Up for sale is a very nice and rare 1984 Ford Tempo diesel. I would call this one a survivor. If you are looking for one of these, you are very unlikely to find one that’s as well sorted and as good overall as this one. Heck, you are unlikely to find one at all! It’s in remarkably good condition for what it is and its age. It’s not a show car, it definitely has patina. Please see the videos to get a detailed walkaround, cold start, and driving videos. I buy cars, enjoy them for a while, fix them up, then sell them to move on to the next one. Please carefully review my feedback as a seller to see some of the other oddball cars I’ve sold, and what people thought of them. I recently took this one on a 1000 mile round trip and it performed flawlessly. It started up quickly when cold, and ran very well, getting me 44 MPG at an average speed of 75 MPH. The temperature always stays in the normal range. The radiator fan works and cycles like it should. This car recently passed WV inspection which is a testament to the good mechanical condition. It handles more or less like a modern car. It feels safe and stable on the highway. Basically everything works – heat, A/C, wipers, intermittent wiper function, all lights, horn, cruise control, radio, emergency brake, The car starts, runs, drives and stops very well. Also, I've been using Stanadyne additive to replace the lost lubricity of modern fuels. It's been a semi-daily driver for me as of late and I've been averaging 1000+ miles per month without issues.
List of things that were recently done by me include brake fluid flush, oil change with Rotella diesel oil, engine coolant change, new wheel hub bearing and new fuel filter/water separator. The fuel filter I used is from an ‘80s VW diesel and is a Wix filter. The original fuel filter and housing will come with the car, but it’s not working. The prior owner put on a new fuel injection pump which now has about 4000 miles on it and works well with no leaks. The old injection pump comes with the car. The cylinder head was replaced about 7000 miles ago. Both timing belts were replaced at that time (yes it has 2 timing belts – and 2 oil filters!). The shocks all around look newer, and the brakes passed WV inspection with flying colors. It looks like someone went through this car very thoroughly to make it mechanically sound. Tires don’t appear to have too many miles on them. I’d say they are all better than 60-70% and they are matched and show even wear. It has an electric fuel pump installed that’s controlled by a switch on the dash down by the driver’s left knee. I switch it on before I start the car and off afterwards. The car seems to run and drive fine without the pump though. I also have a trim piece for it that goes to the passenger window. The bottom rubber part is flaking off, but the NOS trim piece will take care of it. You can see what I am talking about at 2:37 in the walkaround video. I also have a bunch of NOS Motorcraft oil filters, replacement belts, and other misc parts that will come with the car.
What's wrong with it? Not much. The dash light doesn’t work. There is a very small oil leak from the oil pan. You can see a few drops of oil after parking it overnight. I posted a picture to show you what dripped on cardboard after about 12 hours. It’s not a big leak though, because I was able to drive on my 1000 mile trip and it maybe used 1/8 of a quart total, so it’s clearly not burning any oil and not leaking much. I've needed to add about 3/4 of a quart in the 3000 or so miles I've driven it. Coolant levels also remained steady for the trip. The prior owner mentioned something about one of the rear seatbelt latches, but I’ve never tested them. That’s it. For a 32 year old car of this vintage, that’s pretty darn good, I’d say. .
Ask any questions before bidding and make sure you are satisfied with the condition of the car before bidding. If you place a bid, it means you are satisfied with the condition of the car and want to purchase it. You are welcome to come see it in person.
Paypal deposit of $500 due within 24 hours of auction close. Balance due within 7 days via bank wire or cash in person upon pickup. Please note the car is only available for pickup on Friday or Saturday so please make sure this schedule works for you. I prefer it be paid for and picked up within 2 days of auction close but will work with you. Yes you can pay the whole price via Paypal but add 2% to cover the fees that they charge. Please plan on coordinating with me so this transaction can be concluded smoothly and promptly.
Stating the obvious, please understand you are bidding to buy so please only bid if you want the vehicle and have the money available. **PLEASE NOTE** Although I believe this to be a good car, it doesn't come with any kind of warranty, expressed or implied. It is an old car and anything can happen at any time. My description is to be considered for reference only.
Driving Video
Walkaround Video
Cold Start Video