xr6 or xr5?

[dalez84]

Im thinking of buying an xr6 or an xr5 turbo. what do u recommend. i want to buy new or close to it and these are my options for what i want to spend. really i would like an xr6t or an xr8 but not just yet! what is better fun, faster and value for money. what is the focus like for kids in the back still in baby seats? im leanin towards the focus mainly for a change. i hav a ba xt and its just **** really and the xr6 motors are the same as a standard falcon right?

[XRSIKS]

I'm 26, just about to become a dad, and would never trade my XR8 ...

I had a Mazda 2.. upgraded to the XR6... and now the XR8, perfect size family car

[Russ]

If you are going to be carrying around heaps of baby stuff like prams etc..... and need a lot of boot space then the Falcon would probably be a better option for you due to the overall size. On the other hand the Focus has a reasonable sized interior and the boot is quite a good size as well so it still could be OK for you. I would suggest you take both of them for a test drive and weigh up the pros and the cons for each of them. Write yourself out a list of things to consider such as fuel economy, maintenance costs, how much room you require, if the Missus is going to be driving it make sure she's comfortable with it as well. Do some homework on each model first as they are both very different cars and it's important to make the right decision before you buy. Another model you could consider is the Mondeo XR5T it's a fair bit bigger than a Focus but not as bulky as a Falcon. http://www.ford.com.au/servlet/Conte...YPage&site=FOA

Best of luck

[DZFord]

Originally Posted by Russ

Another model you could consider is the Mondeo XR5T it's a fair bit bigger than a Focus but not as bulky as a Falcon.

Great call on the Mondeo XR5T there Russ...it almost seems like a compromise between the two.

More room and possibly more boot size than a Focus but still have that awesome 5 pot turbo.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by DZFord

Great call on the Mondeo XR5T there Russ...it almost seems like a compromise between the two.

More room and possibly more boot size than a Focus but still have that awesome 5 pot turbo.

Cheers for that mate, I have a new Focus Zetec and find it ticks all the boxes for me. The Mondeo XR5 is a nice looking car as well and with the turbo engine has plenty of grunt too. Build quality I would expect should also be very good so it's definitely a contender to consider.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by cartaa100

i never said the xr5t didnt go well.... looks are personal i agree, my opinion i would choose the falcon.

hahah another build quality complaint. honestly i hate it when people say that!!

i agree the interior isnt as well finished as other cars but, dont bring up build quality when taxis do over 1mil ks running on lpg with led foot drivers and with a scrappy service that happens what, 2-3 times a year.. all that is poor is the interior finish.

See below, now i know WILDB and his car meticulously maintained.
So your arguement is void, they still have build quality issues

Originally Posted by WILDB

Perhaps, but they get well serviced quite regularly.

And build quality is garbage on the Falcon compared to the XR5.

2008 LV XR5 - bought new March 09, sold with 22000km on it in September 10.
Warranty problems:
1. Oil leak from dipstick o-ring.
2. Driveshaft click on takeoff.
3. Noisy LHR door actuator.

2010 FG XR6T, bought new in september last year to replace the XR5 as I have an injury and can't drive manuals properly anymore. Currently has 22500km.
1. Diff rooted from new.
2. Wheel alignment rooted from new.
3. Guard liners rattling, still do even after resecuring them.
4. Power window master switch illumination not working, replaced switch.
5. Idler pulley replaced.
6. RHF window regulator grinding. Replaced and new one is starting to get noisy again.
7. Fuel pump noisy, took 2 months for a replacement to come and it was noisier.
8. Timing cover leak.
9. Front upper control arm bushes flogged out causing brake shudder.
10. Diff #2 rooted, replaced - now onto diff #3.
11. Major oil leak from rocker cover gasket.
12. Idler pulley #2 starting to get noisy.
13. Diff bushes starting to split as of last week.

Now, I've worked in 2 dealerships and can tell you that my car is quite good compared to some others. At least I can get mine fixed while I'm at work, I'd have got rid of it if I worked elsewhere and had to keep taking it in. Don't get me wrong, I love my car but the build quality can leave quite a bit to be desired at times. I can see why people get annoyed about it.

Hence if build quality is a concern, buy an XR5 - Mondeo or Focus.

Agreed Mondeo is another option although in standard form not quiet as nimble or powerful as the Focus but you get a lot more inside.

