Most Reliable and DIY Ford Ute?

FordGeezer · 22-01-2020, 08:32 AM

I'll be in the market for a 2 door manual Ute at around the end of the year.
What do you guys reckon would be a good model to buy for reliability, and DIY repairs if something goes pear shaped?

falconhell74 · 22-01-2020, 08:35 AM

Your best bang for buck would be the AU in my opinion for ease to work on and cheep to repair.

FordGeezer · 22-01-2020, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falconhell74

Your best bang for buck would be the AU in my opinion for ease to work on and cheep to repair.

Would you reckon the Au3?
I've seen people say get the last model made of a series, because they've usually ironed out the kinks.

**Mechan1k** · 22-01-2020, 08:43 AM

Yep .... for simplicity reasons ... and less sensors/electrickery to muck around with.
And for reliability and longevity ... the AU was the first of the I6's that were pretty bullet proof really.

And had more options of manual in them that later ones.
More base models had manual in them than B-series.

FordGeezer · 22-01-2020, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

Yep .... for simplicity reasons ... and less sensors/electrickery to muck around with.
And for reliability and longevity ... the AU was the first of the I6's that were pretty bullet proof really.

And had more options of manual in them that later ones.
More base models had manual in them than B-series.

Avoiding all that electrical voodoo is high on my list.
An Au3 would be the way to go then?

**Mechan1k** · 22-01-2020, 09:02 AM

Yeah ... they didn't suffer weird sensor related issues as much as B-series.
And things like audio are not integrated into systems like it is in later models.

FordGeezer · 22-01-2020, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

Yeah ... they didn't suffer weird sensor related issues as much as B-series.
And things like audio are not integrated into systems like it is in later models.

Cheers for the direction.
Hopefully it's not to hard to find a manual Au3, plenty of autos but not so much manual from a quick search I just did.

**Mechan1k** · 22-01-2020, 09:27 AM

You'll get more options in XR6 and XR8.
But even they are getting thin on the ground as well.
And their pricing is going up as well.

XR Martin · 22-01-2020, 09:35 AM

Manual AUs will suffer from busted firewall, pedal box and clutch cable issues.

Swordie · 22-01-2020, 09:44 AM

VY ecotec and Hilux.

**Mechan1k** · 22-01-2020, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR Martin

Manual AUs will suffer from busted firewall, pedal box and clutch cable issues.

True.

But easier to chase/diagnose/fix than B-series Fly-by-wire sensor weirdness that could be anything from TPS/pedal sensor/power steering pressure switch (which all reside on the same 5v loom).

All while the data loggers report a TPS problem when it is clearly not.

**PG2** · 22-01-2020, 09:49 AM

The AU3 is very much the same as the AU2. The differeces were nothing more than minor equipment upgrades and trim changes.

Don't pass on an AU2 thinking that an AU3 is a better car.

FordGeezer · 22-01-2020, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PG2

The AU3 is very much the same as the AU2. The differeces were nothing more than minor equipment upgrades and trim changes.

Don't pass on an AU2 thinking that an AU3 is a better car.

That is some handy information.
Cheers!

Dr Terry · 22-01-2020, 10:49 AM

If you wanted a good reliable workhorse, wouldn't the auto trans be the better bet ?

Dr Terry

FordGeezer · 22-01-2020, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Terry

If you wanted a good reliable workhorse, wouldn't the auto trans be the better bet ?

Dr Terry

Main reasons I'm after a manual is easy DIY in repairing it and simpler design less that can go wrong then a auto, also I just like that it gives me a bit more control.
I currently have an Auto Au1 which I'm passing onto a family member.

Here's a quick story about when I brought it.
So I picked her up for $3500 with the road worthy to boot I was pretty happy about it to, still had a real nice body for a 20 year old car (;
And I was driving her around for around 2 weeks when IT happened...Auto shat its self in the middle of Geelong!
It wasn't completely rooted but, I was able to just crawl home, mean while it was clunking and grinding all the way back.
So I parked her in the drive way for the night and called the tow guy next day.
Mechanic looks her over and says she just needs some more Auto oil so he tops her up and she was right to go...or so I thought...
About 3 days later I'm out at the rubbish tip, I unload all my crap and hop in the old girl, start her up, and "CLUNK CRUNCH!" Goes the trans and then I go "F#CK!"

So another tow later back to the mechanic and he says "yeah the transmission is done"

He gives me a couple of options being second hand trans for $270 or reconditioned for $2000, I went for the obvious choice being the second hand trans, he chucks it in and It's been right as rain for the past 2 years now no issues.
It ended up costing me around $2300 give or take mechanic bills and towing.

