1986 Ford Telstar TX5 Turbo Ghia review from Australia and New Zealand
"Good cheap fun"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rear suspension needed replacing.
Over sized tyres rubbed till suspension replaced.
Air conditioning system clutch failed and other problems.
Rear hatch gas struts no longer hold the weight.
Handbrake cable replaced.
Lots of oil in the engine bay, but no fatality yet.
General comments?
For less than $3000, this car really impressed me. After owning new cars for many years, travel expenses meant buying a cheaper car, but I wanted something fun to drive that could hold its own at the lights...
If you remove the restriction plate from the rear muffler (or in my case remove the rear muffler..), a whole lot more power is unleashed making this a fairly quick car. From factory they have a low boost which has helped mine make it past 350,000km with only 1 rebuild.
Handling is sloppy, torque steer hilarious, especially with the power increased (see above). Equipment levels impressive and all power functions still working fine. Takes four people and gear easily.
Overall I'm surprisingly happy with this cheap thrill-mobile.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1989 - Telstar TX5 2.0 DOHC fuel injection Brilliant car |
| Reliable small car for young family |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2L Carby Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 330000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 350000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Nissan Patrol |
| Date of Entry | 6th October, 2003 |