[Sir Hailstone]

I've hit yet another milestone on the odometer on my 1998 SE Duratec.

150,000 miles!

And it still runs like new. I considered trading it in on a Five Hundred, or a truck but dealers look at the odo and tell me to forget it they don't even want the car.

Guess I'll have to wait for 1 million miles for the odo to roll over.

 

[qwertz9586]

LOL! Congrats on getting to 150k. Mine's still waiting to roll over 100k. Plus mine will roll over to 0. I'll have a brand new car in the not too distant future!

 

[carraudio]

I'm 1000 away from 130,000 on my 99 SE and it still runs good.

 

[iafphantom*genIwagonv6*]

95K on mine...only put on 20K miles since 1995 when we bought it used...

 

[rudedog]

155.024 on mine after a nice trip to SanAntonio this last weekend for the first TCCA SOUTH meet, and runs like a top, used to have a '86(sig link) that was just under 200,000 when it got taken away.

 

[Sir Hailstone]

Originally posted by Qwertz9586@Sep 25 2004, 10:36 PM
LOL! Congrats on getting to 150k. Mine's still waiting to roll over 100k. Plus mine will roll over to 0. I'll have a brand new car in the not too distant future!

That gets me about odo's. Personally I'd thought by now that all mfrs would go to million mile odo's. Considering there is not much reason that a car won't last 100K miles when the Koreans are putting 100K mile warranties on cars. To me 100K is just getting broken in. 200K is good use. Former female friend has a Beemer 3-series that she put 350K miles on it and it's still going.

I was wandering the lot and the lady was looking some remaining 2004 SE's and LX's. Struck up a convo and I mentioned my Bull and how well it's ran and the mileage on it. I told her "Better get what you want on it now, because they don't get the best trade-in value since Ford sold so many, and you'll drive this car almost forever before it wears out!"

 

[Sir Hailstone]

Originally posted by rudedog@Sep 25 2004, 11:42 PM
155.024 on mine after a nice trip to SanAntonio this last weekend for the first TCCA SOUTH meet, and runs like a top, used to have a '86(sig link) that was just under 200,000 when it got taken away.

That's good on your 93 GL. My previous Bull was a 1994 GL vulcan. I put 182,000 on it when I decided to trade up to the 1998. It was running well but the GL was a "stripper" model while the 1998 SE was nicely loaded (leather seats, Duratec, CD player, EATC) plus the 94 was going to start doing the "nickel and dime" routine.
I found out the car lot did sell the 94 to someone that just needed a basic car for their 16 year old.

 

[rudedog]

thanks, I bought it for $300.00 slightly wrecked-see sig, and have spent a little less than $2000.00 to get it where it's at right now. The '86 really pisses me off though because I spent alot to get it road-trip dependable ie: moog cargo coils(springs), sensa-trac struts-4, heater core, COMPLETE brake system replacement, pads/shoes, drums/rotors, prop vlv, brake hoses-2 front, mstr cyl, booster, 4 tires, COMPLETE tune up plugs, cap, rotor, 6 injectors, fuel filter, pcv vlv, engine flush(only had 30,000 on engine), belts, hoses(all), and tint. Plus all the "free"stuff I got being a used car tech. at the ford dealer. Only to have the trans. go out and have the car towed away.

 

[DenJewell]

I'm a newbie here, impressed with the odometer readings and how the Taurus' have lasted. I'm looking at buying a used Taurus, can't afford new so looking at '97-'99 models and have a few questions about the engines.

My mechanic said the 3.8L engines were better than the 3.0, but I've read that the 3.8 was discontinued after 1995. Were vast improvements made on the 3.0 engines? What should I be looking for in the model years I'm looking for as far as engines go? What problems has anyone had with those years?

I have a car now with extensive engine problems, have replaced injectors like mad. I'm concerned with my mechanic's opinions on the 3.0L engines, (maybe he's talking about pre-1995 models) don't want to trade current engine problems for other engine problems.

I've driven my MIL's 1991 Sable, loved it, that's one reason I'm looking at the Taurus'. My hubby drives a '95 F150, he loves it to bits, my mom has a '90 Escort that is still running strong. Two more reasons to look at Fords!

Just want to do extensive research before maybe getting rid of my current car, which is a 1999 model. Don't want to go older than 1997, the modern power stuff has got me spoiled! : )

Thanks in advance,
DenJewell

 

[bull geek]

If you can go for it, I would seriously consider looking at a 2000 Taurus, they are generally not that much more than a 1999, sometimes cheaper. 1997-1998 Ford seemed to be the best year for the Taurus. 1999, Ford deleted some things like rear disc, dual exhaust, etc. Engines available were the Duratec, Vulcan, and FFV (Fuel Flex Vulcan). The Duratec was the replacement for the Essex. You find this engine in all 1996-7 Ford Taurus LX's. The 1998 had the Duratec as an option on the base (LX) and the upper level (SE). 1999 it was only availble on the Taurus SE. The Vulcan was sort of the "base" engine, making 145hp. The Duratec is the more powerful engine, making around 200hp. Both of these engines are extermly reliable, and with basic maintence will last countless miles. Surprizingly, the Duratec makes similar gas millage to the Vulcan even though the Duratec is larger. I would defenatly recommend the Duratec if you want that extra oomph in power; the Vulcan does a fine job, but the Duratec just gives you more power.

