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#1 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 332
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Hi guys.. i want to change from my AUII XR8 to something sporty, really grippy and fun.. i am thinking a 2004-6 wrx or focus XR5T
who of you owns one? Can you convince me with the good and bad points? What to look for when buying? How much to spend? I will have around 17k thanks
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#2 | ||
HELL YES
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Penriff
Posts: 647
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Both good fun choices. XR5T needs flash tune at minumum to get it into "fast" territory. Although with the power upgrade gearboxs, clutches and mounts tend to break.
Also wait until the new Focus ST is released here. I'd imagine that alot of 5 owners will be trading up. On FordXR5turbo forums you will probably pick one up close to what they are being offerred as trade in. Lots of other vehicles to choose in this price range. If you're looking for something reasonably quick with razor sharp handling then also look at the renault offerings. Clio sport is light and precise whilst the Megane sport is heavier but packs a turbo charger whilst retaining superb handling. Out of left field is also the 3.2 V6 Alfa 147 GTA. Big engine in a lightish car. Some torque steer but 0-100 in under 6 is possible. Look for one thats had the timing belt done recently and a Q2 diff replacement. Usually owned by enthusiasts and well looked after. If I had the $$$ I'd switch my 147 for this.
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2016 Focus RS Nitrous Blue Ordered 3/11/2015 and delivered 22/6/2016 2019 Ssangyong Rexton fourby (the daily driver, tow pig & snowmobile) Last edited by Cheech; 09-05-2012 at 02:42 PM. |
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#3 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Mid North Coast, NSW
Posts: 1,205
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I would say the XR5 Turbo. The WRX, even with a few mods will tend to feel like you've got to rev it to get it to seem fast, however the AWD aspect is great.
The XR5 has huge torque, everywhere... It's got a nice close ratio gearbox and is plenty fast enough... oh.. and that sound :O :O :O ... go drive one! Also, have a look at nurgbergring times for handling and compare the two cars.. the XR5 times will surprise you.
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MY CARS:
- FG XR6 Turbo, 6 Speed Manual, Silhouette . 12/78 XC Ford Fairmont Project Car. (351, 5spd) Build Thread: http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11444473 1968 Ford F350 LWB Dually. 300 Six, 4 speed. Beavertail project. |
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#4 | ||
HELL YES
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Penriff
Posts: 647
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AWD is a major advantage in the wet and also good for getting the car off the line if you don't mind raping the clutch/gearbox.
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2016 Focus RS Nitrous Blue Ordered 3/11/2015 and delivered 22/6/2016 2019 Ssangyong Rexton fourby (the daily driver, tow pig & snowmobile) |
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#5 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 642
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no cruise on xr5 (crazy)
for 17k go the renault clio 197 |
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#6 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Mid North Coast, NSW
Posts: 1,205
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Quote:
No cruise control is definetely a major con in the XR5, however there is some high quality after market systems you can put in.. Also fuel economy and insurance prices are other things to consider.
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MY CARS:
- FG XR6 Turbo, 6 Speed Manual, Silhouette . 12/78 XC Ford Fairmont Project Car. (351, 5spd) Build Thread: http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11444473 1968 Ford F350 LWB Dually. 300 Six, 4 speed. Beavertail project. |
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#7 | ||
Professional Mouse Jockey
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SE Vic
Posts: 3,185
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I was thinking of buying a Focus XR5T and replacing my 3V BA, so not too different to your situation.
Good points of the Focus are its a great little handler, nice direct communicative steering. Suspension has good bump absorpancy too. Bad, not really particulary fast straight line wise. Well not compared to my 3V which is only backed with a 4spd auto. The thing that stopped me in the end is the lack of feel through the pedals. My other car at the time was a 5.0L EB 5 speed which had a nice heavy feeling cable clutch. I'm sure I'd get used to it though just like any other car needs a litle time to get used to.
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Isuzu MUX for towing horses - currently no Fords in the stable Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. Groucho Marx
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#8 | |||
Barra Turbo > V8
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 25,806
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Quote:
I'm yet to see a gearbox mount go, seen a few worn ones on highly modded cars. I put one in mine as a fail safe and it works much better then factory. With a tune intake and exhaust there is some good gains to be made with these cars. Clutches and gearbox are fairly strong a lot replace with an RS clutch as another failsafe method. But IMO I reckon finding one in that price range might be hard definately wont be an LV.
