I've started looking at Fiesta MK2 XR2s.
I really like the car, a couple of friends of mine have always had them - and they seem to be crazy fun they look brilliant.

Has anybody got any tips for me, to aid me in my searches? what to look out for, what needs changing at what miles, etc?

What sort of car could I get for around £700? (that's the car budget, although there is plenty to be spent after for zetec engine )

 

the main thing with xr2s is rust! you need to check in the engine bay (inner wings, battery tray, under the headlights/indicators), sills, inner and outer, floor (lift the edges of the carpet up ideally and poke round with a screwdriver), the rear of the sills right where you CANT reach , boot floor, rear arches under the bodykit, especially towards the front at the bottom.

rust is the only killer of xr2s, forget the mechanics! they rarely go wrong and when they do theyre cheap and easy to fix!

if you find any rust and youre in any doubt about the car then walk away. theyre always worse than they first appear.

 

yeah totally agree with stu,rust is the only downside of the mk2. for 700 tho u shud b able to get a quite solid example,jst make sure u dont skip the checks stu mentioned. even if u look for one tht is mechanically buggered but solid,or even jst a shell,so tht way u can drop the zetec in and build it up as u want it and wud prob save u some money.

 

Shame i sold mine to my brother. I had a tidy one and i was selling it for only £400 on a C plate

 

i think i seen one 4 sale on here or fiestaturbo can not remember wich for 600 and sumit it was red and looked in good condishion

 

As they said: rust is the main problem.
Look for complete interieur.
Ignition systems and carbs on earlier models can make problems.

And don't even dare to put a Zetec in

 

www.xrtwo.com is a good site to check out

 

i just bought an xr2 f plate (89) 90 thou. its a blast and i will play with it but i have gotten turned onto the sierra cossies since poking around and reading on this site. if your stuck on the car i would consider selling it but only since your a passion member. email me if interested.
ryanpodmore@gmail.com
its not perfect but its a great base, oh and mot'd till next feb.

cheers