Bought car from a mechanic; he installed new engine (from salvage yard).
In a span of 40,000 miles:
I had to replace the tires 4 times at $250 each time.
The front brakes were replaced only once $120. O2 sensor-$75. Radiator leaked so I bought some Bars stop-leak and that fixed it.
Had to replace the alternator 2 times at $250 each time (best price!). Had to replace battery 3 times at $150 each time (this was the best price!).
Had to replace rear wheel brake cylinders 1 time at $120. One of the motor mount bolts sheared off and caused vibrations.
Poor gas mileage. Oil leaking onto top of spark plugs. Check engine light comes on all the time--scanner shows no codes.
Transmission has lost 1st gear. The car is drivable--you have to shift into second get it up to 25 mph, then shift into drive. Overdrive light comes on/goes off (I believe this is a code which puts the tranny in safe mode.
Rear doors squeak--even after thoroughly oiled. Power antenna is not operational.
Overall the car is fun to drive, but the costs to keep it going are horrible. Just as a side note: I took very good care of this vehicle. Oil changes every 3,000 miles with Valvoline and Purolator Oil filter ($8 each). Changed air filter every 6,000 miles. Changed fuel filter every year. Rotated tires every 3,000 miles. Performed 2 tune-ups. I bought this car thinking it was a good buy--big mistake.
Don't knock the entire company because of one bad experience.. my '88 Grand Marquis has been the most reliable car I've ever owned.
I have a 1996 Mercury Mystique, and the only thing that has been replaced on it was the mass airflow sensor. The 2.0l 16v inline engine has a lot of pep to it. Best little car that I have ever owned.
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