1985 Merkur XR4Ti 2.3 turbo from North America

Summary:

This car performs great in every catagory

Faults:

I needed a new radiator.

The heat doesn't work all that good.

General Comments:

This car will handle a curve like no other.

It is very fast so if you want a import above all this is it.

It has been a very dependable car for me and I would never trade it for anything.

The interior is very up to date and the seats are amazingly comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st March, 2005

1985 Merkur XR4Ti 2.3 liter turbo from North America

Summary:

Great driver between trips to the shop

Faults:

Radio broken when delivered, first replacement didn't work either.

Windshield cracked when offered for delivery.

Speedometer cable seized.

Windshield wipers came loose.

Ignition Module failed.

Turbo blew out.

Heater fan failed (3 times)

Brake rotors warped (5 times)

Power Antenna failed (5 times)

Original wheels warped.

General Comments:

This car was a blast to drive when it wasn't in the shop. Great neutral handing and a nice amount of room for a coupe. Turbo lag yes, but boy did it reward you.

Ford changed several major systems from the European Sierra. Virtually every one failed. Other components were simply not designed for U.S. winters, such as the heater and the rear window washer.

The average Lincoln-Mercury dealer didn't understand the car nor the audience.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th March, 2003

23rd Dec 2004, 08:23

Ford built theses cars? I always wondered who built these cool cars!

20th Nov 2006, 13:24

To compare this car with a BMW is moot. There is no comparison. Two totally different machines. Yes the cost is considerable in the upper end model BMW's, but you get what you pay for. If you buy a Merkur plan on it being in the shop frequently.

1985 Merkur XR4Ti 2.3L turbo from North America

Summary:

Best car to own if you like speed and handling

Faults:

When I got the car it had a blown head gasket, carbon deposits at the valves, blown radiator, bad hoses, shot rear suspension and a worn clutch.

General Comments:

This car (in-spite all the things it needed) is the best car I have ever had the privilege or driving.

The car handles like it's on tracks, you really need to try to get the backend loose in a corner!

The car is sometimes a pain to find parts for, but when she's running good; no other car compares to the XR4Ti!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2001

1985 Merkur XR4Ti 2.3 turbo from North America

Summary:

Nice high performance deal

Faults:

Had the turbo rebuilt as well as the ignition module and timing.

General Comments:

This car is reliable, powerful and quick in a nice package of luxury and comfort. A navigation computer that rivals those of the modern cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2001

1985 Merkur XR4Ti 2.3 liter turbo from North America

Summary:

Best car that has ever been offered for sale in America!

Faults:

Replaced brake rotors.

Replaced all brake pads.

Replaced over boost sensor.

Replaced shocks.

General Comments:

Car handled by thought control.

Fastest, best handling car I have owned.

Only thing I have driven that beat it was a 5 Series BMW in Germany.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th January, 2001

1985 Merkur XR4Ti 2.3 litre turbo (gasoline) from North America

Summary:

German performance sedan

Faults:

Where do I start?

Replaced the following:

Water pump.

Rear differential.

Headlight switch.

Hatch lock.

Interior plastic pieces.

Alternator.

Turbo (2x).

Power steering unit.

Radiator.

Fan.

Timing belt.

Rebuilt head.

Heater control valve.

All new hoses and exhaust system.

These are just the things that I can think of off-hand.

General Comments:

When the car runs it is great. Power comes on very quickly for a turbocharged vehicle, and passing is not a problem.

These cars come as standard with many 'extra' features like power windows, heated seats, and sunroofs as pretty much standard equipment.

Finding parts is becoming increasingly hard, which makes repairing difficult.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th September, 2000

10th May 2001, 13:13

My husband and I love our Merkur which now has 199,940 miles on the clock. This is with the original turbo!! Have had to do a few things to it and don't know why it sometimes hesitates... despite this...we love it!