Ford MAVERICK (1993 - 1997)
MODELS COVERED: (2.4 St Wagon 3dr, 5dr [base, GLX, Aspen, GLS] / 2.7TD St Wagon 3dr, 5dr [base, GLX, Aspen, GLS])
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
The Maverick was one
Ford that British buyers never really took to their hearts. It was certainly late to the 4x4 party which started in the early Nineties. Perhaps they never forgave it for that. More likely, however, a lack of image was to blame.
Not even the most optimistic of Ford dealers could pretend that this was any kind of Range
Rover. The sensible ones concentrated on its more hidden virtues; a rugged build, surprisingly good off road ability and a proven reliability record. These attributes make it a good prospect as a secondhand buy. And despite the fact that relatively few were sold, prices are attractive on the used market.
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A decent family workhorse. The interior is just like that of any family hatchback. The trim quality is well up to standard and everything falls to hand easily. All the major bits and pieces of equipment are in evidence.
On a GLS for example, you'll find alloy wheels, central locking, a powered sunroof, fog lamps, headlamp washers, electric front windows and heated mirrors. Having said all that, theres little of the class youd expect in an up-market family saloon. Hard plastic is everywhere. Still, it's practical. So is the reliability; Mavericks have a reputation for failing to break down something many
Vauxhall Frontera owners would kill for.
Broadly, the turbo diesel models are worth about £500 more than their petrol counterparts. The earliest 1993 L-reg base 3-door models start at around £2,800 (or £3,200 for the GLX). Add a premium of around £400 if you want a five rather than a three-door. For one of the 1995 first facelift cars (recognisable by the single chrome strip across the front grille), you'll pay from around £4,100. Second facelift cars (with the fully chromed grille) from June 1996 onwards start from about £5,700.
As with any used 4x4, check for signs of heavy off-road use. Few Mavericks will have done any more than mount a grass verge but you can never be too careful. Oil leaks and worn rear shock absorbers have been known. Apparently, some TDs suffered from a vibration in the gearbox area which required a special clutch assembly.
If you sense this to be a problem on the test drive, find out if it has been done. And on the subject of turbo diesels, try and stretch to the post-1996 car if you can. Otherwise, resign yourself to the slow lane.
(approx based on 1995 2.4) As you might expect from a
Ford, parts are plentiful - but in the case of this model, they're not particularly cheap. A clutch assembly is around £215. Front brake pads are around £55, a rear exhaust about £55, a catalyst about £760 and an alternator around £230. A headlamp is about £80.
"It doesn't sway about like most 4x4s and holds the road better. What's more, you can drive it like a car, even when towing a two-tonne trailer. The Maverick is quieter and much more refined than most of its contemporaries. As already mentioned, the original 2.7TD engine is rather slow but that apart, the Maverick is reasonably driver-friendly.
Though the car is obviously not designed as an out-and-out mud-plugger, it's quite competent enough off road to stay with its illustrious rivals over any ploughed field or icy slope. Beyond that, youd have to concede best to the more accomplished (and expensive) off roaders in the class. Having said that, whats the point in paying for all that extra mud-plugging ability if youre not going to use it? What would be useful is the option to use 4WD over reasonably fast road use for peace of mind in slippery conditions. Still, there is a limited slip differential to keep the wheels from spinning too much.
Once youre on the dirt, you can reach for the second gearshift lever to bring full-time 4WD into play. At that point, you must choose between high and low ratios depending on the conditions and suddenly, particularly in turbo diesel form, the impressive low down pulling power of the engine comes into its own.
The Maverick makes far more sense secondhand than it ever did new. A reasonably priced one is well worth having.
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