RE: Looking for a lot of general info, opinions and adv
RE: Looking for a lot of general info, opinions and adv
Skye,
Welcome! Generation 1 headlights are absolutely God awful. The plastic lenses usually haze over with a yellow film to compound the problem. Therefore, I would look for a 96 if you want a first Gen that already came with the HID option, and of course, second Gens already have the HIDs(an HID conversion will cost you at least $750. with some dealerships trying to get as high as $1650.). On top of this, many like the interior lighting on Gen 2s better, so I would encourage you to look at both generations; but I would also encourage you even more to DRIVE as many Marks as you can find. Get a feel for the way these cars drive, and you will be able to easily tell between one that has been kept, and one that has been abused.
Well these cars have some universal problems. Now remember, none of them are major, however, they can be costly.
The 1-2 Accumulator Piston: has o-rings that are too small creating metal shavings that eventually migrate into the torque converter. This causes a noticeable shutter when in first. Solution: Update the 1-2 Accumulator piston and flush the tranny...replacing the fluid with Mercon V. The whole procedure should not cost you more than $200.- $250. and will extend the life of your transmission exponentially.
The Air Ride System: Will last for 75k-115k. Odds are after 80k the car will have needed at least one new element of the air ride system.
Front air struts can run you as much as $1000. (However there are many resources here..I believe American Air Suspension and Ford Parts Network sell remanufactured and cheaper on their respective sites). For example, a new air compressor can run you $400. while a remanufactured is just as good for $150. When you go over the prospective Mark, examine it parked on level ground. The distance between the fender well and tires should be the same on all four wheels. Listen in the front and back for a hissing sound. Play around with the message center's system check and see if it displays check air ride system. Take the car to 70mph on the highway and see if the nose "bounces" too much. Listen to the car upon start up, because if the air compressor makes any noise, then it is on its way.
Listen for clunking in the trunk and rear end- a sign your upper shock mounts are shot.
O2 Sensors: Located near the Cats..these tend to burn out after awhile and can create an obnoxious rotten egg smell in the cabin. These cost around $50. a piece(don't quote me on this one).
Door Handles: are cheap pot metal. I'm currently going onto my fourth..=) About $150. fix at a dealership, but far more of an inconvenience than that.
Door Latches and Hood Latches: Cause the message center to read "door ajar" and the hood to not shut tight- or to take a tremendous amount of force to shut. Easy fix- liberate the areas with WD-40.
Warped Brake Rotors: Personally, I've never had a problem with the stock rotors, but then again, I don't drive like a !@#$!%#!
I believe those are the most 'common' problems. Other than that, the maintanance is no worse than any other car. In fact, it can definately get much worse. Take for instance
Mark VIII transmissions. If you go to any tranny shop they will probably quote you anywhere from $1200-$1400 for a rebuilt installed. My ex's POS Jetta, because of the POS's electronically 'special' tranny, they wanted $3750. Ouch! =0
Skye, it sounds like the best bet for you would be to look for a 96 with HIDS already in there. You seem confident that you will need the enhanced(and in my opinion absolutely essential) lighting, and you like the styling better. So what are you waiting for? Go look! Oh lol I'm the only genious up at 3:15am..oh well...good luck..happy hunting...we'll be here when you need us...
http://pstr-m03.ygpweb.aol.com/data2/009/59/10/42/FB/PRAxPHzEF-+j+RPpsyyR+ZTwuaaMzk3l0060.jpg
