1996 Ford Probe 24v 2.5 V6 DHOC from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Problems when I got the car:

* Engine cutting out: A common problem with Probes up till Aug 1996. Caused by the immobilizer overloading the distributor. 97 & 98 models don't have this.

* Boot/Trunk struts don't hold up the door: Common problem. New struts cost £40. Nothing major.

* Power steering fluid leaking: Estimated to cost £400 to fix but I won't bother as it's a small leak. Only top up every 2 weeks.

* Loose window seal. Cost £65 to fix.

Problems/parts replaced with the car during my ownership.

* Thermostat: This was about £20 for parts & £20 for labour.

* Front headlamp bulbs replaced & upgraded.

* Wiper blades replaced.

General Comments:

I got this car for £750 in December 2006 it was cheap cause of the problems it came with (see above)

When I got the car I also got the wheels aligned which improved its drive.

In the 16 months I have owned the car I have done 35,000 miles mainly on motorways. I still have the original tyres that came with the car. The only unexpected problem I have found is the thermostat going. The other items I have replaced are to be expected with any car.

The oil has been changed every 5000 miles, filter every 10,000 miles. I use the UK Probe Owners web site for parts. Ford Probe Owners club (UK) for advice. Its the best £15 I have ever spent.

I have found most garages don't know a thing about the car including many Ford or Mazda garages (the engine & running gear of all Probes is by Mazda). I have also found many mechanics just not up to the job. I ask my local mechanic who is very competent about a problem that I have so that I know. I then go the other garages to ask them what the problem is & then a price to fix it. The list of garages/mechanics who have misdiagnosed problems is long. I have even found that going to a different garage within the same franchise produces different results & outcomes.

I love the car. So much so I bought a 2nd Probe which is garaged for future use. Why I love the car is because in the UK its very rare, I think it looks fantastic though not everyone agress. The look reminds me of Knight Rider, plus the insurance is surprisingly cheap for a sports car & lets not forget its very affordable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2008

6th Oct 2010, 02:25

Fortunately I haven't had any problems with window, leads and immobiliser, and mine is a 1996 V6, so either I must be lucky or I've got a good car!

I have had only 1 problem (the dreaded Mitsubishi distributor). I replaced mine at 163,000 kms,and other than doing a major service every 80-100,000 kms (twice now), I haven't had a problem. No squeaks, rattles, trim falling off, broken bits or rust... nothing I could really complain about.

I service my car every 5000 kms (religiously) and use only top quality synthetic oils and quality filters. I have done many long runs sitting around 180-200 KPH on roads prudent to do this and it seems to enjoy the blast, so I am very impressed with my Probe V6!

I still get comments about its great style, even after 14 years!

1996 Ford Probe 2.5 V6 from North America

Summary:

Keep up with the maintenance and you should have a good car!

Faults:

My alternator went at 206xxx kilometers. Replaced that seeing that it was a common problem with the Probes.

My wheel bearings had to be changed.

Lastly I am still trying to find out what is wrong with the car now. Whenever I am driving, the car jerks every now and then, but it only does it when the "CHECK ENGINE" light momentarily comes on. I've found that once I start the car, the check engine light comes on and off more often than it does when warmed up and driving.

Also when the car idles it is idling as if it will shut off so it increases and decreases the rpm's on its own. Would anybody know what the answer for this could be?

General Comments:

I love the car, even though I've had some problems with it. It is sporty, pretty quick and has great handling.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th February, 2008

28th Oct 2008, 01:36

Hello,

Did you ever look at the air intake hose? If it is cracked or broke, it is a vacuum leak, so the computer will increase and decrease the rpms to keep it running. Also that means there isn't enough air getting in your motor, so it will jerk from time to time. If it's not that, look into your clutch or torque converter. It might be that too for the jerking at least. I hope this helped you.

18th Jun 2010, 02:00

I agree that 206,000 klms on an alternator is very good; most have had it before that.

As far as I know, alternators are not a known problem on Probes (more wrong information!)

The erratic idling definitely sounds like a cracked throttle body pipe between the air cleaner and the throttle body. It's time to replace it; they get brittle in a high temp environment over a 10 plus year period, and will crack at the bend.

While it's off, give the throttle body a good spray of quality cleaner. Your car should run fine after that; these engines looked after and serviced every 5000 klms will do huge mileages (in excess of 450,000), and I've heard even higher with total service schedules done to the letter.

By the way, the alternator and distributor are Mitsubishi!