1988 Mercury Topaz L 2.3L from North America

Summary:

Awesome first car, if you can find one in good shape

Faults:

I just bought my Topaz, but the thing is in amazing condition. It has very little rust on it and the little bit there is is around the bottom of the doors. It still looks great after all these years!

The A/C is gone, but that's OK, that's why they put windows in cars.

The only other real issue with it is that the fuel gauge doesn't work properly. It sits over full for about half a tank and then starts to drop fast. Usually it is time for a refill about the time the gauge shows 3/4 of a tank because it is actually around a 1/4 of a tank.

General Comments:

My Topaz is an amazing first car, easy on gas, good looking and not a fuel guzzler. It is 19 years old and I have about 225000 kms left on it so she should be around for a couple of years longer.

The steering can be difficult, but that mostly comes from the fact that I am used to power steering.

I am more than pleased with this car. It's a workhorse that can handle abuse all while looking good. Kudos to Ford for this one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th July, 2007

1988 Mercury Topaz GS 2.3 4 Cylinder from North America

Summary:

I love my little 67,000 mile Topaz!

Faults:

Nothing yet, I've only had the car for 2 days. One part does need to be fixed though, this I knew about upon buying the car, I'm not sure the part, but I know it has something to do with the steering.

I was told also when I bought it that something was wrong with the right directional, but that turned out to be a false statement.

This car is in good condition, aside from some small patches of surface rust, nothing I'd lose sleep over though.

General Comments:

Basically, I love my Mercury. Everything works on it, all the electronics (which surprised me because when I had an 89 Escort, the interior lights didn't work, nor did the clock), all the mechanical gadgets, and even the All Wheel Drive system works, however it has a sort of "clunk" sound when first engaged.

For $600, I believe I got a good deal on this car. With only 67,000 original miles, I know this car has a lot of life left. Once I touch up the spots on the body that are kind of rusty, it'll be great!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th December, 2003

30th Jan 2004, 09:04

I bought my 89 Topaz with standard transmission brand new in Chillwack, B.C. It is now 2004 and my Topaz has 252,000 Km on it. The secret to long life is regular maintenance and CHANGING THE OIL. I love this car although it looks abused. I have never put much effort in keeping it clean or worrying if it gets dents or scratches. Recently over the last couple of years, I have been putting an average of $1000 a year into it. Alternator, radiator, struts, belts, but it sure is a lot cheaper than buying new. The money I save on insurance would easily be more than that. I have not had a car payment since 1993 and loving it. This car could die tomorrow and it would not owe me a cent. My Son is turning 18 this year and moving away from home. I have promised him a car and decided to give him the Topaz. I sure am going to miss... that old car!!!

In reply to 30th Jan 2004, 09:04

27th Jan 2023, 20:34

I drive a 1988 Mercy Topaz.

It was bought as a 'beater' 17 years ago to fulfill an immediate need, but here I am in 2023; it has 330,000 miles on its original engine and I still love it.

The optional fwd & 4wd is a magnificent feature in an economical sedan!!

The biggest problem I've had is when I had an issue with the rear-differential after a badly done strut job. After I changed mechanics they had to find me a used replacement rear axle, which are not so common anymore, and rather pricey due to its rarity/age.

The fuel gauge issue and it not liking a cold start are something I've dealt with... and have to keep an eye on. It prefers a long warm-up on cold days, that's for sure.

We also had the stalling problem when we first got it that another commenter mentioned. It was stalling with vapor lock, and it ended up being a really cheap AND easy fix (a couple hundred dollars) and it has been a workhorse for us ever since.

I don't drive it across state anymore, but I was still making the occasional 600 mile (including crossing a mountain range) round trip in the '88 Topaz at 70mph up until a couple years ago.