FWD Taurus based Continental

[1990LTD]

This is a multi-part question:



1 - What inherent problems are there with the D186 platform? Purely chassis design here. The earlier D186 Continentals had 3.8s but the later ones had 4.6 motors - was the V8 unwieldy in a V6 chassis? Either weight-wise or power-wise.



2 - OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT THEY ARE A GUSSIED UP TAURUS; Are they really that bad? Should a person expect mark VIII levels of electrical retardedness?



I'm not looking for a FWD versus RWD or unibody vs full frame discussion - We have those every day. I want to talk about this car in particular as I see several for sale locally. What experiences do you have with them besides "it's a fancy Taurus?"

[1990LTD]

I assumed as much, but the engines are transverse, correct?

[gadget73]

yes, transverse engine. Accessibility with the 4.6 is a bitch. The 3.8 models had 3.8 problems, namely head gasket concerns. The transmissions also suck. I don't know if the 4.6 trans is better but I'd hope its not worse. I'm told the 4.6 models drive very nicely with no apparent torque steer, but I've never driven or ridden in one. They do have gobs of power though, near 300 hp out of that DOHC 4.6.

electrical stuff on the 3.8 models is usually dashboard related. The digital dash tends to crap out and I've heard of other random demons. I don't know much about the v8 models but I would expect it to be similar to a Mark 8 in retardedness. Something of note, the air suspension on these is very expensive to fix. The 3.8 models used an air strut on all 4 corners. When the shock damper inside the air spring dies, you have to replace the whole thing. They are not cheap. I'm pretty sure the 4.6 models have basically the same system and I would imagine they are similarly expensive to repair. Coil spring conversions on these are common.

If you're looking for something as a reliable no-bullshit DD, one of these is not it. All Lincolns are gussied-up Fords, but the root problem with this one is its a gussied up crappy Ford with all of the added Lincoln complexity.

[1990LTD]

oh, I was not aware it was the 4 valve model. assumed it got the same dog 4.6 that everything got. No torque steer sounds about the only benefit over something else.


I am indeed looking for something as a reliable no bullshit DD and the few of these for sale locally gave me the fleeting thought that I could be happy with one thanks gadget.

[1990LTD]

I should say, reliable DD for the winter

[79lincolnlover]

The 1988-1994 models have a poor reliability record. Visit www.carsurvey.org to read some of the owner reviews.

[Lincolnmania]

run away screaming

[Andypot1985]

I had an '93 3.8 sable. Just run away from those. The 95 and up contis have 275hp and move well. A buddy of mine once changed a motor in one and said it was the worst thing he has ever done. Other than that just hope the air suspension is good and that the rocker panels arent rusting.

[1990LTD]

run away screaming

I already have, lol

[tjc78]

I almost bought one of those FWD Contis back in 98. I believe it was a 96/7 and I really liked it....alot. It was very powerful for its time, confortable and had the adjustable suspension etc. What scared me away at the time was the air struts and the complexity of that dashboard. It looks analog, but it is completely digital.

From what I remember it was a very nice driving car, however, as the others have mentioned run............................ like Gadget said it is a gussied up Ford and the Taurus was never known for reliabilty.

As for the even older 3.8 Contis I can't say enought bad things about the 3.8 93 Taurus LX I had, so I can't imagine the Conti being any better.

[1990LTD]

thanks guys!


I was expecting to get something more than "it's a tortoise!!!11" as a reason for not getting one, and you guys actually cited reasons. Thanks.