German Classic: 1987 Merkur XR4TI

If I told you that I had a turbocharged rear-drive 80s German-built classic that was just in need of a little TLC — you’d probably open your wallet to the tune of a quite a few grand for something like a Porsche 944 turbo, but you’d be WRONG.  This next German built 80s time machine will cost you less than 8 Benjamins..and that ain’t bad. Find this 1987 Merkur XR4TI offered for $795 in Irvine, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

From the seller:

 1987 merkur xr4ti 

VIN: WF1BT80W9HM685521 

condition: fair 

cylinders: 4 cylinders 

drive: rwd 

fuel: gas 

odometer: 190770 

paint color: black 

title status: clean 

transmission: manual 

type: hatchback 

Exterior: Paint overall still very good, very little rust, minor scrapes and dents, small ripples in driver door, cracked driver side mirror glass, still usuable

Interior: Good condition, one small tear in driver seatback

Engine: Starts, not driveable, see below

Tires: Falken Ziex, – 4400 Miles

Transmission: Rebuilt in 2013 – Approx 2500 Miles

Brakes: New master cylinder and rear brakes

Spares included: Two uninstalled side mirrors, Front-end Bra

Time to let go of my ’87 XR4. I’m the original owner and what’s important is that it finds a good home, with someone who cares and has more resources and time than I to get the car running again. In early 2017, developed an engine issue, either the main bearing or a rod bearing failure. Engine idles in park, but stalls when put in gear or when throttle applied. Engine recently cleaned. 

Purchased in Illinois, been in So Cal since 1994. Driven regularly but sparingly until last year. There are a host of small things that need attention – radio antenna has disconnected, sunroof crank no longer works, etc. – Happy to provide a complete list if requested. Gotta move it along!

See a better way to drive a Merkur? tips@dailyturismo.com