should i get an XR5T Focus..?

[Placey]

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

[Cheech]

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.

[Joshmcmillan]

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.

[Cheech]

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.

[usernametaken]

no cruise on xr5 (crazy)


for 17k go the renault clio 197

[Joshmcmillan]

Originally Posted by Cheech

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.

Yeah, the WRX is definetely capable of getting faster 0-100 times... but I do think the XR5 feels faster, definetely once your moving. And even more so if your under 5000RPM in the WRX.

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.

[Powdered Toast Man]

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.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Cheech

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.

Even in standard form there is plenty on torque.
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.

[fonfe]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Even in standard form there is plenty on torque.
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.

I'm also yet to see a gearbox mount go, upgrade the stabiliser mount and you should be sweet.
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.

[Placey]

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.

[Joshmcmillan]

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.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Joshmcmillan

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.

I went to buy an XR6T ute and walked out with the Focus.

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 in the back. Not once did it struggle with the load.
Mines modded but i havnt spent a huge amount.

Originally Posted by Placey

What price and model would be best suited? any models hace major upgrades?

I reckon in the budget probably an LS, if you can try and stretch to an LT (Simply because its the second model, although still very similar)

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

[Neale]

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.

[DJM83]

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.

[Neale]

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

[DJM83]

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

[Franco Cozzo]

Thats some crazy torque right there, makes me jealous, lol.

[FOCUSonTHIS]

Originally Posted by usernametaken

no cruise on xr5 (crazy)


for 17k go the renault clio 197

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

[usernametaken]

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.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by usernametaken

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.

Yeah because cruise will save you from a speeding fine

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.

[usernametaken]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Yeah because cruise will save you from a speeding fine

Again my parents live 1600kms away ive had no issues with no cruise.
.

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

;)

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by usernametaken

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

;)

Nah mate i wasnt having a dig at you.

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

[Russ]

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

[Placey]

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??

[DJM83]

LV Still need to unlock via keyfob unlike mondeo. But has push button start

[DBourne]

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.

[Cheech]

Originally Posted by SgtBourne

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.

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.

[Placey]

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!

[Placey]

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!

[XR5-Boy]

*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 (not the lack of cruise control, which really, if you can't drive 2000kms without one, hand in you man card. I drove Alice Springs to Melbourne without it and not one fine ).