Found a Probe

[DriverOne]

I'm looking around for cars for my sister for around $1K. She's interested in a hatchback, and she even wants a Festiva, but I can't find any automatics, and she refuses to learn how to drive a stick, SO, I found a 92 Probe, 136K on it. How were the Probes? I've heard not great things, and I need her to have a turnkey ride ASAP that won't break down in 2 months.

[brickdog2000]

A 92, well I would go look at it first or google ford probe forum and see what seems to be common problems. However, any car can last forever depending on how well the owner takes care of it. Heck my truck has over 150,000 miles on her and she stills drives like new. All I have done was keep up with the maintenance. Anyways go look at it and go over it with a fine tooth comb. I personally (don't hunt me down guys) would look for an 80s or early 90s model honda. They are reliable, or get a festiva.

[92festie]

no dont do it!! my friend had a probe, dont remember the year but, still crap imo

[batstiva]

My only real experience with a Probe was a turd. It was second gen, and the one you're looking at is first generation. My general understanding is the first gens were better than the second gens, and the MTX probes are better than the ATXs. By better, I mean more reliable. If it were me, I'd pass on the probe and look for something with a better track record. Just MHO, which is kind of tainted by my own experience. Take it for what it's worth.

[genghis1]

I had a 93 probe that pretty much fell apart on me.

[wybnrml]

My only real experience with a Probe was a turd. It was second gen, and the one you're looking at is first generation. My general understanding is the first gens were better than the second gens, and the MTX probes are better than the ATXs. By better, I mean more reliable. If it were me, I'd pass on the probe and look for something with a better track record. Just MHO, which is kind of tainted by my own experience. Take it for what it's worth.

x2 I've heard bad things about Probes, never owned onw but from the sounds of it I don't think I ever will, pass on the Probe and look for an automatic Festiva, I know their out there, 2 of the 3 Festivas I've owned were automatics just look high and low for one. Good Luck.

[nonamekid]

Automatic and Mazda never really worked well together.

[Sandm849]

Fun to drive. Until something breaks. Then it gets expensive in a hurry!

[SimonTuffGuy]

I had a first gen (89) that was great. It was a 5 speed, got it for a great price and it got me through HS. Ended up rear ending someone that didn't know how to merge.

Bought a 95 a few years ago that was an automatic. The person that sold it to me pretty much scammed me. Had it 2 days until the transmissions blew up.

Any car will depend on how it was taken care of, regular maintenance, etc... Heck, look at brand new cars (like the Toyota recall) that have "problems"...

[JPT]

Probes are ok, but once they start falling apart, they fall apart fast.

At least the one my sister had, but she could trash anything.