G'day all, This is my first post on this forum, however I have been reading the forum for quite some time, and feel I should post my questions and get some answers from you lot! I'm in the market for a ute. I'm coming from 4 years of driving quick, sporty, turbo cars, and need something that will tow my next project and the car trailer, total around 1500-1600kg. So I'm after a ute, with a turbo, something that is kinda sporty, and can tow my intended weight. I think the XR6T ute is going to fit the bill! I've got around $25k to spend, and I have seen alot of Mk1 BA's in this price range. So, here's the list of questions. I hope I dont bore you all with a long post, but I do hope I can get some good info to help me with my purchase. 1) Any common problems with this car? I've heard about brake shuddering, handbrake sticking and making a whooshing noise, diff's being a bit noisy, etc. Are all these problems common throughout all cars, or only a select few I've managed to hear about? Are they easy to fix?? I am more than capable with tools in and around cars, having build several up myself now, I feel I can do most things (apart from engine & gearbox rebuilds as I've yet to try!) without any hassles. 2) Members who are towing, what do you tow, roughly how heavy is it, and how does the car go in terms of initial take off, fuel consumption, braking, stability at 110km/h with load, etc. How does it feel in general? Does it feel all good?? I have no doubt the motor is capable of pulling almost anything, but how does the rest of the car hold up, more importantly, the auto?? Do I need a trans-cooler fitted?? If so, any suggestions on what brand?? 3) General performance when standard? 250kw and 450Nm is a bit of power, hows it go for fuel when driven nicely (if possible?)?? Does anyone get the redbook.com's values of 12L/100 around town and 8L/100 on freeway? They seem a little optimistic in my opinion, however I dont mind being told otherwise! Is the center muffler removal a "must" modification? I dont really want to modify this ute, as it's intended purpose is a stock daily driver with towing capabilities, but I'm not going to turn my back on simple and effective mods, as long as I dont need to re-flash the ECU or change anything mechanical, as I want this ute kept as stock as possible unlike every other car I've owned. 4) What's the standard stereo like? Sellers dont like when I crank it up so I've yet to really get a good idea on how nice it is!! Is it hard to put in an after market head unit and speakers? I've not looked at the dash or door trims at length to gauge how hard it would be. Is the premium sound really something I should go for over a car with standard stereo and me fitting a good ($800+) head unit and speakers?? 5) Roughly what are servicing costs at Ford, can someone share rough prices with me?? Feel free to PM them to me if you dont want to advertise on a public forum. Is it easy (quick) to get spares for these cars from the dealer without too much trouble? 6) Lastly (if you're still reading, thanks!), I'm after one of those Carryboy canopies for the ute, mainly so I can put the dogs in there (with a window open for air!), or a heap of kitesurfing and surfing gear, and lock it all up out of the weather. Where is the best place to buy them? Should I simply hold out and find one 2nd hand? at $3800-4000 new, they seem a little pricey to me! Do they weigh alot?? Do people who have them have any gripes about them? I'd like to know before purchasing one. Anyway, thanks for reading this far. Any help will be much appreciated. I am one of those people who can talk about cars (and road bikes, kitesurfing, etc) with enthusiastic owners for hours on end, so feel free to post here, PM me, etc if you'd like a yarn about these utes. Regards Dave.
