1988 Mercury Topaz L 2.3L HO

Summary:

Medium performance, medium comfort, 100 percent reliable

Faults:

Nothing serious has ever gone wrong with the car.

The only things I have HAD to replace since I bought it are the right front wheel bearing and the head gasket..

General Comments:

I have only had it since Feb 24 2000 and I drive it hard. I have put 24,900km on it in 6 month I have owned it.

The previous owner had the car since new in 1988. The only things he had changed were brakes, alternator, and battery. Everything else was original. Like I said before, I have only had to change the right front wheel bearing and the head gasket. I drive it hard and am not ashamed to admit it.

The car was repainted 6 years ago by the previous owner. It's in better condition than most newer cars. There is no rust anywhere. I always keep it washed and waxed..

Things I have done cause I wanted to.. not cause I have had to do: tinted windows, new brakes, drums and rotors, shift rod, front and rear struts and springs, performance exhaust, high performance ignition parts, all new gaskets from the head and up. 2 sets of tires. Like I said I am hard on it.

Also a performance clutch. There is a lot more too. But can't remember all of it.

I could walk outside and basically touch the key and it will start right up. I am not going to say the top speed, but I will say that it shuts down at about 210km/h on the highway. :-) I race also in towns.. I have had Monte's, Mustangs, S-10's and Civics race me.. but they back down.. So I guess my car must be good! :-) I have no complaints.

Execpt I can't fit my 1600watt subs in the trunk. But that's only a small problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th August, 2000