1997 Mercury Sable LS Wagon review from North America
"I plan to buy a fourth when this one dies"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Engine replaced with used unit at 60,000 due to undiagnosed over heating issue. Replaced with used unit from dealer (32,000 miles on used) $1850.
Rebuilt transmission at 134,000 $900.
Brakes as needed, rear discs need more attention.
Interior lights on mostly due to wet conditions.
General comments?
Very happy with Taurus/Sable line. This is my third one. Car is great on long drives, effortless cruising. The transmission is a known weak point and I would almost suggest budgeting for the job. Temp gauge on dash was not working correctly and a heating problem caused the engine to cook. I get 25 in town and 35 on the highway doing an avg speed of 75-80 mph. I am an aggressive driver and I love the Taurus/Sable line for their handling in corners. I have never found the limits of adhesion. Wagons get the uprated rear dics brakes and the whole braking system is better than any other car I have known. The car is a set and forget appliance. Change the oil, service the tranny every 30k and the car will run on and on.
Recommended reviews
| Good buy |
|
| Comfortable drivability, but ultimately another shoddy Ford product |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 Base Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 36000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 168000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Taurus |
| Date of Entry | 9th February, 2005 |