owner, a sales company so she was properly maintained with services and such. All the original handbooks are there, the warranty and customer assistance handbook, the Tickford express warranty, the Dual fuel supplement, the Dealer extended warranty handbook, even the receipt for the tinted windows. Even the original receipt for the sale of the car, she cost $17,700 brand new. I was a little surprised with this find. When I bought her, 10 years ago in 2012, she was in perfect condition and I paid $6,000 for her, she is really worth every penny. Just had to tell about my find. Take care and keep up the video's, love 'em. Wayne Farnham

[@micko1404]

I have two of them, I'm currently doing up my AU 2 wagon, BF XR6 rims and some Fairmont bits and Mazda Soul red paint.

[@JackStavris]

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]

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 ?

[@tturi2]

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,

[@patrik_x86]

such an underrated channel honestly

[@forddriver8827]

Remove the two rubber stoppers on the inside of the boot lid, to the left and right of the lock striker. This allows water to drain out preventing rust issues. Also, behind the inner wheel guards, clean and enlargen hole to allow debris a way out.

[@_autoverse]

I’m not in Australia or NZ, yet here I am watching a buyers guide for a car I won’t buy. Purely because the car is of interest and I find the presentation engaging.

[@MotoringBoxTV]

It's interesting checking out cars you can't get in your particular country. I sometimes find myself watching videos like that too.

[@ShonicTHedgehog]

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

[@senorpickle4207]

Picked mine up feb last year, the ad popped up on AU drift society and it was like 20 minutes away, bought it off a very old man who’d owned it since new for $900 and I could not be happier with it. Doesn’t leak a drop of anything, doesn’t burn oil and I have genuinely no complaints. The seats are comfy, suspension is comfy, drives better than a lot of new cars.

[@MotoringBoxTV]

Sounds like a winner mate, hope it gives you many years of enjoyment.

[@chrisnewton2325]

That's so clean man I hope you keep it

[@MotoringBoxTV]

Cheers, we'll see.

[@joaoteixeira822]

There is something in this car that reminds me the Nissan Máxima. I love those australian local cars. In my coutry(Brazil) we had some Holden Commodores sold as Chevrolet Ômega. Great car by the way!

[@gregiespot3576]

Always a good video 👍

[@MotoringBoxTV]

Check out my AU Falcon feature video for a run down on the list of different models, and how they compare to Bunnings sausages! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWWrZop7g9mVmdE

[@OzRetrocomp]

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]

@@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.

[@mangomcpoo475]

So glad I got my AU XR8 in time

[@ivanfernyhough3851]

Interesting buyers guide👍one of the biggest warnings to me on a car is those horrible chrome wheelarch covers.here in the uk they are generally stuck on to hide rusty arches or if they arnt rusty when they go on they will be when they come off.they trap all the moisture and condensation and of course we have loads of roadsalt on our roads in the winter.i love chrome but they look terrible.

[@MotoringBoxTV]

Mine are hiding some wheel arch scratches from the previous elderly owner. I do check under them periodically and everything's all good.

[@djjohnnymusic]

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.

[@hoscba]

My mate used to carry a bunch of window switches in his centreconsole, we'd have to switch them out periodically to use the passenger windows. Both in a Series 1 and Series 3 XR8.

[@AdrianM082]

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]

That's awesome!

[@AdrianM082]

@@MotoringBoxTV like you i want to own 20 of them 😁

[@anmolsaxena_]

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]

Must have been pretty hectic for the folks to not like it.

[@anmolsaxena_]

@@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

[@markbehr88]

The IRS was on Ghias, Fairlanes and LTDs incl the V8s not just the VCT. Rust areas also include under the bonnet where the chrome header is attached. Also a big rust trap is on the body in front of where the front door hinge attaches. Often hard to see but that is a big issue. I have 3 AUs - all V8s.

[@julianalderson3938]

Great vid. Got a 2010 bf111 wagon. Yer lota the same probs. But after my work ute its like drivin an armchair can sleep in. Bita power if need it. But gota keep onto em. Thanks

[@nzwotb2525]

I bought a series 2 forte wagon a year ago for $50 had been sitting for 7 years

[@FLIPMYRIDE]

Sean nice video mate! You have me contemplating now...

[@eduardoK995]

I picked up a tidy au ltd V8 earlier this year for $3500. Best car I've ever had & hasn't skipped a beat

[@MotoringBoxTV]

Nice, it's hard to find them under $5k these days.

[@jcbfeather]

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

[@shreda125hilux7]

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]

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

[@memesmith9700]

it's amazing how bad this car looked in 1999 but how good it looks today fitting in well with the modern models.

[@change_your_oil_regularly4287]

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]

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]

@@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]

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]

Got my Series 2 EF with 95k km 4 yrs ago for $3400. Currently got about 122k

[@change_your_oil_regularly4287]

@@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.

[@joh2]

It is a yes from me - have an AU Fairmont as a daily driver that does 120km round trip to work several days a week

[@lliamparslow2563]

Loved out AU2 S Pack. A Red 5sp Manual with a Havoc body kit. Sadly the high Klms in 2012 saw us trade the old girl for an FG XR6

[@johnblood3367]

Awesome video

[@ethanalexis3471]

Great video my uncle used to have a AU forte sedan series 2 2001

[@rhyanoneill1932]

I paid $4000 for my very clean 2003 BA Fairmont 2 years ago. It has 82,000kms when I bought it and it's just about to hit 100,000! It's even got the factory windscreen with the roadside assist sticker still on it!

[@panners125]

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]

Good tip. Sometimes it's unavoidable though, unless you want to take the long way to work.

[@MrButtonpresser]

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

[@bobbyeustace6706]

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 🙂

[@splashpit]

I had a series 1 Ute one ton that I got months before the official release and boy did it get a lot of attention but it never wowed me so I replaced it with the BA RTV that l loved so much l still have and only stopped using for work earlier this year .

[@darrenpalmer6073]

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.

[@MrPoet67]

I just bought a 98 s1 AU Futura wagon. After having Ea/b's BA and a FG XR6, Picking up this one owner AU was a dream come true. 215500 km and factory stock. The only mod I will do is replace the factory stereo with a Iplay stereo... One of the best Falcons I have had

[@BigASpastic]

I finally got another fairmont! 2002 au. Great buying at $2500 bought off an old boy bloody tidy 👌🏻

[@runslaTe]

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

[@aidenbattle2074]

I got a ba v8 3 years ago for a song with a lot of problems and I fixed most of them just wasn’t willing to tackle the no heater so I straight up swapped it for an au 4L with even more kms then the ba. I’m positive I actually got the better deal, I’ve spent around 1500 including tyres they’ve spent close to 2000 and still haven’t got a heater. But I wanted a donor car and they are so hard to find now I just bought one with 4 different coloured panels and “send it” sprayed on the bonnet for 900 just to give you an idea of the market atm.

[@garrylum6025]

Picked up a Tickford XR8 Fairmont for 1350. Had to cut some rust out from the boot area, but there’s plenty of shells around still.

[@Katherine-15-12]

I have a Series 2 White Futura sedan. I am the 2nd owner. It has travelled 165,000 KMs and is absolutely mechanically perfect. Everything works properly including the A/C. I love the car. Engine, Auto, suspension and brakes are spot on. No noises, rattles or wines and will cruise all day at 110 and is.very economical and does not use oil and runs cool always. I am moving to Dallas, Texas and I am going to take the car with me. I cannot register it there until it is 25 yo. This car has been like an old friend and I want to take it with me.