Browse over 9,000 car reviews
The 2001 Ford Laser range of configurations is currently priced from $1,500.
The 2001 Ford Laser carries a braked towing capacity of up to 720 Kg, but check to ensure this applies to the configuration you're considering.
The Ford Laser is also known as Ford Meteor (Australia) in markets outside Australia.
Intermittent problems can be very hard to diagnose because they rarely happen when the mechanic is present. Same with the diagnostic checks, nothing will show up if the engine is running normally when the checks are done. I would be checking the various engine sensors, their connectors and the witting loom, looking for a corroded or poor connection.
Your mechanic is correct, but so are you. The mechanic's suggestion of a Corolla is a safe bet, one that won't come back to bite him in the long run, but the other cars you mention are also worth considering. All are solid, generally reliable cars, although I would be cautious about recommending the Astra to you. Stick to the well-known Japanese brands and she won't go too far wrong.
You need to have it checked by a mechanic with diagnostic equipment. It could be the fuel injectors simply needing a clean, or an engine sensor malfunctioning, or several other things that can only be checked by a mechanic with the right equipment.
The Ford Laser 2001 prices range from $1,760 for the basic trim level Hatchback GLXi to $4,070 for the top of the range Hatchback SR2.