Flawed Probe (Ford Probe)

Name: john2943

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Product:	Ford Probe
Date:	03/06/01 (921 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good looking, High spec., Cheap

Disadvantages: Depreciation, Electrics, Parts prices

The 2.5 is the one that gets the plaudits, I've got the 2.0litre which suits me but I offer my opinions for anyone weighing up both. The 2.0 litre looks similar but lacks the skirt kit and has naff 3 spoke wheels, I've upgraded to the 2.5 wheels but watch the tyre prices, anything from £75-£180 each! The wheels are prone to lacquer flake due to porous metal so check carefully around the wheel centres and rim edge.
Interior spec is excellent, lots of gizmos such as two stage locks, drivers side then passenger (US design to deter traffic light thefts) Wiring loom is Mexican and looks like a trainee Aztec has been unearthed to do it, very sloppy. Mudflaps tend to come adrift a bit too easily.
Corrosion resistance looks average to poor, I've waxoyled mine as it exhibits rust levels similar to a 12 year old VW though it's only half it's age, nothing bad if you get it early enough. Back hand brake mechs are prone to seizing apparently but waxoyling may have saved me from this one.
The worse niggle is the distributor which can be similarly afflicted to the 2.5 l model. There are kits for the 2.5l but not the 2.0l so the friendly Ford garage will know all about fixing this for approx. £800 (new distributor, no components available separately), ouch!. Ford denies there is a general problem though everybody seems to know this is a design fault associated with the immobiliser.
Acceleration and power are well short of the 2.5l though economy is better, still don't expect anything over 30MPG even if you nurse it. It's a big car and probably underpowered, a Vectra or Mondeo of 1800 and over will eat it and you'll scrub a lot off the £160 a time tyres trying to get away quickly.

Summary: