1999 Ford Taurus SE Wagon 3.0L 12 V from North America
Summary:
Good solid car, that will be hard to replace
Faults:
Front bushings at 269000 km
Complete brake replacement on 4 wheels at 269,000km
Electronic Steering wheel switch assembly 275,000km
Speed sensor on transmission at 280,000km
Alternator failed at 300,000km
Transmission rebuilt at 320,000 km
Transmission replaced at 325,000km
Steering rack and power steering pump replaced at 362000km
A/C failed at 375,000km
Rear Calipers at 375,000km.
General Comments:
I bought this wagon to replace a 1989 Pontiac 6000 Safari Wagon. It had high mileage and I paid half the average price for similar cars at the time. Paid cash, no car payments. I immediately had front bearings and all brakes done.
The switch assembly on the steering wheel was wonky and the wipers came on at random. Paid $90 for new part and replaced myself.
Speed sensor failed and the instruments and cruise control would cut out at random. Took the car to a specialty electrical shop and they fixed it immediately. Still working fine.
The transmission started failing around 320,000km. The 4th gear would not engage. Had the transmission rebuilt and 4th failed again. The independent shop replaced the transmission with a factory rebuilt. The tech told me a hole for the fourth gear shaft had enlarged and leaked so pressure could not build up or something. In all it cost me $2600.
I wasn't concerned about the transmission replacement because of the car's high mileage. The replacement unit is still doing fine.
Steering rack and PS pump failed at 362,000km out in the boonies, but I was driving on the highway so I kept going. Had the PS oil purged earlier and it was really grungy. The failure was not unexpected. After the repair, the pump kept sucking air into the system. Talked to mechanic and he bent the intake pipe down to be below the fill level and the problem is solved. Cost $1600.
A/C failed and would cost $1300 to fix. Still debating whether I'll have it done.
I love this car, there have not been any problems with the base engine. It is powerful enough to run at 160km/h on the highway. When driven carefully, I can go 700 km on a tankful of gas. That's more than Going from an hour north of Toronto to 30-45 minutes east of Montreal non-stop.
Too bad domestic manufacturers don't make station wagons anymore. My other car is a Volvo 945 with 410000km and I'm not sure if I'll buy another used Taurus wagon or a Volvo V70.
Both dealerships in my town have serviced the car and have been very professional, considerate, helpful and competitive with the independents.
The car now has 394,000km (250,000 miles) and I expect to keep it to half a million.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th April, 2008
8th May 2008, 09:02
I totally disagree with the previous comments, if these cars are well maintained and taken care of, they are great cars. I bought a 1998 ford Taurus three years ago, right before I started college. IT had 90,000 miles on it, it has 140,000 miles know. THe only things I have had to replace is brakes and tires. This car has gone well beyond my expectations. IT was a one owner, I had the whole maintance record on it also when I bought it. I will for sure buy another Taurus after this one.
7th May 2008, 20:04
This car is trouble. Just look at all the Technical Service Bulletins. My wife bought a used 1999 Taurus wagon and nothing but trouble after 70,000 miles. It's been a year of hell. Cost for year =$2,000.00+. Buyer Beware! Major Lemon.