Looking for advise on buying an XR6 or XR8

[Donny]

Hi all,
This is my first post in this area, so please be gentle.... Pretty soon I may have a sale for my BF2 GT-P and have been considering what to replace it with.

At first I was considering a small cheapie runaround 4 cyl car, but theres not much I like in this size an I want somthing sporty and with a bit of go in it too.
The other thing Im looking to do is buy a 17 or 19 footer boat and the 4's wont be real good to tow it with.

So I was hunting thru the classifieds here, and thought about the AU's. A few of my friends have mum and dads versions and they are very happy with them.
The other interesting thing Iv noticed is the prices all seem to be around the same for each of the varients with the V8 ones a touch dearer, but more of them around and more likely easier to bargain them down as its a V8 and theres a lot around for sale.

So after looking around, Iv narrowed it down to the XR6 HP, the VCT XR6 or the XR8.
Im only interested in AU II or more preferably AU III as I like the rear 'rebel kit' type bumper on the later 2002 build cars. Also Manual trans is a MUST.

What I need to know is which one do you AU owners think I should choose? Which will suit me best??

Should I consider an ex Highway patrol car or stick clear of these?

I am still keen on the sporty aspect of whatever car I get, thats why I chose the XR's. I will also be considering some 'BOLT ON' mods later on, but no opening of engines etc.

My driving habits are 50/50 highway vs round town, but I still give em a bit round town an like em to be plenty responsive. If that changes, its more likely to be more highway driving, so again which is best for me?

Now I know the XR6 HP is pretty quick, an is better in a straight line over the VCT version, but the VCT is the better handler, and better optioned car.
I am also told these engines are good for a lot of miles and not much goes wrong with them providing their properly maintained. Are they also nice and torquey? is the VCT noticably better torque wise over the HP?

I also saw that the VCT engine is harder to modify, does this only pertain to cracking the engine open to get more out of it, or also simple bolt ons too???

Another concern if I go the XR8 way is the Windsor engines and the milage done on them. All the cars Iv looked at online seem to range from 90 000klms to 180k klms.
What are the weezors like with this much milage? How is their longevity? are they worn out? flogged and needing a freshen up?
How is the state of the injection setup and its related ancillaries??
I absolutly dont want to buy one that needs an engine reco, as I will drive all my cars hard, but look after them well.
They do need to perform adequatly at their peak, and I want the 220kw version of the V8 at the least.

What would be the advantages and disadvantages of each of these vehicle choices??

I guess an idea of what goes wrong on these cars would be helpfull too.

How are these cars faring with higher milage? are they falling apart?, getting all rattly? or feeling like a wet sponge? If I get one with 150 000klms plus, is it likely to be a pile??

Any information would be appreciated, and anyone who has info on things Iv missed, please feel free to add it. I am also well aware these wont have the power of my Boss 302 GT.

Thanks in advance for yr help.

Donny.