Any info on the quality of the 87 Taurus?

My neighbor had a taurus wagon. He had heard that there were transmission issues with the taurus. But he himself never had any. Alas, he sold it after many miles on it (170K) but he was worried which is why he sold it. Fred

3 different 6 cyl engines and 2 different transmissions. Not sure if the 3.8 carried on into 1987 or not, but there is the 3.0 liter Vulcan push-rod engine and the 3.0 liter Duratech Twin cam (24 valve) engine for sure. Different issues with each engine.

Overall they have a pretty good rep.

Thanks. The seller says the trans was rebuilt last year. I seem to recall some head gasket issues with the 3.8. but my memory ain't what it used to be.

My family a a couple of different year taurii / sable / continentals over the years.

All but the continental had the 3.0 engine.

Things that broke or wore out in a hurry.

wiper motors water pumps tie rod ends. transmissions ignition modules (bolted to the side of the distributor) starter motor on the 3.8 in the continental water leaks on the sable wagon (cracked rear brake light let tons of water into the back end of the car. steering racks. multifunction / turn signal switch radio high pressure power steering hoses were very long and very expensive. alternators. A/C condensor CV joints The early models used type F tranny fluid in the power steering. Fluid condition was usually ignored, it turns black, making the pump unhappy and very noisy.

One of the best Taurus secrets was an 87 model, 4 cylinder with standard transmission that could get around 40mpg. Don't think it was available in other model years.

into the back end of the car.

condition was usually ignored, it turns black,

transmission that could get around 40mpg.

I agree with the '87 assessment- a friend of mine had one (bought new) up until a few years ago when it finally(!) started to die. He had at least 240K miles on it (the speedometer croaked at that mileage), and he still drove it for 3 more years after that. I would definitely say he got his money's worth out of it :-)

In 1987 there was only one V6, the 3.0L Vulcan, and only one transmission could be had with the Vulcan, the AXOD. The DOHC 3.0L didn't show up until some 9 years and two generations later. The 3.8L didn't show up until 1988.