If you are considering a 2000, I would defenatly look at the SES model. They have ABS, folding rear seats, power driver seat, all standard. Early in that 00 model year the line up was weird (in order) LX, SE, SE/SVG, SE Comfort. Later in the 00 model year it changed to LX, SE, SES, SEL. Duratec was available on the SE/SVG, and the SE Comfort early in 2000. Later in 2000 it was available on the SES and SEL. Duratec still had 200 horsepower, but the Vulcan in 2000 gained ~8 horsepower, giving around 152/3 horsepower. Also the 2000 and newer (known as Gen 4) transmissions seem to be more reliable than the 1996-1999 model years.

[edit] Comepletly forgot about SHO somedude...but w/Premium fuel and the drawbacks with the engine, wasnt sure if I should mention...whatever lol.[/edit]

 

[somedude]

I guess it all depends on you taste, there are actually 3 engine options in the third gen taurus (96-99) there is the vulcan 3.0 which is a very good reliable engine, then there is the tec 3.0 DOHC which has more power but is still a very reliable engine, one step up from that is the SHO moddel which has the 3.4 V8 DOHC which is the fastest of the bunch, but at the same times has a few drawbacks which I wont get in to.

both 3.0's are very good engines the both have good power and get simaliar milage, and are relaible if not neglected.

other than the engine have the car put on a lift and checked out, not positive about the G3's but I have seen quite a few G2,1 taurui with broken springs. just something to look for.

check out the taurus FAQ for some more detailed information.

 

[crazy_canadian]

I have now 192 000miles on it
the odo show 190 000km but the dealer has removed 120000km on the odo.
now he have 310 000km

 

[qwertz9586]

Originally posted by Sir Hailstone+Sep 25 2004, 09:43 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Sir Hailstone @ Sep 25 2004, 09:43 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Qwertz9586@Sep 25 2004, 10:36 PM
LOL! Congrats on getting to 150k. Mine's still waiting to roll over 100k. Plus mine will roll over to 0. I'll have a brand new car in the not too distant future!

That gets me about odo's. Personally I'd thought by now that all mfrs would go to million mile odo's. Considering there is not much reason that a car won't last 100K miles when the Koreans are putting 100K mile warranties on cars. To me 100K is just getting broken in. 200K is good use. Former female friend has a Beemer 3-series that she put 350K miles on it and it's still going. [/b][/quote]
Actually, I did have a million mile odo. I swapped the speedo with a '91 cop speedo and it had a 100k odo.

 

[Mcgilles]

138k on the 96. it runs great. I really don't care about miles on my car that much. I know with proper maintenance it's the friggen energizer bunny...

 

[my car has peeling paint]

On my Sable, there is a hole in the front cover of the motor. It has 118K and it still runs like new.

CANT KILL A VULCAN!!!!

 

[mooby]

hummm mine is and 89 and it had 535 mile on it and my 87 had like 432 mile on it lollllllllll and both engine where not using oil or prestone leak

:notworthy:

 

[somedude]

94 SHO 189,000 I got a picture of 188,888.8 the other day.

oh BTW I went to "my local ford dealer" and checked out a 500 limited and I fell in love with it. i'm a big fan of 18X8 inch rims, and massive brakes. I would like to buy one if they offered a more powerfull engine option.

although the listed 0-60 is faster than my SHO 7.45 sec (CVT tranny and 4X4) the one I was looking at was the 6 speed not the CVT.

I then went to another nearby dealer and loked at a different one (base model) and I was not impressed, now i'm sure it is still a nice car but the loaded version with full black interior looked much nicer.

hats off to ford for this one. :notworthy:

 

[Sir Hailstone]

My mechanic said the 3.8L engines were better than the 3.0

I would disagree. Both are good motors. I had a 80's generation 3.8 in a Thunderbird and it was bulletproof .. well other than my foot that after getting in when pi$$ed off, starting the car and attempting to achieve maximum gravel slingage. Didn't hurt the motor right off but about 5000 miles later it started to smoke a bit. I did a number to the rings I'm on my 2nd Bull with a 3.0 (first was 94 Vulcan, then my 98 Duratec) and both are very much bulletproof.

Just want to do extensive research before maybe getting rid of my current car, which is a 1999 model.  Don't want to go older than 1997, the modern power stuff has got me spoiled!

Sure you can't afford new? Depending on your budget and credit situation Ford is doing some very nice rebates and financing incentives on 2004 Taurus. The dealer I just had my car serviced (Sharp Ford in Indy - very good service) had several SE's and LX's on the lot. A couple SES's and an SEL. One SEL and one SES had the Duratec the rest were Vulcans or Flex Fuels.

My brother just bought himself a 2004 SEL Sport. We're on Z-Plan (Ford Retiree pricing) and with rebates, Z-plan and Ford Credit financing got a very nice deal on his. [in the 13-15K range] ... before I get flamed - Employee pricing isn't what it used to be. On a Bull I think the savings is 2K max. So a good haggler could probably get in the 15's .. but I'm only guessing.

This week is a Ford sale for Ford Credit (0% - haven't read fine print) so you might cruise to some dealers and start haggling on a new Taurus.

 

[Mcgilles]

Originally posted by Sir Hailstone@Sep 28 2004, 04:23 PM

My mechanic said the 3.8L engines were better than the 3.0

I would disagree. Both are good motors.

actually, I would say that the various versions of 3.0 V6's put into Tauruses are superior to the 3.8 which had alot of trouble blowing head gaskets. the vulcan and duratec motors are virtually indestructable. with nothing more than routine maintenance. the V6 SHO is the same way. V8's are just as good and long lived after the cams are welded.

 

[qwertz9586]

Yeah, just because the 3.8L blows head gaskets it's a POS. There's too many stories going around as to why it does it. It ranges from bad water jacket design to poor head gasket material to the heads not being torqued to specs from the factory. As long as the head gaskets are fine and the tranny ain't croaking, the 3.8L is a damn fine engine!