1988 Merkur Scorpio 2.9L V 6 from North America

Summary:

Excellent 2nd car if you have the funds and resources to properly maintain it

Faults:

I bought the car not aware of the VERY limited repair parts and services options, and with a LOT of major problems. That said, while I had the car;

* the climate control unit went bad

* the guibo and universal joints went bad

* The gas gauge stopped working

* The speedometer malfunctioned.

General Comments:

Even with all the problems I inherited with the car (none of the power windows worked, the power fuel door release didn't work, the rear seats refused to recline, the front seat lumbar supports refused to inflate, and the radio was non-functional, I loved the car.

*It's the ultimate sleeper. Looks like a Ford Taurus and drives like an F1 Rally car

*It's extremely comfortable (made a 3500 mile trip in it with a bad back and my back didn't let out a single complaint).

*Nothing like the looks you get when that mustang 5.0 starts to fall behind on the freeway heheh.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2005

28th May 2005, 11:31

The problems you have had are fair wear and tear on a high mileage, 14 year old car.

2nd Jun 2005, 04:35

I agree, and would only discourage the purchase of these vehicles to people of limited income :) I wished I owned a fleet of them. I love the cars even with all the problems I listed in the original post.

11th Aug 2010, 22:17

I owned an '88 Scorpio that I bought in '89 used with 17000 miles on it. It was a beautiful exterior design. It was a great highway car, refined, but oh boy I never owned a car that failed in all the ways mentioned in the other posts. My speedo stopped working, heater/AC fan stopped, passenger side window switch or motor failed, rear wiper motor failed, transmission 4th gear quit working (that was the death knell. Parts and service were very expensive at the dealer.

I brought it to a LM dealer for radiator flush, they did not use distilled water, tap water caused the cooling system to gunk up afterwards. I think it had other problems but it's so long ago I can't recall them. I wish all collectors out there good luck.

1988 Merkur Scorpio 2.9 EFI V6 from North America

Summary:

It is one of the best cars I've ever driven

Faults:

Just the average interior problems you get with a car that is 17 years old. Front transmission pump seal went bad. Driveshaft began to become unbalanced and tore the driveshaft coupler.

General Comments:

This is my second Merkur Scorpio that I have owned. It's really nice to have a car that you won't see around everywhere you drive. It is one of the best cars I've ever driven. Very fast with very few modifications, great mileage, and a car you can drive for days straight without getting uncomfortable. Very roomy in the front and rear. It has great bolstered, fully-adjustable power seats. Very reliable car as long as you do the usual maintainance. Excellent German suspension made for the Audobahn. Has every option imaginable, even rear power seats. High-quality leather seats made by the same company who makes seats for Bentleys. A little hard to find parts though. With a little research you can find just about everything for it. I'm keeping this thing until it falls apart.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th April, 2005

1988 Merkur Scorpio from North America

Summary:

A BMW for 1/4 the price, with 1/4 the reliability

Faults:

Rear wheel wells surrounds have rotted out, Rusts behind rear bumper, Valve cover gaskets leak, Power window switches burnt out, Spoiler has warped due to corrosion around screws, tailgate likes to rattle on this car, CV joints need replacing, calipers wore out, radiator replaced, starter replaced, power steering pump leaked & was replaced, rack & pinion had to be replaced, front control arms had to be replaced, horrible AL4D auto transmission has failed over 4 times & still leaks, bent driveshaft, AC compressor failed, heater blower motor slow, needs replacing, bass control on stereo failed, dash cracked in several places, temperature gauge failed, idiot lights go on and off at will sometimes, trunk lights don't work, wheel center caps like to crack, mechanics have damaged this car on several occasions due to ignorance or pure incompetence.

General Comments:

Although I have written many "problems" with this car, compared to a BMW 540i it is still a great bargain considering the comfort level and incredible styling. The comfort of the seats still surpasses any car for its time and it still outdoes many brand new cars in this department. Although the labour on a Merkur will bankrupt you, the parts are not as expensive as for BMW, that's for sure. Performance is not great on this model (2.9L V-6), the car is quite heavy, but it gets exceptional mileage for its size. performance in a sedan you can find. TONS of cargo room and leg room in the back seat is great, your passengers will love riding in this car, provided it is moving and not making some upsetting noise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th January, 2005