1999 Mercury Villager Estate review from North America

Brakes have been a problem... changing for the 5th time... so six sets in 144,000 miles. To be fair we do travel at least 5k miles a year fully loaded and with a cargo carrier fully loaded... that is a lot of weight for the brakes to handle.

The front axles and boots were changed at approx. 125K, but that was expected and was also inexpensive compared to a lot of makes (esp. the foreign cars and I really love the Lexus and Volvo I also own).

The throttle body has had to be replaced once, but was under warranty and dealer told me really only needed cleaning, but since under warranty they changed it out. Still have had to clean it three other times... a 20-30 minute job that anybody can do with a screw driver and a can of spray carberator cleaner.

Has been hard on bulbs. Each of the headlights have been changed at least 4X. Brake lights not as often, but still more than any other vehicle I've owned.

The van is still a pleasure to drive even with the miles.

The handling is still tight and responsive for a van.

The seats (leather) show little wear even with a family of five.

Engine still is clean and uses no oil.

Transmission shifts like new and no problems.

Tires have worn well and only on 3rd set.

Looks are still great and it is hard to tell the van is 8 years old.