Used 2008 Mercury Mariner Consumer Reviews
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199k and going strong
Steve, 08/16/2015
2008 Mercury Mariner Premier 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
57 of 58 people found this review helpful
I bought this Mariner used with high mileage (150K) because I paid 10k less than any other Mariner or Escape in the area that was listed. It's been an absolutely fantastic vehicle. My wife and I have put another 50k on her since we bought it with multiple 8 hour+ drives (both across the country and up and down the east coast). She's never, ever let us down. Beyond basic maintenance (brakes, oil changes, tires) we haven't had to do anything. The gas mileage is fantastic considering it's an AWD V6 as well. Average 22.3 with ~24 on the highway and 18 in town. In the snow it's great, the AWD works as it should, and I've never felt like I'm losing control. If we need to haul anything we can put the back seats down and have acres of space. As for comfort, it's delightful. The leather heated seats keep you warm in the winter and are easy to clean and maintain, the A/C always blows cold, and the power windows and moonroof are great features. Overall, I would buy another one tomorrow without hesitation. I know there are some that have had issues, but ours is a true gem.
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- Value
Surprises Ford won't tell you about
CMB, 01/08/2010
2008 Mercury Mariner 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
38 of 39 people found this review helpful
I love my 2008 Mariner. But be warned, in 2008 they changed a design that sends the transmission fluid through the A/C condenser. Why? Not really sure, but if you think you are leaking oil, it may be transmission fluid and it may be coming from the condenser. This leak will drain your transmission in about 3 days. Call Ford, they will have this $450 part in stock as they are replacing them weekly. But, they will not admit there is a problem. Yes, there is a TSB on this issue starting with 2008's. Again, based on my ratings, I do love this truck. As for the loud tire noise, trust me its the original tires. I put new tires on and now I enjoy my hour and half drive to and from work.
2008 Mercury Mariner for sale near you
3 of 44 listings
- Premier 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,99931 mi away
- Premier 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,609111 mi away
- V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,850322 mi away
See all 44 listings
Not too bad after 128k miles
skmcobra, 08/21/2014
updated 08/21/2017
2008 Mercury Mariner Premier 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
20 of 20 people found this review helpful
My wife bought this car in 2010 with 81k miles. She bought the extended warranty but I believe only needed it at around 115k miles for an oil pan leak. Today at 128k miles the radiator coolant fans have quit running. Ford dealer quoted me $750 parts & labor but I had done my research and found fans for $100 less at O'Reillys. They honored the price and dropped cost to $650. Getting it fixed today. Over all this has been a reliable and safe car. Great to drive in the snow with the all wheel drive. Gets about 22-24mpg on the highway and about 17-18 in town. I can't speak to the tranny issues many mention, but it may have been fixed before we bought it. UPDATE: Sold the car in spring 2016 with approximately 146k miles. Was still running good but the transmission would make a hard knock every now and then. We decided to sell it in case the transmission went out. We told the buyer and they were ok with it for the price at $5,800.
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very safe!
Molly Mc, 03/15/2009
2008 Mercury Mariner Premier 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
although the gas mileage could be improved and the transmission slipping could use improvement too,i cannot say enough about how great the safety features on this car are. I was recently hit from behind by a drag racing honda going in excess of 65 mph. both side curtain air bags deployed, side impact airbags,seatbelts worked fantastic and although my Mariners floor buckled and roof creased in two places and is probably a total loss,i walked away from this accident with a little whip lash. This car took hit fantastically.
Bad Transmission
speedlump2, 07/22/2011
2008 Mercury Mariner 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
28 of 31 people found this review helpful
I bought a brand new 2008 Mercury Mariner from Malloy Auto Mall in Woodbridge, VA. In 2009 the transmission starting skipping gears. Took it to the shop, it was fixed under warranty. 2010 took it back to the shop for the transmission again. Not covered by warranty. Cost over $800 to fix. Jump forward to 2011, took it back to the shop, for what you ask? The transmission again. This $2235 to fix it. Ford refuses to do anything about it. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE. I wish I would have read other reviews before I purchased. I will never buy another for vehicle. Don't take my word. Read other reviews and see the same problem I have.