1990 Mercury Colony Park

Introduction:

The 1990 Mercury Colony Park was a full-size station wagon offered with two engine options and one transmission option. The base engine was a 5.0L V8 with 140 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, and the optional engine was a 5.8L V8 with 205 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Colony Park was known for its roomy interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engines. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and outdated design.

Engine Issues

5.0L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and a rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve cover gasket leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include oil leaks on the top of the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.8L V8

• Timing chain failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, and eventually engine failure.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain and gears.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head gasket failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and a drop in performance.
  • Solution: Replace the head gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission Issues

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping gears:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears or the transmission slipping out of gear.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission or rebuild the existing one.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaking fluid:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include fluid leaks around the transmission pan or seals.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking seals or the transmission pan.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension Issues

• Front suspension strut failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include a clunking noise from the front of the vehicle, uneven tire wear, and decreased handling.
  • Solution: Replace the front suspension struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shock absorber failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include a bouncing ride, poor handling, and decreased braking performance.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical Issues

• Battery drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include a dead battery after sitting for a period of time.
  • Solution: Find and fix the source of the electrical drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $varies depending on the source of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include dim headlights, a flickering dashboard, and difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior Issues

• Rust:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include bubbling paint, rust spots, and holes in the body panels.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the affected body panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $varies depending on the extent of the damage
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior Issues

• Power seat failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include the power seats not moving or having limited functionality.
  • Solution: Replace the power seat motor or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air conditioning blower motor failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include no air flow from the air conditioning system.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 Mercury Colony Park has a number of potential issues, but many of them are common to vehicles of this age and can be relatively inexpensive to fix. However, some of the more serious issues, such as a timing chain failure or head gasket failure, can be costly to repair. Overall, the Colony Park is a spacious and comfortable vehicle, but it is important to be aware of its potential issues before purchasing one.