[cartaa100]

fg xr6 has 208kw on 98octane and it has so much potential! theres a thread about the na 4L 6 somewhere on here some guys have over 230rwkw!! not flywheel. my fg xr6 has run a 6.2 0-100 in the wet with just an exhaust and air restrictor moved. to be honest id choose the xr6 simply cause honestly its more manly than the xr5t more space, looks better and id say goes better. plus ford aus needs our help! hahah

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by cartaa100

fg xr6 has 208kw on 98octane and it has so much potential! theres a thread about the na 4L 6 somewhere on here some guys have over 230rwkw!! not flywheel. my fg xr6 has run a 6.2 0-100 in the wet with just an exhaust and air restrictor moved. to be honest id choose the xr6 simply cause honestly its more manly than the xr5t more space, looks better and id say goes better. plus ford aus needs our help! hahah

So you think the I5T hasnt got any potential eh, driven one?
Its not all about straight line speed, but i know i can match the above stated time in my XR5.
Looks is a personal thing, i havnt really been a fan of the FG although i was looking at an XR6T ute before i bought my XR5.
Goes better? Go for a run in some twistys with even a standard XR5 Focus i doubt you will get near it, a modded one no hope.
I came from a TE50 into my XR5 and ive had no issues what so ever re size.
Then theres the build quality the Falcon quality isnt near as good as the 5

[cartaa100]

Originally Posted by DJM83

So you think the I5T hasnt got any potential eh, driven one?
Its not all about straight line speed, but i know i can match the above stated time in my XR5.
Looks is a personal thing, i havnt really been a fan of the FG although i was looking at an XR6T ute before i bought my XR5.
Goes better? Go for a run in some twistys with even a standard XR5 Focus i doubt you will get near it, a modded one no hope.
I came from a TE50 into my XR5 and ive had no issues what so ever re size.
Then theres the build quality the Falcon quality isnt near as good as the 5

i never said the xr5t didnt go well.... looks are personal i agree, my opinion i would choose the falcon.

hahah another build quality complaint. honestly i hate it when people say that!!

i agree the interior isnt as well finished as other cars but, dont bring up build quality when taxis do over 1mil ks running on lpg with led foot drivers and with a scrappy service that happens what, 2-3 times a year.. all that is poor is the interior finish.

[WILDB]

Originally Posted by cartaa100

a scrappy service that happens what, 2-3 times a year..

You obviously don't know too much about the Taxis if you think that.

[cartaa100]

Originally Posted by WILDB

You obviously don't know too much about the Taxis if you think that.

probably dont but im guessing that there thrashed :P

[WILDB]

I loved my XR5, I'd buy one over a N/A XR6 any day of the week. In fact, I sold my manual XR6 to buy my XR5. The XR5 was a far, far superior vehicle.

If you're looking at an XR6T it'd be a harder decision. I sold my XR5 to get an FG XR6T. I actually regretted it at first, but not now that it's in it's current state.

Originally Posted by DJM83

So you think the I5T hasnt got any potential eh, driven one?
Its not all about straight line speed, but i know i can match the above stated time in my XR5.
Looks is a personal thing, i havnt really been a fan of the FG although i was looking at an XR6T ute before i bought my XR5.
Goes better? Go for a run in some twistys with even a standard XR5 Focus i doubt you will get near it, a modded one no hope.
I came from a TE50 into my XR5 and ive had no issues what so ever re size.
Then theres the build quality the Falcon quality isnt near as good as the 5

[In Focus]

Can't comment on the differences in performance between those two, but there's no problem fitting a baby seat in a Focus, or 2-3 kids in the back seats.

[WILDB]

Perhaps, but they get well serviced quite regularly.

And build quality is garbage on the Falcon compared to the XR5.

2008 LV XR5 - bought new March 09, sold with 22000km on it in September 10.
Warranty problems:
1. Oil leak from dipstick o-ring.
2. Driveshaft click on takeoff.
3. Noisy LHR door actuator.

2010 FG XR6T, bought new in september last year to replace the XR5 as I have an injury and can't drive manuals properly anymore. Currently has 22500km.
1. Diff rooted from new.
2. Wheel alignment rooted from new.
3. Guard liners rattling, still do even after resecuring them.
4. Power window master switch illumination not working, replaced switch.
5. Idler pulley replaced.
6. RHF window regulator grinding. Replaced and new one is starting to get noisy again.
7. Fuel pump noisy, took 2 months for a replacement to come and it was noisier.
8. Timing cover leak.
9. Front upper control arm bushes flogged out causing brake shudder.
10. Diff #2 rooted, replaced - now onto diff #3.
11. Major oil leak from rocker cover gasket.
12. Idler pulley #2 starting to get noisy.
13. Diff bushes starting to split as of last week.

