2000 Mercury Mystique GS 2.0 4 Cylinder from North America
Summary:
Mechanical condition is crap
Faults:
Replaced timing belt at 77,362 miles.
Oil dip stick plastic handle broke off; had to have dealership repair at 113,891 miles.
Had RMGF drive shafts installed at 92,291 miles.
Replaced vacuum. Hose was causing RPM's to fluctuate.
Resurfaced brake rotor and replaced brake pads.
Replaced speed sensor.
Replaced ring sensor.
Replaced serpentine belt at 125,554 miles.
Replaced alternator and belt tensioner.
Replaced MAF air sensor.
Car was sputtering; replaced PCV tube.
Had transmission serviced; replaced filter and fluid.
If car stalls, check and replace pre-filter in the air filter housing and air filter.
Replaced rear brake drums and hardware.
Replaced cooling fan resistor assembly, car was overheating; done at 156,955 miles.
Replace timing belt again.
Dealership performed extensive diagnoses and gave me a list of 12 items that were their concern with a price tag of 2,500 dollars. I found that my problems was electrical and due to a bad connector, which I repaired my self.
Had head gasket replaced and tune-up the car.
Replaced the dip stick for a second time due to plastic handle breaking.
Replaced engine thermostat due to engine running unusually cool.
Had dealership repair the (VCT) variable cam timing control system that enhance engine performance. Recommend that only the dealership do the work because the technology is not widely known. Cost me 1,383.00 to have done. Note. use oil filter FL-2005 because this filter has an internal check valve that keeps the exhaust valves closed when the engine is off. This will prevent any hard start, over fueling or flooding conditions on initial start up.
Had Dealership repair fuel system found that the fuel pump had shorted out so the fuel pump, sending unit, fuel filter, and controls had to be replaced to the tune of 739.41.
Car started running running rough; did a tune up replaced PCV valve, spark plugs, and wires; still ran rough, did a tune up, replaced PCV valve, spark plugs, and wires; still ran rough, found the ECH Ignition coil was bad. Purchase at NAPA for 91.29.
October 2007; car overheated, found that Water Outlet valve cover that the upper radiator hose goes over nipple deteriorated the hose, replaced the entire housing and cover. Had a hard time finding the proper cover because the cover for my housing is what is used on the Mercury Marquis.
Just recently found that catalytic converter is bad and will have MIDAS make the repairs to the tune of 728.00 dollars, and will have it done mid October.
Today (Oct-14-07) I was changing the oil after replacing water valve and saw that a control arm was dangling, from the rack and pinion arm on the passenger side.
The dash board curling up was a recall issue that Ford issued, but so many people were getting their cars repaired and it was my only mode of transportation, so I could not leave the car at the dealership for repairs, and I missed out on the repair. The recall had a time limit, which I feel is crazy if you own the vehicle and your dash board curls up. Fix it right Ford.
Paul E. Sloss
Nashville, TN.
General Comments:
When the car is operating in good mechanical condition, it rides very well. The 4 cylinder engine has great power and is very responsive to the driver.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 14th October, 2007
15th Oct 2007, 07:49
Being from Australia, my knowledge of Mercury cars is limited (higher-spec Fords, aren't they?) but from what I can tell, most of the stuff you've listed here looks like fair wear & tear/general maintenance, and shouldn't be listed as things that have gone wrong (as you've still managed to put considerable mileage on it).