2000 Mercury Sable LS Premium 3.0 Duratec V6 from North America
Summary:
Cheap commuter car for someone on a budget
Faults:
Battery: this is a regular maintenance item.
Brake rotors: The front rotors warp every 15-18,000 miles, but since they only cost 135.00 (for both front pads and rotors), this expense is acceptable.
Suspension: At 65,000, all struts and springs were worn out. At 600.00 I did not feel that the repair was worth it so they were never replaced.
EGR Valve: I have a check engine light for an EGR valve. This is a 50.00 part to replace.
Clear coat peeling: The clear coat is slowly peeling off the car.
General Comments:
I purchased my Sable in 2004 with 42,000 miles on it. This car was purchased as a cheap commuter car to replace my unreliable VW Passat. Over a 4 year period, I have put 50,000 miles on the car and it has never left me stranded. I decided to trade the car in due to the growing list of maintenance items that needed to be replaced.
I feel that this car is ideal for someone on a budget and wants a car with a side of the road.
Lot of features. While it will not provide the reliability of a Honda or Toyota, the repair costs are relatively low and the car will not leave you stranded on the road.
PROS
- Powerful and responsive 3.0 DOHC Engine
- Adjustable gas/brake pedals
- Leather Seats
- Climate Control
- Sun Roof
- All repair parts are cheap
- Ride: The car is great for long trips on the highway.
CONS
- Suspension: Springs should not snap and rust at 65,000 miles
- Fuel Economy: Seems to get around 21 MPG average.
- Audio System: The car has a bad audio system and cannot be replaced because the climate controls and the radio are one circuit board.
- Turning Radius: My friend's truck turns sharper than this car
- Size: The car is 200 inches long (Almost as big as a Crown Victoria)
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th December, 2008