Radiator was replaced in the first few weeks of ownership as it started overheating at speeds over 80 km/h.
Starter motor needed an overhaul.
Replaced heater core (old one started to leake and left a permanent stain on the carpet).
Engine needed a rebuild as the previous mentioned over heating problems had broken a few rings causing poor oil consumption and low compression on a few cylinders.
Steering rack reconditioned.
New springs on front and rear suspension.
Converted gearbox from 3 speed auto to
4 speed manual.
Engine could at times be temperemental
and needed constant fiddling/tuning to run correctly.
(This in part was due to super petrol being no longer available and being forced to run on lead replacment petrol).
Other than that just your usual maintenance- oil changes, points, plugs
etc.
O.K it had a few things go wrong, but it isn't exactly a new car any more and the faults did occur over a 5 year period not all at once.
Basically the old Cortina was a pretty good thing, it was comfortable on a long trip, easy to drive, started every time and when it was tuned and running right the 2 litre engine is a fairly willing motor (it doesn't have the outright grunt of the sixes, but that is to be expected).
Another feature I liked was the tight turning circle, being tighter than some smaller front wheel drive cars.
Being a Ghia it had the upmarket interior with a few more features and higher quality trim than the lower spec models, and although it was starting to look dated it was still quite presentable.
Body strength was excellent with no squeaks or groans which is good for a
20+ year old car.
I would recommend fitting better springs as I did as it improved the somewhat sloppy handling in standard form quite remakebly.
I would also recommend a manual gearbox as the automatic with the 2 litre engine was a bit of a dog, (plus the four speed manual that Ford put in them are a delightful gearbox to use).
All in all the Cortina Ghia is an honest, stylish, affordable means of getting from A to B.
I agree that a Ford Cortina Mk4 or a 1979 to 82 is really a headache for some. But getting a car like this is for collection and practical purposes. I have 5 cars of all the models for my collection. Better than a Mustang, because parts are cheap and easier to find in Manila. The cars are being junked, and a lot pof modifications needed to make it more reliable. I am in the process of rebuilding the entire engine and converting the heads for unleaded use and purchasing all the components. Challenging, the parts are cheaper and for the electricals, you can't use ford factory parts then, because the car wouldn't start even now, but with new technology we can modify the car and make it into a road fast car.
Have any of you seen the BBC comedy Keeping Up Appearances? The Mk4's claim to fame! (albeit as a wreck that always backfires!)
What a piece of rubbish. I have only ever driven Mazda sourced Fords such as Laser (Mazda 323) and Telstar (Mazda 626) and can tell you They are so much better than anything built before that connection. Why did you buy a Cortina, Should have bought Japanese.
Cortina is a pure classic. Why buy a japananese car when you can have Ford heritage. And for the record, Ford owns Mazda, figure that one out!!!
Why not have both? I have a japanese Mazda 323 for everyday use, because it's economical and just keeps going! And I've got the Cortina as a weekend toy, because it's so much more fun, being RWD and all ;)
In response to the 11 mar 2006 comment, I to have owned japenese fords (KA laser ghia / KB laser sport). Just because I didn't mention that in a review intended for the cortina don't assume that I haven't.
Posted by original writer of article.
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