Used 1997 Mercury Tracer LS 4dr Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Had 1997 Tracer for six years, OK car first 3-4 yrs, then bent a rod at 110k miles, dealer estimated cost to repair at $5000+, said if it was not rod then was a damaged crankshft as that was also a common problem of these cars. Car was babied for all six years, oil change every 3000 miles etc, last three years had to put $900+ into repairs. If shopping for used economy car with 60,000 miles then stay away from the Tracer. it is not a reliable car.
I miss my Tracer!
This was the first new car I ever bought. I maintained it regularly, and at 198,000 miles, passed it to my 17 year old daughter this year. The transmission finally went out on the old darling. Except for regular, routine maintenance (brakes, oil changes, etc.), I never had a problem from my pretty Tracer. I miss it. R.I.P. I'd buy another in a heartbeat.
Loved it from 2 miles to 150,000 ...
This new car was a present for my 16th birthday in 1996. I drove that poor car as hard as possible from day one, and, other than oil changes, one set of new tires and new brakes, HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL 135,000 MILES!!!! Amazing for a car of this price. Anyway, at 135K I replaced the (original!) battery at a non-dealership venue, and after that the speedometer & odometer d/n work. I do have to say, it's crazy to read horrible maintenance reviews of cars that retail for 2x-3x the original price of my Tracer when I was problem free for 6.5 years of hard driving. I will miss my Tracer!
Great
I bought this car from a family member and I love it. I replaced the Transmission filter a couple months ago and never had a problem with it since. I drive it everyday and it is awesome. It is my 3rd car and I would buy another one if they still made them.
Dull design - but VERY reliable
bought the car for $2000 and had no problems other than recently in 2008 the rear springs/ shocks have all but given out forcing me to get a new car. it also idles hard with shaking and does not have any passing speed on highway, even with oil/filter/air changes ever 2000 miles, and new spark plugs, cables. paint was pealing off when purchased but has not gotten any worse since. never had a problem starting up in the dead of winter even after sitting around for about a month without a engin turnover. a bit dull on the overall design.