Piece of junk and a complete waste of money
I have had to replace the transmission, thermostat, air conditioner, and a few very expensive parts I cannot recall. There has been numerous recalls. The carpet was installed improperly. The paint chipped and the gas mileage is terrible.
Don't buy this car it is a piece of junk.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 7th November, 2003
Solid and good value
Trunk release broken when new, fixed by dealer no charge
Have had to replace brakes & tires (normal wear)
3 factory recalls (minor stuff) in life of this car, all performed no charge by dealer after they notified me.
Starter sometimes does not engage (frequency, about once every 10 weeks) You have to fiddle with the shift to "bump" it into position. Probably missing tooth in starter gear.
Some minor rust starting at front door bottoms, but hey, I live in New England.
Amidst all the bad reviews here, I really love my Mystique.
The V6 is powerful, the car has never left me stranded, and in the 5 years, 45K miles I've put on it, it has been a gem.
I change the oil every 3000 miles, and have the shop go over it every so often.
My dealer has been great.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th October, 2003
I have the same problem with my 98 Mystique... did you find a solution to this issue?
Thanks.
I never had a problem with my Mystique starting (although the engine overheated in city driving, and the transmission was terrible), it started right up every time without fail. I also agree about the V6 version of this car. It is faster than you'd think. It accelerates almost as well as my far more powerful (270 horsepower) V8 lincoln. The Mystique also handles very well. It's got a limiter in it at 110, but I'm sure it could go faster. I love the wide tires that mine had too. It really seemed like a smaller version of my Lincoln Continental. A smaller, and crappier version.
All in all this car is the ultimate piece of crap
1. Brakes replaced two months after purchase
2. Both front coil springs - recall
3. One tune-up.
4. Tie rods replaced.
5. Back bearings
6. Back struts
7. Alignment never right
8. Driver's door won't unlock with key, seal has peeled back from glass, allowing moisture in.
9. Trunk won't unlock - rusted out.
10. Water pours into trunk upon opening after rain.
11. Radio will turn on, but won't allow you to change channel or volume, must turn car off, remove key and reinsert
12. Power door won't work for passenger side
13. "mad flasher" turn signal - electrical short somewhere.
The most underpowered piece of junk ever acquired. Must drive into the ground in order to recoup initial purchase price. Some positives, including decent on gas, large trunk and very comfortable seats which make you feel like you are sitting up a bit.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 11th October, 2003
About the turn signal, I had a 98 Contour with the "Mad Flasher" problem. I thought, OK short somewhere. But I decided to go into the trunk and peel off the carpeting and I saw the real bulb on the driver's side was very very loose. I tightened it and fiddled with it and got it tight again. (I would recommend leaving the signal on while doing this b/c if you don't do it right you'll make it loose again) Once this was done, it worked great. Untill the next RR Crossing. Popped loose again. This happened for about a year before I said screw it, it can stay loose. To my surprise it popped its self back in a week before I sold the car. Contour is all crap. Once I got my 18th recall, I dumped it. Now I see why Ford quit making the Contour and kept the Escort going a little while longer, Instead of doing dumping the Escort and keeping the Contour. Hell, Saturn was more reliable than the P.O.S..
About the water leak: it is from the lights on the trunk. Look and you will see a 1/8 to 1/4 inch gap between the plastic and metal. Probably tight when new, but I think the plastic deforms in the sun and heat.
I fixed it with clear silicone caulk. Not the prettiest fix, but effective.
10th Jan 2004, 08:23
Did you ever get the starting problem fixed?
I am having the same problem with my 99 Mystique.