1989 Mercury Grand Marquis Station Wagon review from North America
"Without a doubt, the best car I have ever owned"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rebuilt transmission - 92,000.
Mounted heavy duty air shocks on rear - 96,000.
Replaced alternator - 105,000.
Replaced water pump - 197,000.
Replaced right rear axle - 252,000.
Replaced radiator - 285,000.
General comments?
This car lived it's first 92,000 miles climbing the hills of San Francisco, which tore the transmission out of it. I purchased it from the original owner for nearly nothing because of the bad transmission. With a re-built transmission I have proceeded to put 210,000 miles on it in the last five years. (I will have had this car 5 years in June 2004) It will have approximately 215,000 miles on it by then.
I drive from Seattle to San Francisco once or twice a month in it. Winter or summer the car just keeps going. Not only going, but it continues to average 22 mpg on the trip. Trip, after trip, after trip, after trip. I couldn't find a new car that can get that mileage and would be as comfortable to drive.
When I make the drive the rear seat is always down and the back is loaded to the roof with the equipment I need for my job. I am carrying between 2000 & 3000 pounds of equipment in the back.
With the air shocks I put on the back, this car carries the gear and still rides smooth as silk.
Since I got my first car in 1970 I have owned 12 cars and trucks. This is without a doubt, the most dependable, indestructible vehicle I have ever owned. I keep thinking I need to get a newer vehicle for this drive, but this wagon never lets me down.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 302 cubic inch V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 92000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 302000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan Maxima |
| Date of Entry | 8th February, 2004 |