Gareth

Just renewed mine with AAMI and it was $915. That's covering the extras as well (premium brakes, sound, leather, sunroof, etc). I did have a claim with them with my last car and the repairs were a bit ordinary so I complained and they got them fixed perfectly. I don't think it was their fault - it was the repairer (however they could have checked before giving it back - the inside of the car was filthy - it was a soft top). I live in Sydney, so I figure $900 is really good.

I'm having it installed on Friday. Will let you know how it goes.

I think it's called Sydney traffic. Your stopped more than you are going!

The smoke is caused by a small dump of oil onto the engine/exhuast when the tube pops off. No big deal when this happens, although it DID have me worried when it first occurred! I don't follow this. My car was stone cold when it happened and there was a LOT of smoke, coming thru the cabin and from all around the bonnet. Not just a drop of oil I'm afraid!

I've had my Auto XR6T now for a couple of months. The hardest decision I had to make when ordering was whether to go Auto or Manual. My last car was an S2000 and the falcon box felt pretty crude in comparison when I test drove it. Also all the reports I read suggested the Auto was the pick. My second last car was an EFII XR6 manual, which I sold to a friend and still get to drive ocassionally, so I have good experience with manuals and frankly never thought I'd buy another Auto. All I can say is I have 0 regrets for going with the Auto. I think it's a great box, responds well, and in such a big car makes the Sydney peak hour grind a lot easier. As mentioned, it will tow more too. I drive pretty hard and usually have to replace clutches before 100,000 ks, so this is no longer a concern. in fact I was out at Eastern Creek on the skid pan last weekend and the instructor initially didn't want to use my car to demonstrate as it was an auto - I guess he had the same preconceptions. He did drive it and was very impressed. I guess getting 80 odd K's out of first helps. In fact I reckon that in many cars the manual box & clutch are their weakest points. I hope that helps anyone agonising over the same decision... The Auto is great - I'm sure the manual is too.

You have the best of both worlds with the BA Auto box. Don't knock it 'till you've tried it Rooboy. Plus I bet it's quicker!

Ah well, I've bought one. I guess I will eventually save money and help the environment by not using disposable paper filters. Maybe with a few other mods it will have a greater impact? The Auto Barn guy told me it would give me 10 KW at the wheels - but I've heard claims like this before...

This happened to me too. Lots of smoke! Just put the vacuum hose back together and all will be OK.

Went with the Auto as it will handle the power better, and the manual is a very long throw box compared to my last car - like driving a truck!

Just drive the car very sedately till it warms up. No need to idle it and waste fuel.

This happened to me over Easter too! I started the car and it backfired, heaps of smoke came from everywhere! I figured it must have come out of the blow off valve.... It also blew apart a vacuum hose, which I put back together. the car started again and I've done about 3,000 k's with no further problem. Weird!

I've got almost 6,000 ks on the clock. Highway (motorway) driving is around 10.5 L/100K's, City driving (mostly peak hour) is around 14.5 L/100K's. It's the stopping and starting at lights that screws the economy. Once it's going it's fine, but if you put the boot in it sucks more juice (obviously). I run Premium, and reckon the economy is pretty damn good for the weight and power...

Try fitting into a Rex if you are over 6 foot tall. Thank God for the XR6T!

My problems are small. Very loud whistle above 110 kph, wheels weren't balanced so vibrations at speed. Had them reballanced and still not 100%. Car backfired once when starting and smoke came out of everywhere! Scarey, but only damage seemed to be a vacuum hose that blew apart which I put back together. Have done about 2,000k's in about 10 days since then with no dramas. On the whole I reckon these are awesome cars. You have to expect some problems with any car. My last car was a Honda S2000 and I had more initial problems with it - and I reckon Honda build fantastic cars, as good as any manufacturer in the world. Let's be positive, at least they don't have all the dramas of the Gen 3 Chev engines!

I test drove 2 cars, one with the standard and one with the sports. I opted for the sports. A much better feel... but I do have big hands!

:D I installed a powerchip in my EFII XR6 and the only problems I ever experienced were bad connections. I had to take the chip out and clean the connectors and re-install it every now and then. The increased power and drivability was great. Testament to this is that one day when it played up I took it out and thought I'd leave it out until I got home to clean it and re-install. I lasted about 2 minutes and pulled over and put it back in! I found the chip and a cloth air filter made a significant difference. Drove it for about 100,000 k's and had no warranty or other issues. I drove it on the track a fair bit at clubsport days and it beat standard 185KW HSV's in all circumstances. Really peed them off! I would certainly be one of the first in line for one for my new XR6T. (As soon as it's delivered )

I currently drive a Honda S2000 and the manual box felt pretty ordinary in comparison! I also agree that changing the clutch is an issue, particularly if you tow something from time to time. I guess a few performance modifications might make up for any slight power shortfall! In fact I understand the power & torque was limited so the manual box could cope.

I've just ordered my XR6T and read a few reviews suggesting the Auto was the pick. I'm wondering if anyone has any performance comparisons? You would expect the Auto to be a little slower, but then you are always on boost, so this might compensate?