T Series vs XR8

**Polyal** · 10-10-2008, 01:17 PM

OK, I tried to do a search but found little.

What are your thoughts? I would love a T3 but just at the minute its out of the question. But real value for money can be found in some XR8's and T1/T2's.

My issue at the moment is I want a manual, but have surrendered to the idea of an auto ONLY if it was a T series.

This then brings up another issue, if I get a S1 or S2 T then why not get a S2 or S3 XR8 and have more power and a high chance of a manual.

Anyone else been through this process? Both cars currently offer great value. I am in need of a family bus/weekend cruiser within 6 months.

BA-BF is out of the question because of price, and any BA-BF in my range is not what I want anyway.

Cheers

RG · 10-10-2008, 01:24 PM

T2 TS50 is nice but I love the XR front.

SII or III XR8 would be my choice, with the SII just make sure it is a late version with the 220kw engine.

Another option is the SII Rebel, real nice they are.

WindsorXR · 10-10-2008, 01:25 PM

I was in this pickle a few months back. I went and checked out a series 1 or 2 AU TE50 manual for $16,500. It was great, had all the goods. Then one day at work I got curious and started looking at BA XR8 manuals. The cheaper ones were around the $22,000 mark. So i thought bugger it, i want more power and it's not as old. So got the BA.
But i think that the TE50's and the like will have a hell of a lot better resale IMO! And plus they are just that extra bit more special and catch peoples eye a bit more. And they look horn!!

BlacklistedXR · 10-10-2008, 01:27 PM

I had the same dilema when i was looking at buying an AU V8. I saw this beautiful red T2 TE50 at an auction with red and black leather interior, 18" T3 rims and a few optional features. It ended up selling for $17k. The only reason i didnt buy it was because it was an auto. 1 month later after looking around i found an AU XR8 220kw with leather and manual transmission which i picked up for a couple of grand cheaper.
At the end of the day its your decision and your the one whos going to be driving it and there both good cars so you wont be disappointed with either of them.

**Polyal** · 10-10-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

T2 TS50 is nice but I love the XR front.

SII or III XR8 would be my choice, with the SII just make sure it is a late version with the 220kw engine.

Another option is the SII Rebel, real nice they are.

Ive noticed a few Rebels, but other than rims and kit was anything different from the normal XR8?

Also, anyone know what date the AU2's went from 200 to 220kws?

fordAU · 10-10-2008, 01:37 PM

No intent to start a boring old manual vs auto debate but if your heart is set on a manual don't go the auto route, you will regret it.

No better bang for buck than a manual 220, fantastic overall package that go like the clappers, you won't go wrong.

womble101 · 10-10-2008, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Ive noticed a few Rebels, but other than rims and kit was anything different from the normal XR8?

Also, anyone know what date the AU2's went from 200 to 220kws?

The rims, momo interior and the badge on the rear door are the main parts. Most S3 XR8s got the ford motorsport kit, and alot came with the momo gear as well.
But those wheels do look nice when the cars clean.

:

RG · 10-10-2008, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by womble101

The rims, momo interior and the badge on the rear door are the main parts. Most S3 XR8s got the ford motorsport kit, and alot came with the momo gear as well.
But those wheels do look nice when the cars clean.

:

Didn't they get leather, premo brakes and a free PS2 too?

**Polyal** · 10-10-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by womble101

The rims, momo interior and the badge on the rear door are the main parts. Most S3 XR8s got the ford motorsport kit, and alot came with the momo gear as well.
But those wheels do look nice when the cars clean.

:

I do love the look of those rims, but I think id sooner get a S3220 for less and get some aftermarket rims anyway.

I think only 125 rebels where made too.

tex · 10-10-2008, 02:19 PM

I'd be surprised if you couldn't pick up a BAXR8 for 18k or less. How much is your budget?

I sold mine 6 months ago full of quality mods (Billies, springs, intake, flash tune, full exhaust, 4 piston AP's, shifter etc etc) , leather, wheels, 5 speed with 120k for 20500. It was in perfect condition and had a huge service history - serviced regardless of cost.

