1998 Mercury Mystique from North America

Summary:

Worst car ever built, stay away

Faults:

Had to purchase a battery about 5 weeks after I bought the car.

Electrical short in turn signal causing it to flash madly.

4 months and 1 week after I bought car, the transmission breaks.

Both front wheel bearing shot.

Both front rotors shot.

Air flow heater replaced.

Left front joint boot replaced.

At one time whenever I left the radio on and shut the car off, the radio would not shut off.

Sometimes it is difficult to unlock car with key on drivers side and sometimes the key gets stuck in the ignition.

The car stalls for no apparent reason.

General Comments:

This car is the worst car ever made.

I found out that the transmission was replaced before I bought it. After I spent $1500 to replace transmission, it went again. The transmission place fixed the problem, but it still runs terrible.

The check engine light always comes on. After I get something fixed it goes away for a week or so then comes back.

If something breaks on this car, it will be expensive to fix.

There is one battery offered for this car and that ran me over 100 dollars.

The blinker problem was resolved by pulling the lining away from the light so it did not rest on the wires.

I am sure I am forgetting something.

I have owned this car now for 5 months and 2 days. I paid $6000 for it and put in about $2500 more in repairs. The sad thing is, the check engine light came on today and I don't have any more money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th April, 2004

7th Mar 2007, 16:27

Today I put a intake manifold control runner in my 1998 Mercury Mystique. I sympathize with everyone on this web site. I am upset at the way Mercury/Ford built this car. It is nothing, but junk. I will never give Ford my business as long as I live.

1998 Mercury Mystique GS 2.0L from North America

Summary:

It's a Mercury Mistake

Faults:

Idler Pulley Tensioner crumbled at 100,000 miles.

Alternator went out two days after getting it back.

Various sensors replaced a week or two after getting it back from alternator work.

Engine Temp Gauge went out just after 102,000 miles.

Valve cover gasket blew at 103,000.

Check engine light just came back on at 106,000.

Interior light unit fell out of ceiling around 100,000.

Seatback broke at 105,000. Won't stay upright.

General Comments:

It was a perfect car until it rolled over 100,000 miles. Not a single problem until then. I'm guessing it's just planned obsolescence.

It's small interior felt a little cramped, but still comfy enough to get used to over time. Everything was within reach, until it broke or fell out.

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

Review Date: 9th December, 2003

17th Feb 2005, 09:28

I have a 1998 Mercury Mystique GS and I will not get rid of it until the day I die. I've read that my car's reliability is questionable, but even with 125,000 miles and a timing belt replacement last year, it is a wonderful and very reliable car, which I will maintain. It might be a compact, but even with that rear roof rounded off, it has the spaciousness of a midsize. Now, I'd just be happy with some cosmetic work.

Carlton Piercey.

13th Mar 2005, 18:07

I have a 1998 mystique and the only problem I am having is that my cam sensor is messing up, but other than that I love this car. if anyone knows how to fix my cam problem let me know my email is fancysirslie@charter.net your help will be greatly appreciated.

- MRS. CHRISTIE LUCERO

9th Feb 2006, 21:55

My mystique is very sturdy, I would like to know how you make it fall apart like that. I would also like to help Mrs. Christie with her problem, but I can't because the email does not work, I think the Mass air flow sensor should be checked for any material build up, that is usually the problem when the mechanic says anything like cam sensor.

19th Feb 2006, 06:04

I just bought my 98 Mystique GS. It hasn't been a problem mechanically. The previous owner put a sound system in trunk. The Stereo and lighter will not work. No power to it. Is this a fuse? If so, where can I locate exactly where the fuse is? It did not come with any owners manual. Mercury wants to charge me $100. per hour just to look at it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Frank.

Please email me at

fjm87_99@yahoo.com.

9th Sep 2006, 03:19

I have the same problem as frank up there. Will someone help me too? I can't figure out why there is no stereo & lighter. Can deal with no lighter being a non-smoker, but I gotta have my beats. thanx! Rachel.

HARJO83@yahoo.com.