29th Oct 2001, 05:34
I just brought a KF2 TX3 (non turbo) 3 months ago, it's very quick and I just put on a new muffler. Insurance is a killer on these things for an 18 year old, but it's a pretty good car none the less, probably the best first car a guy can get.
20th Jan 2002, 05:16
FROM MICHAEL I also own a TX3 1991 Laser (non turbo). I bought the car in 1998 and have not had a problem with it. A very good car that is zippy and fun to drive, and also very economical. When I bought my car it had 66000KM on the clock, now it has 137000km and has not missed a beat.
2nd Jul 2002, 15:29
A fantastic car! My family had a 1990 1.8 DOHC (non-turbo) & we loved it. The gear-ratios are well thought out, we could spin it up in 2nd! My brother took it to 220 kph, I took it just shy of 200kph. It held the road wickedly. On corners it was a dream & the brakes were pretty damn good.
Ours was black and could have done with air conditioning & electric windows. Also no central-locking was really annoying. The factory fit Phillips stereo was excellent & had a security code feature. No one ever tried to steal it. The best thing about this car was the shocked expression on people's faces when you blew them away at the lights. The best Ford I've ever driven (& it's really a Mazda?)!!
27th Jul 2002, 08:17
I bought a 1991 tx3 (non-turbo) a couple of months ago. I am pretty pleased so far. I am quite surprised how well these cars go (having always owned bigger cars). It handles really well, the 1.8L engine seems to have plenty of grunt and very economical. And because it is a ford spare parts are easy/cheaper to get.
My only complaints are: The dark green metallic paint hasn't worn well and it really shows the dirt! And the car makes a lot of noise - rattles and squeaks in the cabin - compared to a bigger car.
30th Jul 2002, 05:08
I own a 92 KH Laser S five door and honestly say it's the fastest small car around. Other than the rough idle under brakes and in gear it's fantastic. Many times I have mowed VL's, Excel's and Lancers. With only a two and a half inch exhaust and K&n filter it's a rocket. Rock on laser owners.
28th Aug 2002, 09:04
I just bought a KH2 Non Turbo, that stalling prob was easy fixed by replacing the ignition switch. It has quite a few mods, it's a great car, heaps of fun!
25th Sep 2002, 04:48
I bought a KH2 Laser (4x4 Turbo) in march and I absolutely love it. It's very fast and under estimated car which is a bonus, I love the feeling of leaving Honda Civics with full body-kits in my dust. The boost kicks in very strong and the handling is superb, it's very hard to lose control in this car, even in the rain. The main problem with these cars are oil leaks and the gearbox made for it does not have a long life span, it also uses a lot of petrol at times.
27th Sep 2002, 03:37
I own a 99 KE Laser with its 66 or 67kw at the front wheels. Yes its the good old SOHC 1.6! I have just recently bought a 1.8 DOHC Turbo engine inter-cooled with every little accessory needed to put it into my KE. I have it in pieces at the moment because I thought it was going to need a reconditioning.. but seems that it was reconditioned before I got it :)
Can't wait to get it in!
Any one got any performance specs for this engine or any ideas of what to change since its only a stocky?
Thanks.
7th Dec 2002, 07:52
TX3 KH2 Turbo 1991 black hatch, It is one of the best cars that I have ever invested in, for such a small engine it produces plenty of power with only a few bolt on modifications I now have 155 kw at all four wheels, and all internals still remain standard. I am yet to run the car 1/4 mile, but should run flat 13's no problem. It is a great car overall. The problem that every other Laser owner has with the stalling is most likely to be a loose or disconnected vacuum line at the back of the inlet manifold, check all lines to make sure they have not split.
Good luck and happy TX3 traveling
From Sandy that loves TX3 power.
9th Jan 2003, 23:36
Mine is more of a question than comment, one that I hope one of you lucky TX3 owners' may be able to answer for me.
I am a big fan of the TX3 and am in the process of buying my first car. I have always dreamed of the power of the turbo models, but as you know, the insurance prices for somebody my age is quite enormous.
My question is, is it seriously worth the extra money for the turbo models? Or is the non-turbo TX3 of the early 90's an adequate enough performer with added practicality to satisfy my teenage needs?
I would be most appreciative of anyone in the know to answer my query so that I too can be a happy laser owner, just like all of you. Thanks.
Ben - Brisbane.
26th Feb 2003, 08:00
Anyone looking for more information on TX3s and Ford Lasers in general, go to www.fordlaser.com and check out the forums. There are plenty of Laser/TX3 owners there, and you can ask them questions. There's also a gallery of pictures, and a member's car gallery.
14th May 2003, 00:51
I've had my 1990 (KF2) tx3 (4wd turbo) since Sept 2000. It came with 194000km on the clock, and it's now done over a quarter mill, with nothing but routine servicing.
It's been an absolutely awesome car, supremely reliable despite the occasional off-road fang, and the 4wd is great for ski trips or dirt roads.
I highly recommend the car with this setup: Fast, economical (about 8l/100km on the highway) and a real sleeper. The turbo is a real asset and 100% reliable if you change the oil & filter regularly. I am still on the original engine, turbo, and gearbox (don't know about the clutch, it's a 2nd hand car!)
The Australian model tx3 is detuned compared the the Japanese model due to crappy Australian fuel. This means there is loads of potential to modify for more power as long as you are prepared to feed it premium unleaded.
30th May 2004, 12:01
Check out www.fordlaser.com. It's the best place on the web for these cars. I have a KH2 AWD turbo myself, and have an aftermarket ECU, turbo, front mount cooler, exhaust, and it embarrasses owners of brand new WRX STi's and all stock Evos alike. The only bad thing is weak gearboxes and con rods :(
Great bang for buck.
16th Feb 2011, 03:29
I just purchased a black KF Laser TX3. I wanted this car in black since they first came out. It's kinda my dream car. I know it's just a Laser but I love the shape, looks good, non turbo, but still has a little power. It is quick, reliable parts are easily available.
I wish ford would remake a new TX3 that was similar.
3rd Jul 2014, 14:29
Awesome car! I have a KH2 4WD turbo. Still a great value little car 20 years down the track.
Great go-kart like handling, and boosts enough to have a real thrill on the windy roads.
Can be economical, but not when running the turbo.
Never drop the clutch.
7th Sep 2014, 04:39
I have same. Hiflow turbo running 14 PSI & gearbox has s**t itself. Can't find one in Adelaide. If you have any ideas where I could get one that is not overpriced, it would be much appreciated.
14th Aug 2015, 13:49
I have a 1991 KF 4WD Turbo with 160k on the clock. Mods: low restriction exhaust (nice deep note), wastegate tightened to 14 PSI, high volume air filter. Drives nicely.
If you want to avoid gear box failure, wait until you are moving before applying the power. Otherwise, it's a reliable car.
To keep the engine in good condition, keep up the oil changes & take it along the freeway in 3rd gear at 100 every now and then - stops carbon buildup. On premium fuel, you'll keep it that way.
8th Sep 2001, 17:33
Yeah! I just bought mine (KH non turbo). I just think the comfort level should be 6 or 7 out of 10 however, can't complaint cos it's a sports car and. It's fast alright but mine needs a few mods.