1995 Mercury Tracer

Introduction:

The 1995 Mercury Tracer is a compact car that offers a combination of affordability, reliability, and practicality. It is available with a choice of two engines and two transmission options. The base engine is a 1.9-liter inline-4 with 118 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque, while the optional engine is a 2.0-liter V6 with 125 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Drivers appreciate the Tracer’s fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and comfortable ride, but some have reported issues with its reliability, particularly in the later model years.

Engine

• 1.9-liter inline-4
  • Excessive Oil Consumption: Description/Symptoms: The engine burns oil at an excessive rate, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage. Solution: Replace the piston rings and valve seals. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Head Gasket Failure: Description/Symptoms: The head gasket fails, causing coolant and oil to leak and potentially leading to overheating. Solution: Replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• 2.0-liter V6
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket leaks, causing a vacuum leak and reduced engine performance. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Transmission

• 5-speed Manual:
  • Gear Shift Linkage Issues: Description/Symptoms: The gear shift linkage becomes loose or damaged, making it difficult to shift gears. Solution: Replace the gear shift linkage. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
• 4-speed Automatic:
  • Transmission Slippage: Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips out of gear while driving, causing a loss of power. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Description/Symptoms: The alternator fails, leading to electrical system problems and potential battery drain. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• Starter Problems: Description/Symptoms: The starter fails to engage the flywheel, making it difficult or impossible to start the vehicle. Solution: Replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Exterior

• Rust and Corrosion: Description/Symptoms: The body develops rust spots and corrosion, particularly on the undercarriage and wheel wells. Solution: Repair or replace affected areas. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+

Interior

• Faulty Window Switches: Description/Symptoms: The window switches fail, causing the power windows to become inoperable. Solution: Replace the window switches. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
• Air Conditioning Malfunction: Description/Symptoms: The air conditioning system fails to cool the cabin effectively. Solution: Diagnose and repair the air conditioning system. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Summary

The 1995 Mercury Tracer offers a balance of economy and practicality but is not without its issues. The most common problems include oil consumption with the 1.9-liter engine, head gasket failure with the 2.0-liter engine, alternator failure, and rust and corrosion. While some repairs can be relatively inexpensive, others, such as transmission rebuilds or engine overhauls, can be costly.