| Important Note to Potential Merkur Buyers... |
| Although the Merkur Scorpio is indeed an excellent car, PARTS ARE VERY HARD TO FIND!!! Despite the fact the Scorpio shares its engine with the Ford Ranger pickup, many parts (including some engine parts) were made specifically for this car. And because parts are not readily available, don't expect to be able to get the car fixed at just any service shop. Most mechanics, even foreign car specialists, will not work on the car because of their lack of familiarity with it and the difficulty in getting parts. Don't get me wrong, there are several companies out there that have the parts for this model car (see Merkur LINX), but still some parts are hard for them to get, and therefore difficult for you to get. Furthermore, you cannot get many parts from Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealers, thanks to the fact the company has obsoleted most of the important parts. In other words, they no longer make the parts for the American-spec Scorpio. Needless to say, this can be a bit of a problem. Another important thing to note is that, despite the excellence of the Scorpio, it has a few inherent problems, just like most cars. Of course, fixing these problems on a Scorpio is not easy. These "Merkurisms" (as Merkur fans like to call them) include: faulty electrical systems including windows, wipers, A/C & heater, air conditioner failure (mine actually needs some help!), heater fan failure (mine needs to replaced soon!), early transmission failure (I had mine rebuilt a year ago for just over $2,000!), rapid brake wear (just spent $350 on new rotors and front brake pads!) and a leaky moonroof (moonroof is easily fixed thankfully!). So if you are considering buying a Merkur Scorpio, you have to either be A) capable of repairing cars yourself, B) willing to spend a large amount of money on the car (I fall into this category unfortunately...I don't usually have a whole lot of spare change after car expenses!), or C) interested in keeping it primarily as a show car (therefore limiting wear and tear). However, if you think (or know) you can fix the car when needed (yourself or at a shop), the Scorpio is unlike anything else out there. It really is the perfect European touring car! If you have any other question regarding the Merkur Scorpio, feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]. NOTE: Most of the information applies to the Merkur XR4Ti as well. They are no easier to get parts for! RETURN TO HOMEPAGE |