1988 Merkur XR4Ti review from North America
"Happiness needn't cost much"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Water pump at about 30k miles.
Clutch at about 80k miles, and I'm easy on it.
Clutch pedal return spring, what a pain.
Ford's infamous ignition module, source of a class-action lawsuit they lost.
Starter at 110k miles.
Radiator hoses, which aren't cheap - $50 US for lower hose.
Dash electrics are buggy. Bulbs of controls/switches have dimmed or died, clock died, dash warning lights flicker on intermitantly.
General comments?
Pro: Acceleration -- whoosh! Kept up with a new BMW 3 series in straight line recently, though it killed me at a corner. Interior - superb. Accessories (power, heated seats, etc) - very nice. Oddness (in USA) - something I like. Shifter and clutch feel - very good.
Con: Handling not spectacular like other reviewers have said. I wonder what they are comparing it to. I find it rolls a bit much. I used to take my Alfa through the mountains at speeds I would never consider in the Merkur. Also - Rear drum brakes - boo! Car is awful in snow/ice. It's time for a different car for me, but sadly I can't think of anything affordable that will match my Merkur!
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| I wish I could buy a new one, today |
|
| If working properly will be an awesome little 4 banger! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 I4 turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 24000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 113000 miles |
| Previous car | Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV |
| Date of Entry | 24th July, 2002 |