1982 Ford Laser from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Alternater had to be replaced.

Radiater packed it in.

1.3L engine was stuffed.

Replaced all tyres with lower- profile, wider ones (didn't trust the skinny ones that were on it when I bought it).

Speedo stopped working.

Battery had to be replaced.

Constantly had problems with the timming. backfired an missed a lot (1.3L engine).

This car was in really bad condition when I bought it, and it had many things wrong with it. once I sorted these things out it was an amazing car.

When I first bought the car it had a a 1.3L engine with a 4 speed gearbox. performance was poor, and it was just about stuffed. so I purchased a 1984 mazda 323 for $300, and replaced the engine with the 1.5L twin carb and 5 speed manual gearbox. I also replaced the tail lights with kb ones as I likes the look of them better.

The gearstick in this model laser is relly sloppy (has a lot of movement) but this can be fixed easily by replacing the gear selecter rod bushes.

The 1.5L twin carb engine outperformed the 1.3L in every way, I would recommend steering clear of the 1.3L versians as they are underpowered and struggle under a full load of passengers.

The top speed I got it up to with one of my mates int the car was 175km an hour (over a very long sretch of highway).

While the 1.5L was one ball-tearing little engine, you really had to kick it in the guts in order to get anywhere fast. I alway over-revved

it to get it going from standstill, it was a good feeling. I once took on a girl in a 95 hyundai excell and was put to shame, but hey, my laser was like 15 years older. I especially liked driving this on dirt roads, though I wouldn't reccommend doing this at to higher speeds.

Seats were fairly comfortable, and all the dials and everything were very well placed. boot space was very limited though, especially with a 12" sub, amp, and a parcel tray in the back.

I loved my laser as it was very sporty, and felt good to drive. it held corners incredably well at high speeds. it looked great after I put mazda 323 mags and a rear spoiler on it, and gave it a new paint job.

The life of my laser ended tragically when I rode it off by rolling it. though the engine now lives on in someone elses car... may it never die!

I would reccomend getting a kb laser over a ka as they look much better. also I would only reccommend getting one of these cars if you get the 1.5L twin carb versian with a 5 speed gearbox. definatly do not get one with an automatic of 4 speed gearbox in it!

I personally have a 1982 1.5L 5 speed manual KA Laser Ghia and it has been a wonderful car. It has had only one owner and has never broken down in its 22 years of life. It has done about 235 000 km and apart from the usual wear and tear that is expected I have had no problems. I agree that the 1.3 litre is a little underpowered.

As for the KA not looking as good as the KB, I beg to differ. I do not like the styling of the KB, however the Ghia that I have does have extra trimmings etc over the GL and L models.

Overall, I agree that they are a great little car, and has served well, and will hopefully do so for a few years yet.