Power steering rack leaks, but still works. Struts are worn out from age. I've replaced the heater core, and the wheels/tires (upgraded to 15" alloys from 14" black steelies).
Engine has a burnt exhaust valve, but continues to run and attain 20 MPG and do 75 MPH on the highway. Its certainly not as quick as it used to be, but it still cranks every time.
Dash cracked, makes noises (rattles and squeaks) but this is completely understandable for a car with as many miles as this one. If the suspension was replaced (and it needs it bad), the car would perform a lot better. I've driven lower-mileage Taurus' of the same year and model, and they handled better than mine. I replaced the stabilizer bar links, and that helped, but it really needs new struts, springs, and strut-mounts.
I tried to replace this car with a 1996 Chrysler Concorde LXi after the Taurus hit 250,000 miles, and that was a terrible car. It ended up eating its engine and transmission so I junked it and started driving the Taurus again. I guess I'll have it from now on. :)
This Taurus has been very good to me. I know most of the history on it before I got it. The transmission was replaced with a used unit when the car had 198,000 miles. The engine has never been worked on, but needs work now.
It seems the one who needs to get a 3L engine is you! Good luck!
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