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OK!!! So maybe it's the Fuel companys that can take the credit!!! Exactly 2 years after I joined this site I should be picking up my new toy. This will be my 5th BA and probably my last as I expect to change jobs/location in the near future so I won't have the same purchasing power I have now(as a Fleet Manager) The first was an XT 220 manual which was a great car and very good on fuel for a V8, next up was an XR8 auto which is a great car but it drinks more than I do. I also have now got my 2nd XLS ute for work and they have both been fantastic. As some of you might recall I use my running costs to counteract my FBT liability, with fuel prices so high I have been spending much more than I need to so I have bitten the bullet and placed the order. I have been following the trials and tribulations of you guys in relative silence for almost 2 years now and despite the issues that some of you have with Ford and your cars just couldn't bring myself to walk away from the blue oval. (besides, I have a very good relationship with my Dealer) Due to be delivered on Xmas eve if not sooner is a!!!!!! Silhouette XR6T 6 speed with Herrod Suspension, CAI, Quad Exhaust, Sure Shift, 19" Envy HP's, Sports Steering Wheel, Premium sound, Roof mount 10.5" DVD/Playstation unit, Tint, Mud Flaps, Tow Bar, XR Mats etc. At this stage I plan to totally De_Badge the car but I will wait till I have looked at it from all angles before I fire up the Hair Dryer. I know that it will still use a lot of Fuel if I play too much but it has to be better than the XR8's 16.5ltrs/100klm City and a best of 11.1 on the highway. I hope I have made the right decision But I am sure you guys will let me know either way Cheers, Bazza.

Skaife = Pinochio (sp) Bright = Not So R Kelly = Reckless

Better still, If you spend the equivalent of the FBT value on running costs with after Tax $$$ you don't pay any FBT. This works for me! you pay a little bit more PAYE Tax but this is more than offset by the lack of FBT. Bazza.

I had one of the first BA utes in Canberra and the Fuel filler was in the middle of the opening, but a couple of weeks ago I picked up one of the first Mk11's and the filler sits so low it is hard to get the cap out, my dealer is going to fix it as soon as I can get it in there. By the way, does anyone know if Ford have made some changes to the Auto? The new one is soooooooooooooooo much better than the previous ute or my XR8, the one in the XR8 S@%*& me so much that I am in the process of changing to a manual T only one year into my lease.

Krash, It's actually an XR8, It has "APW" under the badge which are the Initials of the guy who drives it most of the time ( I can't remember his name) He said he often tells the Ricer brigade that it stands for "Australian Performance Warehouse" so they go searching the Web for a non-existent business. Bazza.

My handicap is my ability (or lack thereof) Great course VG, I have friends whose house is right on the 11th Tee so I get to have a few rounds out there. I'm no longer a member but I was down to 22 at one stage. Bazza.

It sure sounds like it Ross, I'm just waiting for the 6 speed to prove itself and I'll be changing again. I just can't make up my mind whether to stick with the 8 or go for a tricked up 6. bazza.

I saw a Vibe XR on the weekend!!!

My Daughter is about to get her L's this week, Although I have bought her a Hyundai Excel (which she is paying me back for) I will have no hesitation in letting her do some of her learning in the XR8. I feel that in addition to learning about different driving conditions she needs to understand that different types of vehicles behave differently in the same situation, I have told her that she will not get the keys until I am convinced that she is aware of these issues, she will also have to do a Defensive Driver training course as soon as she is eligable. Even though I started driving on the Farm at as soon as I could reach the pedals and had my first car at 12yrs old I was amazed at how much I learnt at my first(and subsequent) driving course. I feel safer in the XR8 than the Excel in all conditions and firmly believe that our licenceing system needs a major overhaul regardless of what it costs us Parents in $$$ or inconvenience. (what price is a life worth!!) This accident was a terrible tragedy, My sincere condolences to all involved. :( Bazza.

Just gotta get a good headstart on my FBT miles. Me thinks a nice 4000km round trip within the first two weeks of the new FBT year should make my accountant nice and happy... LC, Same here, We do it every year for the same reason. Last year we got smart and bought an investment property up there so we can claim the trip as a tax deduction for inspecting the house (if we happen to visit family/friends at the same time that's just our good luck ) I will check our schedule with SWMBO and PM you soon. Cheers, Bazza.

