1989 Merkur Scorpio 2.9 V6 from North America

Summary:

These cars are no-longer in production so parts can be a problem, see www.merkurencyclopedia.com

Faults:

Transmission rebuild at 147,000.

General Comments:

Steering feels like a big German car, firm and direct. Suspension is a mix of German precision and American comfort. A true long distance cruiser!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th January, 2002

2nd Dec 2003, 14:05

The Merkur Scorpio is an exceptional piece of luxury and comfort! Also sleek and sporty. The car is fast and suspension is great. When you drive this car everybody turns their head to look at the UDO (Unidentified Driving Object) The technology for an eighties model vehicle is one of its kind! I loved my 1988 Mercury Merkur Scorpio! I would drive a Scorpio over any car in the world!

7th Nov 2006, 02:21

Just bought an 89 Scorpio today, have never heard of one before yesterday. went to look at it and it was love at first site, told em that it is sold before I even got in it. cant get over how nice this car is.

1988 Merkur Scorpio 2.9 Liter V6 from North America

Summary:

A great way to waste a lot of money

Faults:

Transmission replaced 4 times in one year at a cost of over $2000 each time.

Locks kept locking and unlocking randomly.

Battery constantly died.

Radiator leaked.

Electrical system failure.

Air conditioning stopped working.

Rear seats stopped working.

Lights burned out.

Cigar lighters didn't work.

Tires would not stay inflated even after being replaced several times.

Engine leaked oil from the valve cover gasket.

Transmission leak even after repair.

Exhaust system had to be replaced (fell off).

Axles failed (all of them) and had to be replaced at a cost of over $1500 per axle.

Switches in the car did not work.

Fog lights destroyed due to their position on car making them vulnerable to rocks.

Cost of replacement: $200 each.

General Comments:

I wouldn't trust driving a Merkur anywhere.

Cost of ownership is approximately $10 per mile.

If you want to own one then you MUST have another vehicle to drive as this one will leave you stranded every chance it gets.

Not a car for the poor as it will cost you a fortune to just keep it running.

On the plus side, if it runs, then it can do 140mph without any problem even with over 100 thousand miles on the engine.

Zero to 60 is not impressive at about 8 to 10 seconds.

Comfort wise you won't find anything anywhere near as comfortable.

Looks wise it looks like a more refined Taurus.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th March, 2001

10th Jan 2002, 15:45

I am surprised the car was so bad, in Europe and in the U.K. where I live, this car was the Ford Granada Scorpio and I have had two. I love `em and have had no more problems than I have had with any other car. The biggest problem over here was the image, even though it was better equipped and roomier than most BMWs and Mercs, it never did well as an executive car.