I'm thinking about geting 2005 ford taurus
 

I have a 98,99, and a 04. All bought used, it all depends on what motor/tranny combo, and how it has been maintained. As with any manufacture and model, there are weak points to any vehicle. Get as much info on past service as possible.

I have owned a 93 and currently have a 06. both were 3.0L 12valve motors. both were very reliable, parts are cheap. Easy to repair as the vehicle is basically unchanged up until 2006. Old but proven technology.


its a does everything ok but nothing exceptional...jack of all trades vehicle. they are very cheap to buy used.
the 06 has 150 000km and is still on the original rear brake shoes. I have done all the maintenance like clockwork.


I would recommend one.
Expect to have to put at least 1500$ for repairs when you buy a vehicle of this age if its from a private seller.

I have a 2007 model Taurus that I bought used in 2008. It was a demo and rental that had 17,000 miles on it when I bought it and now has 242000 miles on it. It has never given me many problems. I have replaced the coil pack and the alternator once. Other than replacing the plugs at 210000 miles I have done nothing else to it. It still has factory wires and rear brakes on it and the transmission has never been touched. If this car never ran again then i will say that I have really got my money out of it. It has a few problems, but nothing that will be expensive to fix. I say if it is running ok then buy it. Good luck.

+1.....If you get the Vulcan OHV engine check the coolant. They have a cast iron block and a rusty color in the coolant suggests it was not well maintained. It should be a light green. On this engine you have to keep up the cooling system maintenance. Other than that very reliable.


Also, look for rust around the rocker panels under the plastic covers and near the rear wheel panels. Any 10 year old car in the north will probably have some but make sure it is not too much. Certainly something you can fix up in the summer.


The rear springs are known to wear out prematurely. Notice if the rear of the car looks lower than it should be. Does it look as if there is a full load in the trunk?


Ford softened the springs on the generation 4 Taurus, which this is. Some handy people will install the gen 3 spring when they change them out, which is a bit stiffer. Nothing to worry about. Just something you can use to help you negotiate a better price and have them replaced.


Great value for the money and good luck.