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Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

3389 messages,  Last post on Jan 21, 2011 at 11:46 AM

You are in the Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, Sedan

Messages Page 147 of 340

#1453 of 3389 crissy2 by upsetter1

Apr 25, 2002 (10:26 am)

Taurus is safer car of course, because of its size and because Stratus has cab forward design, what means less room in front of driver in case of crash. If it is older Stratus, it is not safe, had poor safe ratings. If newer one, it passed NTSA tests well, though may be not as good as Taurus.
 
Taurus has average reliability rating last 8 years in row. Status improved its rating during last 3 years or so to average and even was recomended by CR as one of most reliable cars. But in real life there is no big difference in this aspect between Taurus and Stratus.
 
Chrysler ATs are not better than Fords, may be even worse. In Stratus it behaves funky near or after 100,000. And also Chrysler uses specific transmission oil and if to use mistakenly another one it may destroy AT. So based upon AT I would choose rather Ford, since 1996 Ford worked out almost all bugs in AT.
 
As a car Taurus is appealing more to middle age buyers and Stratus is more appealing to younger generation, so your daughter I bet will like it more.

#1454 of 3389 RE: 1419 special trans fluid by ehenness

Apr 26, 2002 (9:55 am)

From at least '98, maybe back farther, Ford also has required a different/special auto trans fluid for the Taurus/Sable. The recommended fluid is MERCON V, not standard MERCON as in the older cars. My '98 Taurus calls for MERCON V.
 
The Chrysler requirement is for one of two types--one for '88 through '99 cars (Type 7176) and the other for 2000 and up cars (I forget the designation for this). The dipstick and the owner's manual point this out.
 
Both the Chrysler types and MERCON V are easily available in parts stores. GM's DEXRON is also 'special' now, in that you need DEXRON III or IV for most newer cars. It's just that more cars use DEXRON type fluid than MERCON or the Chrysler types. And in reality, it's not any more difficult to see what you need than looking up the oil grade you need.
 
In fact, transmissions get neglected a lot, and I suspect that a lot of problems can be eliminated with fluid changes at the recommended intervals. My father in law just got a new car, replacing his '90 Dodge Dynasty that had 193,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. He maintained the car by the book and never had any trouble, even with the transmission, which was supposed to be very unreliable in the '88-'91 models.
 
The later Tauruses are supposed to be quite reliable. I have just under 40,000 miles on my '98 and have only needed routine stuff aside from a taillight that filled with water (replaced under warrantee) and warped front brake rotors (but I am the second owner).

#1455 of 3389 Which Taurus to buy? by masonmi

Apr 27, 2002 (12:46 pm)

I've looked at few 2002 Taurus models and I like the options of the SES and SEL models, does anyone recommend the SE model? it seems to have a much better price less a few options that the top of the line Taurus's have, also has anyone purchased a dealer Demo 2002 Taurus? and where you happy with it?

#1456 of 3389 by regfootball

Apr 27, 2002 (1:17 pm)

just about any newer taurus is a good deal, and is a very dependable. A rental return may be preferrable to a demo, but either way as long as it has been serviced regularly you should be okay.
 
It really won't cost you much more to go with an upgraded model vs. the SE. But since Tauri depreciate quickly, it may be worth your while to just find a one year old model with very low miles....you will save many thousands. Then if you like, just get an extended warranty to cover any needed future big ticket items.
 
Beleive me, there are MANY good lightly used Taurus out there and available.

#1457 of 3389 by regfootball

Apr 27, 2002 (1:18 pm)

the thing to know is that despite what some say, the late model Tauruses are very dependable. I know from my own experience and others I know who have a combined 350,000 miles that can attest to the car being a solid car.

#1458 of 3389 What means Demo car ? by upsetter1

Apr 27, 2002 (2:16 pm)

If it is for test drives then it is not so good, because of lot of drives with cold engine, you have to tripple milage. So if it shows 5,000 miles it is equvalent of 15,000 may be. Most engine wear happen when engine starts (there is not enough oil pressure) and when it runs cold because tolerance is set for warm engine, especially is bad when someone drives it hard for test purpose. But with 5,000 it is not a big problem. With 20,000 I wouldn't take it, only with discount.
 

#1459 of 3389 Ford Taurus Demo Car by masonmi

Apr 27, 2002 (4:14 pm)

A Demo car are cars that the dealers drive or ones they loan to customers while their cars are in for service from my knowledge, and I had asked if anyone has purchased a used Demo car before?
and if it was really worth it or should I buy brand new?

#1460 of 3389 masonmi by snowman

Apr 27, 2002 (8:59 pm)

My 2000 SES was a dealer demo. I am practically the first owner. When I got it it had 22K miles, now it has 28K. I put a new set of Yokohoma tires just because Firestone tires handled very bad and flashed the tranny. Dealer replaced the rear breaks before the delivery. I replaced the cabin filter. That is it. Gas milage is perfect, it is not pinging, no problem with electrical components, for the tag I paid this is the best value I have ever gotton.

#1461 of 3389 Reply to Snowman/Ford Taurus Brakes by masonmi

Apr 28, 2002 (4:37 am)

I noticed there are some posts about brakes in the past postings as well, is this a common problem on the Taurus? having bad brakes?

#1462 of 3389 Brake problems by rayfbaird

Apr 28, 2002 (4:59 pm)

Based on edmunds many brands of disk brakes have problems with brake rotors. The most common problem is over tightening when tires were rotated.
 
On the Taurus, if this has occurred a heavy duty rotor (NAPA has one) will stop the problem.

Messages Page 147 of 340

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