1985 Ford Telstar AR Ghia review from Australia and New Zealand

At 90000km's and after 19 years with an older driver the clutch had worn down to the springs, needed to be replaced.

At speeds above 60 km/h a "rubbing" noise would become apparent at the rear. This is due to right side rear wheel bearing, replaced and removed noise.

Right hand rear brake cylinder was leaking, needed to be replaced.

Heat resistant rubber pipe that leads from the top of the engine to the air filter assembly became hard and brittle, needed to be replaced.

Car is a pleasure to drive.

Excellent availability of parts as parts are interchangeable with the Mazda 626.

Accelerates nicely off the line with good low end torque for day to day driving and good high rpm power when needed. Suffers badly in first gear at high rpm, although 2nd gear and higher produce nice results when given more acceleration then normal.

Only problems with the car is soft rear suspension. Will not take 3 adults in the back without a constant ticking noise from the right hand wheel. Prone to rust, especially on the rear wheel arches.

Car is very succeptible to understeer, easy to slide in wet weather so caution should be used when driving in the wet.