Manual Ford Laser Ghia
Scored my Kj II Laser LXI Sedan for under $500 with a few issues like exhaust holes, oil and water leak and minor body damage and a couple of other small issues mainly from previous owners neglect. The sticker said it was special edition: ) Wow hey!
After hunting parts from wreckers it's come together as a beauty. Cheap source of repair for the D.I.Y er who's willing to do minor things and has basic equipment and tools. Replaced timing belt and water pump.
This told me the tail as to possibly why these are going cheap on the market and easy cars to obtain. This job is quite difficult to do at home somewhat for the non full time mechanic. Patience is required, not for the faint hearted but doable with the right approach. If your changing the timing belt I'd advise the water pump be replaced at the same time, as there are a few layers to undo to get into the area. Doing it twice will cost you more $$$$ again if your at the mechanic. So spend the extra $50-$100 and change the water pump and timing belt together and you will save $500-$1000 next round if the pump goes. Biggest quote 1 of 3 mechanics gave me was $1200 Australian, so I had a go myself assisted by a repair manual but it's casual if you can give yourself a couple of days part time for gasket glues to set e.c.t.
Mechanic might keep your car for overnight at minimum I'd say, depending on his workload. New water pump fixed the water leak I had and replaced a T junction seal at the old water pumps base.
If this metal pipe is corroded, you end up following it around to the other side of the motor from where your working, so expect to be all over the place if you take on this job, as I did. Just a heads up for you lot reading this so first timers know what your in for.
Another thing noticed was too much oil caused rough running from the previous owners fill up (obviously). Engine was shaking a bit heavy under the bonnet.
I drained the oil and refilled to correct level and the motor just ran steady it seemed. Oil leak was from the rocker cover gasket, fixed on the way back from the timing belt work on the rebuild. No more smelly oil burn drips on the exhaust manifold now and level on the dipstick. Got lucky I guess. 1.8ltr running sweet. Responsive once it takes off and gets going and can sit in 5th at high speed like its not breaking a sweat. Have taken it on 1000km round trips and it loves it.
No complaints except I'll agree with the above comments on the seats. I'm a taller type of bloke and on long trips a rest is always good from the seats, but leg room is good on this car. For an aged car the trim holds up nice when polished up. Resale value isn't the greatest in my opinion, but if you buy one and get it running sweet you won't sell it because of the fact it IS running sweet.: ) Think it's the same motor as the early Mazda MX-5 for its year, but engine looks like It's turned 90 degrees under the bonnet as the Mazda is rear wheel drive, unlike the KJ II. 1.8ltr is the go in manual: ) Knowledge gained repairing this motor would be a great thing for the MX-5 if you bought approx the same era and parts should, in theory, be cheap. 4 STARS only because the trim isn't luxury, compared to whats out there and seats could be better, but guess we might be able to just buy a new seat, and treat it like a piece of furniture that needs replacing after 20 years.
It's a medium sized car but fuel economy is great on the open road (I'd say 500km per tank on manual gearbox sitting on 110kmph on the highway most of the way purring as best it can on stock setup). Pretty zippy 4cyl. Buy one cheap and have some fun maybe as a dooerrupperrer. Or try the Mazda range of the same era as it's stamped built by Mazda anyway! Being Jap-Ford is probably a plus on this model. One major downside is NO AIRBAG/S on this model. Maybe look towards Laser a year or 2 older for this mod.
My great grandad purchased this car fresh of the blocks in 1990, then it was passed down to my grandad and ultimately passed down to me, i love this car to the bottom of my heart and is honestly the best car ive ever driven in my life, its so comfortable to be in, drive in, sleep in and live in. It handles amazingly with the best turning circle ive ever seen. The satisfying and calming noise of the mighty 1.6 litre engine is something that can put me to sleep a happy man. I love everything about this car and will be driving this until death do us part.
I bought my 1996 Ford Telstar as a demo model in 1998, brand new. It's been so reliable and I've loved it.
I have 244,000 kms on the clock and have always had it serviced whenever due. This past week I've had the air con gassed for the 1st time. I'm not in a hurry to get rid of it as it gets me to work and has been on many road trips over the years. It still looks great as I've looked after it.
Why get a brand new car when the old one still has its get up and go? Perhaps the only thing I could say is that the next car I buy will be automatic and I would like to sit a little higher but then again, I'm short.
