1991 Mercury Capri XR2 1.6 turbo

Summary:

At current prices the Mercury Capri is an excellent buy

Faults:

Headlight switch was replaced. The common fault with high operating temperature and low oil pressure is a minor concern considering that Ford had this problem with it's gauges from the very beginning. We have learned to live with the faulty gauges and enjoy the car for what it's was intended to be, an inexpensive, short distance fun automobile. Parts are getting hard to find, but with a little determination we have found what we have needed.

General Comments:

This car is fun to drive because it is quick for a 1.6 engine and well mannered for casual driving. My wife loves her little convertible and I enjoy driving it as much as my Honda Goldwing, especially when I don't want to wear a helmet. Gas mileage is great for the performance it has.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2002

1991 Mercury Capri 1.6 non-turbo

Faults:

My clutch. It was the original so it's about 11 year old. It really dogged my car, because I race it all the time.

My seats are starting to wear.

I replaced an air filter, there was nothing wrong with the other one, I just wanted to get some performance out of my Capri, so I put a K&N filter on it.

My oil gauge would always read low, so I replaced it. It only cost about 40 dollars.

General Comments:

This is a car you really have to work with if you want it fast. The intake and exhaust are the best things you can do it a non-turbo Capri.

The seats are very comfortable.

The car is very small, so it's hard to put four people in it.

The back seat is tiny too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th December, 2001

1991 Mercury Capri 1.6

Summary:

Fun and cost effective

Faults:

The top leaks in heavy rain.

Air conditioner compressor switch is faulty. You have to hold the button in to get the compressor to kick in to cool the car. Only added freon once in 10+ years. I seldom use A/C, because I prefer to put the top down.

Driver's side window failed after 3 years.

The oxygen sensor failed after 2 years, but no failures since. This is the only time I've been stuck on the side of the road.

After more than 10 years of ownership, the cloth seats are only now showing some wear.

About to replace the top for the 3rd time.

Not a quiet car. It rattles and always has.

It doesn't like excess moisture... high humidity or a heavy splash from a big puddle will cause the engine to sputter until it dries out.

General Comments:

Got my first tune up at 70K miles. Never needed one until then.

Original clutch. So you can assume that I've not run it very hard.

After more than 10 years of ownership, I've only had it in the shop 3 times.

I'll be driving my Capri for many more years. Unfortunately, when gear shift bushings finally rotted out, I was not able to locate replacements. So, I had to use some plastic washers and plastic tubing. I couldn't find the parts. But, my ad hoc solution worked as good as the original parts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd October, 2001

10th Nov 2002, 23:07

Just bought a '91 Capri in excellant condition! What a fun and practical car! All problems are small and insignificant for 109,000 miles. I think most owners will be well advised to perform regular required maintenances themselves and find aftermarket parts. What a gem to drive!

1991 Mercury Capri XR2 1.6 turbo

Summary:

A car that catches people's eye when it blows past them

Faults:

The alternator blew 3 times.

Inside door handles cracked.

The top ripped.

Radiator cracked.

C V joints replaced.

Spindle kit replaced.

Ball joint broke.

General Comments:

This car is peppy and with some work it can be fast. However it rides rough like most roadsters.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2001

1991 Mercury Capri STD 1.6

Summary:

A sexy little secret

Faults:

I have had no mechanical problems at all.

Seats are badly worn and continue to wear at an alarming rate.

General Comments:

The car is a head-turner.

Its styling is great and its general performance are superior.

I wish it had the manual transmission; I may replace it some day.

OEM parts are relatively easy to find, but a little expensive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th August, 2001