1986 Ford Telstar AS 2.0L turbo EFI from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Awesome

Faults:

So far so good. I had to have the gear linkages done for the roadworthy, and some work on the non-factory fitted turbo.

General Comments:

This car handles very well for what it is.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2004

1986 Ford Telstar Ghia from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Reliable small car for young family

Faults:

Water pump failed. Not a do it yourself job, got it out OK, but had to get mechanic out to put new one in.

Distributor Condenser did NOT like cold weather, I lived in Lithgow, NSW for a winter and it was very hard to start when temp 3 deg or below.

Antifreeze a must in cold weather, found that the radiator would freeze up and water boil while driving.

Hard vinyl surfaces cracking peeling and crumbling.

Several oil leaks fixed in this car over the time I had it.

Seats a bit on the thin side, padding wise, so not really comfortable on long drives.

General Comments:

Good reliable (as long as its not snow country) about town car for a small family. Not a lot of legroom for growing boys over 12 in the back.

Traded in on a larger car. I t was starting to loook tired and worn when I traded it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2004

1986 Ford Telstar TX5 Turbo Ghia 2L Carby from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Good cheap fun

Faults:

Rear suspension needed replacing.

Over sized tyres rubbed till suspension replaced.

Air conditioning system clutch failed and other problems.

Rear hatch gas struts no longer hold the weight.

Handbrake cable replaced.

Lots of oil in the engine bay, but no fatality yet.

General Comments:

For less than $3000, this car really impressed me. After owning new cars for many years, travel expenses meant buying a cheaper car, but I wanted something fun to drive that could hold its own at the lights...

If you remove the restriction plate from the rear muffler (or in my case remove the rear muffler..), a whole lot more power is unleashed making this a fairly quick car. From factory they have a low boost which has helped mine make it past 350,000km with only 1 rebuild.

Handling is sloppy, torque steer hilarious, especially with the power increased (see above). Equipment levels impressive and all power functions still working fine. Takes four people and gear easily.

Overall I'm surprisingly happy with this cheap thrill-mobile.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th October, 2003