Faults:

The car had broken back door locks which the dealer replaced.-The C.V.joint went out at 55,000 miles.-The 2 back power windows went out which made it feel like a sweat shop when the air conditioning died and would not hold freon as the leak was so huge. -The power steering leaked at under 100,000 miles.-The transmission began slipping and leaking while traveling and finally went to that transmission happy hunting ground in the sky.- The seal in the trunk leaked causing mold and assorted scientific experiments to grow in the Texas humidity.- The motor mounts were replaced 2 times.-The bearings in both front wheels were replaced 2 times.-The alternator went out. All this within 120,000 miles.- The car finally seized up and refused to go in gear and made delightful banging sounds when I put it in reverse.- The end of this lovely little story is I had to pay the junk yard guy $30 to haul her off.

General Comments:

The car was so comfortable and smooth driving down the road. It was a dream to travel in.-Very quick car and for some reason great on gas. I got 34 miles to the gallon.

Faults:

Starter went out at 151,000 miles.

Windshield Wiper Controls went out at 140,000.

Acceleration is getting worse and starting to hesitate.

Replaced the belts.

General Comments:

I bought this car from my best friends' mother at 105,000 miles for a mere 600 dollars so they could get it out of their driveway. Used it as a work car. Changed oil as needed and kept everything maintained and put nearly 50,000 miles on it in 3 years with only a mere $500 in repairs with labor. Would recommend this as a great work/school vehicle!

Faults:

Transmission is about out.

3.8 liter engine almost guarenteed to blow a head gasket.

General Comments:

I think the Mercury Sable is a great car for anyone, it is very comfortable and reliable if you take care of it. I think a lot of the transmission failures can be attributed to the owner. Here are some things you can do to prevent that 1. never leave the transmission in overdrive while around town, I never do, the torque of the 3.8 along with the consitent up shifts and downshifts between the gears will wear one out. 2. make sure you check for codes if the check engine light is on, the cars transmission is computer controlled, mine had some codes and the MLP and VSS sensors were out causing incorrect line pressure and there by clogged my trans filter and now are forcing me to buy another trans. I bought the car for $300 and love the car I just want to point out that all cars have problems, I've read plenty of reviews about Honda transmissions going out, but they never get a bad wrap like the sable even though their trans cost 3 times more to replace.