[The Champ]

A flight to Tucson and a road trip back would be much less than $2,000. Probably a good idea to have it checked out down (oil change, coolant change...) there and probably a new set of tires (that you would need anyway once back in WI).

[Mr Anonymous]

Definitely snag it. I'd drive it back, they are usually pretty trouble free and parts are available.

[TAKerry]

Neither you or your sister has a sentimental attachment. If you have to ask here then you probably already know the answer. If I were you, I would volunteer my services to make arrangements for a sale, have your sister store and take care of the final paper work after the sale, then split the proceeds. If BAT doesnt take it you should be able to get rid of it quickly on Hemmings auction site.

It sounds like a cool car to cruise around in, in my case I would probably drive it a half dozen times then it would sit after the initial fun was gone.

[ta6point6]

I agree with TAkerry make a trip down there freshen it up and put up for sale. Arizona would be a much better place to sell it then the east coast in my opinion. I think wagons can be cool but need someone who will take the time and money to make it that way.

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by BILL BOWMAN1

I am currently looking for something oddball like that. Put a bone stock 326 two barrel in it and cruise the country .

Ahh, so make it slower than it already is.


lol

[GTOnly70]

Originally Posted by jrunner

It’s just like a mustang.

Yeah, not really...

[SRR]

Originally Posted by 67drake

My dad bought a new Mercury station wagon back in ‘88. 302 v-8 and simulated wood siding. He died 2 years later and my mom moved from Chicago to Tucson. Mom passed years ago and my brother drove it in Tucson every once in a while. Now brother has passed and my sister bought his condo, car included. She asked me if I want it-free
OK. This has no sentimental value to me, but COULD be a offbeat, rust free toy. I don’t really know if it’s worth the shipping cost or hassle to get it up here to SW Wisconsin.
Any opinions? What say you?

A rust free wagon in your state could turn a good profit! You know what they say you have to spend money to make money!

[jrunner]

The 88 5.0 302 is a hydraulic roller engine most came with trw forged pistons same as in the mustang. I have a 89 5.0 roller engine in my 64 Mercury Comet. If I’m not mistaken all the aftermarket performance suspension upgrades for that year mustang bolt right up to your wagon. Your dad knew what he was doing it’s fuel injected hopefully with a/c and overdrive.
Also have you seen the prices for mustangs lately? Yours being a wagon Mercury wagon might be a little more fancy and valuable.

[67drake]

Originally Posted by jrunner

The 88 5.0 302 is a hydraulic roller engine most came with trw forged pistons same as in the mustang. I have a 89 5.0 roller engine in my 64 Mercury Comet. If I’m not mistaken all the aftermarket performance suspension upgrades for that year mustang bolt right up to your wagon. Your dad knew what he was doing it’s fuel injected hopefully with a/c and overdrive.
Also have you seen the prices for mustangs lately? Yours being a wagon Mercury wagon might be a little more fancy and valuable.

Yes, A/C and OD. My dad was a GM guy. I don’t know why he went Ford/Merc in this case. I was out of the house by then. But he researched everything to death. He grew up in the depression, so if he spent his money, he was very cautious with it.

[59safaricat]

If you're into big cars and cruising (fits my personal tastes), this would be an enjoyable vehicle. Wagons have had a huge resurgence and nice examples bring in a lot of green so you'd have no problem selling it with a nice profit.

If your idea of fun is speed and cornering, you're probably going to hate it. 150 horsepower in a big wallowy boat will make for a frustrating experience. Best to sell it at its location and not bother transporting it.

If you decide to hang on to it, for all that is holy, please keep it stock. Nothing more annoying than seeing a nice clean rare example ratted out like some white trash/ghetto rig out of east Oakland, California.

A word of advice, immediately change out the plastic bushing for the transmission shift lever/linkage. When these things let go (and they do), it'll toast the transmission on the spot.

[geeteeohguy]

Have had extensive service experience with the '79-'94 Grand Marquis and Crown Vic platforms and 1988 was a great year. Bulletproof drivetrain and surprising fuel economy. Drove an '88 cross country coast to coast in 1998, and it got 24 mpg at 80+ mph, plus rode better than a Cadillac. I would jump on it. They are fairly simple and very durable cars. That's why the police and taxi companies used to use them.

[jrunner]

Originally Posted by jrunner

The 88 5.0 302 is a hydraulic roller engine most came with trw forged pistons same as in the mustang. I have a 89 5.0 roller engine in my 64 Mercury Comet. If I’m not mistaken all the aftermarket performance suspension upgrades for that year mustang bolt right up to your wagon. Your dad knew what he was doing it’s fuel injected hopefully with a/c and overdrive.
Also have you seen the prices for mustangs lately? Yours being a wagon Mercury wagon might be a little more fancy and valuable.

I was wrong about the suspension being like the mustang I was thinking about the fairmont or zephyr.

[b-man]

Well, did you get it yet?

[PunchT37]

Those wagons will out do everything these little crossovers of today will do. Except gas mileage.

[67drake]

Originally Posted by b-man

Well, did you get it yet?

No. My wife is going down there with my sister next month. I’m going to get my wife’s opinion on condition. My sister knows nothing about cars. I know one of the tail lights is broke, and my brother wasn’t known for keeping a clean vehicle.
I didn’t realize what these are worth, I was figuring $2000 or so. Not that I’d be getting it to sell. I was just figuring why spend $2000 to ship a $2000 car? I’m sure it would at minimum need a battery, tires, maybe the gas tank dropped and cleaned out.
Thanks for all the input guys, the positive comments at least has me a little excited about it. I didn’t know these cars and the 302’s were that reliable. I would keep the car stock and just drive it.

[mzbk2l]

I think there are (or were) several Tucson members on the board. I'm an hour and a half north if I can do anything to help.

[63 Pontiac]

Get it. You only go around once in life and wagons are hot right now. If the car is in decent shape the worst case scenario is you break even.

[scott70]

Theres a few youtubers that love to do that stuff for free maybe,,,,,find a car,,get it running and drive it hundreds of miles to see if they can make it and deliver it to you. They make content and get their money. Maybe vice grip garage. Probably in too good of shape though.
Seriously though,,if I were in that situation and it was going to be a bit of a pain and cost me money for a car that once I got it i know I would probably never drive it because it just isnt my thing Id pass. But if its in good shape and you think youd enjoy driving it around Id say go for it. It would have to be a mid 60's to early 70's wagon for me.

[67drake]

Well, it’s still haunting me. My nephew, who now lives in the condo down in Tucson, threw a battery in this thing today, and it started right up!
Been sitting for years now. I told him to change the fluids and put some darn tires on it for starters. But it’s still mine if I want it.
I do have a bigger garage now than when I started this thread though…hmmmmm…

[DarthBubba]

Well it seems you haven't forgotten it, so that leaves???