Faults:

Rusted out driver's side kick plate panel where you get in the passenger's seat. Cost of repair was $1700.

1 rip in passenger seat leather. All the rest of the seat leather is an excellent condition.

Front suspension components in 2 different repairs for a total cost of approximately $3000. Completely justifiable due to the fact that the car had 320000 miles at the time and the components were still original to the car.

3 door latches have broken and been replaced for less than $20 a piece by me at home.

Rear springs and shocks are weak and will need to be replaced.

One thing I'm impressed by is the hybrid battery. It is still good even after 12 years and 325000 miles.

General Comments:

This car has been outstanding for the age and mileage. I average 39 miles to the gallon both in the city and on the highway. It also can handle my very tall frame comfortably which very few cars can. I have been completely satisfied with the car, considering its extremely high miles, and the only thing I wish is that I could turn it into a plug in hybrid!

Faults:

Strut assembly (front) replaced at 188,000 km (M+L) - $350.00.

Transmission coolant line replaced at 192,000 km (M+L) - $180.00.

Battery replaced (was still original) at 209,000 km - $160.00.

Fog light repaired (bulb + wires messed up by P.O.) at 215,000 km - $200.00.

TOTAL: $890.00.

General Comments:

Comfort and road dynamics are the same, if not better than my previous car (MB E430).

Reliability much, much better than E430, which was a subject of my review in a separate, dedicated section. The MKZ was not my first choice; a 2001 Continental and/or 2010 Town Car were. However, I have no regrets. The car is used mostly for highway commuting to work (150 km/day) and occasional trips with my wife to the capitals Ottawa or Pittsburgh (approx. 600 km). Long trips with factory installed multiple speakers are relaxing. Fog lights are definitely great during the fall and winter travels. Seats are comfortable, especially cooled ones.

Average maintenance cost from the day of purchase (excluding oil replacement) is $890.00 / 38,000km = $0.02/km.

Faults:

Rims don’t hold air so they needed refinishing ($200 per rim).

Airbag recall and airbag light is on.

Suspension noise because parts need replacing.

Seized brake caliper.

Rear defroster.

General Comments:

Once I finished paying off the car, lots of things started breaking. It needs ball joints and control arms replaced ($1400). I had one hub assembly replaced ($400) because the wheel was making a wobbly wheel sound.