1985 Mercury Topaz GS 2.3 I4 from North America

Summary:

Not reliable, but my favorite car in my collection

Faults:

Blown head gasket.

Transmission sleeves.

A/C compressor.

Entire fuel system.

Starter.

Neutral safety switch.

Computer.

Valve cover gasket.

Distributor.

Undiagnosable crank no-start.

Inability to climb hills.

Poor traction.

General Comments:

These cars are probably not great drivers, but I still love mine. It’s quirky and unique and I’m very sentimental over the car. Great to make memories in and very pleasant. It’s not good quality, but it’s a really neat car to own and there are very few left. Probably not worth it to most people. Only buy one if you have the passion and patience for it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2023

26th Jan 2023, 20:26

Purchasing 2 years ago with only 23,000 miles sounds like the car was barely driven which could be the explanation on why you had so many repairs. This can happen a lot (especially in your case almost being 40 years old) when cars sit more than they are on the road.

27th Jan 2023, 18:35

Wow. A problem-ridden car that is not a great driver and not good quality? Could that be why "there are very few left"? Dread to think what the rest of your collection must be like if this is your favorite... ;)

In reply to 27th Jan 2023, 18:35

29th Jan 2023, 05:44

I’m surprised any mid-80’s Mercury cars are still running at all, let alone collectible. The writer saying it was sentimental makes more sense than it being an investment vehicle.

In reply to 29th Jan 2023, 05:44

29th Jan 2023, 18:25

Mid 80s Grand Marquis/Colony Park wagons and the Cougar (with a V8) had no problem then and even now reaching the 200k mile mark with only maintenance and wear & tear issues.

1985 Mercury Topaz GS 2.3L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

An economic solution to transportation woes

Faults:

I had to replace some of the gaskets. The transmission one went last and was quite easy to repair.

Unfortunately the doors are the first thing to rust on these cars. Door skins are very inexpensive, but quite a pain to have to do.

The transmission lines are clamped under the rad with metal links. This causes them to rust quite quickly. The lines were only $100CDN to replace.

The spare tire well in the trunk is notorious on these cars for rotting out on you. This will hamper getting a safety ticket.

Power steering rack slowly rotted away in the 2nd year of my owning it. I never did fix this because I felt power steering was not necessary.

General Comments:

All in all this was one of the greatest cars I owned.

It has the pep when you need it, but can go nice and easy if necessary.

Any part for this car is cheap. I paid under $60 CDN for the entire exhaust brand new.

Turns are tight and handling is nice.

A generally quiet car with a nice interior and plenty of trunk and head room.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2003