Rad Van: 1999 Mercury Villager Sport – SOLD!

February 2, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Ah, the minivan: is there a vehicle more offensive to the senses of car enthusiasts everywhere? Well, the Chevy Chevette could make a pretty compelling case for itself, especially when compared to what is likely one of the nicest Mercury Villagers left in existence. Check out this rare 1999 Villager Sport originally listed in January 2021 on Craigslist in Boonville, North Carolina for just $1,900, a one-owner vehicle with an incredible 300,000 miles on the clock.  Now, a contemporary minivan isn’t exactly investment car fodder at the moment, but one this nice is worth a look – and according to the NADA Price Guide, the seller has set a realistic price tag on his well-used minivan with “High” retail clocking in at $2,300, and “Average” listed at $1,775.

While opinions of minivans are generally low, one of the best aspects of the Radwood movement is an inclination to appreciate every type of vehicle hailing from a certain era. The Mercury Villager / Nissan Quest twins certainly slot into that time and place perfectly, as the middle 90s represented a time when Japanese manufacturers were regularly partnering with Big 3 automakers like Ford and Mercury to create joint-branded offerings. The Mercury brand seemingly got the most bang for their buck out of the deal, as Nissan provided its powerful VG33E V6 drivetrain for the initiative, producing a healthy 170 horsepower routed through the front wheels, which were larger when equipped with the Sport package like this Villager is.

We came across this YouTube post containing two 30-sec TV spots featuring the 1999 Mercury Villager:

The question of what makes a minivan desirable is entirely subjective: some will focus solely on utility; how does it help me accomplish a job. Others will look at the make and let their loyalty to a brand’s more sporting models driving the decision, i.e., a Honda S2000 enthusiast may choose an Odyssey for the times when he has more than two bodies to carry. Whatever the motivation, if you’re looking for a Radwood-friendly entry, this Villager is seemingly in excellent condition despite having 300,000 miles on the clock and comes with three rows of seats for hauling your friends and their friends to the next period-correct gathering. Given most people carriers can look worn out after just a few years, it’s truly impressive to see one still look this nice. Good luck with the purchase if you bring this rad minivan home!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Up for sale is our one owner family minivan. As you can see by the pictures we have taken very good care of this van and it has served our family well. 300,000 miles mostly driven back and forth to Winston Salem to work. Very reliable and has never given us any trouble. Lots of life still left in this van. P- WINDOWS, P-LOCKS;TILT; CRUISE; P-DRIVER SEAT; 2ND ROW CAPTAIN’S SEATS; 3RD ROW FOLDS AND SLIDES FORWARD FOR EXTRA CARGO AREA; AM/FM WITH 6 DISK CHANGER; FRT AND REAR A/C; REAR AUDIO CONTROLS; P-MIRRORS; TIRES ALMOST NEW. Please no calls after 9:00 PM. I do not need help selling. Serious inquiries only. I will not respond to texts, calls only. Cash or Certified check only. Title in hand.“

Do you have a Mercury Villager story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!