1999 Mercury Sable GS 3.0 V6 SOHC from North America
Summary:
This is the third time I've hit 200K with a Ford.
Faults:
Needed plugs and wires every 45K or so, tranny fluid every 30K, Oil 2.5K, Air filter 8 or 9K (just a habit), brake fluid/ps fluid 30K, and antifreeze every 15K. I know these are a little more frequent than most people's maintenance schedule, but LOOK HOW FREAKING LONG MY CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING!!! 209, almost 210,000 miles now and it still sings like it's a new car.
Power Steering Pump needed to be replaced. Forgot to change the fluid somehow for a long long time. 170K.
Cruise stopped working. 200K.
Service Engine Soon "Check Engine" light came on. Replaced spark plugs/wires, and it purrs. No light on now. 209K.
That's it!!
General Comments:
I love this car!!!
Gas mileage for a car this size is great. With synthetic oil and high octane gas, it gets about 25.5 MPG mixed highway city. It will get over 30 on the highway at 65 Mph. You can't tell me that doesn't rock.
I maintain it, and that's it. It purrs and it has 210,000 miles on it. It literally drives like it's a new car. I know, because my grandpappy has a brand new 2005 Sable with 1,000 miles, and they drive the SAME.
Now I know the Taurus/Sable has a bad name, but with regular maintenance (transmission flush, radiator flush, brakes, power steering, etc.) I've had next to no problems. AND, this is my THIRD Taurus/Sable to hit 200K. I had an 88', a 95' and this one. ALL above 200K, original drivetrain. Coincidence? I think not. No matter what people say, Ford got the Taurus right.
Maintain it and it go and go and go...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th May, 2006
6th May 2006, 17:12
Yes, this is the way to take care of a car and make sure it gives you the best service. Too many people blame their problems on the car itself, rather than recognizing their own responsibility to take care of things, and learn something about cars. I don't think that the 9,000 mile air filter change is excessive, depending on driving conditions. It's within standard recommendations for dusty conditions or severe use.