2000 Mercury Sable GS V6 OHV from North America
Summary:
I love it and will buy another someday
Faults:
Coolant bottle at 100,000. Transmission at 150,000. Cooling fan at 200,000. Water pump at 235,000.
General Comments:
I love this car. I rented a mercury sable and after the first 10 seconds I liked it and after driving for 1 month I loved it. I bought one and seem to be obsessed with how far will it go.
Maintenance is the key. I do it all myself. If it runs different, sounds different or acts different I take care of it. I drive approximately 40000 miles a year and I can't afford to break down. I change the oil every 60 days or 5000 miles and air filter every other time. I also spray out the intake manifold (I also use a bottle brush to really get in there) with cleaner, the IAC and mass airflow sensor about 3 time a year. Changed plugs and wires at 125,000 and again at 240,000 (Spend money, use good ones). Additionally, I try to always use Shell gas, Castrol Oil and a gas additive called Sea Foam.
The biggest mystery to date was the heat. I had none. It had deteriorated over the passed 2 years to none. I flushed, but didn't help. Then after closer inspection I noticed a bypass over the heater core. I pinched it off with vise grips and flushed again from thermostat to water pump. (Take the hoses off first then flush from one to the other). Man the rust that came out. Once clear I reinstalled the hoses, topped off the antifreeze and fired it up. I have all the heat I need now. Pass this on, it seems to be a mystery to a lot of people. The bypass keeps the car from overheating even after the heater core is plugged.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th February, 2008
14th Jun 2005, 12:01
The steering problem you had might have been caused because you were running low on power steering fluid. As for the engine problem, I find it hard to believe that your entire engine failed at that mileage you described. Did you ever take in the car for maintanence?