I just had a plugged main cat replaced on my Mystique under warranty. It wan't easy.
I suspected a plugged main cat about a month ago and took it to the dealer for diagnosis. Sure enough, they concurred and agreed to replace it under warranty, but the part was not in stock. They called me about two weeks later when the part came in. I brought the car down only to find that they had ordered the wrong part. Another week and a half later and they had the right part, but because I had an exhaust that was modified from factory design they wanted some money to install it in the modified system. The service rep floated a figure of $300. I, of course, had a kitten right on the spot and claimed that my exhaust shop could do the whole job, including parts, for that much. I said that I thought that what they needed to do should cost no more than $150. What really ticked me off was that the car had been there three times and they noticed only on the third visit that my exhaust was not stock. I was told that he would get a firmer estimate.
Surprise, surprise. The bill came to $150.25. If I had not complained, I am sure that the bill would have been over $300 for some pipe flaring and a few welds!
To their credit, they let me have a loaner on the third visit.
Here is the essence of my current state of mind.
1) It's been an OK car, but in seven years I have had to take it in for various recalls and repairs about 15 times.
2) Does Ford care that anyone looking for an upscale V6 sports sedan with a stick must go to either Cadillac or one of the foreign makes?
3) I know that the Futura is coming in a year or so , but do I want to risk it? Ford has had trouble making a reliable new model. As a matter of fact, the 1998 Mystique with a V6 is on Consumer Reports list of used cars to avoid.
4) I'll be looking for a new car in a year or so. The Futura will have to look pretty darn good to prevent me from considering a CTS or G35.
Sorry for the whining diatribe, but I just had to vent. Thanks.
