Serpentine belt broke: Replaced for $37.50 by mechanic.
Fuel line broke: cost $80.00 to have replaced had to cut and replace three other hoses to get to this one.
Transmission leaks.
Radiator leaks.
Exhaust fell off just past catalytic converter.
I have tried to kill this car, but it just keeps on going.
It gets good mileage and is pretty reliable.
The car is a nightmare to work on and most of the work must be done by a mechanic.
The car is very slow.
The car has it's problems, but I love it. It just keeps on going and takes all of the beatings I have given it.
The 3 spd slushbox in the Tempo's weren't much for performance, get one with a 5 spd instead. I had an 88 with a 5 spd, it moved quite well for it's age.
I own an '87 and disagree with the assertion that the car is difficult to work on. Compared to an '88 Escort, some things are easier, some harder. There is minimal electronics, so most of it is just basic nuts and bolts.
The most important factor is having a comprehensive set of tools. I recommend socket sets for all permutations of six and twelve point,
12:26 AM 2/27/04.
Well I want to add I had a 1987 Ford tempo and I have to say it was the best car I every owned and your right about running it hard I did mine and it had 9lives and just kept going until February 6th 2004 I wrecked it and totaled it and I have to say I sure miss that car 17 years old and I only put $300.00 in it sense day one. Also after I wrecked it I tired to get it off the road and I started it up, but it wouldn't move that's when I realized the wheels were gone... I tore the wheels off it when I wrecked, but it still started up. So for 17 years old who could every ask for a better car I have to put my thumbs up to Ford they sure made one tough car...
I have a 1993 Tempo GL with 275k miles. It has required $400 in work to it and is just now starting to rust. I live in New Hampshire and it's a commuter, I beat on this car a lot. It can take all I dish to it and keeps on going. This engine is still running strong.
I had an 87 Ford Tempo GL with the AT. It was an OK car. The driver's area was definitely on the small side. But I bought it because it was all I could afford at the time. It drove OK, but the 3 speed automatic was just awful at anything over 60 mph. You had to rev the engine big time to get speeds of 70+.
My transmission needed complete replacement at about 60k miles. That was one expensive repair! It totally ruined a great day, the day after the GOP swept Congress in 94. Here I was lapping up the good news on the radio while driving to work, and clunk, the car wouldn't move any more. Furthermore I threw my knew out pushing the car to the side of the road. Also had to replace the electric radiator fan motor. That was an easy one.
What can I say, other than the transmission, it go me where I needed to go with a minimum of fuss. I gave it to my girlfriend to drive, and I don't know what the heck she did, but the interior was thrashed 2 years later. Sold it to the junkyard after that.
Tempo's are Democrats. It was not pleased with your joy over the GOP's win... bet you aren't smiling now.
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