1991 Mercury Capri XR2 1.6 turbo from North America

Summary:

This car is a pocket rocket

Faults:

Top leaks (as with every other drop top)

Headlight Motor (wiring, not motor)

Power Window (wiring, not motor)

Alternator belt.

Inside door pulls (driver and passenger)

Glove box handle broke off.

General Comments:

One of the best cars I have ever driven. I have only had the car for a few months, but I am in love with it. Aside from the minor electrical and superficial problems (which are easily fixed with the help of a resourceful vehicle salvage yard), it's a lot of do-it-yourself week-end stuff that makes this car a blast to drive. Get them while you can, and spring for the turbo--it's definitely worth it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2001

10th Nov 2002, 23:20

As with my 91 Capri, the door pulls are ridiculously cheap as is the "after-thought" glove-compartment pull.

Aside from these minor things--the car is a well-made roadster that stands alone in dollar for dollar value. Bob.

1991 Mercury Capri XR2 1.6 turbo from North America

Summary:

Good car to work on, get 'em while they're cheap!

Faults:

Head lamps fail.

Radiator had to be replaced.

Water pump when out on me causing $1200 in repairs.

Turbo went out on me.

Motors in the windows failed.

Top and interior could use replacing.

General Comments:

Despite all the problems I have with this car I still like its styling and performance.

This is a great car to work on, and once all the parts get replaced, proper upkeep should help alleviate most prior problems.

I do think there are too many unneeded power features that go wrong, i.e. windows, headlamps, rearview mirrors.

Still I get a lot of questions about it when I'm washing her and and after giving her a good wax job.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st May, 2001

4th Jun 2001, 17:00

My comments about the car are fair. I do try to choose cars either made in the United States or Japan. My reason for purchasing my 91 XR2, which by the way was made in Australia, was because the engine is the same as in my 88 Mazda 323 GT. Mazda had a surplus of these engines after they quit making the 323 GT and GTX. The transmission is the same as the 323 GT.

For those of you who need transmissions, you can get them out of a 88-89 Mazda 323. If you get the transmission out of a 323 GT, it is a perfect match with gear ratios. If you are just looking for a cheap way of getting your car back on the road, any 4 or 5 speed out of the 323's will work. If you are driving an automatic, then you need them out of the 88-89 only 323.

I just bought the car to strip the engine/transmission/computer and wiring harness out of it. I'm not much on a convertible. If you need parts for the engine or transmission, you can also look for the 88-89 323 GT for motor and transmission. If it's just the motor, the 323 GT and GTX will work. The GTX is an AWD car. Good luck and have fun.

If you are into making the Capri XR2 (turbo model) go faster, email me at maddog350v8@aol.com.

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1991 Mercury Capri XR2 1.6 turbo from North America

Summary:

Biggest bang for the buck

Faults:

The usual...

Headlight motors.

Shift linkage.

Head gasket - my fault.

Radiator.

The seats are worn.

Beware the 1.6L non turbo auto - had one and it cost me a small fortune to fix...

Over $3000 (no typo) on the transmission, and I got the parts at cost. Brother is a l/m tech and charged no labor also.

Mitsubishi alternator... One expensive piece.

General Comments:

In all, I still love the damn thing.

A heck of a lot faster than my Fiat X1/9.

Cheaper than a Miata... Even with the repairs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd February, 2001

1991 Mercury Capri XR2 1.6 turbo from North America

Summary:

When the boost comes up, god smiles

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

I've only had the car for a week so I can't comment on reliability, though some of the previous entries make me apprehensive on that score. What I can say is that it looks great, if fairly comfortable and seems easy on gas.

As for performance, it's a rocket sled. Keep it in the rev range with the boost up and nothing short of a Sidewinder can catch it (well OK, a Mustang GT might work as well). Handling is great with a firm suspension and RIGHT NOW direction changes. I've had it a week and already I'm in love. Now if someone will please tell me how to get the top down...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th January, 2001

14th May 2001, 21:22

I have a '91, bought used a few months ago, and it's great!

In putting the top down, there's a top crossbar (2nd from front) that must be moved toward the rear of the car as you lower the top. Until a Mercury mechanic gave me this tip, I was unable to get the top more than 3/4 of the way down.

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