**aussiblue** · 22-01-2020, 12:25 PM

AU's are getting a bit long in the tooth, and like most older Falcons, parts supplies are starting to dry up. Due to potential parts availability issues, I would go for the most recent model that's within budget.

FordGeezer · 22-01-2020, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussiblue

AU's are getting a bit long in the tooth, and like most older Falcons, parts supplies are starting to dry up. Due to potential parts availability issues, I would go for the most recent model that's within budget.

It's a real bloody shame too, it's no longer as easy as getting a part and bolting it in like you said the parts are drying up, sure you can go and grab a part off of another vehicle at the wreckers but there not new and the part being potentially 20 years old it's a hit and miss if it's going to last very long.
Cheers for the angle.

Sprintey · 22-01-2020, 01:36 PM

AU ute also has the bench seat option (not with manual though?)

FWIW we've run the BA style sensors in our Terry for 12 years from new now and never had a glitch, 300,000km done. The suspension, however...

Everyone I talk to rates the FG very highly, later ones are said to be very reliable. Super nice cars to drive too. There are some mechanics on the forum and they probably know better than I do as to what goes wrong.

If you want full mechanical reliabilty, overhaul an XW with mechanical distributor and carby

Mad Max level safety in those though!

Yep, the AU probably hits the sweet spot....

Crazy Dazz · 22-01-2020, 03:18 PM

Did you get the answers you wanted above?
From your responses, I'm assuming they hit the mark, and what you're looking for is a Falcon Ute, as opposed to something like a Ranger??

Really depends on your budget, and your penchant for DIY repairs. No offence, but paying a mechanic $2k to tow and fit a 2nd hand box, does not sound very DIY?
I'm not having a go, its a serious point. Old cars are only cheap if you can do major work yourself.

Initially, I too would recommend the AU2. The Intech engines are very smooth (for a Falcon) and just about indestructible.
They fixed a few things on the series 2, like the brakes and some steeting components. If you're looking at a basic 6, then yes series 3 was a comsetic upgrade. (Much nicer interiors, but you can always buy seat covers.)

And yes, as others have said, the lack of an ICC is s huge bonus. You can cheaply and easily fit a modern double-DIN head-unit, with a nice touch screen, reverse camera, DAB, satnav, android-connect, etc.

But yes (as others have said) these cars are getting long in the tooth. The issue with parts is that for some you may need to scour the depths of ebay and wreckers, which is fine for DIY, but many repairers will just say "nah, can't get the parts mate."

My 2nd recommendation would just be the basic "set your budget, and find the newest/lowest k B-Series you can afford."

Only thing I will add, if you should revert back to an auto, stay away from the ZF 6-speeds, as they are easy to break and costly to fix.
As long as you check the fluid level semi-regularly (annual service) the BTR 4 speeds are pretty tough.

FordGeezer · 22-01-2020, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

Did you get the answers you wanted above?
From your responses, I'm assuming they hit the mark, and what you're looking for is a Falcon Ute, as opposed to something like a Ranger??

Really depends on your budget, and your penchant for DIY repairs. No offence, but paying a mechanic $2k to tow and fit a 2nd hand box, does not sound very DIY?
I'm not having a go, its a serious point. Old cars are only cheap if you can do major work yourself.

Initially, I too would recommend the AU2. The Intech engines are very smooth (for a Falcon) and just about indestructible.
They fixed a few things on the series 2, like the brakes and some steeting components. If you're looking at a basic 6, then yes series 3 was a comsetic upgrade. (Much nicer interiors, but you can always buy seat covers.)

And yes, as others have said, the lack of an ICC is s huge bonus. You can cheaply and easily fit a modern double-DIN head-unit, with a nice touch screen, reverse camera, DAB, satnav, android-connect, etc.

But yes (as others have said) these cars are getting long in the tooth. The issue with parts is that for some you may need to scour the depths of ebay and wreckers, which is fine for DIY, but many repairers will just say "nah, can't get the parts mate."

My 2nd recommendation would just be the basic "set your budget, and find the newest/lowest k B-Series you can afford."

Only thing I will add, if you should revert back to an auto, stay away from the ZF 6-speeds, as they are easy to break and costly to fix.
As long as you check the fluid level semi-regularly (annual service) the BTR 4 speeds are pretty tough.

Haha no offence taken, at the time I was new to DIY and neither had the tools, nor the solid ground to work with my house is on a hill with a gravel carport...bad combo.
Since then I've gotten quite a few tools and I have access to a mate's nice concrete floored shed, wish I had it sooner.
Yeah if I can't get a decent Au2 Ute when the time comes I will probably dish out for a newer model.
Thanks for the heads up with the ZFs, I'll avoid em like the plague.
Cheers

hayseed · 22-01-2020, 04:50 PM

A colleague Of Mine has a Very Straight Unmolested XP Ute for Sale...

