1991 Ford Telstar Ghia 1.8 EFI from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A cheap, economical car

Faults:

68200kms: Radiator disintegrated.

69000kms: Transmission changing very harshly between 1-2 and 2-3. Sometimes sticking in 3rd on cold mornings. Dealer reluctantly repaired under warranty, but still has the same problem.

95300kms: 3 front engine oil seals all started leaking at the same time and had to be replaced.

98000kms: Transmission HOLD light flashing from time to time on dash board. Dealer says it's nothing to worry about and not worth fixing as it is just a wiring fault in the selector.

99600kms: Transmission HOLD light comes on and stays on at the same time as the engine computer dies suddenly in the middle of peak hour traffic leaving car completely dead. (turns out the HOLD light also acts as a warning light. It was coming on because as the computer was failing it was not communicating with the transmission) Repair bill for computer, $1500. Causing a 10km traffic jam, priceless.

General Comments:

Over all I am happy with this car.

Even now it only uses about 1 liter of oil for every 10,000kms traveled. It gets very good gas economy and is nice to drive.

I can't say the same for the Ford dealer service I have experienced though. If anything stops me buying another Ford it would be that.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th February, 2004

1991 Ford Telstar GL 2.0 litre from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Good family vehicle

General Comments:

Good power when you need it.

Tad too much on the gas side of things, especially with todays petrol prices.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st May, 2001