1985 Merkur XR4Ti review from North America
"Fortunate for me I have one where most will never get to try one"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Original T5 transmission let me down again. Replaced with T5 trany from 88
5.0 mustang using Rapido kit. Now has driveline vibration. Vibration found to
be at the adaptor plate between the differential and the drive shaft.
Mild cracks in dash.
Radio present buttons failing.
Leather interior drying. Front passenger seat splitting at seams.
Head replaced at 130k km due to cracking in exhaust seats and ports.
Under body fuel pump replaced.
Minor wire harness failure.
Air vane problems.
Exhaust manifold replaced under warranty.
Power antenna replaced under warranty.
Replaced stabilizer bushings with urethane bushings.
Toyo's in the corners were a big mistake.
General comments?
I don't drive the car in the winter so the "winter time blues" set in early. I've enjoyed the car for 17 of its 20 years. Nothing seems to compare. Outside of repairs to maintain the car I have only applied two upgrades.
The strong T5 transmission with its gear ratios were just the ticket. The taller first gear and closer 2nd 3rd and 4th improved the "off the line" acceleration. The car really shines on the freeway. When properly maintained it is a 5 litre beater. Where most cars don't pull so hard above 55 mph these things are just beginning to open up. With the very tall 5th ratio my gas mileage has dramaticlly improved.
The 2nd upgrade is the urethane bushings. These are a "must do" to stop the unwanted steering caused by cross winds. In factory form these cars are detuned race cars to provide a ride that might be appealing to some buyers. Still in the factory form the handling and control of the car is phenomenal. Pull the wheel, the body rolls, but hold on because it will do it.
The seats are amazingly comfortable. Suffering minor back problems, I can drive for several hours and feel like I have new legs when I arrive at my destination.
After 20 years the car still looks great. I still notice, through my rear view mirror, people looking at the badging querying over the name.
Pieces of Clarion, Infinity and Bazooka have made their home in my car, taking the pleasure to new heights.
I love this car. Still original hoses and radiator. I don't notice the weak heater due to being a seasonal driver.
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  | The car from the deepest, darkest bowels of hell |
| 1986 - XR4Ti 2.3 turbo (petrol) Rare '80's German road rocket |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 48000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 158900 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 22nd November, 2005 |