Can't get much more DIY than that..

FordGeezer · 22-01-2020, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hayseed

A colleague Of Mine has a Very Straight Unmolested XP Ute for Sale...

Can't get much more DIY than that..

They are a nice looking vehicle, he would be after a pretty penny but wouldn't he?

Tassie f100 · 22-01-2020, 06:32 PM

I presume you mean you want a Falcon ute rather than a Ford badge.If you want the Ford badge you might look at PJ-PK single cab Ranger,very reliable,economical, and not to bad to drive if you put a couple of hundred kilos on the tray to settle the bounce down.

FordGeezer · 22-01-2020, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

I presume you mean you want a Falcon ute rather than a Ford badge.If you want the Ford badge you might look at PJ-PK single cab Ranger,very reliable,economical, and not to bad to drive if you put a couple of hundred kilos on the tray to settle the bounce down.

Yeah more after a Ford Ute, I did think about a Ford Badge, but their a bit more then what I need , I was even thinking about a 90s F150 but again I just don't need a beast like that...at the moment anyway heahea.

78xcgxl · 22-01-2020, 07:10 PM

FG all the way. AUs are old. FGs are built fair better, drive far better and much safer.

**Mechan1k** · 23-01-2020, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

Only thing I will add, if you should revert back to an auto, stay away from the ZF 6-speeds, as they are easy to break and costly to fix.
As long as you check the fluid level semi-regularly (annual service) the BTR 4 speeds are pretty tough.

That was the "old" ethos with these transmissions.
They are more affordable 2nd hand if there is a need to replace them.

There are options out there now to remove the milkshake woes. Which ... BTW ... affect BTR/ION 4-speed autos as well ... they are not immune to it.

The servicing costs are a little more ... I do understand that if using the Lifeguard 6 fluid.

But easy to break ... yeah nah.
I've been trying to break mine ..... it still going bloody well. And really aids and awesome fuel economy compared to the 4-speed. And when it comes to drivability ... the ZF is miles ahead.

If looking at FG's .... DONT get the 5-speed 5R55 .... they break easily.

But the OP is have manual .... if you can find a decent later FG ... as they had a lot of the bugs ironed out and are pretty flawless and drive really well .... they have the TR6060 6-speed manual in them which is better again.

They can suffer from roll-over noise at idle in neutral ... but they can be suppressed a bit when adding slightly more trans fluid to it. But all in a all a pretty good box in them.

roKWiz · 23-01-2020, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hayseed

A colleague Of Mine has a Very Straight Unmolested XP Ute for Sale...

Can't get much more DIY than that..

Hayseed, I like all the other suggestions of reliable, DYI ??
The XP will probably be the only one suggested still going in 30 years time.

Bossxr8 · 23-01-2020, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

Only thing I will add, if you should revert back to an auto, stay away from the ZF 6-speeds, as they are easy to break and costly to fix.
As long as you check the fluid level semi-regularly (annual service) the BTR 4 speeds are pretty tough.

You completely lost me here. The ZF is a much more reliable unit than the 4 speed. Only real issue is the milkshake which can be avoided pretty easily. Much stronger gearbox too. But they are more expensive to fix.

I've had to rebuild 4 speed BTR's too many bloody times.

**Mechan1k** · 23-01-2020, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

You completely lost me here. The ZF is a much more reliable unit than the 4 speed. Only real issue is the milkshake which can be avoided pretty easily. Much stronger gearbox too. But they are more expensive to fix.

I've had to rebuild 4 speed BTR's too many bloody times.

Have had a rebuilt BTR .... still on stock ZF with a replacement factory heat exchanger.

TheInterceptor · 23-01-2020, 01:46 PM

It really depends what youre after in a car. Comfort, handling, specs, or no nonsense, rugged wash out simplicity.

Buy a petrol work mate hilux 2wd or ranger, triton etc of similar sorts. Theyre more hardy and still simple as easy diy. Typical Japanese durability and they are solid.

If you want a Falcon.
My vote is for B series. Basic motor, easy to get to everything, 4sp very reliable if serviced and has a standalone trans cooler, cheap to replace with a new reco unit. Easily scanned with a scan tool for diagnosis. Modern interior, quieter and smoother, seats are comfier than AU and FG. Have seen these with less rust than previous models.

XG/XH/AU hideously outdated. AU's are at the stage where people drive them into the ground.
FG is really cheap and nasty but the motor and 6sp is very tasty but the 6sp takes more expensive oil and you need to follow procedure to service or it wont shift right. Expensive to replace with a reco unit but is getting cheaper as time goes on.
They are newer so should have less issues. Still nothing overly complicated about them though.

But really, Hilux/ranger/triton will give you less grief in time.