Faults:

Transmission went 3 weeks after purchasing the car.

Both rear and front brakes needed to be redone.

Fuel pump needed to be replaced..

Transmission and engine mounts needed to be replaced.

Muffler needed to be replaced.

Rad. pipes needed to be replaced.

Many other repairs that have simply blurred into each other in my last year of constant trips to the mechanic.

General Comments:

I truly believe that the reason that the car was so low on KM when I bought it was because it spent so much time in the shop that it simply couldn't be driven.

This car is the worst investment I have ever made. I am a student and recognise that a 10 year old car is going to have some upkeep necessary, but this car is the ultimate in money pits. There is no reliability or comfort whatsoever, it always feels as though, when you get inside, you are HOPING to make it to your destination. The transmission, after blowing 3 weeks into purchasing the vehicle, has needed further work 4 times in the last 9 months. The car is a nightmare... please heed my warnings, I wish that I had.

Faults:

Two months after I purchased the car, the transmission failed as I was climbing a hill at high power. The mechanic showed me the part; it was a metal gear that broke in half.

The alternator quit a month later. 6 months after replacing, the battery light is on again. I just ignore it.

Within 6 months, the starter failed. The first replacement lasted 6 months and failed. The second replacement lasted 6 months and failed. I am on my third starter in 2 years.

The engine developed a no start condition. The control module for the fuel pump failed. I started to use a hammer to bang the module in the morning to get the fuel pump to run.

Currently, the car has developed a monstrous misfire and engine skip. After an hour in heavy traffic, it will just shut down and won't start for a half hour. The mechanic can't figure what is wrong, but wants to replace the fuel pump (for $450), spark plugs and wires (for $660), timing belt (for $481), cylinder id sensor (for $250) etc. The car is essentially totaled for want of a tune up. And they can't guarantee that that is what the problems are.

Air conditioner leaks refrigerant. Blower motor only runs on high.

Battery light blinks like a flashing red light.

Various plumes of oil smoke constantly emanate from the engine compartment.

General Comments:

I had to move down from a BMW when I purchased this car. The reviews said it was a BMW at Ford prices. I've never had the pleasure of enjoying the car because it is constantly broken down. I have NEVER in my life been stranded on the side of the road as often as with this nightmare. Stay far, far away.