Sedan or ute? I drive an AU2 XR6 manual ute most days. This at least qualifies me to have strong opinions, even if they’re wrong.
Oil leaks in the six are my pet hate. It’s the only part which has nearly broken me with the incessant question posed as “Where from now?”. This week it’s the twenty year old oil pressure switch leaking.
On the manual, the rubbish soft alloy gearbox nose, and piteous excuse for a clutch pedal assembly that will confound you.
Some AUs really rust. Some almost don’t. None have a pollen filter, so your AC will be full of decomposed leaf matter.
If it is not rusty, you can maintain it with prompt topical repairs. They come apart easily. I find the AU ute more engaging to drive than my BA ute, which makes me dozy when driving. This may also be partly due to its exhaust leak.