Who saved this car for posterity! This 1989 Mercury Tracer has traveled only 18,831 believable miles from new and is being sold by its second owner. Offered here on craigslist for $6500, this pristine compact is located in Newburgh, New York. Thanks to Zen for alerting us that the best Tracer on the planet is for sale. Not only is it a great example, it’s also the kind of car that might resonate with folks tired of paying for the technology-infused SUVs that saturate new-car lots these days. The Tracer is powered by a four-cylinder engine good for 27 mpg, it’s handy to park, and the only significant bit of technology it contains is fuel injection. You’ll wind those windows by hand.
The Tracer was derived from Ford’s Laser which itself was basically a rebadged Mazda 323. Ford’s partnership with Mazda sprang from a big ownership stake it built in the Japanese automaker starting in the 1970s. Capitalizing on that tie-up meant badge-engineering, and that’s why the Tracer – meant as a successor to the Mercury Lynx – was a Mazda in thin disguise whereas the Lynx was Escort-based. The Tracer’s engine is Mazda’s 1.6 liter four-cylinder with fuel injection for the US, generating about 84 hp. This example has the optional three-speed automatic. The seller notes it runs, drives and stops like a car should.
The interior is spiffy enough though we always wish sellers would vacuum and wipe off mats and surfaces for the photo shoot. The driver’s seat is minutely compressed in the bolster area – likely part of the aging process. The velour upholstery could be made even brighter with a thorough cleaning, but it looks fresh enough as-is. This shot of the data sticker is not included to show you the sticker though it’s bright and clear – it’s included because the door fitting above it is so clean. Not only was this car well maintained, it was also well-stored by its two owners.
Here’s a similar vintage 323 rear view – déjà vu, right? These cars weren’t breaking ground in the styling department, but Ford had a hit on its hands with this little Mercury as it sold more than 50k copies in its first two years. The second generation Tracer was based on the Ford Escort – but why buy a Tracer when you could simply have an Escort? Sales began tailing off and the model was discontinued in 1999 as Ford introduced the Focus. All of this history reminds me that Ford doesn’t build anything at all like this today; in fact, it’s only passenger car is the Mustang. So if you want to capture a bit of mostly-analog Ford history in a neat package at a reasonable price, this Tracer is a great option.
Ford and Mazda have a nice history as Michelle points out. From the early SHO Taurus, the Ranger/B Series pickups, and the sweet 3.7L V6 Cyclone 🌀 motor.
I was about to kvetch again about why someone would buy a foreign car, when this was available, until,,,( sound of screeching tires), it was made in Mexico! Yep, unlike the Escort, made in many US cities, and Mexico, I read this car had practically no affiliation with Ford. I wonder how many people knew that? I read, 58,000 people in 1989 were willing to cough up an additional $2grand ( $9600)over the Escort ($7800), to the Escorts like 4.1 MILLIONish, so it was not a big seller. A car like this today? Nah, people love their SUVs whatnot, and this would be a major step backwards in transportation to them.
Well Howard, I disagree that folks wouldn’t want this for their daily driver, kid’s high school ride, or just runs to the store. Today’s “automobiles” are too big, way too much electric crap, and for the most part, have planned obsolence built in. I wouldn’t buy a passanger ride above the year 2008. I certainly would buy this Tracer.
Michelle, another great find and article!
This would make a awesome daily driver, if it had the 5 speed.
Michelle- Good write-up.
Mark, I agree w/ you.
I’m convinced that today’s manufacturers (and the government that dictates so many reasons vehicles are the way they are) are really out of touch w/ what the average lower / middle class wants. A lot of it is safety related but that doesn’t exactly make sense to me either because their rules are applied inconsistently… the same government that pushes crumple zones, 34 airbags, 168 sensors and 59 mpg in SUV’s strangely allows me to ride my completely-unsafe-in comparison 1999 motorcycle down the highway (and in some states, like Wisconsin, w/ no helmet).
So, in the name of personal freedom, they allow unsafe vehicles if they have two or three wheels but if you want four wheels, you’re gonna pay, brother.
A lot of us would gladly buy cheaper, perhaps smaller, less-technologically advanced CARS (not just darn SUVs) if they were still offered new. I’d LOVE for manufacturers to crank out new versions of older models which were just fine… Corollas, Escorts, etc.
Meanwhile, when I’m not on the bike, I’m bombing around in a low-mileage 2002 Prism which suits me fine.
curious that the only photos shown here are without the factory wheel covers, when 12 of the 23 photos on the original craigslist ad show they exist and are apparently included. this little badge engineered mazda 323 is a … ahem… great little car. i had the 4 door sedan version of the mazda and loved it.
Yes, Amos, I noticed the lack of wheel covers. Then, after your post, I went to the Craigslist ad and half of the numerous photos showed covers. I do like the color because it is very practical, light enough to be seen on the road (important for small cars) but won’t show dust or dirt. Lots of Ford products here today. Good.
The 2 door Focus were built in Mexico, my son owned 2.The 4 doors were built here.
Friend purchased one of these about 10 years ago. Had AC and a floor mounted manual shifter. Was a fun little car to drive and had an amazing amount of interior room.
We had one of these, a 2 door woth manual 5 speed. Ours had a/c, a rear defrosted, and that’s about it. Fun car to drive!
Maybe commenter Charles Atlas will upgrade to this from his 1984 Escort manual.
These were such a refreshing change from the escort, that car was such a pos – I was a young tech servicing used ones in the mid 90’s.
Too bad this is a 50 shades of beige autobox four door. $6k – no harm in asking
To bad it has the slush box transmission or I would be taking a closer look at it. With the manual transmission they are great little cars for towing behind the motorhome and just under the weight limit for being required to have a brake buddy
In Australia these were sold as Ford Lasers or Mazda 323.
I remember looking at a 323 of this era about 15 years ago, that had high ish miles but in great shape for $850. I passed cuz kids and back seat space.
This was my exact college car (color & all). It was a small workhorse for me. Is this still available?