Faults:
Water Pump failed at 60,000 miles
Air Conditioning System failed at 95,000 miles
Trunk Lid Lock (electric) failed at 80,000 miles. Dealer could not fix it, so I have to use the key to open the trunk. No problem really.
Battery required replacing at 65,000, miles.
Front tires have been replaced twice in 124,000 miles.
Oxygen sensor replaced at 80,000 miles
Front wheel bearing replaced at 110,000 miles.
Front suspension lower ball joint replaced at 73,000 miles.
Front brake pads replaced twice. Rear pads replace once.
Front brake pads replaced twice
Auto transmission has harsh shifts after approx 3000 miles. To return it to smooth shifting all I do is disconnect the battery and reconnect. I presume this process 'reboots' the transmission computer. I have got accustomed to this minor inconvenience.
Engine rattles only at start up for about one second, but this is evidently not serious. I suspect it is the timing chain tensioner, which doesn't tension until there is oil pressure.
General Comments:
I purchased the car at a fairly low mileage (17,000 miles) and I have been delighted with it ever since.
Apart from the water pump failure - the impeller is plastic, and clearly is a bad design - the car has never let me down.
All electrics, excepting the oxygen sensor, have worked perfectly.
The engine is fabulous - quiet and smooth, with good performance at all engine speeds. I haven't changed the sparking plugs yet, because the engine is still so smooth, especially at idle. All I have done is to change the engine oil every 3000 miles.
The car still handles well, there are no annoying body rattles, the brakes are superb. The car is always a pleasure to drive.
Judging by other comments on this web site, I have been extremely lucky, or simply more tolerant of relatively minor wear and tear items.
3rd Jul 2005, 11:14
FYI the Mystique does not have traction control or "4 wheel drive". The mystique/contour line are mainly an economy car.