Alright, this is my first post, so be gentle. I was just wondering, I have the possiblity of getting a 1965 Comet Caliente and was wondering, I mean, I know it depends on the actual car and all, but in general, do these cars make good daily drivers? What problems and little things should I expect? Thanks
This site is mainly for 69.5 to 77 mavericks and 71 to 77 comets. However your car is a comet so I will help and I am sure many others will as well. I personally think it would make a fine ride for everyday driving. The first 2 things I always do to an old car is upgrade the frt brakes to disc brakes and get rid of the points. DO a complete tune up if needed. Make sure the brakes and tires are up to snub and you are good to go.
Well, I don't know that it's possible to be prepared for every little thing that could go wrong with a car of that age. You have to be fully aware that this car is 40 years old. Even if it is a low-mileage/grandma only drove it to church type of vehicle, time will take it's toll. I'm not trying to discourage you, but just keep this in mind. Engine/Tranny seals get old, wires can break, insulation on wires can crumble, hoses can dry-rot........you get where I am going. With an older car, it is usually little things here and there that go out. Switches, fuses, hoses, lights.......Small things. The items I listed back up there are your larger potential problems. Again, I'm not trying to discourage you at all, just making sure that we all realize that this is not going to be something (more than likely anyway) that will be completely maintainance free. There will be mornings when it won't crank, or days when it quits in town. You just have to take the good with the bad. If you really like the car, and don't mind working on it, go for it. I drove my '72 Maverick as a daily driver for almost 5 years. I had trouble with it, but I had WAAAAAAAY more fun than trouble. I miss not driving it every day. As far as I'm concerned people can have these new cars and trucks. Give me an old Ford to piddle with, and I'm happy. Well, I hope I didn't discourage you too much, because like I said, I wasn't wanting to do that. Just trying to prepare you. Good luck, and have fun!!!! Preston
I had a 1965 comet caliente for about 5 years when I was stationed down in Camp Lejeune, NC. It had a 302/4 speed in it...originally a 289. That car was my daily driver for which I also used on trips back home in Western NY. Good car, but be prepared to do some front end work..ie ball joints. Man I miss that car. Country mav pretty much said it all. D. Ray
that's what I figured. i am also looking at a '74 if that fits better here. I can probably find more info for it here at least. These answers are pretty much what I expected, I had a 69 Mercedes 230. That was the best running car I have had yet. They really knew how to make them back in the day. thanks for the info
