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.
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!
Hey man... i just learned how sucky these cars are in snow/ice...did a 360 the other night and came 5 inches away from hitting a concrete wall...lucky! as for your comment on rolling too much... this is a notorious ford problem, every ford I've been in tips way too much at turns...AJ.
They must have Americanized the XR4ti if it rolls too much in turns. I bet the German version handles just fine.
Although I don't own one, I would not think the xr4ti would be exceptionally good on snow and ice, as I believe they have RWD and a traction lock rear end. If you break traction, you do it with both wheels and the rear end starts to fishtail.
Not all Fords roll excessively in corners. I have one of the early Taurus SHOs and it is dead flat in corners. I would considering trying to figure out how to lower the xr4ti and put in heavier anti-roll bars. (Glad to know this because I am looking at buying an xr4ti right now).
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