1989 Mercury Grand Marquis LS review from North America

At 95628 miles, I had to replace the left front freeze plug. It cost $237 total.

At 96108 miles, the fuel gage stopped working due to a defective sending unit. Estimate to repair was at least $250. I have not had this replaced yet.

At 105888 miles, the ignition coil overheated and melted the wire harness, shorting the coil and blowing the ignition module and distributor pickup. With extensive labor (they checked the whole electrical system), total cost came to $563.

At 105933 miles (just after I had the ignition repaired) the water pump went out. Repair cost $203.

At 106281 miles, the power steering pump failed. Replaced for $20 (part from salvage yard and local repair shop labor was $37) for total price of $57.

At 107121 miles, the power steering hoses both failed suddenly and at the same time, and the pump drained at interstate speed, burning out the pump bearings. Upon inspection, I found a leaking bypass hose and a leaking heater hose, repaired both, total cost this time $311.

At 108331 miles, the front passenger door lock failed (completely inoperable even with key) and the next day, the left rear window motor quit. Still not fixed.

At 109100 miles, the fan clutch failed and caused overheating. Replaced fan clutch and thermostat, and flushed cooling system. Total cost $249

At 109346 miles, the alternator seized up while I was on a trip, it broke the belt. Towing and repair was $191.

At 110664 miles, the air conditioner compressor return line split, had it converted to R134a, total $1140.

At 113522 miles (today), the radiator sprung a leak. Replaced with a used radiator for $50 and on the way home, one of the transmission cooler lines ruptured, which disabled the entire transmission. Still unclear if the transmission is permanently damaged. Will find out tomorrow.

These leaks have always existed since I bought the car and I have had the car in the shop seven different times just for these leaks, and most of them keep re-occurring: Both valve cover gaskets (oil), transmission gasket (replaced three times), coolant (freeze plugs, water pump, gaskets, thermostat, heater core, heater hoses, etc. I have just pretty much given up and adding oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid have become a daily ritual for me.

I have also gotten used to the constant burning-oil smell and underhood smoke while sitting in traffic.

Ride and comfort are top-notch.

Styling is clearly '80's, but by no means ugly.

Acceleration is quite respectable for a car this size that weighs nearly 3 tons.

Very comfortable power leather seats.

My only problem is reliability. I must have a lemon, because everyone I talk to says how reliable these cars are. I must say this car is by far the most unreliable car I have ever had. In fact, I don't know of anybody that's had as much trouble with their car. I have spent so much on this car that I could have bought a nearly-new one.

However, I still have it after more than a year and nearly 20,000 miles, so apparently the good outweighs the bad with this car.