Mercury Mystique
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 630
Likes: 1
From: Central PA
Mercury Mystique
Anyone familiar with these cars. I looked at a 1995 2.0 with 200k miles. 130k on motor. Needs an alternator and temp sensor. With that much mileage, its pretty clean and straight. But I'm not sure how much life it has left. Also needs new tires. Everything else seems to work fine. Engine, tranny have no visible leaks, Oh and a/c isn't working. This will either be for me for getting to work or for my niece (first car). Seller wants $300, came down from $400. Opinions?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 182
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From: Wild Wonderful WV
I've heard it refered to as the Mercury "Mistake'', it is an inexpensixe version of the Ford Contour. For 300.00 you cant go TOO far wrong I wouldn't think. One consideration might be parts availablility and expense. Are the ford Contour parts interchangable ? dunno
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
For $300 buy it and if you get two months out of it, it was cheaper then 2 months payment on a new econobox. Plus, you can scrap metal it for $150 easy. Just note that transmission failure is a likely thing on any used car 100,000+ miles, especially a Contour, Taurus, or anything with a A4LD (Bronco II, Ranger, Explorer).
Temporarily Deactivated
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Keep in mind that a car that cant be driven is worth nothing. The need for a temp sensor would indicate a previous OVER HEATING possibility, So you better let it run long enough to be sure the en
gine isnt toast BEFORE you buy it . Just an idea and if you arent a pretty good home mechanic best learn to be one or you will soon have a car parked not worth paying to have repairs which may be the case already with the seller.
gine isnt toast BEFORE you buy it . Just an idea and if you arent a pretty good home mechanic best learn to be one or you will soon have a car parked not worth paying to have repairs which may be the case already with the seller.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 2
From: Wyoming
I've got a '96 Merc LS with the 2.5L V6. Very peppy and handles good. Engine bay is pretty cramped. There is a good site Ford Contour Enthusiasts Group that deals with Contours and Mystiques. For commuting it can be a great car, but on an individual basis each car has to be evaluated. Sounds like you've already made your decision, but maybe you'll run across a better example of the model in the future.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
Fifty years ago you could buy a $50 car (inline cast iron six, one barrel carb, "three on the tree") and maybe drive it a while before it would break beyond economic repair, not so with "modern" stuff. By 1995 everything had gotten way too complicated to do that, especially with a FWD automatic transaxle to worry about.
And yes, I also knew it by the name Mercury Mistake.
Jim
And yes, I also knew it by the name Mercury Mistake.
Jim
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