Jzo04

Maybe some of you have seen me post before, maybe not. I do a lot of nonsense posting and I ask a lot of questions. Anyways, here's the deal.
I'm very tired of my '95 Taurus GL and I want something else. When I got the car, I did some reading online and found out the common problems that these cars have (transmission, radiator, being a Ford, etc..) I need something else. For insurance reasons (I'm just out of high school, er.. in 2 weeks I will be) I've decided I need a sedan. But, I need something with more "oomph" than my Taurus. Anyways... to the point...
From what I see, I'm very interested in a '98 LTZ. Always been a fan of those 3.8s. So, I've still got a little saving to do before the nice down payment, but, what kind of common problems do Luminas have? I just wanna know what kind of stuff I'm gettin myself in to, if I'm getting in to any at all. It's just some good knowledge to have about used cars when ya buy them.

hoosier1

The 1998 LTZ 3.8 VIN K code RPO L36 engine is prone to losing engine coolant where the EGR Stove pipe passes through the upper intake manifold.
When the manifold composite material degrades from repeated heat- cool cycles- pressurized coolant can leak into the open intake valves and into the cylinders. This may result in a hydrolock and engine damage.
The 1999 LTZ engine was fitted with a fix to eliminate this problem

kevinb70

ask your insurance agent the price differential between a 3.8L base/LS vs 3.8L LTZ. If the LTZ is more expensive, go with a 'sleeper' base/LS with the 3.8L... just a thought. Let those women know you're not afraid to drive a non-LTZ type of lumina.

My mom has a taurus a bit newer than yours, and this may not be important to a young adult, but my lumina is smooth & quiet compared to the taurus which felt like a front wheel drive. Clunky, if that makes any sense...

conley

Yeah, you could get the LS with the 3.8 or an earlier LS with the 3.4 DOHC engine. Then you could get quad exhaust from an LTZ
The LS 3.4DOHC might have more problems than the OHV 3.8 though, and parts are more expensive.