1985 Ford Telstar GL from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Clutch was worn out when I acquired the car, had to replace it at 162000km.

A bit of rust around the front windscreen and rear window seals. Also some rust behind the rear mud guards and in the front air dam. Nothing too major to fix though.

Rear suspension stabiliser bar came loose at 175000km possibly from hitting a curb in reverse. Cost $75 to fix.

Left Right Low-Beam Headlight blew at 175000, had to be replaced.

Brake light bulbs have had to be replaced twice in the time I've had the car, possibly because I've been putting cheap non-Ford parts into the car.

This is a very reliable car, I imagine it has been serviced very well over its lifetime.

Cabin is in top notch condition, no cracks in the dashboard or door trims. All electric controls work. However the drivers seat is saggy. Dashboard is

functional, but not ergonomic by todays standards. However, little features such as economy and full A/C modes for the air conditioner are evidence of the attention that was given in designing this car. Front Passenger Headrests are adjustable, a rarity for a 1985 car.

Cabin room is ample, this car seats 4 175cm adults very comfortably.

Handling isn't quite up to scratch, this car, being front wheel drive, understeers quite a bit around corners. In wet weather, it shouldn't be pushed too hard as it will drift around corners.

Cabin noise is excellent though. The engine can hardly be heard and the car is very smooth. However, at high speeds (110km/h+), the wind noise becomes intrusive. Also, over rough surfaces, tyre and suspension become noisy, but on smooth roads at normal driving speeds 70-80km/h, it is like a Lexus.

Performance is more than adequate from the 5 speed manual version. If you keep the revs up, this car will keep up with big V6s in traffic. Bottom end torque is good too meaning you can short shift and save fuel.

Economy - not so great, about the equivalent of a new 3.0-3.5litre V6 meaning 11L/100km. However, maintenance costs are quite low, parts are cheap.

Body and External - black plastic bumpers are fading as can be expected. Very small spots of rust appear in several places, but unless you use a magnifying glass, they are hard to see. The paint has kept excellently, it still shines in the sun with only 1 panel having faded paint (front wheel arch) A good wash and wax and polishing of the chrome parts makes this car look like it's brand new.

In conclusion, the Telstar was built to last, I have every trust that it will last beyond 225000 maybe even 250000km without any major reconditioning or being sent to the wreckers.

I have an '84 Telstar. Been family owned since new. It 2.0 motor has over 315,000 kms on the clock and has never had any engine work. It could tow well, had a versatile design (I could fit my 9'5" waveski inside the car and close the boot when the seats were folded down). The car would do over 190km/hr on the right road, and cruised at anything up to 150 effortlessly. Without a doubt a fantastic car. Rust is appearing now, mainly due to its many years at the beach, but no other real problems! Had to replace one lead - not bad in 18 years!

Currently owning an 85' Ford Telstar in New Zealand, I must say that it has some deceptive pulling power. I purchased the car off an uncle a year or so ago and am very satisfied at this stage. Talking to my uncle recently, he related how he had driven up the steep roads around Toupo. He reckoned this car was crusing up the slopes, overtaking Falcons and other larger cars. As long as you keep the revs up, this car will show exceptional performance.

2 years later and it's still going strong (the original writer of the review here)

I've notched up 196000km now and what amazes me is how little maintenance this car needs - I give it a new air filter, new oil + filter, new plugs and a coolant flush every year and it just starts every time no problems - still smooth as the day my old man got it in '85. No rattling, no dodgy idle, no ticking or tapping - it's just awesome.

I did however have to replace the alternator ($330 I was ripped off I reckon) and had to change all the radiator hoses cos I blew two of them while trying reverse burnouts and doing some untimed 0-100km/h runs.

This car in 5 spd manual form (w/o turbo) blows anything from the 80s out of the water - I've dragged Camrys, Pintaras, Accords, 6 cyl VKs and beat them no worries. Would like to drag a 2.6 Magna, but to find one from the 80s still in decent enough nick is really hard :P.

I would like to get a newer car, but I can't give up the reliability of this one and it's worth so much more to me than the $1000 I'd get for it.

Only major problems are rust (I've got 2 leaks in my boot) around the windscreen and rear windshield, but I will attempt a DIY job to fix it this summer.

Ford Telstar, definitely Aussie built car of the 80s in hindsight.

Hi.

I have a 1985 ford tel star ghia auto.

I have put extractors, new full pipe exhaust system, a garret turbo with inter cooler putting out 10 pounds of boost. and lots of other modifications

i have not as yet run it on the dyno, but I am looking into it.

I have pushed the car up to 200+ along the highway and dragged many cars on the street and won 95% people don't expect this tel star to go as hard as it does.

Hi again, I wrote an above comment about the telstar I got from my uncle. I had the same problems with two leaks in the boot were the water is channeled to run round the outsides. One leak was discovered a bit late and the water ran down into the right side tool compartment and rusted some of the bottom out. Got rid of the rust and used a brush on rubber, sound proofing, substance and some bog. It's all good now. Have since sold my trusty 85 Ford.