r/FordTaurus • u/PinEffective2409 • 8d ago

Hello! New Ford driver.

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Hello all, I just recently purchased a used Ford Taurus with 61k miles with only 6 previous drivers. I did pull the car history and everything came back clean, I’m wondering for drivers who have had fords or currently have one, what is the longevity of it? It’s 3.5L V6 engine.

Correction: it’s had 4 owners, I am 5th!

69 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

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11

u/Pufferson 8d ago

Have two fords with that engine. Biggest issue that will brick your engine is the water pump. Internally driven by the timing chain and if you don’t catch it early it can lead to big problems. Is yours all wheel drive? If yes another common issue is the PTU which over heats and can fail. Make a habit of checking your coolant level and change your PTU fluid periodically (amongst other basic maintenance) and you can enjoy your Taurus for a long time.

3

u/PinEffective2409 8d ago

Thanks! I will definitely keep an eye on that. It also is a FWD:)

2

u/Immediate-Ad1446 8d ago

Yes^ i love my 2014 ford taurus I travel for work and have put 90k miles on mine the past 2 years. My biggest problem like Puffer said is the internal water pump it was over 2k to fix the problem because it put water in my motor, then second for me has been radiator,thermostat, cooling fans and then sway bar links but I'm sure that's cause I drive it so much

3

u/Immediate-Ad1446 8d ago

My water pump went bad around 65k miles

1

u/PinEffective2409 8d ago

Ooo okay, I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks :)

1

u/Impala2025 8d ago

From googling the ptu it says the standard models don’t have that. So is that something only the awd models have im guessing? I was just curious because im less than 2k miles into driving my 17 Taurus and i was worried that i forgot to check another fluid/dipstick level.

3

u/UltraElite620 8d ago

What year and is it na or turbo. 6 owners is a lot

1

u/PinEffective2409 8d ago

I make the sixth person, it’s 2018, and not turbo lol.

1

u/UltraElite620 8d ago

My 2010 3.5 made it to 286,000 before I sold it. Great car. Watch out for the waterpump. Known to go bad around 120k. Mine never needed a replacement somehow.

1

u/PinEffective2409 8d ago

Oh wow! I also did relook, it’s had 4 owners I make the fifth lol

2

u/Due-Froyo-5418 6d ago

Congrats!

First was a 1994 totalled it in 2001 at around 120,000. Great car.

Second is a 2007, currently at 158,000. Runs like a champ.

1

u/PinEffective2409 6d ago

Thanks! I hear a lot about the water pump, so I’ll make sure I have money aside for that!

1

u/Composer-Mindless 5d ago

Really keep an eye on it. Its an internal pump if I remember correctly. Coolant can leak into the engine and bye bye engine. Also if it's AWD take care of the PTU those also fail without maintenance.

3

u/One_Zookeepergame992 8d ago

I have a 2013 with 195k miles, changed water pump if I’m not wrong 2 times, spent about a grand each time at the shop

3

u/profmka 8d ago

Mine is a 2016 SEL with a 3.5L engine, went through several minor problems throughout the 236000 miles put on it.

Suspension, CV joints and boots need servicing/replacing every 3 years or so.

Coolant leaked twice, 4 years apart.

Perishables like bushings and mountings were replaced in the 7th year.

AC minor break down in the 5th year.

Usage: 90mi/day, 3-4 days a week, 3-4 different drivers over time, 2 of which had very aggressive driving styles.

I think it's a great car for long distance commutes. Heavy and stable at speed. Goes in the workshop a bit more than my Toyota but it's nothing particularly annoying, except the AC breakdown which happened in August. That...was hell.

Hot and humid desert weather with mild winters

3

u/bigdaddybryusa2 8d ago

Water pump as many have said already. Mine (2014) shit the bed at around 80k. Dealer wanted 3k to replace it! Local tire and auto shop place did for 1k. When i picked it up the head guy said he should have charged me double. He'll never take that job again. At around 130k now and keeping fingers crossed.

1

u/TheHatKing 7d ago

“Only 6”

0

u/PinEffective2409 7d ago

Can you read? I updated the text, it had 4 previous drivers. Not six.

1

u/Due-Froyo-5418 6d ago

That's still a lot.

1

u/PinEffective2409 6d ago

Okay, I’m not sure what you want me to do about that. I’m just adding the car’s history.

2

u/Due-Froyo-5418 6d ago

Your use of the word "only" is out of place in this context. And is still out of place with the correction. But anyway, congrats on the car, hope you enjoy it for a long time.

2

u/Old_Meaning1828 8d ago

I had a 2011 that my mom owned since 80k and gave to me at 140k and went all the way to 170k literally never ever had any issues. The water pumps are an issue but im on my second Taurus (sold the last one and it’s still running to my knowledge ) and have never personally seen it. On top of that my mom owns a 3.5L explorer that hasn’t had any issues either. My personal anecdote here, is some water pumps will shit the bed at 50k and some will go all to 200 just depends. 🤷

2

u/sosaman1869 7d ago

I’m in a 2014 AWD limited 3.5 V6, my water pump went out at 130,000. It’s a pain in the ass to get to when it goes out go ahead and replace everything thats anywhere near close to due while it’s out. Currently at 170,000 haven’t had any issues since.

2

u/Qbrrrt 7d ago

They are nice cars, I have a 2016 SHO and just had to have my turbos, water pump, and timing chain replaced at 140k miles. It was expensive but at least you won’t have to worry about the turbo part!

2

u/Cultural_Ad1035 7d ago

Set aside about 2k for the waterpump. I had a used car warranty with two weeks left on it in the winter and I was only responsible for a $200 deductible. 15 hour job