• Not many people are aware that the Probe is a Mazda based vehicle. The chassis is borrowed from the MX6, the 16V engine is taken from the 626 and the 24V engine is from the MX6 and 626GT. This means that parts are readily available from Mazda, usually much cheaper than Ford. Mazda are quite happy to service the Probe, but can be expensive on labour and from my experience their service was quite poor.
• Be prepared for the running costs, these are sports cars after all. Insurance groupings are 16 for the 16V and 17 for the 24V.
• Fuel consumption is reasonable. The 16V will average around 32mpg, with the 24V averaging 25mpg. On the motorway consumption is improved if a steady speed of around 70mph is maintained, expect to achieve around 40mpg on a 16V and 35mpg on a 24V. Probes just don’t like sitting in traffic.
• 1996 onwards built models have fewer problems, check the build date though, not when registered.
• 94/95 built models can suffer with rear brake calliper and immobiliser problems. Both can be easily fixed though so don’t be put off. Later models have a chip in the key for the immobilser, earlier models have a separate key fob.
• Service history is desirable, if mileage is over 60k make sure there is proof of a cam belt change, don’t just take the sellers word for it. This will typically cost around £300. The 24V engine is non-interference so a broken belt will not cause any major damage. The 16V however will suffer badly if the belt should snap.
• On 24V models check spark plug wells for oil. It may be present on the plug boots at the end of the HT leads. This is a symptom of worn valve cover gaskets, it is very common and can be fixed for around £300UK at a garage, as it is a full day’s job. The actual gaskets only cost around £30UK.
• All Probes have an air conditioning button, labelled A/C. This does not mean the car actually has it though. The best way to check is to look into the front bumper, towards the left hand side there may be a cylinder visible, this is the condenser. If it isn’t visible the car does not have a/c.
• Probe engines can tap a bit on start-up; this should only last for around 30 seconds until the hydraulic lash adjusters are fully pumped up with oil. If the tapping continues, turn off and back on again to see if it goes away. Continuous tapping can be a sign of bigger problems. Early 16V models are prone to loud tapping; this can usually be eradicated by changing the oil pump for around £150UK.
• It is common for the boot hatch struts to fail; these can be easily replaced for around £50UK.
• It is common for the HT leads to be neglected by owners. These should be changed every 50K miles at least. If the car is hesitant to accelerate and misfires it is most likely to be a lead failure. A new set of six will cost around £100UK from Ford, or £70UK from Mazda. After-market leads are available which are generally of a higher quality and will last much longer.
• V6 24V engines benefit from regular oil and filter changes. Although the recommended interval is 10K miles changing the oil every 3K miles can drastically increase the life of the engine. It is important to use good quality fully synthetic oil, 5W-30 or 0W-40. I would recommend Mobil1 or Comma as both have a low ash content.
• As with any car you intend to buy, check all the documents match up, an Hpi check is a good investment for around £25UK. Check the car for wear on the seats and the pedals, is it consistent with the mileage that is recorded?

What to expect to pay (rough approximation of typical garage prices):

• Full Service: £150
• 60K Service (Cam belt & water pump): £400
• A/C Service: £90
• Exhaust: £250-£350
• Reconditioned brake calliper: £150
• Oil filter: £6
• Water pump: £40
• Cam Belt & tensioner: £100
• Tyres: £60-£100 (dependent on quality)