2002 Ford Falcon AUIII XR8 – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 12.08.2020

Neat-looking AUIII ute: 5.0lt, auto, new tyres, Ford letter of authenticity

Is it fair to call the AU Falcon a bonafide cult classic? We think so.

While it’s enjoyed being the butt of many jokes on the internet, the once ironic and facetious humour has seemingly morphed into genuine enthusiasm for the divisively-styled Ford.

First launched in 1998, the range gained a refresh with the Series II update in April 2000. The AUII quelled many of the original AU’s shortcomings, with changes to its body structure, suspension, and brakes which improved the range, as well as supported the potential for performance models. New engine mounts and a laminated firewall also did wonders for in-cabin NVH levels.

A final Series III update in 2001 gave the XR8s a power bump; with the sedan pegged at 220kW by mid-2001; with the ute a little way behind with a claimed 200kW.

This late-production 2002 AU Falcon XR8 ute is one of the final Series IIIs and has the four-speed auto coupled to its 5.0lt V8.

The car looks to be visually unmodified and shows 223,189 on the odometer.

Low-kms comparatively speaking, as you usually see AUs looking much worse for wear these days; although no interior photos have been attached to the listing unfortunately.

The exterior and engine bay photos show what looks to be a well-kept car.

AUs are actually gaining some levels of collectability in certain pockets of the community – although it’s generally hard-to-find five-speed manual cars with low-Ks that have best justified prices creeping towards $20,000.

This one may be an auto, and offer less future prospect for growth, but it may appeal as an easy and useable locally-made V8 ute whose condition seems to bely its workhorse roots.

The ute is based in New South Wales and is listed for $16,500.

Check out the full listing here!

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