1988 Mercury Tracer review from North America

Struts and springs rusted badly

Fuel tank currently leaks

Radiator occasionally leaks

One fit of engine stalling

Wheel bearings went bad

Rusty exhaust system in the middle years.

My grandmother bought this car new and handed it down to me when I turned 16.

Some neglect and four years of rare use while I was in college took its toll, so in the last Minnesota winter I had to put $3000 into it to keep it from falling apart at the seams.

Overall, though, it's been a solid car.

Good fuel economy.

Fun to drive (fun like a dune buggy, not like a sports car).

It was once very reliable, and while frustrating at times, the little hatchback (with moving van-like trunk space) has charm and I'll hate to get rid of it, but I think the time has come.