1998 Mercury Mountaineer Fix 'er Upper

For auction is a 98 Mercury Mountaineer. I purchased this vehicle in February of 2013, and about two weeks after I bought it, the front differential went out. As it basically still runs and drives, I parked it beside my barn waiting on the parts. A month or so later, a spring storm came through, and a small limb fell on the windshield. It has since been stored inside the barn. I have all of the parts necessary to get it back to 100%, mechanically speaking, including the front differential, front drive shaft and the passenger side window. I honestly would like to keep it and fix it up to use it as I had intended, but have so much on my plate right now I need to focus on other things.

Right before I purchased it, it had a full tune up, some brake work done, and new shocks installed. It has no mechanical issues what so ever outside of what I've already mentioned. When I first bought it, it drove fantastically. Even though it hasn't been road worthy in a year, I have been starting it regularly and move it from time to time. I treated the gas last fall, and again this spring. As far as I can tell, it leaks and burns no fluids. I didn't have any issues with the battery until today, when I had to jump start it, and it would not hold a charge. The front two tires are in excellent shape, with at least 80% of their tread life. The rear tires, however, only have a little life in them, if any, and the spare tire has a slow leak.

Overall, the body is in OK shape, outside of what I've already mentioned, as can be seen in the pictures. The only other issue was caused when I nicked the rear driver's side with a farm implement, causing a crack in the tail light and some slight damage to the panel behind the rear tire. At some point in time it was in a pretty gentle collision, and the front bumper is missing a piece of plastic, and the foglight is missing. Otherwise, it has no rust, and the paint is not scratched up or faded.

The interior is in excellent condition. As far as I know it has always been a non smoking vehicle. The leather seats have no rips or tears, the power functions all work great. All of the electronics and gauges function properly. It also has keyless entry.

For hauling or pickup, pickup is recommended, but I have a car trailer and would be willing to deliver the vehicle at the cost of $1 per mile throughout the state of Iowa or to Omaha or Kansas City. Theoretically, as the vehicle moves on its own currently, it could be driven, but I would strongly recommend trailering it.

The title is clear and in hand. It is on a small farm south of Norwalk, Iowa, and it is available for showing by appointment. I will require a $500 PayPal deposit within 24 hours of the auction's end. The vehicle must be hauled or picked up within one week of the auction's end.

Thanks!

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NHTSA upgrades Ford floor mat unintended acceleration probe

Mon, 17 Dec 2012

According to a Bloomberg report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded an investigation into complaints of unintended acceleration lodged against Ford vehicles. The investigation began in June of 2010 when just three complaints had been received and it only concerned the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, but this was at a time when the phrase "unintended acceleration" made grown men go pale. With 49 additional complaints received since then, the investigation has been reclassified as an engineering analysis - the last phase before a recall - and it has been expanded to include the Lincoln MKZ, making for a total of "around 480,000" units affected between the three sedans from the 2008 to 2010 model years.
The ostensible cause is that floor mats are trapping the accelerator pedal, but according to a Ford statement at the time, the entrapment is due to owners placing the optional all-weather floor mats, or aftermarket floor mats, on top of the car's standard floor mats. NHTSA has backed up that assessment, pinning the blame on "unsecured or double stacked floor mats."
On the face of it, it would appear that NHTSA has upgraded the status not because of Ford's error, but owner error, and Ford has stated publicly that it is "disappointed" in NHTSA's move. On top of NHTSA still being skittish after that other unintended acceleration debacle, it could be seen to be taking its time investigating all of the variables: it's reported that Ford changed its accelerator pedal design in 2010, a "heel blocker" in the floorpan has been considered a potential culprit in how the floor mats could be trapping the pedal, some drivers have said the floor mats weren't anywhere near the pedal, and according to a report in the LA Times, in "a letter sent by Ford to NHTSA in August 2010, the automaker said it found three injuries and one fatality that 'may have resulted from the alleged defect.'"

Ford recalling 370,000 Crown Vic, Grand Marquis and Town Car models

Fri, 30 Aug 2013

The Detroit News is reporting that Ford will recall some 370,000 Crown Victoria (pictured), Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car vehicles from model years 2005 through 2011, for an issue regarding the lower intermediate steering shaft. 355,000 of the vehicles in question were sold in the US, with the other 15,000 sold in Canada.
The report indicates that corrosion of the lower intermediate steering shaft could cause a "loss of steering," presumably because of a partial or complete failure of the part. The report points out the dealers will inspect and replace the offending steering component for recalled cars, and may also secure a lower steering column bearing and replace the upper intermediate steering shaft as needed. The company is unaware of any reports of the faulty part causing any accidents or injuries.
Ford helpfully lists states in which corrosion is more likely to have taken place, mostly in the Snow Belt, as you might guess. Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia are listed.

Jill Wagner retired as Mercury spokeswoman

Wed, 17 Nov 2010

Jill Wagner has officially given up her crown as the queen of Mercury. With the Ford middle child on its way to the scrap heap, Wagner no longer has any automotive hardware to promote. Given her varied talents, we wouldn't be surprised to see her pick up where she left off with another automaker.
And here you thought you'd never be upset about Mercury's passing.
Thanks for the tip, Gregg!

Red/ Maroon 1998 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0l Awd 108,000 Miles on 2040-cars