99 Laser KN engine good?

[vcreation]

hi, i am seeking to buy a 1999 made Laser KN LXi, 1.6L, 5sp/m, has done 165km...

my father keeps on telling me NOT NOT NOT to buy Ford because his friend is auto mechanic and often tells him that Ford engines ALWAYS break down, no chance compare to honda and european engines. and he's saying there are always jobs of installing reconditioned ford engines...

would that be the taxes? it's reasonable that taxi run on gas and after few years it will done 1million kms and will need replace engine?

anyway, im just wondering if anyone here have a ZM#### engine, and still driving it, how reliable are they when the miles get high? oil leak/burn? and please tell me what u feel about the final gen of laser(replaced by Focus @2002).

[IanC]

The KN laser is actually a rebadged Mazda 323. We got one new in 1999 and have done 100,000km. No trouble what so ever however we have always had it serviced according to the book. Make sure it has had regular services and especially sure that the timing belt has been changed. If you can't see receipts for that I would be most dubious. If it has the full service history then go for it. We think it is a great car. If it hasn't got service history then allow $1000 to have the timing belt done and all hoses & coolant changed, full service etc.