1989 Mercury Topaz GS review from North America

The A/C has not worked since year one.

The power locks do not work. I think there is corrosion in the switches.

The stereo LCD lights don't light! I don't know what station I'm on until they tell me.

The cigarette lighter is broken.

There are many dash lights out, including half of the speedometer display.

There is rust all over, including some minor perforations at the bottom of the doors, front of the hood, and the lip of the trunk.

The ball joints need replacing.

It really needs tune up; it will stall unless you keep your foot on the gas.

There is a strong fuel smell inside the car at startup.

I had the handbrake cable cut (as it was always seizing up).

Terrible gas mileage.

Locks and hinges are starting to go. The little metal "covers" that you push aside with your key have disappeared!

The cooling system is flaky. The car tends to overheat and the temperature needle moves up and down and up and down. The cooling problem has defeated all of my mechanics.

The windshield is cracked, not from stones, but I think from some kind of twisting.

Some water comes in on passenger side and trunk during heavy rains.

Something is leaking out of the bottom.

I have replaced the battery, alternator twice, starter, radiator, and of course brakes. The front end suspension cost about $1000 to repair soon after getting it.

Water likes to gather behind the headlight lenses and splash onto the halogens, causing them to shatter. I drilled small holes in the lenses to help drain the water, but that accelerated the "yellowing process".

And now finally, the transmission and mounts are shot. $1100.00 to repair.

So why do I rate this car so favourably? First of all, I got it from my mother... and any car that can survive that experience must be built well.

Most of the repairs have occurred over the last 18 months. Overall, it's been a very good and reliable (and forgiving) car. And check out that mileage! This car will live on as a parts car, since most of the parts are now new...