Faults:

Idle runs fast, then slow, and stalls on downshifts. The issue is the inlet manifold gasket.

Misfiring while driving or idle. The issue is the distributor is faulty; replace with a new one, and new leads and spark plugs.

Water pump replacement. The issue is the seals wear if the wrong coolant and ratio is used. But this is all because of old age and high km. It all costs about $1500.

General Comments:

Reliable when you maintain oil changes and flush the radiator system every 6 months.

Fit a K&N pod filter to the air intake, and you will increase the power by a lot, and get massive pull from 3500 RPM to 5800 RPM.

These cars just keep going and going.

Faults:

The car developed over heating problems.

Replaced the thermostat and radiator, but the problem persisted.

Replaced the water pump, which helped only a little. Overheating problem still persists (a very time consuming and tricky repair to replace the water pump; was quoted $1,000 AUD to repair, so had to do it myself. Not recommended unless you're very good with tools and have very dexterous hands).

Idle speed would jump up and down at random, and idle too fast, which reduced engine braking.

Now it will start and run only when cold, but accept no more than a fraction of throttle before it stalls. It's totally undrivable in this condition. Refuses to start at all when it's hot.

I'm reluctant to spend any more money on this car.

General Comments:

When working as the manufacturer intended, it is an OK car.

Comfortable and roomy.

Typical 90's Japanese front wheel drive handling, i.e. poor for an enthusiast, acceptable for a commuter.

The cooling system problems, and now the fact it won't run, have meant that I regret buying this particular model. Also engine bay access is terrible to put it mildly, and even basic maintenance is much more difficult than it is on say the Camry I used to own. This will be reflected in the price you will be quoted to repair the problems, that you will inevitably run into with this model and age vehicle.

Dear reader, you have been warned.

Faults:

I bought this car second hand with a fairly high mileage, so of course it is going to have problems.

Car vibrated/shook at idle - replaced 3 of the engine suspension supports reduced the problem significantly approx. $300 (AUD) each, this is just for parts.

Boot hydraulics would not hold up the hatch tailgate; needed to re-gas, approx. $60 (AUD) each, just parts.

Water pump broke, $1000 (AUD) to replace, including labour.

Radiator started leaking, cost $600 (AUD) for a non-genuine one, again just the part.

Needed to replace parking light (my fault) $320 (AUD)

General Comments:

The interesting thing is that Mazda 626 parts (same car) are cheaper than Ford parts; it's as if Ford buys from Mazda and then resells to the consumer.

Overall, a comfortable car, good for city driving. It is not a fast car by any standards, but will suffice in day to day driving.

Fuel wise, I got 10.5-11L/100km in the city and about 8L/100km on the freeway.

The car is fairly roomy for a medium sized car of that generation, and is very well equipped.

Parts however are extremely expensive, and that's the main problem with this car.