Hypnodoc, I'm heading to Perth on Sunday 14 March until Wed 17th for work, I will be tied up at the WA Parliament House for most of the time but if you are around maybe we could catch up at some stage? I am also driving to QLD on the 9th of April- Canb- Rockhampton- Noosa and then Nerang on about the 18th- 19th if that fits in with your travels better, Just a thought, let me know what you think. Cheers, Bazza.

I know we are all Ford fans (well most of us anyway) but that is a big statement, :hiwelcome:

My first BA was an XT 220 Manual, On Rob Herrods Dyno it achieved 188rwkw with the full Herrod exhaust system. I surprised a lot of supposedly faster cars with it when I was in a playfull mood Cheers, Bazza.

As I made a few $$$ on the weekend as a direct result of this site I will deposit some $$$ this week. PM to follow, Thanks for your efforts Guy's. Cheers Bazza.

Hey Ross!! Where are the ones in green???????

Cro, Try those cheap($5- $20) plastic ultrasonic things in your lower intake, We did after a lot of close calls on our last trip inland to Rockhampton and (touch wood) we havn't seen one since, Even the Cockatoos etc seem to get of the road earlier. I can get you some at the right price if you are interested. Cheers, Bazza.

It's gone crazy!! Here in the ACT we had an overnight min of 25deg on Friday/Sat followed by 37 on Saturday arvo and then today we left Wakefield Park Raceway at 4.15 pm and I had to turn the bloody Heater on And to top it all off a Expensive Daewoo wins the round :cussing: Cheers, Bazza.

What's wrong with XR8's, HUH!!!!!!! Let me know if you get stuck, I might be able to help. Cheers, Bazza.

"No mention of ACT (only the capital of Australia, nowhere important ) so we must be free to do whatever we like... " Buckets only here Ross, that's why I put a Rain water Tank in at home. (much to the disgust of SWMBO) It only took 2 weeks for some wa*ker to lodge a complaint about me washing the XR8. I know who it was so I have great pleasure in washing it every time he is in his front yard :middlefingerred:

I tried, I really did! But besides having to work on the Saturday I have just been told that I have to fly to Perth on the Sunday for a Conference at the WA Parliament :cussing: I hope it goes well. Is anybody going to Wakefield Pk this Sunday for the Konica's? Cheers, Bazza.

Actually, I just went and bought her a Hyundai Excel to drive to work as The XR8 is now over it's 03/04 FBT pro-rata klms so it can stay in the Garage for a while, guess what???? She wants a big wing on the boot just like the one's she sees on a Friday night in Civic!!!! Like I said "SOMETIMES YOU JUST CAN"T WIN!!!!!!! :cussing:

It has the Herrod Headers and Free flow Cats and then the 3" single system. We cut the pipe just behind the rear axle and ran 2 1/2" pipe between the spare wheel well and diff and then out the back, At first we didn't fit any Resonators but it was way to loud so we put a large "Hot Dog" on each side and it's not bad now, Cheers, Bazza.

When I first decided to lease a new BA SWMBO insisted I go for a V8 as she loves the sound of them, So off I go and get a V8 XT manual(no fleet discount for XR's at that stage) with 19's, Herrod Suspension and complete Herrod Exhaust, Her only constant complaint was that it didn't sound as good as my previous GT's. So when the opportunity to update came along I grabbed an XR8 auto and had the complete Herrod Exhaust fitted, From day one she has whinged that the XT sounded a lot more like a V8. After talking to a few people I had the exhaust modified to give it a bit more of a V8 thump/growl, now she loves the sound but hates the look, she thinks it looks like RICE!!! I think it looks great but some support from you guys might help. Poor quality pic attached. Cheers, Bazza.

Trumpy, I have always had my Fleet cars (and a couple of my friends cars as well) repaired at John Crossley Smash Repairs in Geelong St Fyshwick, I have always been happy with their work and $$$. Give Ron a call on 62805692 and tell him Barry from the Assembly sent you, He'll look after you. Cheers, Bazza.

I have just about given up on waving Maybe some T drivers don't like XR8's PM on its way VG. Cheers, Bazza.