Weighing up buying Ecoboost or XR6

Solomonkane · 08-12-2012, 02:29 PM

Hello everyone!

Brand new to the site, and looking for information and advice regarding the XR6 and the Ecoboost.

I’ve been driving a Ford Falcon GLi for years now but finally the mechanic has said the car must go; oil leak requiring the head to be removed to fix, water leak, and the automatic transmission slipping at random times.

Test drove an XR6 yesterday and absolutely loved it! Dealer has a bulk lot of XR6 Sport Falcon 2010s on offer right now. Sticker price $19,730, average ks 50,000 to 70,000, 6 speed automatics, full electrics, and balance of new car warranty. Like the idea of the Ecoboost; not only the cost savings, but also I would expect resale to be much better for a 4 cylinder in the future. Best sticker price I've seen so far in Brisbane is $28,990, for a 2012 with less than 3000 ks.

Would appreciate hearing from any of you who have seen better pricing, especially on the Ecoboost. The more information I have the more I have to work with when I sit down to negotiate the deal. For example, if I remember correctly, read a posting elsewhere today about someone buying a demo Ecoboost for around $27,000 with 3 years free servicing.

What I'm thinking at the moment is it might be best to negotiate best deal possible on an XR6, and drive that for a few years until we see where resale values go on the Ecoboost. Based on how far I drive each year I am looking at somewhere in the region of only $600 to $700 extra in fuel costs annually if I go with the XR6.

Interested in your thoughts. Thanks in advance for any advice and information you provide,

Regards,

Solomon Kane.

XR6T0Y · 08-12-2012, 03:17 PM

Saw an ecoboost for the first time ever in Mount Gambier the other day. Only reason I knew it was an EB? The badge on the back. Looked like a normal 6 in every aspect. Heard they go just as good/if not just better than the 6 as well

Solomonkane · 08-12-2012, 04:27 PM

Everything I've read thus far suggests that they are almost as good as a 6. The only drawback for some people is the fact that the Ecoboost is limited to towing 1,600kg. Not an issue for me, as the most I'll ever be towing are things like the occasional fridge or freezer bought at auction.

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6T0Y

Saw an ecoboost for the first time ever in Mount Gambier the other day. Only reason I knew it was an EB? The badge on the back. Looked like a normal 6 in every aspect. Heard they go just as good/if not just better than the 6 as well

pundit · 08-12-2012, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6T0Y

Saw an ecoboost for the first time ever in Mount Gambier the other day

Not very often I see someone else on here from the good old mount. or atleast post.

XR6T0Y · 08-12-2012, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pundit

Not very often I see someone else on here from the good old mount. or atleast post.

Moved down here from NSW about a week ago today. We are actually in Mount Burr, but have been in Mount Gambier 95% of the time here. So much better than NSW

What's the difference from EB to Eco LPI? Is one ded gas and the other 4T petrol?

Rodge · 08-12-2012, 04:16 PM

I'd go an Ecoboost over an XR6, less weight over ther nose = sharper handling + its more fuel efficient + there's a greater spread or torque which makes for a more satisfying driving experience. OR even better still I'd but a Mondeo Titanium Ecoboost petrol and get an absolute ton of world class technology for a similar price

My 2 cents.

Solomonkane · 08-12-2012, 04:34 PM

You make some good points mate, in particular the torque range, which a lot of people have been commenting on. When I test drive the Ecoboost it may turn out to be a more satisfying drive than the XR6.

Thanks for the tip regarding the Mondeo. When I first started looking our fleet manager suggested trying a Mondeo, which was before I knew about the Ecoboost option. Our organization is now going mostly SUV, as the view is that's where the best resale values will be in the near future.

I'll run some searches and take a look at the Mondeo Ecoboost now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodge

I'd go an Ecoboost over an XR6, less weight over ther nose = sharper handling + its more fuel efficient + there's a greater spread or torque which makes for a more satisfying driving experience. OR even better still I'd but a Mondeo Titanium Ecoboost petrol and get an absolute ton of world class technology for a similar price

My 2 cents.

Solomonkane · 08-12-2012, 04:39 PM

What an excellent forum! Greatly impressed with such a rapid response to my post, and so many genuinely useful replies.

My thanks to everyone for taking an interest in this, and for sharing your thinking with me.

Solomon Kane.

BadMax · 08-12-2012, 04:36 PM

Nobody has asked yet.
Do you need a car the size of a Falcon? How many kilometers do you average a year?
How long do you plan on keeping the car?

Solomonkane · 08-12-2012, 05:04 PM

Good and fair questions mate.

