Upgrading To A Ba

[jasonxr695]

Hi all, what an awesome site.

Im from NZ and I currently drive a 95 EF XR6 which has been an great car for the 4 years I have owned it but I think its time to move up to the BA series.

I have been looking at 2003 models but I am a bit unsure if I sould get a standard XR6 or the XR6 turbo and yes I do realise this is an XR6 turbo dedicated forum.

I have read a lot of reveiws but just thought someone on this forum might be able to help me a bit more.

what I would like to know is...

Is the XR6 turbo as reliable as the standard XR6? (any issues with the turbo engine)

and what is the difference in fuel consumption, I realise it would be a bit more when you put your foot down and the turbo kicks in but just when sticking to speed limits around town/city?, which is about 60km/h here in NZ.

Last thing is speed, from what I have read.

My 95 EF XR6 can do 0 - 100km/h in 7.5 sec

an 03 BA XR6 can do 0 - 100km/h in 8.0 sec (That makes my XR6 quicker than a BA XR6?)

and the 03 BA XR6T 0 - 100km/h in 6.0 sec

Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks

Jason.

[RHR]

Take an NA and a turbo for a run.

Best fuel consumption I have gottten out of my t is 9.4l/100

[cobrav8]

Mate - I am in Wellington, and was in a similar situation a year ago. I had an EB XR8 - and wanted a newer car, but wasnt impressed when I drove EFs, didnt like AUs and wasnt overly impressed with the BA XR8. I had decided I was going to get a new or newer car for once (first one I have had), and ended up with the options:

- BA XR8 Second Hand,

- BA XR6T New

- SS Commodore/Monaro Vx? Second hand, or new SV8.

I wanted a manual, but couldnt find demo cars to drive, and luckily at that time the BA2s were coming out with the 6 speed (ended up ordering one without being able to try it in anything other than a SS Commodore).

Now...

We had decided that if we were spending so much money - get new. I liked the XR6T the best at that point, with SV8 a close second.

My wife came in for a test drive of the falcons, and they had a manual XR6 non -turbo. She tried to talk me into that, but I knew that I would have always wished I had the Turbo. So.... I pushed the price as far down as possible (16% off or something along those lines - sign up to the Elders card - and you get a great discount without too much haggling).

Anyway - since getting the Turbo - I have loved it, so much torque at any revs, quiet, smooth, good looking from every angle - inside and out.

So - yes, biased towards the Turbo - but there is a great reason to be.

If you are buying second hand - the market is so much better than when I was looking (for a buyer), as you can pick up an awesome car for bugger all.

Try this Falcon GT on Trademe - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=66510127 started at $1!!!

or this XR6T BA Mk2 - still brand new, but cheap as the BFs are out http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...on-62214125.htm

or http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...on-62214122.htm

Same car yard - $1000 more(maybe has more options?).

Also another point for you. In NZ - the Turbos and XR8s all come with better stereos than the normal XR6, they have linited slip diffs standard, and the Turbos have much better potential if you modify them. Fuel consumption is not that different from what I have heard.

Anyway - best of luck - have fun. If you are in Wellington, and want a ride in a Turbo - feel free to ask.

PS - If you are buying second hand, I would consider going as new as you can stretch - as the price difference between a 2003 and a 2005 is not that much.

Edited 18/08/06 12:48 AM by cobrav8

[jasonxr695]

Thanks Cobrav8 that was very helpfull.

I think I will get a XR6T or yeah you are right I will spend the rest of my days wishing I had.

Im looking at spending $25.000 so I will see what I can get.

My XR6 is a manual and I would like to get another but I heard the manuals are a bit clunky and that the autos with S/Shift are pretty good.

Thanks again for your help.

Edited 18/08/06 01:13 AM by jasonxr695

[jasonxr695]

Thanks Cobrav8 that was very helpfull.

Im from Wanganui

I think I will get a XR6T or yeah you are right I will spend the rest of my days wishing I had.

Im looking at spending $25.000 so I will see what I can get.

My XR6 is a manual and I would like to get another but I heard the manuals are a bit clunky and that the Autos with S/Shift are pretty good.

Thanks again for your help.

Jason

[bangm001]

Hey mate, I think they are both nice cars, so drive both and if yu have the extra $ go the T. However, if you are wanting a car for good fuel consumption, and are a little concerned in this department, then a T is not the car for you.

[EZ2CME]

I have a standard XR6 and have managed a 7.01 second 0-100 using G-Tech.

[G6ET8U]

If you want a manual XR6T make sure you get the 6 speed... I didn't and have since had to upgrade from the T5. It is worth the extra dollars...

And get the Turbo, you seriously will not regret it... they are so much fun!!

Jack

[T007]

If you dont get the T you will wish you had every day

[JBomb3000]

Hi Jason

I curently drive a 2005 BA Mkii XR6 Turbo, before that I had a 2003 BA Mki XR6 so I think I'm in a good position to comment on your situation. The N/A XR6 is a great car and if you bought one you would be happy as hell with it coming out of an EF, as the BA is a massive leap foward. Throw the turbo into the equation and the plot thickens, on it's own the N/A is a great car but once you have driven a T you simply wouldn't be able to go back. Everything the N/A can do the T can do, but when you feel like giving it some stick the T can get up and haul arse where the N/A can't.

The T will cost you more to buy and insure but you get other features as standard you don't get on the N/A not just the turbo. As far as fuel comsumption goes I have found the T to be slightly more economical than the N/A on the highway. About the same around town when driven easily and the T uses more around town when being flogged.

Like I said the N/A is a great car on it's own but it can't compare to the T, deep down you will always have that lingering feeling of "if only" everytime you see one. Of course this comes at a premium and your the only one who can justify if it's worth it or not but drive the two back to back and I think you'll find the answer becomes clear

If you have any specific question on the differences between the two let me know and I'll tell you what I can.