S15 200SX....Help. Need Advice please!!

P6LTD351 · 02-12-2006, 11:22 PM

Hello all. I'm a ford fan, I've always owned Fords and my daily is a EBII Monty. A year ago I bought a 2002 S15 6-speed 200SX GT. It only had 16500ks. It now has 18200ks. It's my weekender. I'm thinking of selling both of my cars and buying a late model Ford that has a bit of performance. The 200 is a great car, it's a true sports car, but having blue blood running through me, I find myself wanting to get rid of both my cars and getting one really good Ford. Please help! What Ford is going to give me great handling, performance, turn heads, great interior etc. My budget would be $35000. Thanks guys.

Ghiadude · 02-12-2006, 11:24 PM

XR6T is the only thing that would come close for that money. Thats just my opinion.

P6LTD351 · 02-12-2006, 11:26 PM

yeah i was thinking of the XR6T.

XR6TickfordBoy · 02-12-2006, 11:58 PM

XR6T for sure, spend a bit on mods and u've got the complete package!!!

P6LTD351 · 03-12-2006, 12:01 AM

What mods? Now I know everything about different Ford models when it comes to specs, what year everything came out and trivial stuff but I'm not too good with knowing what to do about mods (besides the common exhaust stuff)

XR8-260 · 03-12-2006, 12:05 AM

The only ford that would come close to matching the 200SX in both agility and performance would be the XR5 focus.

JC · 03-12-2006, 12:12 AM

BA Mk2 XR6T - $28000 (give or take) or possible BF Mk1 up to around $32k (ish)
Twin 2.5" cats back system - $1200
Custom Flash tune - $1500
Super Low springs - $400 fitted
Nolathane sway bar bushes - $100 fitted (at most!!)
DBA/RDA slotted discs all round + good pads $1000 fitted (roughly)

Total budget = around $32k, and the car should run at 10psi boost all day, and run 13s down the 1/4, plus out handle most other similar sized cars on the road.

XR5 would also be a good choice for nimbleness and agility, but a bit lacking in the straight line oopmh department (not by a lot though - you'd be surprised).

P6LTD351 · 03-12-2006, 12:14 AM

thanks for the response guys. The XR5 did come into consideration but isn't there quite a long wait for them?

P6LTD351 · 03-12-2006, 12:15 AM

Thanks for list of mods JC

XR8-260 · 03-12-2006, 12:15 AM

Standing start acceleration in the XR5 isn't that flash. But the rolling response is excellent. I'm not entirely sure about the waiting line though.

Ford_Boy · 03-12-2006, 12:24 AM

you might be able to get a ba1 gt or a te50 if you can find one...if you want a car that would be cheaper to go faster then get a ba2 xr6t. the gt or te50 will turn more heads though.

P6LTD351 · 03-12-2006, 12:30 AM

just been looking around on the net. Manuals seem much harder to find than autos in the Ford range. What are people's opinions? I mean my eb monty is auto, but my 200 is manual. I always thought sports cars should be manual but what about the ZF? How does it compare when it's in something like an XR6T, GT etc

Ford_Boy · 03-12-2006, 12:35 AM

i find it a bit dissapointing if i see an awsome muscle car and its auto. theres nothing more manly then changing gears yourself.

P6LTD351 · 03-12-2006, 12:39 AM

Yeah I'm a bit like you Ford Boy when it comes to manuals. Would be interested to hear from anyone who has driven an XR6T, or GT etc in an auto. Are they satisfying?

Ford_Boy · 03-12-2006, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eb2monty

Yeah I'm a bit like you Ford Boy when it comes to manuals. Would be interested to hear from anyone who has driven an XR6T, or GT etc in an auto. Are they satisfying?

i heard its a great drive. much better the the 4 speed. ive heard of people choosing the auto just because of how well it selects the gears and you can drive it like a manual but no clutch

MrSparkle · 03-12-2006, 12:55 AM

Trust me when I say there is NO POINT in trying to find something to replace the S15 with in terms of chassis competence or pure sportscar ability. These are family sedans from birth and can't hide their roots, so make sure you understand your decision.

Now, if you really truly have your heart set on a Falcon then the F6 is the go. If budget is a factor then a 6 speed XR6T (auto or manual, but must be 6 gears!) is next best.

I guess the last question that needs to be asked is how long do you intend to keep it? If it's not for long, then you need to be prepared to take a bath financially, and look to minimise this as much as you can through model selection.

Ford_Boy · 03-12-2006, 12:59 AM

a te 50 can be bought for under 30 i saw one for 24grand

P6LTD351 · 03-12-2006, 01:01 AM

Yeah depreciation is a factor. I have a feeling that the 200 won't depreciate as much in 5 years than say a falcon based car. Am I on the right track or not?

Ford_Boy · 03-12-2006, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSparkle

Trust me when I say there is NO POINT in trying to find something to replace the S15 with in terms of chassis competence or pure sportscar ability. These are family sedans from birth and can't hide their roots, so make sure you understand your decision.

Now, if you really truly have your heart set on a Falcon then the F6 is the go. If budget is a factor then a 6 speed XR6T (auto or manual, but must be 6 gears!) is next best.

I guess the last question that needs to be asked is how long do you intend to keep it? If it's not for long, then you need to be prepared to take a bath financially, and look to minimise this as much as you can through model selection.

yeh but i bet a large falcon will feel smoother on the road. it may not be nimble and angile like a sports car but they still have alot of grunt and would probably do well enough on the track. his only using the s15 for a weekender. why have 2 vehicles with 2 regos. just enjoy a real beasty ford. you can drive it everyday and on weekends you can have fun with it

XR8-260 · 03-12-2006, 01:08 AM

Sorry for going off topic but... you should consider a used 350Z :sm_headba

P6LTD351 · 03-12-2006, 01:10 AM

I haven't driven a 350Z. What are they like to drive?

XR8-260 · 03-12-2006, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eb2monty

I haven't driven a 350Z. What are they like to drive?

I haven't driven one my self... But the mag journo's seem to love them.

Sexy looks, street cred, decent interior, 206/221Kw of power, 6spd man, great handling - its got the whole lot

MITCHAY · 03-12-2006, 01:17 AM

Keep the S15, boost the shit outta it and have fun!

Sapper · 03-12-2006, 11:05 AM

T3 might be a good option if you'd prefer a V8 or something a little more 'ups spec' that a 6T.

Ghia · 03-12-2006, 11:36 AM

Keep the S15....

I went from an XE I6 -> EF 5.0 -> S14a 2.0T -> XR6T

The 200sx was by far the most fun to drive - still comfortable, handled and braked and went like a gem.

You will end up spending heaps of money attempting to replicate all those facets on what ever car you buy - most likely with no success.

If you want "great handling, performance, turn heads, great interior etc" then keep the Nissan.

Just my honest opinion from a blue blood man (who switched back)

XFshep · 03-12-2006, 01:39 PM

no falcon is going to feel like a turbo sports car, its just a completely different kettle of fish. i would say unless you can afford one of the new higher performance fords its going to be a big compromise.

03-12-2006, 06:25 PM

Keep the S15. If you really want a change, look for a XR5 (should be able to get one quicker through fordxr5turbo.com) or 6sp XR6T

Steffo · 03-12-2006, 07:01 PM

Your options are as follows...

AUIII TE50 + Some Mods (Argueably the best late model V8 Falcon produced)

BA GT Stock

BA XR6 Turbo + Mods (Definitley the best value for money car on sale in Australia at this point in time)