1989 Mercury Tracer GS from North America - Comments

Relay switch replaced.

Inside window roller broke off and got replaced.

Heater core replaced at a very expensive price.

Steering column got loose.

Sunroof gasket rotted out.

Multiple engine gaskets replaced.

Whole exhaust replaced.

Bad fuel injector giving it bad gas mileage but I fixed it because I can't get bad mpg because of gas price issues.

This car needed all these repairs only because of its age. They were cheap to fix because I did it all myself. I only had to pay for parts.

This car never broke down on me and it always starts right up and ready to go.

I love how it handles. The way the Rack and pinion steering was made makes this car real fun to drive.

At 19 years old with 250,000 miles it gets over 35mpg which is just as fascinating as the way outside paint still holds up.

The inside is a little tight along with no cup holders and a very small ashtray which is bad for a heavy smoker like me. It also has way too many inside lights.

Its great that this car has a sunroof but a pain in the butt to deal with and despite of sealing it, it will leak anyway when it rains.

I know from the bottom of my heart that this car will give me another 100,000 miles.

This has been the only vehicle that I ever let anyone else drive without having to remind of any problems.

I'm never going to get rid of this one. If it ever gives me very serious problems then I will just put the money down to fix it. It would probably cost the same as a new car down payment anyway. I don't like the new cars they don't make them as well as they did 20 years ago.

Hi - that was a great post. I agree it is a great vehicle, but it is only a great vehicle because the 1988 and 1989 Mercury Tracers were made by Mazda, not Mercury/Ford. They were just badged Mercury. Your vehicle is basically the same thing as a Mazda 323 (just with a nicer interior). Happy Motoring... Harris.

Greetings! I am a true Mercury Tracer lover. I currently own a 89 Mercury Tracer for the past 17 years without fail. It has been paid for ten times over. I lived in Europe for over fifteen years and had my Tracer shipped stateside and with today's gas prices. I must say, I'm glad I made that decision. The only serious repairs was replacing a head gasket. Lastly I must say. it's worst keeping.

Thanks.

Mercury lover.

Well... I was so happy with my 1988 Mazda 323... I found on craigslist a 1989 Mercury Tracer with 22,126 miles on it. That's right, 22,126 miles on it for only $1200.00!!

I immediately did a major tune up, replaced the timing belt, water pump, drive belts, cam and crank seal, valve cover gasket, thermostat, radiator and both radiator hoses as well as a new battery, front and rear brakes as well as rotors and drums, coolant replacement as well as oil flush and transmission tune up. Will replace the front and rear struts and all four strut mounts next week. They are the originals.

Vehicle rides like an absolute dream. Shifts perfect and sound great.

Amazingly, the vehicle had not been used and just sat since November 2001. I am seriously hoping this vehicle can last me another 20 years!

Found one thing odd... Vehicle has cruise control and power mirrors, but no power locks or windows. Was this an option in 1989? Soon I will be posting a website of both my vehicles side by side since they are basically cousins. (A 1989 mercury tracer IS a Mazda 323 just rebadged).

Will post pics soon on the Internet... Ciao!

Just a follow up to the link above, you can check out my 1988 Mazda 323 and my 1989 Mercury Tracer on cardomain.com. The name associated with both vehicles is "sexyrosita." Thanks and I hope you enjoy the pics on both cars!