1991 Mercury Tracer LST 1.8L DOHC

Summary:

Small, but solid

Faults:

Solenoid went bad, had to replace because my car wouldn't start without a new one.

An interior light went out.

Headlight plastic terrible, one went out.

Automatic transmission does some weird stuff if its cold.

Gas gauge is very unreliable, but at least it tells me when I'm on close to low.

Gas tank leaks into under the back seat if I fill up the tank, had to reseal.

Sway bar bearings went bad, replaced. Helped it out a ton!

Engine idles really rough, putting it in neutral at stoplights fixes this.

General Comments:

Other than these minor problems, it will get you from point A to B pretty reliably. The engine, although small, is actually pretty quick and can give some pretty decent torque at about 3000 RPM. The Tracer also has many sporty touches like a n almost pro suspension, 4 wheel disk brakes, and the seats are meant for comfortable cornering.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 2005

1991 Mercury Tracer LTS 1.8L DOHC

Summary:

The mileage and lack of major repairs speak for itself

Faults:

Driver seat worn badly.

Exhaust manifold leaks.

Transmission fluid line rusted through recently.

Gas gauge no longer works.

Floor-mounted shifter is sometimes "touchy" and slips out of drive.

Instrument panel light bulbs burnt out.

General Comments:

I bought this car for $300 and it has a lot of miles (155,000) and the engine still runs good and the transmission still shifts good. No major repairs on either of these. Small things are starting to go wrong, mostly due to rust thanks to Michigan winters. It is a quick little car with the DOHC engine. I could run faster than the 1.9L on the base model car. It has been a great car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2004

1991 Mercury Tracer LTS

Summary:

Cheap Buy and Maintenance

Faults:

The gas gage stopped working about a year after I purchased the car. It permanently reads that I have a full tank.

The roof leaks near the windshield and the fabric sags.

The body has started to rust and the paint has started to fade. The hood is the worst with a paint-less spot in the middle.

The check coolant light occasionally goes on for no apparent reason.

The power windows have started to go. The driver's side window makes a terrible popping sound when operated.

General Comments:

Overall this car has pulled through and been a champ. My Tracer has never let me down.

I have spent money on general maintenance, but otherwise no major problems.

It is slowly deteriorating, but it has had a good life and served me well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th June, 2004

1991 Mercury Tracer Wagon 1.9L

Summary:

Take reasonable care of it and it will take care of you

Faults:

Alternator replaced at 95,000.

Air Conditioner leaks periodically-needs freon refills.

Odd size tires.

Heat is a bit weak for cold climates.

General Comments:

Great, reliable car.

Excellent choice for students if you can find one with <100,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2003

1991 Mercury Tracer LTS 1.8 Liter

Summary:

A really dependable car for the money

Faults:

I recently had to replace my timing belt. It was a reasonable price.

My emergency brake doesn't work. The cable has been tightened, but that didn't help. The calibur is stuck.

I have to refill the air contition with freon every two years.

The paint has oxidized some.

But other than that just general maintenance is all I have done.

The car is comfortable and gets great gas mileage. I won't give it up for anything. It has been the most dependable car I have ever owned.

General Comments:

The car runs like a brand new one. It never hesitates to start even in the coldest weather. It handles great. I have really gotten my money's worth from this car. It has a sunroof and power windows and doors. I love my little mean machine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th August, 2002