1983 Ford Telstar TX5 2L carb from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
A good first car
Faults:
Engine has positive pressure - rings will probably be due soon.
Clutch is not fully disengaging, it's on the way out.
Replaced bushes in gear lever assembly.
Fixed rust under front bumper.
Fixed a number of oil leaks.
Some other minor things. These problems are to be expected in a car of this age.
General Comments:
I'm fairly tall (190cm) and this car has ample leg room. However head room is somewhat limited.
This car produces ~68kw @ 4750 RPM and maximum torque of 160nm occurs at 2500rpm.
I bought the car for $2000 and for the price it has been worth it.
Handling is not bad, and the car holds well at high speed.
Manual steering in the AR series is a pain because it's heavy and requires many turns from lock to lock.
The space in the hatch is excellent. With the seats folded down there is enough space for two mountian bikes.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th May, 2002
6th Feb 2004, 08:52
I bought my 83 Telstar at a price equivalent to $295 from a Chinese friend, a business man, 2 years ago, and I'm the 2nd owner to have it. It was all original, and even the digital panel board is still working, the rear wiper, door mechanisms and others. Everything is in excellent condition except the rear side fenders.
It's been rusted a little bit. I mounted a 17" Rota wheels rim with 205 x 40 series Dunlop tires. It's a good car in terms with speed and ride, except for one thing; the manual steering is a little bit hard to maneuver, especially at low speed and having wide tires.
Joel E. C.
Philippines.