Overview of the Ford Laser
The Laser is a small car that was based on the Mazda 323 and introduced with immediate success in the early 1980s, thanks to sharp pricing, a spacious cabin and good driving manners. It was built in Australia until 1994, after which it was imported from Japan via Mazda. Laser's popularity faded in the 1990s, however, and the last-generation model lasted just three years before it was replaced by the European-sourced Focus in 2002.
FORD LASER GENERATIONS (SINCE 1994)
1994-1999
1999-2002
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
1.6L 4-cylinder: 7.0 to 7.8 litres per 100km
1.8L 4-cylinder: 7.7 to 8.3 litres per 100km
2.0L 4-cylinder: 8.1 to 8.7 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Contact your nearest Ford dealer. Ford Laser parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO FORD LASER
Holden Astra
Mazda 323
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Golf
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: FORD LASER (1999-2002)
The very last Ford Laser went from a locally-made car to an imported one using mostly Mazda 323 mechanical parts.
As such, it's actually quite a reliable car although any vehicle as old as this one must be bought on its own merits - and making broad reliability statements is a risky business.
So, make sure the engine starts easily, idles smoothly and doesn't blow any smoke. Manual-transmission versions should shift cleanly and smoothly with no crunching between gears (especially first and second).
Neither manual nor automatic Lasers should shudder or vibrate during a take-off from the lights and the clutch shouldn't slip in a higher gear going up a hill at highway speeds.
Make sure the temperature gauge stays in the safe zone during the test drive and listen for clicks and clunks during full-lock U-turns as a sign of worn CV joints in the front driveshafts.
