When you want to find a car with a generous equipment list, looking for a vehicle that previously belonged to an ex-municipal official is a good place to start. And truthfully, being offered a company car and the option to choose your own equipment would tempt most of us to go a bit overboard. The seller of this clean second-generation 1995 Ford Taurus sedan here on craigslist is asking $3,500 for what looks like one of the best examples left. With a previous owner who was apparently a local “supervisor,” it has a ton of standard equipment and looks like it’d still serve you well as a daily driver.
The second-generation Ford Taurus took a good idea and cautiously tried to improve it. When the third-generation models came out, many die-hard Taurus owners were shell-shocked by the dramatic transformation; the second wave of the Taurus was much more approachable. This car has the optional rear spoiler and upgraded alloy wheels, and while it may not seem like much of a big deal, most Taurus models sold new in the early 90s were mid- or entry-level models, with hubcaps, cloth seats, and more. This one appears to be loaded, just missing leather seating surfaces.
Now, let’s talk about why it’s so well-equipped: back in my younger days, I worked for the New York State Bridge Authority for a summer job. Towards the end of the season, the supervisor would get the chance to order his new work truck. This was like Christmas in August, and he would load this thing up with all the best bits, from a locking rear end to an upgraded stereo to air conditioning. While that doesn’t seem all that exotic, keep in mind this was a pickup truck used to haul lawn mowers and trash, so my old boss basically got anything of value that he could ask for as a gift from the loyal taxpayer. The supervisor who owned this Taurus likely followed a similar school of thought.
If my eyes don’t deceive me, I believe the engine bears the familiar “3.8L V6” script, which means the supervisor also stepped up to the more powerful engine. Of course, he stopped sort of the SHO, but those aren’t typically given out as company cars. The base 3.0 and the 3.8 made the same horsepower – 140 b.h.p. – but the larger engine made significantly more torque, clocking in at a beefy 215 lb.-ft. With full power, cruise control, and A/C, this Taurus could likely slide into daily driver duty with ease. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for sending in the tip.
My folks had one just like that, but with leather, moon roof and the 3.0V6 and auto floor shift. Transmission went out at 110,000 miles. I had one that was dark green. Same options as my folk’s. Transmission went out of mine at 111,000. o_O Both cars in appearance were well taken care of. Very clean inside and out. My friend’s 1995 Mercury Sable went through two transmissions between 90,000 and 130,000 miles. Not to mention her Sable which had the 3.8 popped the head gaskets twice in that period also.
One of my “ones that got away”, circa 2007, was an ’03 Focus ZX5 with every option except automatic and leather. I have to wonder if it had a similar origin story.
I had the duty of taking care of police cars. Taurus 3.8. The transmissions were a night mare. The 3.8 motor was a non ending problem. I retired and the next person was able to get rid of them slowly. God didn’t create an engineer that could make a Taurus a good car.
Respect your experience and opinion, but beg to differ. I bought two company car Tauruses, drove them extensively for years, two of the best cars I’ve owned. Never a mechanical issue, just maintenance. Also drove lots of Taurus company cars over the years, same experience. Great cars.
I enjoy my 1986 white Ford Escort hatchback 4 speed radio delete.
I enjoyed my Escort until it shattered an exhaust valve seat around 125,000 miles. Might be good to mark your calendar.
the seller lists: “V6 , AT , AC , CC , PW , PL , PM.” I have no problem understanding most of those, auto, air cond, cruise, power windows and locks. but what is PM?
Power mirrors
right. doh! thanks
Power mirrors.
The two Taurii we had where the best cars we ever owned, next to my wife’s 2004 Volvo V70, which we still have.
This 1995 Taurus is an SE (a one year only model with this body style). The SE included the GL package with the 3.0L plus: clear lens headlights, alloy wheels, sport bucket seats with console, and optional rear spoiler.
This looks like a nice one!
My family and I had 9 Taurus/Sable sedans through the late ’80s & ’90s- all with the 3.0L – all served us very well with few issues, very reliable, and economical. I wish they offered a product currently that was as well built & affordable…
These were great cars. This was Ford at its best. This example looks really nice. I like everything about it except for the rear spoiler. It serves zero purpose on a car like this. Ford is in trouble today. Their product line is very limited. They need a new Taurus!
cheap money i guess if you need a hooptie for the winter
Supervisor of what? Either way looks like a decent cheap car you can get without a $700 dollar a month payment
I owned several Sable and Taurus cars as well as a 94 continental based on Taurus. All of them were 3.8 engines but one Sable wagon was a 3.0. They were all flawless trouble free cars except the Sable wagon with the 3.0. It did blow the head gasket at about 150k miles
Trans are a weak spot – they ALL go out. Also P/S is weak. Nice old lump – but never worth $3500 !
Really nice looking, clean, low mileage Taurus. Last good looking year before the jellybean machine arrived.
This is actually the “SE” package that Ford produced for the final 1995 year. Hence, this one has the crystal headlight lenses, machine-finished LX Wheels, and Sport seats with leather bolsters, much like the SHO seats, and a console shifter. Also, on this model, the 3.0 was standard, and the 3.8 was optional, which this one didn’t get. I can remember looking at them all lined up on the lot in the Summer of 1995. Our local dealer had close to 100 of them, all with this same package, just had different exterior colors. All of them were equipped the same, so it was more of a “package content” car vs. individual options.
Had a second gen Taurus. The Ford Taurus is widely credited as “the car that saved Ford”. The 3.0 Vulcan was a great engine. We drove it for many years, gave it to Mom when her Buick boat got tired, then took it back when she couldn’t drive anymore. All together we had it for 16 years with almost no issues ever. :-) Terry J
i found a 2001 sable on a used car lot a used car lot about year ago, in that time the only money spent was for brakes on all four wheels. It most recently was a staff car for a rural fire department and well taken care of. Price was good and has been trouble free and has the proper options. What more do need for good cheap basic transportation. It’s not what exactly but for now it’s good.