New Here- Planning on buying an XR4Ti soon!

[moetzmoet]

For a couple years, I have been interested in the XR4Ti and as of recent, I am saving up to buy a decent example. Has to be a manual, preferably with the monochromatic paint but it isn't exaclty a dealbreaker for me. If I find anything and eventually get one, I will certainly turn to the forums for answers and such. I do have one important question, is it hard to find parts for them? Specifically the 2.3 turbo, I know it was featured in the SVO Mustang and T-Bird Turbo coupe. Also I was wondering how hard they are to work on, I have relatively average experience from working on my 1968 Mustang. Thank you!

[my8950]

Engine parts are not too difficult to find, some things more than others.
Overall, it's not really that bad. If you're planning to do some mega engine build, aftermarket parts are costly since they would be even more unique and old, compared to just stock and old.

[andyofcolumbusmerkur]

I would say that something British like a Jaguar or Triumph would be more of a challenge. The Merkur can confuse mechanics if they have never worked on them before. But they are actually really simple compared to modern stuff. Any car that is getting this old will need lots of things done to get it performing like new. Even if you found a low mileage 1989 Toyota Camry in mint condition that was stored in a garage and only driven to church on Sundays. It would still have dried out belts, hoses and need completely gone through. My advice would be to buy a nice driver from a club member. Not something that needs brought back to life.

[merkurdriver]

Parts availability on par with anything else from the same era.
If a part isn't available for some reason, its very likely a workaround has already been discovered and in use.

2.3 (turbo) engine is extremely easy to work on IMHO.
Modern cars are so frustratingly difficult to work on at times, anything I have to do on an XR4Ti feels extremely simple in comparison.

[andyofcolumbusmerkur]

For a couple years, I have been interested in the XR4Ti and as of recent, I am saving up to buy a decent example. Has to be a manual, preferably with the monochromatic paint but it isn't exaclty a dealbreaker for me. If I find anything and eventually get one, I will certainly turn to the forums for answers and such. I do have one important question, is it hard to find parts for them? Specifically the 2.3 turbo, I know it was featured in the SVO Mustang and T-Bird Turbo coupe. Also I was wondering how hard they are to work on, I have relatively average experience from working on my 1968 Mustang. Thank you!

If you are close to CA I would recommend checking out that one that is for sale for $2000, since the guy is losing his storage spot he seems to be a motivated seller. He also says it's got a new rebuild head from a SVO Mustang.