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-2011 XR6 Turbo Ute - Lux Pack - M6 -2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander Diesel N Line |
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#9 | |||
RS shop's technician
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Albury
Posts: 87
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Quote:
Very good gains to be had from these cars, remap, decent exhaust and a bigger intercooler and you will be happy. Lots of aftermarket parts to be had from the uk too. On the flip side a wrx is a very strong car....mate and I hit a tree at 144kph and both walked away without a scratch. |
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#10 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 332
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What price and model would be best suited? any models hace major upgrades?
Im loving the feedback. i want the sharp handling and quick feel. my XR8 220 would have it in a straught line.. but weighing approx 1750kg doesnt help. it sounds amazing, looks great but thats where it ends im afraid to say. And having a cable clutch makes the car 'feel' like a car but still feels primative in its ways. I am not against any other little cars. i honestly just have not looked. Power gains and torque, can someone give me a rough idea what gains are made from tuning etc? thanks.
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#11 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Mid North Coast, NSW
Posts: 1,205
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There are a few good threads on xr6turbo.com.au that compare the two. One guy prefers to drive his wife's xr5 over his mint BFII F6.
I think the XR5 has a fairly raw feel but is still a good all round car. LV had a few upgrades, most noticeable ones being the front bar and interior styling changes... But I think they're a fair bit above your budget. I think everything goes in the XR5's favour, service prices, fuel economy, reliability, driving feel, handling... but have a look around. I'll be buying an XR6 turbo over one soon simply because I want the straight line power, luggage capacity and the prices.
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MY CARS:
- FG XR6 Turbo, 6 Speed Manual, Silhouette . 12/78 XC Ford Fairmont Project Car. (351, 5spd) Build Thread: http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11444473 1968 Ford F350 LWB Dually. 300 Six, 4 speed. Beavertail project. |
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#12 | ||||
Barra Turbo > V8
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 25,806
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Quote:
Simple really -Better built -Does everything i need it to to -plenty of room- -Straight line speed bores me. Ive done 3 interstate trips in my XR5, did one on my TE50 and still fit all the missus crap and my one bag ![]() Mines modded but i havnt spent a huge amount. Quote:
LV was the one that got major upgrades. Also id try and buy an unmolested one aswell, the I5T is pretty bulletproof but if it were me buying second hand id want a 'clean' one. Any more questions ill try and answer them for you. join up here www.xr5ownersclub.com
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#13 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,481
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One guy on the forums is making around 252kW & 542Nm at the wheels with some serious mods
http://www.fordxr5turbo.com/forum/in...opic=10479.405 Also while your there check out the rest of the forum as theres heaps of good info there for extreem power figures theres one in Singapore making 430bhp, 620nm with these mods RS Turbo RS injector Ferrita WRC DP with catback exhaust system Devilsown Pro Alloy RS FMIC Injen Short Ram Kits LSD Spec Lightweight Flywheel BCBR Coilover IPD HD Coil NGK Racing Plug Also this kit here http://www.pumaspeed.co.uk/product-P...atable_918.jsp Theres also talk of guys in Sweden can get 500-800HP out of the 2.3lt T5 Volvo motor as it has thicker cylinder walls. With that sort of power these things would pull harder than a teenage boy with his first nudie mag. |
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#14 | ||
Barra Turbo > V8
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 25,806
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Yeah thats the extreme case Neale, not many will go to the level that Pete has.
IMO too much for a FWD chassis, im sure he will say otherwise.
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#15 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,481
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true, I'd be happy with the standard power from the XR5, but placey wanted to know what gains are made from tuning.
IMO if you wanted bigger power I'd buy an RS, that way the car would be better set up for the greater power |
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#16 | ||
Barra Turbo > V8
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 25,806
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Well my car with
Simota intake De res exhaust Airtec FMIC AS Top pipe DSCi Mod B tune Made 155kw atw. Since then ive had Miltek cat back fitted and changed to Mod X tune but still run it on the dyno. Feel free to have a look through my thread. http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11319745
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#17 | ||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,097
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Thats some crazy torque right there, makes me jealous, lol.
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#18 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 2,035
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Quote:
Is the the only thing you could fault on the XR5, no cruise? Cruise isn't a big selling option in Europe. So why would the engineer it for Australia only as it is a small volume selling country. If that is a bother to you, get an after market kit. I would buy a XR5 in a heart beat...great car
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2015 MK7 VW GOLF GTI __________________
Previous Cars 2002 AUIII XR6 1995 EF Falcon XR6 2003 LR Focus Zetec 1989 KE Laser TX3 |
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#19 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 642
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ummmm because we have cops with radar guns and cameras on every corner.
