Zastava_101

I know they're pretty much just re-badged European Fords (Sierra and Scorpio), but were they any good? I remember reading somewhere they had a major issue with overheating.

This is the one I'm interested in, but I'm not sure I wanna automatic transmission.

http://racine.craigslist.org/cto/1772240625.html

hi5.0

Funny you should bring this topic up as I'm being tempted by one for sale locally ('89 w/out the dual wing hatch). As far as I know, the US versions got a non-intercooled version of the Mustang Turbo GT/SVO/Thunderbird TC 2.3L 4 cylinder. It was actually more powerful than the top level Euro market V6. No doubt the engine is prone to the same issues it had in other Ford applications. The automatic was a C3 3-speed transmission - bleh. Conversion to a SVO/TC/'87-'93 5.0 spec T-5 can be done. I think 5th gear needs to be changed if the transmission comes from a 5.0. The IRS rear end has no factory LSD for the US market and the driveline does have some quirky (IMO) parts - like the "guibo" that connects the trans output to the driveshaft.
From what I can gather, those cars do have a small, but dedicated following. The only major problem is getting some maintenance or replacement parts - interior bits, replacement fenders, and glass (esp. hatch) are horrendously expensive since if not found locally, since it has to be shipped from Europe. Some owners have converted theirs to look like Cosworth Sierra RS/RS 500. I've heard of owners who have done V6, 5.0 OHV, and LSx V8 engine conversions as well.

EagleStroker

I know nothing about the cars, but know someone that has a 4.6 3v in one

Dread53

There are a bunch of guys with them at www.turboford.org. Parts are expensive or no longer available.

The T-5 swap is a bit more complicated than just 5th gear as they used different input shafts. I have a turbo 2.3 Ranger and had to get a turbo Bird trans. Check out TurboFord if you're serious.

Tiberius1701

Had an '87 XR from August of 89 to summer of 2000 (29000 miles when purchased, 109000 miles when sold). Personally loved the car and still wish I owned her.

These cars require more than average TLC. Are they bad cars? In a word no. But they have a few idiosyncracies that many people who were/are new to them may not be able to tolerate. A few examples are rear lamp wiring issues, intermittant electrical draws, inherent steering nibble (common to just about every Euro Ford all the way back to Cortina!) And of course the lack of parts availability. However there are several sources where you can obtain most powertrain and steering suspensionparts. Rapido in Beaverton, Oregon and BRitish-American Transfer in Sarasota, Florida are two that spring immediately to mind.

If you do consider one, be sure to have a better than average mechanical aptitude and a set of shop manuals and wiring diagrams.I cannot stress this enough.

This website can offer portals to other Merkur information/parts sites.

http://www.merkurclub.com/

Zoran, hope this helps out.

Zastava_101

Thanks for help everyone.

I grew up in Europe and I remember my uncle owning few Sierras in the mid-1990s; they were pretty reliable cars.

As for parts, I still have a lot of friends and relatives in Serbia who probably could ship me parts if I needed them.

I'm planing to go and check out the car in the next few days before making a final decision. I'm not looking for a daily driver; just a weekend fun car.

Twin Turbo

In the UK, this was the XR4i and the only engine available for it was the 2.8i Cologne V6 (IIRC). Known to be a very tough and reliable car, although getting on a bit now

Tiberius1701

Here are a couple of other sources....
www.merkur.50megs.com

http://www.merkurmidwest.com/