1993 Ford Probe GT review from North America
"Always wanted a Probe GT!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
36,000 - changed coolant hoses, drive belts, thermostat and timing belt (fear of dry rot as car was 13 years old at this point)
New ICM/Distributor around 40,000 (overheating ICM causing engine cut-out)... very scary first time it happened (on interstate)
New valve cover gaskets at 42,000...noticed a sharp decline in fuel economy (120-140 miles a tank with city driving). Expensive fix considering intake manifold had to come off. Changed plugs and wires while I was at it.
48,000 - ICM/distributor failed again... glad it had a lifetime warranty (didn't cover tow though!)
50,000 - knock sensor failed... rats! Just had the intake manifold off to replace valve cover gaskets... will change both together next time. $150 for sensor, $200 for labor.
52,000 - TPS sensor failed, just bought a new one and stuck it on (expensive little buggers these sensors are)...another $150ish for a new one.
54,000 - flushed transmission fluid and added transmission oil cooler (mainly out of fear as the automatics have terrible reputations for the reliability)
- Was trouble free for a while there -
69,000 - CV joints were failing, replaced... changed front wheel bearings too (recommend doing together).
70,000 - EGR trouble code, boy was that a tough little guy to get off. It was stuck open, cleaned it and put back on.
General comments?
Great design and surely ahead of its time.
Seats are comfortable and I like the steering wheel. Rest of interior is a little on the cheap side (lots of plastic is breaking now)
Handles great! And a pleasure to drive.
If not for the low mileage on the car when I acquired it, I would have bought a manual... more fun!
Recommended reviews
| Unreliable at best; $250.00 a month just to keep running! |
|
| Incredible Road Handling Abilities. Really Sticks to the Road |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1993 |
| Year of manufacture | 1993 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 liter Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 36000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 72000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 15th February, 2009 |