1998 Mercury Mystique GS review from North America

Front brakes wobble lightly on hard braking, but operate at an acceptable level.

Some of the power windows don't operate from the driver's master switch, but all work with their own corresponding switch.

Power mirror switch does not operate the mirrors.

Some dash lamps are out.

Trunk doesn't pop up using remote latch or key. Must be physically lifted after being unlatched.

Fan works using air conditioner, but air conditioner itself doesn't work.

Power steering pump is covered in oil.

Lower timing belt idler catastrophically failed at 265,000km, so one cam skipped a tooth. I just replaced the timing belt and its 3 idlers, the spark plugs, the valve cover gaskets and serpentine belt for $C320 parts and did it myself. It would have been over a grand at a dealer - but beware - with the variable timing exhaust cam, this operation is a bear! and not for the faint of heart.

Check engine light was coming on intermittently before above maintenance, but went off upon startup - runs good now! Still have to adjust low idle speed after this overhaul.

Engine speed increases on its own after hard acceleration. (What is the specific problem here, as I have seen this pop up in other's reviews frequently? "Solenoid" or "transmission" isn't a part - it is a general statement - I want to be able to fix it!!) Please reply on this to: ProtectedBySmithAndWesson@hotmail.com with "Mercury" in the subject line. (Thanks)

I consider most of the above as general maintenance items. If you had 165,000 miles on you - you wouldn't look or perform half as good as this car!!

I can deal with the air conditioning compressor not working and will find out soon why it is not working. (Probably just worn out at this point)

Ditto with the power steering pump - it works fine and is quiet, so if it works, don't fix it!!

I have a new mirror and window switch, but still have to install them. Will also get new bulbs in dash before long.

Overall, we love this car! It is my son's first, but for what we paid for it it looks and handles well, has plenty of jam for a 4 cylinder and gets great gas mileage and is comfortable to drive! What more could you ask for in an econo-car? No rust, no paint problems. I have driven lots of different cars, and I would own more of these; but looking at other people's reviews, I would want to know the history of the car.