Do I need a car the size of a Falcon? Short answer would probably have to be no. However, there are various other factors involved that go beyond the practical.

For a start, I just love Ford Falcons; the way they handle, how they feel to sit in, they make driving a great experience for me. Then there is the cabin size; most of the other cars I've test driven over the past few months have felt claustrophobic to say the least.

As for kilometers I am doing around 12 to 13,000 a year at the moment.

Not sure on how long I'll be keeping the car right now. Maybe 2 or 3 years, probably around 5 would be the maximum. Would depend on what else was on offer come the end of the factory warranty, and what the gap involved in jumping into a younger model was.

Tried test driving other cars, such as the Subaru Liberty; Suzuki Kizashi; Hyundai I45; Hyundai IX35; a few different BMWs; Lexis IS and ES; the Mazda 6, and the Honda Accord Euro. The only one's that came close to feeling good to drive were the Kizashi and the Honda. None of them were as enjoyable as the Ford Falcon.

I believe in striking as good a balance as possible between need and want. Life is too short to always be focusing on the purely practical side of things, we have to allow for enjoyment too. Not implying that you are saying anything different, just sharing my philosophy when it comes to buying things like cars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadMax

Nobody has asked yet.
Do you need a car the size of a Falcon? How many kilometers do you average a year?
How long do you plan on keeping the car?

4.0i OHC · 08-12-2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solomonkane

I just love Ford Falcons; the way they handle.

I know exactly what you mean by that. It's difficult to describe, but believe it or not, the rest of the Ford range has a similar feel to the local cars (I'm talking in terms of steering and dynamics, not interior ambiance). The Mondeo certainly does.

From what you're saying, I think the XR6 will probably suit you best. It will be closest to your current Falcon in terms of engine characteristics. As well as this, you get the option of a manual transmission. Why not open up the fabulously torquey I6 with a manual? The Falcon six is the best sounding engine this side of something with a blue and white propeller badge, so why not make the most of it with a manual? As you said, life's too short. To borrow that famous quotation about going black, once you go manual you never go back.

However, both Falcons (and the Ecoboost Mondeo) will suit you well. Give the Mondeo a test drive. You may end up liking it (just because it's not RWD doesn't mean that it won't drive like you'd expect a Ford to).

As a side note, which BMWs did you drive? F10 5 Series? I'm surprised that you thought they weren't dynamically up to scratch (although I'd rate the Falcon and Mondeo as being better driver's cars than any of the other alternatives that you listed).

Solomonkane · 08-12-2012, 06:17 PM

The Falcon six is the best sounding engine this side of something with a blue and white propeller badge

Classic mate, absolutely classic...grin.

I agree with you that a manual XR6 would be brilliant; still going to go with the auto though, simply because the majority of my driving is to and from work. Heaps of stop/start traffic in Brisbane these days, so I really appreciate an auto now.

Good point about the Mondeo Ecoboost, shouldn't take it off the list just because it's FWD. I'll arrange to test drive that too on Monday.

The BMWs I test drove were all Series 3s. Not saying they are not good cars, just personally found them to be a bit of a bland drive, though nowhere near as bland as the Lexus. The ES300 nearly put me to sleep.

The younger BMWs were well beyond what I want to spend so didn't even bother trying them. The only reason I even looked at a BMW is because my mechanic drives one and wanted me to get one too. I think that might only be because he wants to keep driving one...grin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4.0i OHC

From what you're saying, I think the XR6 will probably suit you best. It will be closest to your current Falcon in terms of engine characteristics...why not make the most of it with a manual? As you said, life's too short. To borrow that famous quotation about going black, once you go manual you never go back.

However, both Falcons (and the Ecoboost Mondeo) will suit you well. Give the Mondeo a test drive. You may end up liking it (just because it's not RWD doesn't mean that it won't drive like you'd expect a Ford to).

As a side note, which BMWs did you drive? F10 5 Series? I'm surprised that you thought they weren't dynamically up to scratch (although I'd rate the Falcon and Mondeo as being better driver's cars than any of the other alternatives that you listed).

Jason[98.EL] · 08-12-2012, 05:14 PM

if I was you the little more to spend on getting the ecoboost would be the way to go

great car for one as you said above it fits your req

1 it is a falcon you say you love them

2 you like the idea of the driving experience that the eco boost will give you (lighter in the front )

3 fuel economy will blow you away with these

I would have one if 1 $$$$ allowed and if they were able to carry six

Jason

Solomonkane · 08-12-2012, 05:30 PM

That's a good point mate, the Ecoboost being lighter in the front. It could be well worth paying a little more for the pleasure to be derived from driving one.

