I must admit, to drive this car for as long as I have, with as many miles, and with as many deer strikes (I've hit three deer... they seem to like Tempos!) I have had to do some work on my car.
I've replaced the tranny, CV joints, tie rods, and alternator, but don't get me wrong, not all this happens at once.
This car is a work horse and if you take care of it, it will perform. Besides those replacements, oil changes, brakes, and belts come when needed and are not hard to do by yourself.
Please don't listen to people when they say Tempos are junk. Just because they are too stupid to have a car checked out by a mechanic before buying it doesn't mean the car is a lemon. My family has two Tempos and they run great. This is a great basic car. It may not have the speed, it may not be the flashiest thing on the road. But this baby packs on the miles and gets you to where you want to be.
I bought a 1989 Ford Tempo GL from my father in law. I have done the routine maintenances myself. Now, it has 120000mls, and I don't have any complaints about. It performs better than my wife's 1997 Ford Contour. I wish Ford moto corp. would still build cars like that. I don't like new Ford products.
From my point of view, It's becoming an american YUGO.
People, not all tempos are junk. Any car will require routine maintenance and parts do wear. If all of the manufacturers suggestions are met then your vehicle will surprise you in its overall performance... IE. oil changes, belt replacement (pay particular attention to the timing belt)
hoses etc. All cars will have problems if not cared for properly and with automobiles being one of our largest investments should we not care for them with all due diligence.
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