1994 Ford Aspire Based Model 1.3 from North America

Summary:

Ford parts cost too much! Is not too economical to run this car!

Faults:

A) Battery dead, $85 CAD.

B) Key cylinder assembly, Ford parts will cost $400 plus, too expensive so just lube up with WD-40.

C) Catalytic converter, Ford parts $600 plus, but the muffler shop replace it with a generic converter instead, cost muct less at $200.

D) Liftgate hydrolic support broken, Ford parts will cost over about $80, but went to junk yard got a used one for $20.

I know this is a economy car, but the car parts are very expensive and not readily available, very little aftermarket parts so you are usually forced to pay Fords premium price, believe me the parts are really EXPENSIVE on this car!!!

General Comments:

The car is very economical, insurance is cheap. Car is very underpowered, I have a 5 spd and you learn to anticipate when passing someone or else you'll never make it. Don't buy one with automatic and air-conditioning because your car will be so slow you'll be better off riding a bike. Almost no aftermarket parts available, so you're forced to purchase from a Ford dealership, they charge an arm and a leg for parts, for example I need a lock cylinder for my car, Ford will only sell a lock cyliner assembly with everything else with it for over $400 plus labor, which is totally unnecessary, I guess that's how they make money. Tire is unique size so not many places carry them, or they have to special order so expect to pay a premium for one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th November, 2004

14th Nov 2004, 10:21

You are absolutely correct. Ford parts are outrageously expensive. I wrote a review of my '02 Explorer. Once I started repairing it outside of Ford dealers, repair costs were cut in half AT LEAST!

27th Feb 2005, 16:28

I just traded in my 1996 Aspire with 173,000 miles, but did not know that its parts were expensive because it never broke. 173,000 miles still never used or leaked oil. My only complaint with the car was that it was very noisy at expressway speeds.

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1994 Ford Aspire 1.3L from North America

Summary:

This is one tough and economical little car

Faults:

The speedometer cable broke at approx. 160,000 miles.

The windshield wiper assembly failed after 170,000 miles.

The headlight/turn signal switch failed at around 170,000 miles.

The distributor assembly failed at approx. 130,000 miles.

General Comments:

I bought the car from my sister at 135,000 miles. It now has over 172,000 miles and I have had very few problems with it. The few problems I have had have occurred at high mileage.

I consistently got 38-40 miles per gallon highway until almost 200,000 miles when it started to fall off some.

The suspension is still solid and tires have worn very well.

I have been very impressed!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd November, 2004

1994 Ford Aspire SE 1.3L EFI from North America

Summary:

The little car that could

Faults:

Electrical short causing brake light fuse to blow constantly - easy fix.

Front bearings/races on both sides need replacing.

Small oil leak.

General Comments:

The best $750.00 I've ever spent! I get a consistent 38 mpg out of this car. It is the purple version of the Energizer bunny. It starts every morning, runs the same day after day for the 110 mile round trip. I will take this car on long trips due to it's reliability and gas mileage. No, it is not a race car, but for what it was meant to do it does every part of it superbly. It will even take a stock 1.5L Civic light to light! It has now taught 2 kids how to drive, and survived 3500rpm clutch drops! I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2004

27th Jan 2006, 10:33

It is now 1/26/06. I sold the Aspire to the neighbor. I put 100,000 miles on it.

Total cost of ownership for 100,000 miles, excluding oil changes and tires, including purchase price, and mechanical repairs - $1270.00.

Sold car for $750.00 (what I paid for it) with 256,000 miles on the odometer.

It cost more to insure the car than it did to own it.

Car still runs excellent. No oil leaks. 38 mpg @ 75 mph. Uses one quart of oil between changes.

Wife wanted A/C and more power. Otherwise it'd still be in my driveway.