Just been taking a look at the Ford Mondeo; didn't know it was front wheel drive. Not knocking FWD, just the feel of a rear wheel drive I find to be more satisfying.

So although the Mondeo does appear to have more features for a similar price, I am thinking the Ecoboost may be the better option for me.

Really looking forward to that test drive; will have to see if I can set it up for Monday.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason[98.EL]

if I was you the little more to spend on getting the ecoboost would be the way to go

great car for one as you said above it fits your req

1 it is a falcon you say you love them

2 you like the idea of the driving experience that the eco boost will give you (lighter in the front )

3 fuel economy will blow you away with these

I would have one if 1 $$$$ allowed and if they were able to carry six

Jason

BadMax · 08-12-2012, 05:34 PM

Well I guess the Falcon it is, but now which model. It's a tough call from what I see, you do very little K's per year. The ecoboost probably wont give as significant saving at the pump as someone doing 20-30k a year.

Solomonkane · 08-12-2012, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadMax

Well I guess the Falcon it is, but now which model. It's a tough call from what I see, you do very little K's per year. The ecoboost probably wont give as significant saving at the pump as someone doing 20-30k a year.

Fair point mate about the fuel savings. Still, if the Ecoboost Falcon is as good a drive as I am expecting I'll probably still go with it nonetheless. I'm thinking that there is a fair chance that the resale value in a few years time is going to be better than the XR6.

Even though I am not doing a lot of K's per year, $700 or more is still a nice saving on fuel. Also, I'll be paying a little less for registration each year; $816.10 compared with $652.70. The more I keep in my pocket the better right?

As I wrote in another post, will be test driving the Mondeo Ecoboost as well to see what it's like. So, at the moment it is looking like being either one of those.

4stanger · 08-12-2012, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solomonkane

Fair point mate about the fuel savings. Still, if the Ecoboost Falcon is as good a drive as I am expecting I'll probably still go with it nonetheless. I'm thinking that there is a fair chance that the resale value in a few years time is going to be better than the XR6.

Even though I am not doing a lot of K's per year, $700 or more is still a nice saving on fuel. Also, I'll be paying a little less for registration each year; [B]$816.10 compared with $652.70.[/B] The more I keep in my pocket the better right?

As I wrote in another post, will be test driving the Mondeo Ecoboost as well to see what it's like. So, at the moment it is looking like being either one of those.

In bold, the higher price is for rego on a 6 cylinder in Queensland, whether it is LPG, Turbo or NA. The Ecoboost is the lower price for rego 4 cylinder in QLD. This is where I agree with the OP, where the cheaper rego in QLD. is an incentive to buy an ecoboost Falcon, rather than the other NA & ecolpi models.
For those who think the ecolpi is a more attractive package, you must obviously be from another state where the rego fees would be different.

XR6TCraig · 15-12-2012, 09:09 PM

Go the ecoboost.

Cheaper to run, register and it will have the better warranty being a new one, obviously.

FPV8U · 08-12-2012, 05:34 PM

The new Ecoboost range is getting a lot of praise from Media reviews, if towing isn't a major factor in the cars tasks I'd grab one over the 6, newer tech and once people move on from the stigma of small engine big car and realise the benefits it should have a solid resale.

While you will pay more up front you will also be getting a much newer car, I'd cringe at the thought of an ex rental, every one I've been in has copped a good flogging, something a Demo Ecoboost is highly unlikely to have suffered.

**Mechan1k** · 08-12-2012, 07:12 PM

It's a hard decision though ... but in a way a good thing ... as you have options at least that are available .... instead of one vehicle only that MAY suit your needs.

So much information in this thread .... and as with ex-rentals though ... you do have to be wary ... i bought one ... and got a pretty decent one ... although i got an XT.

Although ... if i did have to part with my Territory at some point (something I really do not want to do as it has been 8 years of awesome ownership) ... I'd be looking at either the Mondeo Ecoboost or the FGII EcoBoost.

What sort of driving will you be doing .... going on the kays it sounds like around town/metro sort of driving ... and if it is ... the Ecoboost is significantly better for stop-start when it comes to economy figures over the I6.

Don't get me wrong .... my I6 FG XT ZF is sooooo nice and smooth ... I love it.

Solomonkane · 08-12-2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

What sort of driving will you be doing .... going on the kays it sounds like around town/metro sort of driving ... and if it is ... the Ecoboost is significantly better for stop-start when it comes to economy figures over the I6. Don't get me wrong .... my I6 FG XT ZF is sooooo nice and smooth ... I love it.

You guessed right, mostly town/metro driving. If I have to go anywhere for work reasons I use a pool car.

