Anyone have experience with the following engines?

[renegade_987]

Been looking at LOTS of used cars recently, maybe to but, maybe not (Depending on the deal) Anyways, I dont know alot about these motors so I'm hoping some of you guys do. They are:

Chrysler 2.7L (Intrepid, Sebring, etc.)
Chrysler 3.0L (Sebring)
Ford 30.L (Taurus)
GM 3.4L and 3.8L
Chrysler 3.5L

TIA guys!!!!!!

 

[EricF]

which 3.0L taurus engine? the 12v, 24v or the flex fuel 12v?

 

[renegade_987]

The 12v and the Flex Fuel 12v

 

[bradepb]

I do know that the 3.0 ford, either the 12v or 24v are known to be quite bulletproof, I own one of each with 106k and 85k

 

[The_Jeff]

Dodge 2.7 run screaming until at least 2003, but IMO forever.

Of the bunch you list, the GMs are the best bet, with the nod going to 3.8.

Looking at 13 year old family cars?

 

[fdcg27]

We had a 3.0 12V in our old Aerostar.
We had owned the thing since new, and the engine was running like a champ with minimal (no adds needed in a 4K OCI) oil consumption when the thing was totalled by my younger son at 176K about a year ago.
Also, Ford V-6s don't have the LIM gasket problems that GM V-6s of many years do.

 

[dishdude]

The 3.0L Chrysler (since you have Sebring after it) was only available in the 2 door Stratus and Sebring. I had a 2001 Stratus coupe that was smooth, but I only had it for a couple years. I think they had distributor and other driveability issues that were expensive to diagnose and repair. I'd avoid.

Run from the 2.7 - all years IMO. I think that was a totally flawed design from the start that no amount of reworking could repair.

 

[renegade_987]

Originally Posted By: eljefino


Looking at 13 year old family cars?

lol. Well, I was looking at something with better MPG's than the truck for commuting, not sure if I will though

 

[oggb]

The 3.0 Ford and the 3.8L GM are the engines I'd go for. Either engine has built a reputation for being nearly bulletproof.

Next - move on to transmissions. The 4T60E isn't well known for being incredibly reliable.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Had the 12V 3.0l Vulcan in my 1999 Taurus. Replaced the head gaskets @ 61k (my first post here) and again @ 108k. Its been junked due to transmission going out just past 150k.

 

[JustinH]

What is the budget, and what is the purpose of the car? Honestly I don't like any of those motors, or the cars that they go into.

 

[01rangerxl]

I have a 3.0 Vulcan V6 in my truck, flex fuel model. It has been a very reliable engine. The cam synchronizer had to be replaced at 60K miles due to noise, which is a common issue on these engines, but not a big deal IF you fix it early. The cam synchro drives the oil pump, so when it starts chirping replace it. Only use Motorcraft or A1 Cardone replacements though; Dorman's are known to fail quickly. At 109K miles the noise has not come back yet. The truck runs great, every day. It still idles super smooth and quiet, and it winds up to 5000 RPM with no trouble.

 

[OilNerd]

I'm a big fan of the GM 3800 Series I engine. My '89 Olds has 260,000 miles on it, and has only needed a timing chain and a lower PCV grommet.

The 3800 Series II engine is OK, but has some design issues, IMO, mainly nylon intake manifold gaskets (that can disintegrate when using DexCool) and a plastic coolant elbow. The problems with the nylon gaskets is primarily before 2005 or 2006, IIRC.

 

[OilNerd]

Too late to edit: I did have to change the water pump on it.

 

[Scorch]

The GM 3.8L V6 series 1 and series 2 is one of the most reliable and robust motors I have ever seen. Easy to work on and will take abuse like a champ, treat her right and she'll run 250k+ easy.

No experience with the 3.4L GM but the 3.1L is just as reliable as the 3.8 but a tad underpowered depending on the application.

The Chrysler 2.7L V6 is an absolute nightmare, plagued with problems, tweaked around 2003 to fix many of these issues but I've still heard of people having so many problems with them. Steer clear, you will thank me.

The Chrysler 3.5L V6 from what I have researched is a much better design than the 2.7 and is much more reliable. People usually drop in a 3.5 when the 2.7 kicks the bucket.

Ford's taurus V6's are both very reliable motors, ex's vulcan has 220k on it and still runs like a champ.

 

[renegade_987]

One more I forgot- Dodge 2.4L I4

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: renegade_987
One more I forgot- Dodge 2.4L I4


Depends in what vehicle. Good motor overall IMO. Put in the PT Cruiser the plugs are a job to get to.

Oil changes are easy.

Bill