Faults:

Entire exhaust system replaced.

Engine rebuilt.

Transmission rebuilt (1800 because it's a weird, mazda tranny) previous owner said this had already been done twice.

Both front axles replaced.

Both front control arms and ball joints replaced.

Currently won't pass inspections because of brake problems and rear strut problems.

General Comments:

I bought this car a year ago. At that time, the seller said the tranny was recently rebuilt and the engine was new. In the last year, I have spend over 4000 on the car and it still can't pass inspections.

This car handles nicely, but nothing is worth this much money.

Faults:

There hasn't been many faults.

Airbag light illuminated when it wasn't supposed to.

Radiator uses up lots of coolant (3 bottles a year approximately).

That's about it, lovely car.

General Comments:

The probe is the fastest car I've ever driven. The car just goes when you want it to. The 121kw motor does a great job and I can't wait to improve on it. However, it still burns off all my mates cars no problem.

The ride quality is quite stiff and bumpy. However, this is not largely noticeable.

The probe corners beautifully at speed, but at parking speed it is hard to get the nose to deviate.

Once I get a body kit shipped in from overseas it will be the meanest thing on the road.

I highly recommend them. Bargain second hand beast. Won't find a faster car for the price these are sold at. I bought mine for $13500 and that's with a 5 year warranty. I have recently seen some for $9000! Definitely worth it. Real head turner.

Faults:

Several sets of CV joints have been installed, and its due for another. I have fun with the car, but this is a serious weak point. They seem to last about 25K miles. This puts the car in an Unacceptable category to me, or at least Exotic, i.e. not expected to be dependable transportation, but still fun.

Air bag system has gone bad and is not worth repair at this point in the vehicle's life.

Expected wear/maintenance items (plugs, wires, brake pads, belts, etc.) are normal.

Timing belt is normal wear item at 60K miles and is costly to replace. Expect $300 to $600.

Excessive seepage of oil into spark plug well from head. This occurred around 25K miles, but I can live with oily plugs. No effect to performance and definitely not worth cost and trauma to car to have seals replaced.

Time delay wiper unit went out which seems to be common problem. Ford wants hundreds of dollars, but I fixed it for about $5 with Radio Shack relay.

The blower motor (interior air fan) was damaged when water from melting snow got into housing and re-froze, preventing the motor/fan assembly from rotating. Design fault.

Power antenna, of course, replaced several times. Seems to have poorer quality than most, but very high price.

General Comments:

Transmission is worst I've driven except for an old Chevette (remember those?). Extremely difficult to get into reverse, grinding, clunking, have to really baby it and grit your teeth. That way since new. Dealer says they are all that way, that's the way its supposed to be. Reason to never buy anything with a Ford badge again. My Pinto (I admit it) shifted great back in the 70's.

The car handles better than any other normal car I've driven. It is very predictable except for the torque steer (expected of front wheel drive), and is very hard to get into trouble with it given its tremendous cornering and braking with a very moderate horsepower.

It is sometimes a pain in the rear because of the maintenance issues, but the go-kart performance makes up for a multitude of sins. At almost 12 years old, the 93-97 style still looks fresh.