BA XR6 / XR6 Turbo...Any good?

[deviant]

So I am moving down to the Rockingham area of Perth which is going to increase my annual mileage a bit. Currently do 25,000KMS a year with mostly freeway driving.

I'm also hoping to get a shared build of a Westfield going this year which will probably live at my house...so any drive to the tracks are going to be at least 1 hour so I think I will tow it to events.

I'm liking the look of a 2005 onwards XR6 or XR6 turbo with the 6 speed auto. They depreciated horribly from new and are VERY common with sub 30,000KMS on them for $25-$30,000.
Cars equipped with the 6 speed auto also came with some fancier interior treatment...duel zone climate, CD stacker etc.

So the requirements: must be able to tow...1500KG with a trailer, car and tools?
Good wafting ability and comfort for the freeway driving,
Safe,
Reliable..

Is the turbo worth paying extra for?

[Colonial]

Yes.

The XR6 is just an base model XT with a bodykit and some alloy wheels

Fanged a XR6T around a skidpan and was impressed with it.

[deviant]

Actually I think the model would be BF for the years I'm looking at if that makes any difference...

[Fiddlemesticks]

even better - sweet 6 speed auto.

Guy i know tows his Nissan to Wanneroo with his XR6T

I live in Aubin Grove so expect to see you on the Kwinana Fwy sometime!

[deviant]

We really must get a pistonheads breakfast run going or something!!

The ZF 6 Speed is specifically what I am after. I think RWD will make towing easier to.

I havent seen any diesels that suit the job and I'm not fussed on Commodores at all. I really dont want a 4WD either.

Any other suggestions?

[tim the pool man]

I had a BA XR6 (non turbo) that stayed with the ex (with the house etc...)
I liked it, haven't driven a Turbo but I have heard good things, plenty of torque, with the 6 speed auto would make a great tow car.

Have you already got a partner for the kit build?

[deviant]

tim the pool man said:

I had a BA XR6 (non turbo) that stayed with the ex (with the house etc...)
I liked it, haven't driven a Turbo but I have heard good things, plenty of torque, with the 6 speed auto would make a great tow car.

Have you already got a partner for the kit build?

I'm over having a manual daily driver...I want to waft in comfort now.

I have approached a friend that like me has been hanging his nose over a kit car since childhood but also cant justify the cost of doing one on his own.
We have not set anything in stone yet as we both have a car to sell and I have just gone and got myself a mortgage. I think we would look to begin the build in 6 months or so.
Of course if he cant go ahead I will still be looking for a build partner.

[PomBstard]

I've had a couple of BA Falcons and, whilst the 4.0-litre lump is good, and the ride is pillowy, the steering feels a bit, well, feel-less, the design architecture is decades outdated (see how little the rear doors open) and the build quality is atrocious. However, the engine is a good'un and will probably make a great wafting tow car.