Used Taurus's
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,481
Likes: 2,801
Had a '93 Mink. Or was it a Sable? Spit the tranny out. 17 to 22 in lead-foot driving. Then one day, I sighted Accord, sank same.
Insurance guy told me these are good strong built cars, the best to crash in.
I hit this guy solid nearly square in his rear passenger door and RR wheel. Crunched my front end, but didn't really tear up the fenders or hood.
But catch this action---there was the beginings of a crease or dent on the ROOF --the car actually started to bend in the middle!!!
Anyway, it was total and the INS co gave me far more for it than I expected.
So, other than the tranny and head gasket (mine was a 3.8 but the dealer preemptively fixed the gaskets) which you can avoid, not a bad ride and they're dirt cheap used.
I bought mine as a rental fleet refugee. Be sure you buy the extended warranty if you do that as rental car trannys are sure to fail.
Insurance guy told me these are good strong built cars, the best to crash in.
I hit this guy solid nearly square in his rear passenger door and RR wheel. Crunched my front end, but didn't really tear up the fenders or hood.
But catch this action---there was the beginings of a crease or dent on the ROOF --the car actually started to bend in the middle!!!
Anyway, it was total and the INS co gave me far more for it than I expected.
So, other than the tranny and head gasket (mine was a 3.8 but the dealer preemptively fixed the gaskets) which you can avoid, not a bad ride and they're dirt cheap used.
I bought mine as a rental fleet refugee. Be sure you buy the extended warranty if you do that as rental car trannys are sure to fail.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: Mesa, AZ -Gilbert & Univ.
could you maybe give me a rough sketch or something? I dont have the car to look at, and I'm trying to tell my friend (over the internet) where it is, so he can beat on it a little, to get it to start.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
The 3.0 liter motor of at least the '93 vintage is a beast. Our aerostar has one in it pusin 180k and it still runs like new. If you buy a taurus pay the extra and get a warranty, you will need it.. My sis and her hubby just found out.... Their '00 with 70k dropped the tranny here a few months ago, with the warranty it only cost them $400 out of pocket.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, CA
My recollection is that all of our Tauri at work are no more than 6 years old now. Howdy is right the older ones with the 3.8 engine blew head gaskets and the transmissions left something to be desired. Remember, that in my case, they are different drivers all the time and all that goes along with that scenario.
The newer models all have the 3.0 vulcan and no real major problems. I have replaced a couple of IAC's but usually when I get a "fix it" note, the problem is relatively simple unless it has been in a traffic accident.
I would own one without hesitation, however my wife prefers her Buick Regal.
Russ
The newer models all have the 3.0 vulcan and no real major problems. I have replaced a couple of IAC's but usually when I get a "fix it" note, the problem is relatively simple unless it has been in a traffic accident.
I would own one without hesitation, however my wife prefers her Buick Regal.
Russ
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 153
Likes: 1
From: NW Ohio
Our oldest daughter got a 93 Sable for her first car, 3.8 and 110K miles. Loved the car, got around 30 mpg and only replaced the water pump. Then an unscheduled off-road excursion thru a cemetery did major damage to the poor car and a couple tombstones, daughter walked away without a scratch. Replaced it with a 96 Sable 3.0, about the same on gas but a little more room, still seems to be a very safe and solidly built car. Not a speed demon or flashy to look at, but very dependable and reasonably affordable to keep running.