Powdered Toast Man · 10-10-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlacklistedXR

1 month later after looking around i found an AU XR8 220kw with leather and manual transmission which i picked up for a couple of grand cheaper.

That would be my pick too, an AUIII XR8 manual with leather is a nice car.

I wish my BA was a manual

:

nutter_x · 10-10-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Ive noticed a few Rebels, but other than rims and kit was anything different from the normal XR8?

They were the starting point for AU2 XR8's to get the 220 motor...

5L · 10-10-2008, 05:36 PM

series 2/3 220 xr8, manual, leather, premium sound = good bang for buck

macman · 10-10-2008, 06:08 PM

I went through the same decision process not long ago and you are right, a T1 or T2 can be had for the same money as a AUIII XR. I ended up deciding on a T2 TE50.

An XR will be more of a go-fast car (AUIII XR8 will have the 220 kw and higher chance of being a manual) but the T-Series cars can be that and more, they are definitely more refined and you'll get more for your money. If you want the 220 kw motor, you would need to get a T2 however, as T1's were 200 kw.

The car was going to be a daily driver for me, so had to be drivable and comfortable. It was the T-Series interior and Fairmont based appointments that made the decision - the Fairmont dash, leather interior, premium sound, electric windows front and rear to name a few. Also there's the higher resale value of the T-Series cars, as well as the limited production of them and Tickford build numbers (not sure if this applies to XR's)?

I love manuals, but daily driving would make a manual laborious rather than fun so I was definite on going auto, and the ESS in the TE50 makes it the best of both worlds - this might not apply to you though as you want a weekend car, but something to bear in mind...

**TICK4D-TAS** · 10-10-2008, 07:58 PM

What sort of money are you looking at spending? I might have a manual XR8 for sale in the near future :P

DaveTE · 10-10-2008, 09:40 PM

I love the front of the XR though the T-series are still good looking. Comes down to your opinion and likes. I've got an XR8 as the daily and the T-series as the occasional cruiser. Depends what you want. If you go the XR8 just check out the mods done to it and makes sure all has been done well cause yes you can get more bang for your buck but make sure it's the right kind a bang. Have a seat in a T1 or T2 then have a look at the XR there is a bit of difference. Only draw back is the T3 TE50(not the series 1/2 TE50) has basically the same interior as an XR, I forget which is which until the pedal goes down.

GUTLES · 10-10-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSSXR8

I was in this pickle a few months back. I went and checked out a series 1 or 2 AU TE50 manual for $16,500. It was great, had all the goods. Then one day at work I got curious and started looking at BA XR8 manuals. The cheaper ones were around the $22,000 mark. So i thought bugger it, i want more power and it's not as old. So got the BA.
But i think that the TE50's and the like will have a hell of a lot better resale IMO! And plus they are just that extra bit more special and catch peoples eye a bit more. And they look horn!!

Was that a Red TE50? In Tralalgon? I was looking at the same thing when I brought my BA..

dreadly · 10-10-2008, 10:10 PM

Mate all depends on what you want and like the most... what your drivng, style is, road/traffic conditions etc....
At the end of the day i really believe the black sheep and king bang for your buck is a low km leather manual, 200kw Au 2 xr8. Now the 20kw difference- if your not planing on supercharging or stroking the budget thing make me think we safe there lol
Isnt really worth it?- cause a good exhaust and extractors can get that. Change the Air intake, Get a set of 1.72 YT roller rockers, the cam in the 200kw engines is Bigger than the 220kw, and get a 70mm T/b... And thats one big bang in a good way

mr302xd · 10-10-2008, 11:41 PM

LOL One vote for the 200kw...... I gotta be bias, makes me feel a tad better about myself not gettin the 220 :P But it was wat i could aford at the time and got my baby dirt cheap in fantastic cond!

GO THE XR8!!

Cheers Frank

b2tf · 10-10-2008, 11:43 PM

I'd go the XR8 (and I did). Reason being that especially with a family, a T series will get knocked around and you'll kick yourself for it. I'm enough about my car, I can't imagine what I would be like with a T series.

b2tf · 10-10-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr auxr8

LOL One vote for the 200kw...... I gotta be bias, makes me feel a tad better about myself not gettin the 220 :P But it was wat i could aford at the time and got my baby dirt cheap in fantastic cond!

