Series 1 AU Forte V8/EL Fairmont I6 - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Clay · 08-21-2002, 03:21

I'm currently in the market for a new car, and I was looking at getting an Au series 1 V8 Forte. I know that it's common for new model cars to have some "hic-ups". What I would like to know is if the series 1 AU had any problems I should look out for.

The other option I was looking at is an EL Fairmont, but I would prefer the different shape and power of an AU V8, as opposed to an EL Fairmont which is similar in shape and power to my current EF Falcon GLi I6.

All coments are welcomed and appreciated.

Troutman · 08-21-2002, 03:27

The AU was particularly problem-free, but you will find other threads in this forum detailing various gripes owners have put up with. My worry with a Forte V8 is that it will have been thrashed (as, say, an ex-cop car) and that in itself will lead to problems despite the car's design being sound. A six cylinder Fairmont is the opposite.

Above all, try to get something in good condition with low kays and a positive service history.

jayms · 08-21-2002, 05:25

i have a AU forte Series 1 'cop car' its tops. only prob has been the upper ball joints which were fixed under warranty.
dont think thrashing is a prob because of the 5000km services (have log book!)
if its a V8, you should be goin hard anyway!!!

XR_Strider_GuY · 08-21-2002, 05:29

The Windsor V8 especially does have any inheritent problems. With the AU they got a coil pack ignition bigger maf and throttle body which brought the stock power of the 5L V8 from 165kw to 175kw. With a decent set of extractors, exhaust and some induction work it's not hard to see a genuine 200kw at the engine.

Infact i was considering at one stage to get an AU1 V8 Fairmont for that very reason and relatively cheap insurance not being an XR. Only problem i guess is they didn't come in manuals in the AU1 par the XR8.

EVIL EB · 08-21-2002, 06:07

my advise buy a EL Fairmont Ghia V8, you get the power, and the features for probally less than what you would pay for an AU V8

JG33PY · 08-21-2002, 06:44

Quote:

Originally posted by EVIL EB
my advise buy a EL Fairmont Ghia V8, you get the power, and the features for probally less than what you would pay for an AU V8

not only that but the e series were the best looking.....this side of the xb gt anyways. not that i'm biassed hehehehe.

XR_Strider_GuY · 08-22-2002, 16:06

Guess it comes down to actually finding a V8 in good nick in the first place. Looking around before i found that they always have relatively high km's and not many, i mean as rare as a 5 speed.

Clay · 08-23-2002, 03:56

Thanks for all the replies!

I've been hunting around in newspapers and on the net, and will do the car yards this weekend. Xr_Strider_GuY, I also noted that alot of the V8's have quite high km's, 100,000km + on a 3-4 year old car. :bwhoa2:

I'm starting to lean towards a series II Forte I6, as there seems to be alot out there, which will give me a good range to coose from, plus the prospect of owning a near new car is tempting.