2000 Mercury Mystique GS from North America - Comments

Replaced timing belt at 77,362 miles.

Oil dip stick plastic handle broke off; had to have dealership repair at 113,891 miles.

Had RMGF drive shafts installed at 92,291 miles.

Replaced vacuum. Hose was causing RPM's to fluctuate.

Resurfaced brake rotor and replaced brake pads.

Replaced speed sensor.

Replaced ring sensor.

Replaced serpentine belt at 125,554 miles.

Replaced alternator and belt tensioner.

Replaced MAF air sensor.

Car was sputtering; replaced PCV tube.

Had transmission serviced; replaced filter and fluid.

If car stalls, check and replace pre-filter in the air filter housing and air filter.

Replaced rear brake drums and hardware.

Replaced cooling fan resistor assembly, car was overheating; done at 156,955 miles.

Replace timing belt again.

Dealership performed extensive diagnoses and gave me a list of 12 items that were their concern with a price tag of 2,500 dollars. I found that my problems was electrical and due to a bad connector, which I repaired my self.

Had head gasket replaced and tune-up the car.

Replaced the dip stick for a second time due to plastic handle breaking.

Replaced engine thermostat due to engine running unusually cool.

Had dealership repair the (VCT) variable cam timing control system that enhance engine performance. Recommend that only the dealership do the work because the technology is not widely known. Cost me 1,383.00 to have done. Note. use oil filter FL-2005 because this filter has an internal check valve that keeps the exhaust valves closed when the engine is off. This will prevent any hard start, over fueling or flooding conditions on initial start up.

Had Dealership repair fuel system found that the fuel pump had shorted out so the fuel pump, sending unit, fuel filter, and controls had to be replaced to the tune of 739.41.

Car started running running rough; did a tune up replaced PCV valve, spark plugs, and wires; still ran rough, did a tune up, replaced PCV valve, spark plugs, and wires; still ran rough, found the ECH Ignition coil was bad. Purchase at NAPA for 91.29.

October 2007; car overheated, found that Water Outlet valve cover that the upper radiator hose goes over nipple deteriorated the hose, replaced the entire housing and cover. Had a hard time finding the proper cover because the cover for my housing is what is used on the Mercury Marquis.

Just recently found that catalytic converter is bad and will have MIDAS make the repairs to the tune of 728.00 dollars, and will have it done mid October.

Today (Oct-14-07) I was changing the oil after replacing water valve and saw that a control arm was dangling, from the rack and pinion arm on the passenger side.

The dash board curling up was a recall issue that Ford issued, but so many people were getting their cars repaired and it was my only mode of transportation, so I could not leave the car at the dealership for repairs, and I missed out on the repair. The recall had a time limit, which I feel is crazy if you own the vehicle and your dash board curls up. Fix it right Ford.

Paul E. Sloss

Nashville, TN.

When the car is operating in good mechanical condition, it rides very well. The 4 cylinder engine has great power and is very responsive to the driver.

Being from Australia, my knowledge of Mercury cars is limited (higher-spec Fords, aren't they?) but from what I can tell, most of the stuff you've listed here looks like fair wear & tear/general maintenance, and shouldn't be listed as things that have gone wrong (as you've still managed to put considerable mileage on it).

Being from Australia you obviously never owned one of these junk mobiles Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique. These cars are knows to fail and are infamous for their subpar transmissions and water pumps that go out ever 5 months. Please research this site for Ford Contours and you will see what I mean. I made the mistake of owning one and never again will I buy from FORD.

To the bloke from Australia: yes, indeed, the Mercury Mystique is the same as the Ford Contour or the Ford Mondeo. It matters where they were built though. The European Mondeos seem to do better than the Mexican built Contour/ Mystique models.

To the reviewer: If you do that many miles you might get away at a lower expense buying a used Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis instead of the compact Mystique. The fuel expense may be higher, but the repair expense should be much lower.

My wife purchased a 2000 Mercury Mystique about 2 years ago and the only problem we have had with it is the alternator went out because we had a bad battery and it caused the car's only other electrical energy source (the alternator) to be over taxed and go out. It had 128000 miles on it when bought and now has 168000 on it. We only have had to put on 1 alternator, 1 battery (both at the same time), and 1 set of tires. If you had this many problems you obviously bought a lemon from someone who couldn't drive. Also, check with different mechanics because it sounds like the one you have now loves your business and is probably putting his kids through college on your tab, not that uncommon for somebody to say it is a sensor problem because you can't look at them and tell if they're broke or not. All I'm saying is to the man from Australia is that the Mystique is a good car if maintained. Also, this thing is fast! We have the v6 twin cam and maybe that is another difference or reason why maintenance has been different. A friend of mine got a real good deal from a man on a Contour and the thing lasted about 6 months and cost them $5000.00. But, it was ragged from the start and he wasn't mechanically gifted to look at these problems and recognize them when he bought it.

I own a 2000 Mercury Mystique GS.

I have had some similar problems, the dashboard curling up, the timing belt going out, all that stuff.

But the car also does have 105,000 miles on it.

Overall this car has been great to me, it handles really well and for a 4 cylinder it has amazing pickup.

Overall, I love my car, it all depends on how it was maintained I guess.