Now, I've worked in 2 dealerships and can tell you that my car is quite good compared to some others. At least I can get mine fixed while I'm at work, I'd have got rid of it if I worked elsewhere and had to keep taking it in. Don't get me wrong, I love my car but the build quality can leave quite a bit to be desired at times. I can see why people get annoyed about it.

Hence if build quality is a concern, buy an XR5 - Mondeo or Focus.

[earlybirds]

great read ,will be good to hear some more peeps opinions !
doing some reading on the XR5T and XR6T forums .....
thinking of the same thing of BFT vs XR5T -> over the next few months

cheers

[Neale]

I used to have a ED falcon & went to the focus. Ive found the hatch to be far more practical than the sedan, ive found I can fit heaps more in if you fold the seats down & remove the parcel tray.

heres a comparison of the boot sizes
focus hatch 385L
focus sedan 510L
falcon sedan 505L

I think the re-sale would be better for the focus

I have done a comparison on redbook.com

for a 2006 model this is the difference in re sale

average kms 80,000 - 130,000

XR5
new $35,990
used $18,600 - $21,000

XR6
new $39,710
used $15,200 - $17,400

[R1XSTA]

If considering the two, i would say an XR5T would be the way the way to go. Its the underdog, the contender.

I was considering the two cars a few weeks ago, between a 6T and a 5T, heres my list. hopefully its of help. This was all things that factored important to me.

Pros 5T
- Hatch.
- Very little blind spots
- Easy to reverse
- Agile through corners
- Second Hand can be bought for ~23k cash
- Lots of room
- Recaro Leather Seats
- Big Boot space
- Smoothe Lines, easy to clean
- European goodness.
- 55L fuel tank
- Spacious Interior
- Incredible brakes
- Easy shifting, 6 spd manual.
- Bluetooth

Cons 5T
- Engine bay small.
- European cost servicing
- FWD
- Hard to see where bonnet ends
- factory ride height Seems a bit low front on
- Slightly unknown to small workshops
- Kinda gutless with a full car
- No cruise control


Pros 6T
- Lots of room
- Lots of power
- Cheaper servicing
- Well known engine
- Easy to modify
- RWD
- ZF Gearbox
- 'Technology Pack'

Cons
- Reverse requires strength to get in (manual)
- Suspension bushes
- Blind spots EVERYWHERE
- Oversized dashboard
- Overweight
- poor handelling
- large overhang - front and rear
- Ugly rear bar 'honeycomb' trim

Mondeo XR5T

Pros
- Heated Seats
- Cruise Control
- Bluetooth
- BIG space
- No blind spots
- Beautiful looking car
- big sized
- HMI Computer - INCREDIBLE!
- Heated Mirrors - Option

Cons
- 6kw less than the Focus
- 300kilo's heavier than the focus (same as the falcon)
- Bigger in size
- Less sporty as standard


hope that helps!

[Russ]

Originally Posted by R1XSTA

If considering the two, i would say an XR5T would be the way the way to go. Its the underdog, the contender.

I was considering the two cars a few weeks ago, between a 6T and a 5T, heres my list. hopefully its of help. This was all things that factored important to me.

Pros 5T
- Hatch.
- Very little blind spots
- Easy to reverse
- Agile through corners
- Second Hand can be bought for ~23k cash
- Lots of room
- Recaro Leather Seats
- Big Boot space
- Smoothe Lines, easy to clean
- European goodness.
- 55L fuel tank
- Spacious Interior
- Incredible brakes
- Easy shifting, 6 spd manual.
- Bluetooth

Cons 5T
- Engine bay small.
- European cost servicing
- FWD
- Hard to see where bonnet ends
- factory ride height Seems a bit low front on
- Slightly unknown to small workshops
- Kinda gutless with a full car
- No cruise control


Pros 6T
- Lots of room
- Lots of power
- Cheaper servicing
- Well known engine
- Easy to modify
- RWD
- ZF Gearbox
- 'Technology Pack'

Cons
- Reverse requires strength to get in (manual)
- Suspension bushes
- Blind spots EVERYWHERE
- Oversized dashboard
- Overweight
- poor handelling
- large overhang - front and rear
- Ugly rear bar 'honeycomb' trim

Mondeo XR5T

Pros
- Heated Seats
- Cruise Control
- Bluetooth
- BIG space
- No blind spots
- Beautiful looking car
- big sized
- HMI Computer - INCREDIBLE!
- Heated Mirrors - Option

Cons
- 6kw less than the Focus
- 300kilo's heavier than the focus (same as the falcon)
- Bigger in size
- Less sporty as standard


hope that helps!

