1991 Ford Taurus LX 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Can't expect much from a ford

Faults:

Since I have owned the car the power steering pump went bad.

The car eats through batteries really badly.

The transmission was replaced two years ago.

The trunk leaks every time it rains.

The coin tray doesn't push in all the way.

Overall OK starter car not best for a long term family vehicle.

If your looking for a cheap reliable used car I would go with the Chevrolet Lumina or a newer model Taurus.

General Comments:

The car is really comfortable. Seats are plush.

Drives nice and handles well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th November, 2007

11th Mar 2008, 13:38

You nailed it. But you forgot to mention when your AC went out. But anyone with back problems loves those plush seat and that mushy ride.

1991 Ford Taurus LX 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

Don't get it if it has over 100,000 miles

Faults:

The transmission is dying, and it will cost $800+ to get it rebuilt.

The struts are bad, and the steering really sucks.

Trunk has hard time staying closed in 90+F weather.

A/C has never worked, and it doesn't want to work.

Rotors are warped and the wheels make a horrible noise.

General Comments:

This car has potential, but the transmission really sucks, and the struts are bad. Can't seem to get the alignment to stay either. I suggest you do not get this car if it has more than 100,000 miles on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st October, 2007

4th Oct 2007, 17:48

Why would anyone buy a car with 100,000 miles??? I buy a new car every year to insure I have the latest technology and contemporary styling. If you do the same, I doubt you will encounter any repair issues.

5th Oct 2007, 17:07

So you buy a new car every year and think everyone else should do the same. If so who would buy your old one?

It's your choice: you pay an incredible amount for depreciation, because the loss of value is extremely steep from new to 3 years. Then it starts leveling off. How much do you pay for a new one and how much do they give you for a trade in? You might be looking at a $8000 hit every time. That's hardly a bargain.

On the other extreme is the car that has 10 or more years and much more than 100K miles on it. Your purchase price may be low, but you have to figure in some major repairs.

To me it seems best to buy a 3 to 4 year old car with about 60K miles on it, take care of it and drive it until about 160K or expensive repairs are required. Your average annual cost for the vehicle (depreciation + repairs/ years of ownership) may run as high as $2000 or as low as $1000. A well chosen vehicle with more than 100K miles can make a lot of sense in particular if a person is not very flush with cash.

6th Oct 2007, 00:13

To the commenter above. Studies have shown that if you were to buy a new car and keep it for 15 years, repairing things as they break, you are saving thousands and thousands of dollars over leasing a car every year or two.

Buying a new car and returning it soon after (leasing) has got to be one of the worst investments, short of throwing your money away. Its like renting a car and returning it a year later.

I don't know how you can stand making car payments every month of every year of your life. I like to purchase a car, and drive it for a considerable amount of time in order to get my money's worth.

30th Jul 2010, 20:07

I have a 1991 Taurus LX with I think every possible option. The 3.8 motor flaw has cursed me, and now I don't know what to do because I really love the car. You don't get leather on the door panels of cars without paying big bucks. I bought the car in 2002, and have never had any problems except a power steering pump, and the now blown head gasket issue. The comment by someone that they purchase a new car annually is so misguided. Most automobiles lose money by leaps and bounds.

We drive OLD SAABs and Volvos. The Taurus was my first domestic vehicle since 1979, and I was very happy with it. The interior is still flawless and EVERYTHING still works.

I plan to fix it and keep it for as long as it can live.

It just doesn't make sense/cents to crush it. For the cost of one year of payments for something else, I can restore my Taurus back to new.