1987 Ford Tempo L review from North America
"Fairly reliable, and inexpensive!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
EGR valve never worked, so I drove it without one.
Starter went when I was driving on the highway and the car just died, $80 repair.
Stalled when making sharp turns.
Alternator squealed when it was a really hot or really cold day.
Leaked brake fluid slowly.
A/C never worked for me.
The lights didn't work properly, sometimes the running lights would stay on when I shut the car off, and the lights would just dim for no reason.
General comments?
I got this car for free from my father when I was in high school. It definitely wasn't a chick magnet, and I found I was often stressed out when it would squeal (draw attention). I just didn't want to put the money into the car to fix the things that were wrong, most of them were tolerable.
The fuel efficiency wasn't top notch, I got about 400km/tank, which was about $40 CDN to fill.
It was definitely cheap driving though. I would recommend it as a cheap first car or a beater to get you to and from work. In the 3 years I owned it I was only left stranded once.
The reason I got rid of the car was that the brake fluid ran dry and I blew the lines. It was a repair I didn't want to make, and the car was likely doomed to fail my upcoming emissions test anyway.
Recommended Reviews:
  | A good-looking car, highly unappreciated, but that keeps 'em affordable, so I can buy more!! |
| Fond memories, but memories thankfully |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 127000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 173000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 4th September, 2004 |