Just emailed a request to test drive a Ford Falcon Ecoboost. However, unless they come to the party on the price, might have to look interstate for the best deal.

I've found G6s for just under $25,000 with less than around 5,000ks on the clock in Victoria and NSW. But in Queensland the best sticker price thus far is just shy of $30,000 for an XT with 2,500ks on the clock. There is a G6E with over 10,000ks on the clock and $34,990 on the window. Compare that with a G6Es with a sticker price around $29,000 with about the same ks in NSW.

I'll be emailing a few car brokers too after my test drive to see if they can come up with a really good price.

davenl5l · 11-12-2012, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solomonkane

You guessed right, mostly town/metro driving. If I have to go anywhere for work reasons I use a pool car.

Just emailed a request to test drive a Ford Falcon Ecoboost. However, unless they come to the party on the price, might have to look interstate for the best deal.

I've found G6s for just under $25,000 with less than around 5,000ks on the clock in Victoria and NSW. But in Queensland the best sticker price thus far is just shy of $30,000 for an XT with 2,500ks on the clock. There is a G6E with over 10,000ks on the clock and $34,990 on the window. Compare that with a G6Es with a sticker price around $29,000 with about the same ks in NSW.

I'll be emailing a few car brokers too after my test drive to see if they can come up with a really good price.

yep gotta love the internet and cheap air fares plus you get to drive it home!

Solomonkane · 11-12-2012, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davenl5l

yep gotta love the internet and cheap air fares plus you get to drive it home!

While test driving the Ford Falcon EcoBoost asked the young lass in the car why the big price difference between Queensland and other States. According to her it was the fact that they had to be transported here, and the registration costs in Queensland etc.

To be frank, I can see how that would amount to anywhere near a $5,000 difference. For example, I've found quotes for transporting a car from Melbourne to Brisbane which are only about $660.

She went on to say that the boss had to let some deals go because he couldn't match what dealers in Victoria were willing to take for a comparable vehicle.

flappist · 08-12-2012, 07:25 PM

As a Brisvegan be aware that the EB is $200 per year cheaper for rego

mike_nofx · 08-12-2012, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

As a Brisvegan be aware that the EB is $200 per year cheaper for rego

Could put that saving towards the increased insurance premium?

mik · 08-12-2012, 08:05 PM

Dunno if your in an area suitable for lpg , but no one has mentioned Eco Lpi for an engine choice, a mate of mine has one in a ute as a company car, he reckons it's a pearler.

Solomonkane · 08-12-2012, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik

Dunno if your in an area suitable for lpg , but no one has mentioned Eco Lpi for an engine choice, a mate of mine has one in a ute as a company car, he reckons it's a pearler.

I was considering an Eco Lpi, read good things about them. LPG is not an issue where I am.

However, I've heard from my mechanic, and others, that there is not as great a value in going LPG or diesel for that matter, like there used to be; unless like your mate it's a trade car.

pundit · 08-12-2012, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solomonkane

I was considering an Eco Lpi, read good things about them. LPG is not an issue where I am.

However, I've heard from my mechanic, and others, that there is not as great a value in going LPG or diesel for that matter, like there used to be; unless like your mate it's a trade car.

I'd go against your mechanic on this one and say LPG is worth it, but it's not worth getting a car converted to LPG anymore.

**DFB FGXR6** · 08-12-2012, 08:20 PM

We have a EcoBoost Mondeo and a Falcon XR6 sedan (petrol auto).

Both are great cars, but I also have a love for Falcons and find the it to be more user friendly overall. This includes the layout of the cabin and its controls, everthing falls to hand much easier than the Mondeo. The I6 engine feel more "natural" in that the power delivery "builds" to its peak, rather than just flat lining like the ecoboost, alomost characterless. I also prefer the low speed smoothness of the ZF auto. The powershift Mondeo, whilst good at swapping cogs on the run, can be a bit lurchy at low speed. I think this is were the Falcon EcoBoost would have an advantage over a EcoBoost Mondeo, the Falcon having a "proper" auto, making it better for low speed driving. Just my observatons.....

Solomonkane · 08-12-2012, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

We have a EcoBoost Mondeo and a Falcon XR6 sedan (petrol auto). ...everthing falls to hand much easier than the Mondeo. The I6 engine feel more "natural" in that the power delivery "builds" to its peak, rather than just flat lining like the ecoboost, alomost characterless. I also prefer the low speed smoothness of the ZF auto. The powershift Mondeo, whilst good at swapping cogs on the run, can be a bit lurchy at low speed.

Thanks for the observations, very useful, appreciate it. I'll look out for these things when test driving the two cars.