1997 Ford Aspire 4 door hatchback from North America
Summary:
It's a love hate relationship, but mostly love
Faults:
Last year there was a transmission fluid leak - $580 to repair. Believe it was at around 83k miles.
The check engine light turned on almost 2 years ago. I had it inspected and was told there was $900 of stuff wrong in parts alone. I said forget about it. I'll drive it til it dies. The 2nd time a mechanic told me $200 worth of parts needed. Still haven't fixed it. I think it has something to do with the EGR valve? Anyway, I've been riding with it on for all of this time, and just withing in the last 3 months have I noticed the engine is acting up - stalling when accelerating, and not wanting to reverse.
Other problem is often won't start the first time I turn the key. About 35% of time I try to start the car, I have to try up to 10 times before it starts, but it always eventually starts. I have no idea about this.
General Comments:
I've found this car temperamental, but reliable. I can't believe how long it has lasted me. If I would've taken better care of it, who knows what condition it'd be in now?...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 6th October, 2010
10th Oct 2010, 05:41
The Aspire was made by Kia. The Mazda Protege was made by, uh, Mazda. What's this "little brother" reference supposed to mean here?
11th Oct 2010, 16:15
Oops. The Festiva = Mazda 121, my bad.
5th Oct 2011, 11:18
The Aspire's body was made by Kia, the drive train is completely Mazda.
7th Oct 2010, 11:13
I wouldn't be surprised if it had to do with the EGR valve. Of course the mechanic wants to replace it with a new one. I fixed mine by taking it out, scratching the carbon out of the passages, moving the valve a few times. Then I put it back in with a new gasket. I also cleaned the portholes in the intake manifold and the throttle body. Finally, I pulled off the vacuum tube to the EGR boost sensor and scraped the carbon out of the nipple at the manifold with a wire.
Disconnect the battery and step on the brake to clear the computer codes.
It cost less than $20 with my Mazda Protege. You are aware that the Aspire is the Protege's little brother?