History
My sixth car was nearly another huge mistake, but instead it turned in to my first real automotive success.
Once I got rid of the Z32, I was looking for a new car and had a budget of $15-20k. I originally started looking at the Lexus SC400, I even paid a $700 deposit on one but then I suddenly realised how stupid it would be to sink another $20k in to another 15 year old car. I also looked at a BMW 318i E46 but I found the car too cramped, and once again, I was spending money on a badge, not a car.
Eventually I found my way to this AUII LTD. A friend of mine managed to get me in to a dealers auction and I picked the car up for $18,500. Despite being a long-wheel-based boat, the car was a really nice vehicle to drive and I really enjoyed the refinement offered by the luxury model.
Sadly it was another change of job that forced me to part with this vehicle. After leaving a government role, I was considering a career with the NSW Police Force and knew that I could not continue making the repayments on this vehicle. Initial investigation showed me that I had really underpaid for the car, and in the end I was able to sell it privately for $23,000 making it the first car that had returned money to me.
During the time I owned the car, I did use it to become a member of the Tickford owners club. Despite the car not being a Tickford design, it did include the red 6 cylindar inline motor developed for the XR6 and thus it was eligible for club membership.
Modifications
I owned this car during the time that the Ford BA series had first entered the market. While trolling about on Ford owners forms, I came across a modification whereby the door sill covers from the BA could be modified to fit the AU. I performed this modification and then purchased a set of the chrome Ford inserts normally from the higher end BAs to put in. The new sill covers gave a further refined look to the car.