These comments make the Mondeo appear to be even more of a contender. The small difference in KW output and the extra weight could be easily overcome with a tune which from my own experience on other cars I have owned, I found to make a huge improvement on stock in several ways, more power, better economy and a much more refined drive. Tough decision for the 'OP' there's a lot to consider

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Russ

These comments make the Mondeo appear to be even more of a contender. The small difference in KW output and the extra weight could be easily overcome with a tune which from my own experience on other cars I have owned, I found to make a huge improvement on stock in several ways, more power, better economy and a much more refined drive. Tough decision for the 'OP' there's a lot to consider

It does take a little to improve the pace on the Mondy, and tunes available for the Focii arent always compatible.
IF you want to mod the XR5 it isnt hard its just most of the stuff is OS.
The few little mods i have on my 5 have improved an already pretty good hot hatch.
Plenty to consider for the OP

[Russ]

Originally Posted by DJM83

It does take a little to improve the pace on the Mondy, and tunes available for the Focii arent always compatible.
IF you want to mod the XR5 it isnt hard its just most of the stuff is OS.
The few little mods i have on my 5 have improved an already pretty good hot hatch.
Plenty to consider for the OP

Fair enough, I thought they had the same engine fitted (XR5T Focus and XR5T Mondeo) and thus tunes would be compatible and with similar gains

Superchips have a Bluefin tune to suit with excellent claimed improvements in both power and torque - http://www.superchips.co.uk/search?m...1&variant=1847

[R1XSTA]

They're the same engine, but the ECU/HMI plays in effect that the mondy has been downtuned to a more "safety" level for the family.

You can run a bluefin tune, which takes the Mondeo up to 194kw, and close to 390nm i think? for close to $600 from Oversea's.. Makes it a very good vehicle, lots of poke.

The only problem that the 5T has over the 6T is that the 5T is limited boost through first and second compared to the rest of the 6 gears

Someone with a Focus/Mondeo please feel free to correct me, but i think i read that its limited boost/power to minimize torque steer/shutter? but once tuned, it runs full boost/power through all 6 gears.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by R1XSTA

They're the same engine, but the ECU/HMI plays in effect that the mondy has been downtuned to a more "safety" level for the family.

You can run a bluefin tune, which takes the Mondeo up to 194kw, and close to 390nm i think? for close to $600 from Oversea's.. Makes it a very good vehicle, lots of poke.

That would certainly make it a very quick car and being a family saloon a bit of a sleeper as well

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by R1XSTA

They're the same engine, but the ECU/HMI plays in effect that the mondy has been downtuned to a more "safety" level for the family.

You can run a bluefin tune, which takes the Mondeo up to 194kw, and close to 390nm i think? for close to $600 from Oversea's.. Makes it a very good vehicle, lots of poke.

The only problem that the 5T has over the 6T is that the 5T is limited boost through first and second compared to the rest of the 6 gears

Someone with a Focus/Mondeo please feel free to correct me, but i think i read that its limited boost/power to minimize torque steer/shutter? but once tuned, it runs full boost/power through all 6 gears.

Pretty sure its only 1st gear, as my boost guage will go into the red in 2nd gear, mine is tuned though i didnt really pay much attention when it was stock (only 2 weeks ), so it may be limited in 2nd to but i dont recall it. Even with a tune it is limited, if any boost in 1st gear.

That 194kw is that a UK quoted power output as im sure they measure a little different (Happy to be corrected), also this would be a flywheel figure.
I know the DSCi tune i have in my Focus isnt compatible with Mondeo, i also think the ECU in the Mondeo is very similar to the RS aswell as DSCi doesnt work in RS (but thats another story)
With the mods my car has it has been on the dyno and is consistently around 210hp/155kw at the wheels.

[dalez84]

I think im pretty set on an xr5. only problem is i hav to travel to buy one and even just to take one for a test drive! I definately wanna take one for a drive before i hand over the money!

[Russ]

Originally Posted by dalez84

I think im pretty set on an xr5. only problem is i hav to travel to buy one and even just to take one for a test drive! I definately wanna take one for a drive before i hand over the money!

I would try contacting one of the big Ford yards nearest to you and try to arrange a time to test drive all 3 if possible, XR6, XR5 Focus and even an XR5 Mondeo if they have one, make sure you're completely happy with the one you decide to buy because it is an expensive exercise and you don't want any regrets

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by dalez84

I think im pretty set on an xr5. only problem is i hav to travel to buy one and even just to take one for a test drive! I definately wanna take one for a drive before i hand over the money!

You wont regret it at all, I love mine. I'd suggest jumping on www.xr5ownersclub.com lots of info on there