Ford to close Aussie operations in 2016

[sambo]

For the price of a Commodore/Falcon there are now so many other options, particularly with the high AUD. At the high end, you really have to be a die hard fan to spend $90k on a HSV/FPV, when for similar money you can have the performance and refinement of a European sedan. That's not necessarily how I'd spend the money but I think it's how a lot of people feel.

[400TT]

Very sad news, how about all the flow on consequences, even the affect on V8 Supercars etc. We won't know the real impact for years to come.

Originally Posted by sambo

you really have to be a die hard fan to spend $90k on a HSV/FPV,

Hmm, brand new VF HSV GTS with Supercharged 6.2LT 430KW, 6 piston brakes front and rear, active LSD diff etc. I've heard they are selling like hot cakes...

[Jethrow]

Originally Posted by sambo

For the price of a Commodore/Falcon there are now so many other options, particularly with the high AUD. At the high end, you really have to be a die hard fan to spend $90k on a HSV/FPV, when for similar money you can have the performance and refinement of a European sedan. That's not necessarily how I'd spend the money but I think it's how a lot of people feel.

Not sure what european you can buy for $90K that also has a mighty V8 and goes like a FPV/HSV, but I would sure like to know.

Personally I think the Falcons/Commodores represent great value for what they are, but also I think in this current economy most people do not want to spend $40K plus on a car. All the best sellers these days are low cost vehicles.

I rue the day when the only 4 door rear drive V8 I can buy is a $150k euro.

[sambo]

Originally Posted by Jethrow

Not sure what european you can buy for $90K that also has a mighty V8 and goes like a FPV/HSV, but I would sure like to know.

Tim, you're right, not many brand new bahnstormers on the market for 90k but if you don't mind buying a 12 month old car there are plenty of options. BMW 335i, Audi S5, Cayman, etc.

[Merv and Sharon]

Originally Posted by Jethrow

Not sure what european you can buy for $90K that also has a mighty V8 and goes like a FPV/HSV, but I would sure like to know.

Personally I think the Falcons/Commodores represent great value for what they are, but also I think in this current economy most people do not want to spend $40K plus on a car. All the best sellers these days are low cost vehicles.

I rue the day when the only 4 door rear drive V8 I can buy is a $150k euro.

Have you driven an Mercedes C63 AMG Tim? I have and it is pretty dammed impressive. I don't know how they pass the noise test.

[Aussie Mike]

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

Have you driven an Mercedes C63 AMG Tim? I have and it is pretty dammed impressive. I don't know how they pass the noise test.

My sister has one and it's mental.

Cheers

[Merv and Sharon]

Originally Posted by Aussie Mike

My sister has one and it's mental.

Cheers

There is an older one at our local Merc dealer. I was down here last month looking at a car for my wife and there was this 2010 C63 with about 15kms. I made an enquiry and was told that it was not for sale and that it was bought new back in 2010 and was never picked up. Apparently was worried that his wife might not approve ...

They are the best car Mercedes has made for 20 years.

[Jethrow]

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

Have you driven an Mercedes C63 AMG Tim? I have and it is pretty dammed impressive. I don't know how they pass the noise test.

Oh I am a big fan of the C63 AMG. They still run to $150K or so, and are much smaller inside than the HSV. But I do like them.