The Ford Taurus Police Interceptor (FPIS) emerged as a successor to the iconic Crown Victoria, offering police departments and subsequently the used car market a different kind of vehicle. This article delves into the reliability aspects of the used Ford Taurus Police Interceptor, covering various engine options, maintenance costs, potential issues, and comparisons with other police vehicles.
Engine Options and Performance
In 2012, Ford offered police departments a choice between two engines: a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and a turbocharged EcoBoost V6. Both were connected to an AWD system. For 2013, the 3.5L was connected to front-wheel drive only, while a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter came with AWD.
The Ford PIS / Taurus SHO, equipped with a 365HP TwinTurbo EcoBoost AWD, offers scary fast acceleration. However, being primarily a front-wheel-drive vehicle that engages the rear wheels when the front wheels slip, the torque steer is almost uncontrollable under heavy acceleration. The gas mileage is terrible no matter how gingerly you treat the gas pedal.
Acceleration is impressive; if you punch it, it pulls hard in every gear. There doesn't seem to be a weak spot. It just pulls hard all the way up to the redline, shifts and pulls hard all through the next gear, and so on.
Maintenance and Costs
One of the primary concerns with owning a used Taurus Police Interceptor is the cost of maintenance. While the initial purchase price may be attractive, the upkeep can be expensive. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
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- Tires can be expensive.
- Water pump replacement can be costly.
- Brake jobs can also be expensive.
However, some owners find the cost worthwhile, especially if the car is a pleasure to drive. It’s big, quick, and cruises well on the highway.
When I found out about the Taurus FPIS, I was immediately impressed. Decommissioned cruisers were starting to pop up. Dirt cheap, 2 years old, 300+ hp and AWD. So my search began for the "right one". Wasn't long before I ended up finding one. One very short test drive later and it was mine. 5 years later, I still have it and still love it. The only negative thing I would have to say about it, is it's expensive to maintain...like really expensive. Up here, the tires are expensive. The water pump job cost me a lot. The brake job was expensive. But when it all comes down to it, I suppose the total over 5 years isn't that bad...a grand a year to maintain...yeah, it's worth it because this car is a blast to drive.
Common Issues Reported by Police Departments
Several issues have been reported by police departments using the Taurus Police Interceptor:
- Constant issues with the headlight wiring, causing headlights to go out.
- Transmission might stay in 2nd gear during Code 1 driving.
- Steering wheel lock-up due to steering wheel error.
- Interior cosmetics easily break.
- A/C and heating system failure.
These issues suggest that while the car may offer performance, reliability can be a concern, especially under the demanding conditions of police use.
Comfort and Practicality
The Taurus Police Interceptor offers long leg room and can be very comfortable. However, the interior can feel cramped, especially with a partition installed. There is less room in front of the Taurus Police Interceptor than in the Crown Vic.
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The partition further limits the seat adjustments for some, and the headrest is angled to the front, constantly pressing against the back of the driver’s head, just like on the SHO and many other Fords. The rear passengers have just about no legroom with the partition in place. This is a big problem, especially when trying to seatbelt a handcuffed individual. A larger cruiser may need to be called in for significantly bigger individuals.
The trunk is spacious enough and well arranged. All the auxiliary and safety equipment fits well, but there is not much room left over.
Comparison with Other Police Vehicles
When the Crown Victoria was discontinued, police departments considered alternatives like the Chevrolet Caprice PPV and the Dodge Charger Pursuit. While some departments liked the Chevy the most, the final decision often came down to cost, with the Fords being the most affordable.
Compared to the AWD Dodge Charger, the Charger accelerates just as fast, but as a primarily rear-wheel-drive car which engages the front wheels when needed for additional traction, there is no torque steer, and the Hemi V8 gets better gas mileage than the Ford EcoBoost.
Table: Comparison of Police Vehicles
| Vehicle | Engine | Drivetrain | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Taurus Police Interceptor | 3.5L V6, 3.7L V6, 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | AWD, FWD | Affordable, good acceleration (EcoBoost), AWD option | Potential reliability issues, expensive maintenance, torque steer (EcoBoost) |
| Dodge Charger Pursuit | Hemi V8 | RWD (AWD available) | Good acceleration, no torque steer (RWD), better gas mileage (compared to EcoBoost) | Potential transmission issues with extended idling |
| Chevrolet Caprice PPV | V8 | RWD | Liked by some departments, RWD handling | - |
| Ford Crown Victoria | V8 | RWD | Low cost of ownership, durability | Poor gas mileage |
One significant advantage the Taurus Police Interceptor has over the Crown Victoria is its all-wheel-drive system.
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Potential Problems and Considerations
Several potential problems should be considered when purchasing a used Taurus Police Interceptor:
- Transfer cases prone to leaks.
- High idle time can lead to excessive oil burning.
- Potential for turbocharger issues.
- Transmission issues due to extended idling.
It's essential to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and consider its history before making a purchase.
Here's Why Police Buy These Cars (And You Can Too)
Despite its potential drawbacks, the Ford Taurus Police Interceptor can be a fun and capable vehicle. A test drive is recommended to assess whether it meets your needs and expectations.
tags: #used #ford #taurus #police #interceptor