Ford Probe

Price Paid:  $18000.00 from Boggus Ford

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Probe SE

Summary:
Bought the car in 1995. 294 miles on odometer for delivery from another city. Currently has 33,000 miles on odometer. I have replaced the alternator 4 times. The water pump went out and needed replaced recently, the brakes are a continuing problem. The car used to run so quietly you had to REALLY listen-but now sounds like a lawn mower. The linkage between the carburetor and transmission broke last year--over $800 to repair. The factory paint job did not last. The heat here in Texas had my teal metal fleck looking like a spotted heifer. Paint job at the local body shop---$1200.00. Yesterday, driving to work (3 miles)-an unusual noise???---RPMs went way up-vehicle barely moving--got to the office-called for a tow. The oil pump went out and the screen was occluded and burst.
They don't know yet if pieces of the screen went into the valves. Mechanic is quoting $847 at this time-but they don't know if they'll have to work on the valves until they get the oil stuff finished and can try to start the engine.

Strengths:
It's a pretty car and normally has good pick up and power-when it's running well. It's been fairly dependable,but, it seems when there's a problem--it's a real wallet buster.

Weaknesses:
Those have been identified in the Review Summary. The most frequent problem is the alternator. I don't use the AC often since I have such a short trip to work and the radio/cd player(not stock)-picks up engine noise and hums over the broadcast, so, it's not used either. I've been very,very good to this car-but it's not returning the favor.

Similar Products Used:
none