I've had my 1999 1.6L KN since new and I can't think of a car that could have got me to and from work the whole time any more reliably. It has 212000 on the clock now, original clutch, shocks and almost everything else you can think of. Excellent heater, A/C, (Never been regassed) and reasonable fuel economy (7.0 on the open road, around 8.5 around town).A inlet manifold exhaust sensor was changed because of rough running early on but that was the ONLY part I've had to replaced that wouldn't normally have to be replaced after a reasonable time.(Leads,coils, belts,timing belts etc.) Plan to keep the little Laser for a while yet! I bought this car in January 2014. It's a 1.6 litre 4 speed auto. One owner with 105,000 klm on the clock.
In May 2014 I got the timing belt replaced. The odometer is showing 122,400klms. I've neglected to have the car serviced since until now.
The current service included replacing two tyres and a much needed wheel alignment. The car is booked soon to have an engine mount, and two drive belts replaced. Later on I'll have replaced, the front shockers and the worn front suspension lower control arm bushes. The last two jobs are going to be quite expensive.
In spite of that I like driving this car and is loathe to part with it. It is reliable and quite economical. The seating comfort could have done with more effort though. Overall, it handles well and gets me from A to B every time.
I installed a blind spot mirror early on though. The driver door actuator broke down nearly a year ago, which is another job on the list. Getting back to the fuel economy, my stats for its first year.
9700klms burning 847 litres with an average of 8.7/100klm. I noticed it runs better on 98 octane. I intend to do a round trip to Canberra soon, so I'll be looking at its performance and economy carefully. My guess it that it will get me to Canberra on one tank comfortably. The car has the original audio system which includes a 6 CD changer under the passenger seat.
The system doesn't have a USB socket unlike its Mazda equivalent. The volume control knob has lost a bit of its control. I may replace the system soon with one with all the bells and whistles. The clear coat on the roof is peeling away, so that will need attention before long. I am looking forward to many years of good motoring with this dandy little car. 5/1/2016 - I drove the car to canberra and back on the Christmas long weekend.
It ran very well. The repairs to the suspension will have to wait after I've paid the registration this month. The front end will still have to wait a while. Today I had the KMart $209 service like last time.
Other problems had popped up since the last service. The engine had been running rough at times, sometimes stalling. Sometimes I smelt fuel. A new set of leads, plugs and coil pack was required. The mechanic cleaned up the intake area which was part of the problem. Brake fluid needed flushing as well. In the wings is a throttle body service, new centre stop light, battery, transmission service and other stuff.
All up another $3200 worth. The KMart centre recommended changing the sump gasket due to it being 'damp' at a cost of $346. The seal is not leaking and I'm led to believe by an experienced mechanic that this 'damp' aspect is normal. 20th October 2016. Car returned after a few days in repair at Bendigo. My experienced mechanic mate attended to a few important issues.
He replaced the front shockers, fuel pump, fuel filter, air filter and battery. The brake pads got a makeover and cleaned the throttle body. The front suspension was fixed up properly with new bushes and a wheel alignment. There's still a few other jobs needed such a transmission service and fix a minor knock of the rear stabiliser, which needs replacing. The car runs much better now with improved handling and braking.
By rights, the fuel economy should improve as well as the fuel filter hadn't been replaced since new. 8th November. Drove from Canberra to home on the 7th.
No problems at all. Fuel economy on one leg was 6.73lt per 100 klm.
A great improvement as expected and the best yet. Average speed 100kph. December 2016. Sounds like the left rear wheel bearing is going.
Will have it checked out. I've a good mechanic mate in Bendigo who can fix pronto. I purchased my 2001 Ford Laser LXI manual last year with 120 000 km for just $1 500! Since then I have put slightly over 30 000km on it, yet it runs just perfectly. The first thing I noticed when I began driving my Laser was the punchy response I got from the 1.6L, 77Kw engine driving it around town.
I still have to be careful when in first gear to go easy on accelerator to avoid spinning the wheels! The engine is perfect in this car, and can pretty much go up any hill with ease in third gear. The second best thing about this car is the interior space and the boot space, absolutely incredible! I have on occasions fitted 2 swags, 2 esky's & a toolbox in this boot, and have comfortably seated 4 adults in my car at the same time.
This was also in a mountainous area where the car still performed brilliantly up steep ascents with this enormous load. Thirdly, the heater is the best I've came across, I can never have the temperature set in the red, as it is just too hot, I always have it in the middle of hot & cold which is the perfect heat on those -8 degree days!
The thought of cold, icy days brings me to my next point. The handling. This car has always composed itself well around corners even with me pushing it hard on wet roads! However, negatively, this car is very basic.
It has a basic stereo with a/c & windows that you actually have to wind. It also looks pretty damn basic too, not at all appealing to the eye. Riding in this car is bearable, the suspension and shock absorbers are fantastic, although the seats really let it down, as they are quite uncomfortable after driving for a couple of hours - you're bound to get a stiff back. This car is in fact mildly safe even with the lack of technology, as it does have ABS & a driver's air bag! I highly recommend this car as a first car to any young driver, as it is cheap to run, it's small but spacious, it's not too fast whilst still being zippy and is quite nice to drive! This is my second ford laser! I wrote a review here last time on my other laser.
Unfortunately that car was involved in a rear end crash and was written off. So i decided after 6 months of enjoyable driving,id buy another. All i can say is how good it's been. I bought it with 120 k on the clock and in 6 months its now sitting on 131 k.
Manual Ford Laser Ghia 1999
I've had 2 services done, 1st minor service 125 k and the 2nd a logbook service in 130k and its been very cheap to maintain. Still drives and handles well, just as good as my other laser. Also good fuel economy. I can almost get 1000k on a highway trip with a full tank, Unbelievable!! And roughly 650 km in the city with a full tank. A/c is freezing and all the electrics work no problem! I recommended upgrading the standard 14' wheels to 15'.
So much more responsive in corners. All in all, a great spacious, powerful and quiet small car. I would recommend it more than could current model small cars as i have driven a few and find my 12 year old car more solid and compose on the open road! Bought my laser at 160 000 on the clock and it has just done over 282 000 still going strong! 230 000 radiator blocked and over heated engine badly (my fault I never flushed it) the mechanic was very surpised it didn't crack the head gasket. At 252 000 got a major service ( timing belt & water pump) and gearbox oil. At 270 000 drivers car door actuator died.
Fixed by replacing plastic gear cog. Regassed a.c (has very small leak) At 280 000 reverse gear a little difficult to engage. Clutch slightly worn.
Easy to drive and sits comfortablely at 100km p hour. I think ill keep this car until I have finished my apprenticeshp. Made in japan (mazda) amazing fuel econ still on a tired old engine.
I have the 2000 model, and have found it extremely economical, its getting around 9 or 10 ltrs per 100 k around town, and compared to the kia carnival I used to own getting around 17. Its pure bliss, there are a few areas I don't like, the drive is very firm, the suspension squeks and its very low, and pulls to the left even after getting a whell alainment, but otherwise it drives beautiful, very tight steering and if you use the smooth roads its a lovely ride, the seating is ok.
The dash a good layout, bootsize great and the splitfold seats awesome. All in all a good car. My Laser is almost 20 years old (1992 KH)and still going strong.
It is my first car and has been with me for 4 years now. In that time it has needed a few general wear and tear repairs but nothing major. Most repair work and maintanence on this car can easily be carried out by the owner with few complications, saving a lot of money on labour. The model I bought does not have many luxuries (not even air conditioning or power steering) however I have found that those items have never really been needed to make this car any more driveable. It has never broken down on me and the engine is still going strong, showing no signs of smoke. For a young driver it is a perfect first car, but it would also suit someone who just wants a car they can drive around without too much fuss about where they park or whether water is going to get on their carpet.
The 1.6L engine provides enough grunt for everyday driving but a person looking for a bit more excitement should go for the 1.8L EFi model. Manual transmissions provide smoother driving and less maintanence, especially on the 1.6L varient. After 18 years the car still gives me about 8.5L / 100km fuel consumption with mixed city/highway driving. + In 14 years, the Laser has never let me down.
It has been serviced regularly by Ford, who have always been easy to deal with and at reasonable cost. The only parts required have been brakes and tyres. Fuel economy (mostly around town) is about 7lt/100km. It has most of the gadgets and is comfortable.
Nothing inside has worn out or broken. Handling is reasonable and performance acceptable without being exceptional.
Mustang Ii Ghia
Certainly it is easy to drive, having got two drivers through their learner´s license. The carpet is a bit cheap and nasty, but it seems to have worn reasonably well. A few rattles have appeared of recent years, but they seem to come and go. Visibility is not ideal around the back pillar, but this seems to be an issue with many cars.