I bought my 2000 Mystique in June 2006, it had 66,000 miles on it. All went well until June of this year. I put on one timing belt (had only put on 14,000 miles in 2 years). Went back a week later and told the mechanic it didn't sound right. He listened to it, said it was a motor mount or the catalytic converter and said I may have to live with the noise for the rest of the car ownership; guaranteed me it was mechanically sound. Drove 170 miles and it started to surge. Limped home 35 miles with the service engine light on. Mechanic diagnosed and put in a camshaft sensor. Drove 75 miles and it surged again. Had it towed at a cost of $280. Mechanic said the instructions for the first timing belt did not incorporate a certain pulley; put on another. Now the tachometer is erratic, it looks like the engine is running hard at the time of the transmission moving into a higher gear, and the tach needle falls when that happens. I'm a single 54 year-old woman with limited income. I still owe $2500 on this car and am just sick. My family is 100 miles away (200 miles round trip) and now I have to borrow a car. I need to pay it off and get rid of this headache. This just makes me sick!!

Problems I've had with 1998 Mercury Mystique GS 2.0 4 cylinder.

* Speed sensor on transmission went bad 40K+ miles $200

* Engine Thermostat gauge is broken

* ABS light constantly on

* Rear trunk light silicone / rubber seal is faulty allowing water to leak into light housing / trunk (Minor leaking)

* During strong rainstorms I've hit a decent sized puddle and lost all power steering with electrical power being low for a few seconds till the alternator pulley gets grip

*Cigarette lighter does not work.

However, those are just things I'm not to worried about.

Recently I was at a stop light, and my Mercury started sputtering with the "check engine light" coming on. What was happening was my RPMs at idle normally averaging 1000 RPMs was not idling at a consistent RPM level.

It would go up an down with the engine sputtering (did not sound like any misfire), but the RPM would go from 1000 to 700 to 500, then back up to 700 or 1000. And while I revved it to 2000 RPMs I could hear a light screeching sound.

Some tell me it might be:

* Timing being off

* Timing belt being broken or jumped

* Full injector.

But I've not brought it into a mechanic just yet.

The car only has 65K miles on it, and has been well taken care of as it's only been sold to me through a family member.

If any one could give some insight as to what might be the issue, please email me at Dalexa05@aol.com or through www.myspace.com/davidhomespace

Thanks; I just hope this is not a busted timing belt.

You absolutely cannot generalize a product in regards to quality from a few bad instances, especially with used cars. A $100,000 mercedes will also fall apart quickly if you don't maintain it. I have a 2000 mystique 4cyl that I purchased with 65,000 miles on it... It is now running great with 160,000 on the clock and I have NEVER done anything to it except change the oil, brake pads, and tires. I change the oil every 10,000 miles with mobil 1 and she runs like a champ. I also pull a boat trailer (1500lbs) with it once a week. I have absolutely no complaints about the car except im wearing a hole in the driver side carpet!

I have a 1998 Mercury Mistake. It has a 2.0 Zetec automatic. Dual over head variable cam. 88000 miles.

The whole cam sensor wiring harness has dry rotted, and become brittle. My personal mechanic tried to cut back the wiring and replace it. I found out they had a recall on this, but that my car was not involved in the recall. This problem causes the car to stall, and jerk all down the road (whiplash).

I called to get the price for a new wiring harness. they quoted me $1700.00, the car is not even worth $2500.00 according to KBB.

I had the center O2 sensor replaced.

New tires after the FR spring cut the tire (also a recall).

I researched all the recalls on this vehicle and called Ford to see if these items were replaced. OF COURSE they said yes. I then called the corporate office to ask them about the recalls, and they informed me my car does/did not fall under the certain recalls I am having trouble with.

While on the phone with the corporate office, they informed me that people having problems should contact their local dealers and take their cars in to have it noted in the computers of complains (be sure to get a case #). They said if enough complaints come in, they will issue recalls.

I have wanted to post a comment for some time, letting everyone know there are Mystiques out there which are almost maintenance free (thus far). Mine! It's a 1996.

OK, some weird stuff, like all the rear lenses filling with water like mini fish tanks. Lovely - I open the trunk and the escaping water is aimed to splash inside the trunk.

An overdrive light which goes on for no apparent reason. I feel no difference at high speeds. The RPMs stay the same, while it flashes in my eyes.

The cup holder, should I mention? Flimsier than my Chinese Food take out container. Same with the air vent direction fins, a switch or two is out.

The headlights are pretty lame. They need upgrading to halogen.

But overall I get a great nimble ride, high gas mileage, good pickup, responsive transmission, if you know how to work with it, and comfort.

The transmission is finicky, and it's best to let off just as you anticipate the next shift.

The Zetec is a good motor. I occasionally flush the fluids, and change the oil every 3000 miles.

Great car! I bought it at 93,000 miles, and it's about 140,000 now. The only work was a timing belt, which broke in a very inconvenient place, since had never been changed. At that moment I thought what I mistake driving this thing!! But after the replacement, and I tenuously started driving again, I quickly came to love my Mercury again. I wish everyone luck.

I just purchased a 1998 Mercury Mystique sport with 112k. It was running low on power (on hills) and took it in to get it checked out. A catalytic converter was replaced and a tune up was done. This solved the problem. The mechanic said that lack of maintenance was the cause of the problem. It had never had a tuneup! Anyone have any other suggestions as to why the cat would have to be replaced after only 2 years?