1993 Mercury Sable GS 3.8 from North America

Summary:

The cheapest car transportation you can get

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong except for things that normally require maintenance such as brakes, tires and coolant change.

General Comments:

I bought this car for $1100, then got a major tune-up for $700 in California. I researched my car purchase extensively and paid for a carfax report. I had to take it immediately on a road trip to Ohio, so I wanted to make sure it wouldn't drop dead in the Nevada desert.

Since my purchase in June 2009, I have had no major repairs. I replaced the front brakes for $200. I had the rear tires replaced, the tires balanced, the coolant flushed and oil changed for $300. Other than oil changes, these are the only maintenance expenses.

The car runs great. Everything works except for the rear gate latch (I have to use the keys) and rear window defroster (the shop said they'd have to replace the whole window to fix it). It starts every time, and runs smooth and reliably.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th February, 2011

1993 Mercury Sable GS 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

A good car for cheap!

Faults:

Air blew warm when purchased. Had AC charged at cost of approx. $50.

Rack and pinion died.

Has some sensor issues currently.

Dash is cracking like crazy!

General Comments:

I purchased this car, a 1993 Sable (GS I believe) in the summer of 2006. It was a desperation purchase on a Sunday night from a tiny front-yard auto dealer, because my wife was starting a job the next day 50 miles away and we needed a car for her to drive.

I didn't really want a Sable. They are one of the ugliest cars Ford/Mercury ever produced. I hate the front end and "fender skirts" on the back. UGH!!!

We paid a hefty $2000 for the car because its mileage was very low, only 64,000 miles on a 13 year old car. Turned out that $2000 was a steal! This car has been amazingly dependable. It's had a few problems, but all relatively minor considering the purchase price.

I currently need an O2 or mass airflow sensor, haven't had it tested yet. It bears mentioning that it won't hold an alignment, however, it is a poorly rebuilt wreck (didn't know that until I signed the title.) Despite the bad body work, this is a good, good car! Rides a little rough and has saggy rear springs - I accredit the rough to the body rebuild.

As some other reviewers have mentioned, I recommend regular maintenance to the cooling system. I've had to have mine dismantled. But, my car appears to have sat for a LONG time before I bought it (explaining the low miles perhaps.)

Still, overall, this has been an amazing bargain and a dependable car. After 2.5 years of ownership, I have less than $3000 total invested, including maintenance, purchase price, and repairs. How much better could you have it?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2009

1993 Mercury Sable V6 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Excellent car, expensive repairs

Faults:

Bad battery

Alternator

Serpentine belt

Computer needed to be replaced.

General Comments:

I bought this car in the summer of 2006 for $1900, and I absolutely fell in love with it.

It drives fast and comfortable, it's a VERY powerful car. Unfortunately, with great power comes great gas costs. And by great, I mean HUGE. I usually spent about $35 every week on it.

I kept regular maintenance almost religiously, and it returned the favor.

Obviously, the previous owner was an elderly woman, all of the parts were factory installed, but it still ran perfectly. Also was INCREDIBLY comfortable, leather seats and power doors/locks.

The only major thing I can say is to go to a local repair shop instead of a Ford company, you'll save THOUSANDS.

All in all, I loved this car, I would drive it before any other car, I just wish it didn't get totaled.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2008