Hi all,

I am going to upgrade my BA XT later this year and was really keen on getting myself an FG, not sure if it will be an XT or XR6 (na) but one of the two. The 5 speed ones are in my price range and I know that overall they are a great car but I keep reading stories about the 5 speed autos failing without reason? is this true? is there anythign that can be done about it and has anyone quoted the repair cost of one to rebuild?

thanks!

Well, I have to say that our FORD new vehicle dealership we have done just 2 fixes to 5 speed autos and our Warranty guy verified that. It sounds like people allow things about auto parts to snowball into veritable MAJOR break downs when they hear a couple of stories.
I have a friend who has a 5 speed auto XR6 FG and he says it is great, has had it since early last year and it is STILL going strong.

With Ford offering a $34,990.00 drive away XR6 with 6 speed Auto, what could be better?

What issues were found and verified?

One was because of a Leaking Pan and had it replaced the other one malfunctioned and needed an overhaul.

just go out and buy a car already !!!!!

i thought you were buying a B- series V8 ?........... go with a subaru

If you get a second hand car, look for something with a 6 speed. The difference between a 5 and 6 speed in the FG range is chalk and cheese.

Whether the 5 speeds live up to their reputation or not in the long run is irrelevant I think. For relaxed enjoyable driving, you can't beat the ZF.

I've personally used 10 FG hire cars over the past 18 or so months. 9 of them were the 5 speed versions, and personally they would put me off ever considering an FG. The last one I hired was a Euro 4 XR6 with a ZF, and it was the first FG I enjoyed driving.

But then, if you look new, ZF's are now the standard auto, so you can't go wrong there.