1997 Mercury Sable review from North America

In the short time I have owned this car I have discovered that:

1. The rear brake lights will not go on unless the hazard light switch is turned on. (The hazard lights do not work at all.)

2. The steering column started to make a rubbing noise. Turned out there are 3 things wrong with the steering column (joints, pins and something else) and will cost $1,200 total to get it all fixed!

3. Brake light went out suddenly.

I bought this car for my son's first car. I've read very good reviews about it and since this car only had 43,000 miles on it, I felt he would have many good, worry-free years with it.

The first problem was the brake light going out (while he was in line to take his driving test--so he had to postpone it). At 45,000 miles, that seems a bit early.

The problem with the hazard light switch operating the rear brake lights, but not the hazard lights (a $200 repair) is annoying.

But the real kicker is the steering wheel needing such intensive repairs. I've had many cars of a variety of brands lasting well over 80,000 miles (my current Honda has over 100,000 miles) and have never heard of this type of problem. And at only 44,000 miles??? It's going to cost $1000 to fix. Now I'm wondering if it's even worth it to repair this. What's going to break next?

Has anyone else had this type of problem with their Sable?