New (Minor) Project: 2004 BA Ford Falcon XLS Ute - A Cheapie but a Goodie

Was driving the VJ Dodge Ute around the neighbourhood in August 2020 and saw this Falcon parked along the route, full of cobwebs. Knocked on the door of the owner and bought it within 5 minutes for $2000. Bought 'As Is' - without a test drive. He had recently put on 4 new tyres and bought a new battery for us to drive it home a few days later. Came with a hard lid ($1,695 option), passenger side airbag ($495 option), ABS brakes ($930 option), and air conditioning ($2,250 option when purchased). Base price in 2004 was $30,300 (excluding government charges). Was owned by the NSW State Government as an RTA vehicle and then sold to a chippy who sold it to me. We'll have a bit of fun with it for a while. Being a modern car, we're thankful we don't have to garage it each night; we're running out of room. The carpenter drove it as his work vehicle for a few years before leaving for another career and getting company vehicles. Since 2012, it's travelled less than 8,000 kilometres. He registered it each year, though. It's only done 154,933 kilometres. Has log books. So far we've replaced the spark plugs, oil and oil filter, and fuel filter. We're going to replace the diff oil and brake fluid this weekend. The air cleaner is new. It drives pretty good, but it'll benefit from a good, long drive. I reckon the cobwebs weren't limited to the exterior! I've never driven a Barra, and so I want to know why people consider it such a good engine. Looking forward to the drive!
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Update 29 September 2020: We found the car didn't have reverse lights, the cruise control didn't work, and the sports shifting mode didn't function. It threw up 6 codes, including P0708, which led us to a quick and easy fix ... a couple of broken wires in a connector ... fixed everything, and just in time for rego. It's always a risk to buy a car without a proper drive and inspection, but in this case, it's paid off. Car performs very well. It needed a good, long drive - we've put on nearly 1,000 kilometres. Put a good dose of injector cleaner in, for what it's worth, and we've run 98 grade petrol. We've also had an auto transmission service as we were unsure when the last one was done. Love the Barra!
Update 10 October 2020: Decided to sell the ute as I thought it was a little too powerful for the 17 year old. Listed it on Gumtree and sold within 12 hours for $5,575 (asking $6,000). After $1,000 of rego, transfer costs, and servicing costs of around $400, we made around $2,000. A great result, but I think it's a very good car at a good price for the new owner. He was impressed with it.

[@anun6252]

Sagging headlining is standard not optional

[@DPOSFS]

Very true!

[@18624100]

Bloody bullit proof ba well done i just picked up a ba rtv $1750 no rego same thing you gotta love those barra engines great car .

[@DPOSFS]

I've had lots of cars from the 1970s big 3, Chrysler, Ford and Holden, but I've been most impressed with the Barra and the Chrysler Hemi 265. Both strong and long lived, with plenty of performance. Good luck with the RTV. I love the stance of the thing.

[@michaeledwards8058]

I just bought a BA crewman 5 seater one owner 160000ks built and mod plated

[@livefreeordiee]

bloody beaut!

[@fossilsgarage1073]

Bargain!

[@jonj431]

Please let me know when you wanna sell it

[@Murtagh653]

they sold it 2 years ago, check description