GO THE XR8!!

Cheers Frank

Yeah and now you're trying to sell it for about $5k more than what its worth!

mr302xd · 10-10-2008, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b2tf

Yeah and now you're trying to sell it for about $5k more than what its worth!

Actually not sellin it now, got new excedy clutch and slotted rotors goin in the nxt few days.. i cant get myself to part with it!

Oh and ive seen cars for sale with less options and extras for more around!

Cheers

**CAT600** · 10-10-2008, 11:49 PM

T1 (or T2 for a little extra $) TS50 is a screaming bargain if you can get one. Powered Recaro seats, alloy headed 220 engine, ESS and the bigger brakes std are all good reasons. The Auburgine leather really finishes them off and they can be a good looking bugger in black or silver.

Then again, I am biased!

Daniel

philstoj · 11-10-2008, 12:06 AM

I remember sitting in your one daniel, it definatly was nice,absolutly loved that interior, but at the time it was just a little out of our price range and we didnt want to borrow any money for a car and settled on a S3 XR8 sedan with leather and sunroof.

If i was in a position to buy again it would definatly be a T3, but for now no regrets with the XR8, its a damn fine car, eats the miles with easy and looks tough.

WindsorXR · 11-10-2008, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GUTLES

Was that a Red TE50? In Tralalgon? I was looking at the same thing when I brought my BA..

Yep, sure was. It was pretty nice, few little areas needed fixing, but pretty nice!

XXRR-50 · 11-10-2008, 12:29 AM

I was in a similar situation before I bought my T2 TE50. I thought of S3 XR8, but the for the price you pay for a fully optioned one (leather, premo sound, sunroof), you can buy T1/T2 TE/TS50. I always liked the understated looks of T1/T2's and then eliminated the XR. I wanted auto, so no issue there.

I like my cars fully optioned and T1/T2 TS50 was on top of my list. I wanted low kays one with sunroof. Then my TE popped up with all the options (leather, premo sound, sunroof, premo brakes, koni's and azzurro's), and I knew that was the car I want and pretty much up to TS specs.

If I didn't find my TE, I would be still searching for a TS (in my opinion worth the extras).

The best way for you is to probably test-drive both and see which car suits you better.

StAndArdAU · 11-10-2008, 11:44 AM

BIASED OPINION:

Get a T3.... go on... do it, i know you want to. Nothing compares!

**DJM83** · 11-10-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macman

If you want the 220 kw motor, you would need to get a T2 however, as T1's were 200 kw..

Incorrect T1 TS50 has a 220kw motor.

Im a big fan of the AU XR front very aggressive and purposefull. You will have a higher chance of finding a manual aswell. But buying a T series (T1/2) you will get all the creature comforts that the XR doesnt have and you might also end up with premium brakes aswell.

**Polyal** · 13-10-2008, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StAndArdAU

BIASED OPINION:

Get a T3.... go on... do it, i know you want to. Nothing compares!

I agree, price is the only thing stopping me at the moment.

Great responses guys, so glad it didn't turn into a dog fight.

Something that I haven't thought about is towing rating. Anyone know what the T5's in the AU's can handle?

This could be one thing that changes my mind, or would it be just a case of being gentle with a manual?

Also, does anyone have any pics of the interior of a T1? Please tell me its not the same colour as other AU1's.

RG · 13-10-2008, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

I agree, price is the only thing stopping me at the moment.

Great responses guys, so glad it didn't turn into a dog fight.

Something that I haven't thought about is towing rating. Anyone know what the T5's in the AU's can handle?

This could be one thing that changes my mind, or would it be just a case of being gentle with a manual?

Also, does anyone have any pics of the interior of a T1? Please tell me its not the same colour as other AU1's.

IIRC towing capacity on a manual is 1200kg whereas on an auto it is 1600kg or with the HD tow pack it is 2300kg.