Currently have a 2003 BA falcon wagon just over 200,000 on the clock, no known problems goes really well, bit saggy at the rear but thats life.
Thinking of upgrading in the next few months, would a Audi A6 or Volvo XC70 wagon 2008/9 era be a significant upgrade or just a nicer car?
It must be capable of towing over 1 tonne without stress and not need a specialist mechanic to keep it going.
Do not want a 4wd wagon, if I am going to get a 4wd it will be a Ute type vehicle.
Any thoughts, alternatives. Or do I just get the rear springs in the BA souped up a bit and get a valet done it. Thanks
kazbanz,
Nov 9, 7:52am
IMO you are best to give the BA a really good birthday and keep it. The most common complaint from owners of old falcons and dunnydoor wagons is lack of space in the back.
kenw1,
Nov 9, 7:57am
Yep, these modern wagons are not long for sure.
Both our grown up kids are well over 6ft plus the dog, so if we ever all pile in there together, its crowded even in the falcon.
Might get a new set of wheel trims, that will improve it heaps.
franc123,
Nov 9, 8:07am
If the springs are buggered they're buggered, but if its just going down a bit too far when its loaded consider fitting these,
Makes a huge difference. Of course whether going to one of those other cars is an upgrade or not is a matter of opinion, I'd personally stay with the car you have, it hasnt done high km and as long as you keep on top of engine, cooling, trans and diff servicing, all of which are more important with regular tow vehicles, major trouble is unlikely. However, if the original radiator is still in it consider fitting a new one as a preventative measure.
franc123,
Nov 9, 8:09am
You aren't going to enjoy going going into a midsized Euro car then!
tamarillo,
Nov 9, 9:53am
The Volvo v70 has huge interior space, easy comfort for six footers and massive boot. The xc70 is the raised 4wd version. It's a very different machine from the falcon, much more sophisticated and featured. Don't think it needs specialist mechanic but does require some clever sourcing of any parts needed, I find Volvo NZ prices ridiculous for anything more serious than filters etc. what about a commodore wagon?
msigg,
Nov 9, 4:00pm
Yes do up the falcon, waste of money to sell and buy something a little different, falcon will tow better than the volvo, the trans will be better for heavy work, save the extra money for when you can buy the ute.
tamarillo,
Nov 10, 2:58pm
Volvo has a Toyota made auto. Weird thing is I was warned off Volvo because gearbox is troublesome, yet told a Toyota would be fine.
msigg,
Nov 10, 3:23pm
Yes As above the trans in the falcon is better for heavy work, the trans in the volvo made by toyota is made to a price, ard to beat the falcon, except for a decent diesel ute would be better.
kenw1,
Nov 10, 3:53pm
Thanks all, We really do not need a ute if we keep the falcon, so sort of saves money all the way round.
Good init.
Will get a Valet done on the car and new set of wheel trims, then get a separate transmission cooler fitted, then should be good for another 150,000.
pandai,
Nov 10, 4:06pm
If you tow with it a lot think about upgrading the rear springs, possibly a pair that have an extra few mm of height
kenw1,
Nov 10, 5:00pm
It has been used a lot to carry things back from my Dads workshops to here, where we have sold them. So its done a fair bit of weight in the back jobs.
Any suggestions who to go to for springs? was going to look in town today, but too late coming back through.
franc123,
Nov 10, 5:06pm
You may not need them. Reread post 4.
bwg11,
Nov 10, 5:10pm
Check the facts before quoting the recently departed. As I understand it, true, Toyota is a shareholder in Aisin as well as Borg Warner and others, but the rather doubtful AW TF80 auto gearbox was never used in a Toyota. That is why an auto Toyota if fine and an auto Volvo 70 or 90 series is not.
kenw1,
Nov 10, 5:17pm
Even when the wagon is empty it sits backside down, its sort of noticeable against another similar car, and if you stick a few bags of sand and cement in the boot then its quite down.
tamarillo,
Nov 10, 7:50pm
So Aisin make shit boxes for Volvo (owned by ford at the time) plus all the others (inc Nissan ) who use it, but only good ones for parent? pull the other one.
Read the link to the transmition. Is it true the fluid is mainteance free and does not require replacement. I am asking because the garage that sevices my car want to replace the fluid but the handbook shows it is not necessary. Car is 2008 mazdya 6.
pandai,
Oct 31, 4:02am
No such thing as a 'lifetime' transmission fluid. they deteriorate over time and do become contaminated with crap from the transmission as well. it's as much a preventative maintenance issue as oil changes are.
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