Buying An '03 Ba Xr6T

[Coaly]

First off G'day boys, love the site! Very professional. Looked around and you guys know your stuff, which is the reason I'm here.

The topic title speaks for itself but I should give a bit of background first, to give you an idea of my (Lack of) knowledge.

I have never owned a Ford(Shameful I know, but oldies would kill me), as my family have always been strict Expensive Daewoo supporters.

Thing is I first saw an XR6T in 2002, when I was 21. Since then I have really wanted that beast for the following reasons:

Power. No probs flogging Expensive Daewoo V8's of that era, and with some know-how, $ and tuning that same model will flog current V8's.

And look tough whilst doing so. I just have no idea how reliable the '03 XR6T's are, or have the cash to buy a newer model.

Now onto the car in question. She has a straight body (Mercury silver) and full logbook service history, which shows no problems

or major repairs. Under the bonnet it is fully standard, including the exhaust. Engine bay is remarkably clean. I checked sump

and tapet cover for leaks and found no oil or residue. The car is used for a work runner and I work with the bloke that owns it.

He's an honest bloke and says he's given it a bootfull since he bought it as an ex-demo, but not flogged or modded as it's been

a family/work car. It has 140k clocked up and he is asking a mere 11 grand for it. I'm foaming at the mouth as I have just been

approved for a loan, but as it's 700k's away where I work, I have a few days to do some research. The car isn't listed for sale

yet and will go quick when it is for that price. I'll try and get some pics off my phone, but what do you guys reckon of the turbo's

of that era. Also what the hell is with the ridiculous price? The interior is showing it's age but it goes like the clappers and looks great.

PS. Don't hold Commodore's against me It's better late than never to buy a Ford lol.

*EDIT* Manual, no non-standard extras, standard 17" alloys.

Edited 31/01/11 11:41 PM by Coaly

[Henz]

Sounds like a great buy. I have heard of some going for less but there normally a bit rough/ huge km's/ etc.

Bieng manual, you should know that the 5 speed is at it's limits at 270-300rwkw. Could last a day, could last a year at those levels but it will shot itself.

The car itself should be reliable. As long as it's had plugs and coils done at it's last service. Ba's sometimes flog out battery's too, just asks the last owner if he's replaced it yet, it not see if it's slow to start or not. I think the place to check for rust is around the inside of the boot if it's been left in the weather

The first thing you should do if you buy it is new oil line to turbo with online filter, as they clog up with age and seize the turbos.

[our06t]

The price is not far off the mark it is an 8yr old car now. as said the 5spd will be the weak link if you start upping the power.

and yes get the turbo and oil lines checked out they seem to be nearing their life span at 150k kms, other than that it would just be normal stuff brakes wheel bearings etc.

they are getting cheaper.

[Rockatansky]

Well I bought my 2003 model in May last year with half the amount of kilometers and 300 RWKW for $18,500 and leather, premium sound etc privately. Go for it, but here's a few items to check out prior to purchase:

1. All Door Lock Actuators (Plast Shaft Breaks, Easy To Source And Replace)

2. Diff Centre Bush (Wears and Clunks, Diff Assembly Out Replacement)

3. Side Air Bag Warning Lamp (Poor Factory Wiring Connector Needs Replacement)

4. Heater Operation (Plastic Air Mix Shaft Breaks, Dash Out Replacement)

5. Suspension Clunks and Knocks - Get Them Diagnosed and Quoted at Pedders

So once purchased expect to have a few let downs as parts naturally expire but all in all who wouldn't want one of these in their garage? Mine did a 12.802 second ET on the first run at Heathcote!

Good Luck and make sure the fog lamps work!

[bluprinturbo]

check for rust in the boot under the seal flanges.

[Coaly]

Thanks boys, at this point I really have no reason not to go for it. My reluctance comes from never owning a Ford, or a turbo.

What would be a rough estimate to replace oil line to turbo with online filter? Don't know turbo's but could do it myself I reckon.

[Henz]

It's a $200 part and you can fit yourself.

Go for it you'll love it.

[Coaly]

Cheers Henz, bastard sold my ride though. Luckily there was 1 more XR6T in town that fits my budget, a blue '04 model. The kicker? 170 thou on the clock.

For that many k's I hoped it would be cheaper, oh the joys of buying from a dealer. This one I managed to knock down to $12,500 (From a ridiculous $15,500).

On the plus side the blue looks better, the interior is also in far better condition than the silver one. Still a manual thank god tomorrow I reckon.

[IBOO57]

No need to buy that new oil feed line and filter just remove the factory turbo oil screen. that's free......

Keep searching as my mate bought an 03 last month for $8000. Stock except for lowered and wheels.

[wrxxxy]

  On 01/02/2011 at 7:15 AM, bluprinturbo said:

check for rust in the boot under the seal flanges.

x2