1992 Mercury Topaz GLS review from North America

Everything has gone wrong with this car.

At 45,000 miles the front CV joints went out.

At 55,000 the engine block cracked.

At 60,000 the whole front suspension fell out.

At 62,000 the radiator rusted out.

At 65,000 both the heads cracked.

At 70,000 the transmission died.

At 71,000 the shocks went out.

At 75,000 the heads cracked again.

At 76,000 the computer electronics had to be replaced.

At 80,000 the paint has almost totally peeled.

At 85,000 miles the alternator went.

This car is not reliable at all. The space under the hood around the 3.0 v6 is unbelievable. It is so small. You actually have to take the engine out to change the back spark plugs. There is about half an inch clearance between the engine and the frame by the serpentine belt. In order to take out the engine or transmission you have to take them both out at once. You cannot fit a timing light under the hood to set the timing. The manuals say that the timming in not user serviceable. This car is very unreliable and difficult to repair. I would not recommend ever buying one.