Peoples opinions on Ford Laser please

[jaydee]

As mentioned in a previous thread, my young blokes Corolla just got written off. Got $7.500 to play with.

Looking at a Mazda Astina 1.8 or a Laser 1998-99 in a 1.8 GLXi.

A report on the Laser says it's based on a Mazda 323 platform, does this mean it is a rebadged Mazda?

Any feedback on either car appreciated.

[galaxy xr8]

Yes they are an identical vehicle, I have a '98 Laser GLXi hatch, very realible and economical, but really the only diference between the two is badges and rear and front light treatment and interior, mechanical they are the same, they are actually made by Mazada, I personally prefer the look off the Astina.

[jaydee]

Originally Posted by galaxy xr8

Yes they are an identical vehicle, I have a '98 Laser GLXi hatch, very realible and economical, but really the only diference between the two is badges and rear and front light treatment and interior, mechanical they are the same, they are actually made by Mazada, I personally prefer the look off the Astina.

Thanks for that. Any tips on what to look for apart from the obvious like tyres etc.
Is the timing belt due at 100,000?
Any probs with gear boxes and heads?

[Windsor220]

Yep as said both the same. I was going to buy one in Laser form a few years ago but were a bit pricey then.

Good cars. Reliable, well built and go reasonably well for what they are.

[Jesk]

As said before, its a mazda but they are bullet-proof (not literally so I've heard : ) but i couldn't kill the one i had, even with minimal maintenance, and 400,00km

[galaxy xr8]

Being a front wheel drive vehicle , check for the CV joints, and all the rubber's, drive the vehicle at slow speed on full lock both left and right in a parking area and listen for a grinding sound, and yes the timming belt is due at 100,00klm's, aslong as the vehicle has not been thrashed and cared for the gearbox's and head's are very realiable, the only thing to look for is the valestem seals tend to go, which you will see if the vehicle blow's blue smoke on startup and when accelarating, apart from that they are very trouble free vehicle's, I have had 3 laser's in the past and havn't touched a thing on any of them, just check for the ussuall thing's as you would with any vehicle.

[jaydee]

Originally Posted by galaxy xr8

Being a front wheel drive vehicle , check for the CV joints, and all the rubber's, drive the vehicle at slow speed on full lock both left and right in a parking area and listen for a grinding sound, and yes the timming belt is due at 100,00klm's, aslong as the vehicle has not been thrashed and cared for the gearbox's and head's are very realiable, the only thing to look for is the valestem seals tend to go, which you will see if the vehicle blow's blue smoke on startup and when accelarating, apart from that they are very trouble free vehicle's, I have had 3 laser's in the past and havn't touched a thing on any of them, just check for the ussuall thing's as you would with any vehicle.

Cheers, sounds very promising.

[MRJUCY]

Lasers are just bout the most reliable thing going. The Laser is usually a bit better then the Mazda equivalent but it depends what you come across depending on options, condition & what kind of deal you can get.