The distance it takes me to visit my folks (in the same state) I could travel across 3 countries in Europe. That's why. ;) But, I wasn't out to 'fault' the xr5 as you put it. Depends on what you will do in the car though... when i last looked a decent set up in the xr5 was around $800 (from memory) Clio would be better bang for buck at 17k. Just my opinion. |
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#20 | |||
Barra Turbo > V8
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 25,806
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Quote:
![]() Again my parents live 1600kms away ive had no issues with no cruise. But yeah a decent cruise setup is around 800 kahunas. I think paying 17k for an XR5 is too low and you may be buying someone elses trouble.
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#21 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 642
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Quote:
ummmmmm.... ok ![]() you're happy to drive 1600kms with no cruise and reckon it won't save you from a speeding ticket.... you must have a very stable right foot. Me? well, i'd rather have cruise control, just like the rest of Australia. ;) But, anyways seems this is all about telling this fella that an XR5 is the way to go... sorry I put up an alternative ;) Last edited by usernametaken; 09-05-2012 at 07:40 PM. |
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#22 | |||
Barra Turbo > V8
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 25,806
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Quote:
Yeah it can be annoying with no cruise and you can slip over the limit with extended trips, ive had no tickets in it yet. Of course im going to be bias though i own one ![]()
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#23 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Sausage Singlet NSW
Posts: 3,301
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I have factory cruise control on my 2011 Focus (Zetec) and apart from when driving long distances I rarely find the need to use it anyway. I know that some people might find it difficult to control the pressure on their right foot, but it's not really that difficult. I for one wouldn't let " no cruise control " deter me from buying a good example of an XR5 or any other car for that matter. If it's really that important to the OP then as others have said, there is always the option of a good aftermarket setup later down the track, In the meantime I would make a list of possible car candidates, look for good examples and test drive at least one of each if possible and compare them, don't just jump into the first one that comes along, do your homework
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#24 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 332
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Thanks for the information.. i am not a serious modification person. i like maybe the idea of intake tune and exhaust. so it sounds like a good investment for the power. im pretty much sold on the idea. For the sake of it i might go and test a renault or something.
i appreciate your help. and the cruise thing isnt a massive problem. but would probably get it installed. and i think i might save for a cheaper LV.... Does the LV have keyless entry and button start??
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#25 | ||
Barra Turbo > V8
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 25,806
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LV Still need to unlock via keyfob unlike mondeo. But has push button start
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#26 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: sydney.nsw.au
Posts: 6,119
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Jump in a 5 and take one for a drive..
As far as tuning them results in broken gearboxes LOL! Nice talking out of your butt there ;) The 5 sounds great, handels AMAZINGLY, especially for a FWD. I've had the rear wheel cocked in the air round corners before, only understeers if you are silly about entrance speed. The seats are fantastic (get leather) the brakes are unreal (especially when coming from a falcon). If you want more info feel free to PM me.
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#27 | |||
HELL YES
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Penriff
Posts: 647
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Quote:
Not talking out of my butt, but should have added "if running at the drags" to my original statement. Gearbox mount seems to be a weak point with upgraded power. You can't expect to run numbers higher than what the car was designed for without some drawbacks. FYI I did have my heart set on an RS so I was monitoring the XR5turbo forums for all info I could. Unfortunately got vetoed by SWMBO and we put a pool in instead.
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2016 Focus RS Nitrous Blue Ordered 3/11/2015 and delivered 22/6/2016 2019 Ssangyong Rexton fourby (the daily driver, tow pig & snowmobile) Last edited by Cheech; 10-05-2012 at 09:51 AM. |
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#28 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 332
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Im going to test drivr a falcon ecoboost whils im there..
i willsave my pennies for an lv i think.. for the facelift. and will post a thread if i buy one.. need to sell the xr8 in my sig first. haha. thanks again!
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#29 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 332
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Im going to test drivr a falcon ecoboost whils im there..
i willsave my pennies for an lv i think.. for the facelift. and will post a thread if i buy one.. need to sell the xr8 in my sig first. haha. thanks again!
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#30 | ||
You mad, bro?
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 701
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*Mandatory biased view of XR5T due to owning one*
I love it. Coming up on 3 years of ownership and I can say it still brings a smile to my face every time I drive off in it. In the end, you can look at good and bad points all day. Just hop in one and see what you think. Maybe a generous owner from here or the other forums might take you for a spin in a stock or modded one for comparison. Also, do some research into other brands of hot hatches. Compare the same market space and see if anything else floats your boat. I drove about 10 different cars before settling on this one. In the end, it was the noise that got me ![]() ![]()
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2009 LV Focus XR5 Turbo Performance Blue SFS 2007 Best Cougar, SFS 2010/2011 Best Focus XR5
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