1993 Mercury Tracer review from North America
"An excellent economy wagon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The rear suspension springs broken at 80,000 miles. $500.
Front brake calipers had to be replaced at 110,000 miles. $500.
Water pump needed adjustment at about 90,000 miles. $200.
Two of the three instrument cluster illumination lights burned out. $150.
Faulty speed sensor frequently stuck the transmission in first gear at 100,000 miles. $150.
Significant loss of engine power solved by replacing ignition wires at 130,000 miles. $150.
Worn battery was replaced.
Ignition key lock worn at 130,000 miles, key can be removed with engine on, which blows the tail lights fuse.
General comments?
I'm generally very happy with this car's economy and reliability. Only the speed sensor problem was seriously crippling, otherwise the car has always started and run fine.
It was a station wagon for barely $12,000, and spending an additional $2-3000 in maintenance and repair over nine years and 140,000 miles seems very reasonable.
As it is, the car drives fine and usually gets 29mpg, with the occasional 31mpg on the highway.
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| A good secondhand car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1993 |
| First year of ownership | 1993 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 140000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 27th February, 2002 |