1st Feb 2009, 15:59
ORIGINAL REVIEWER HERE:
To the last commenter, I agree. I was in a bind as far as money (or lack thereof) was concerned. I have, in fact, learned a few things from your comment. In my defense, however, I was not expecting to have to get a new car, nor was I prepared to buy. The way it worked out was:
1) I took the Taurus to the dealer to diagnose problem (what was ultimately the "number four piston valve".
2) I got the price quotes to clean, repair, or replace the parts/engine. All three scenarios had four-digit prices.
3) I weighed my options. I told that dealer (and yes, you were right, I trusted them) to get me something cheap with four doors and an automatic transmission. I figured that I might be able to get something newer and/or inspected if I got another car. I did not know if anything would happen after the engine, such as the transmission or other major expense due to age or mileage (eight years old with 139K).
4) I went to another "reputable" dealer close to my house. After my credit and whatnot was checked, I was offered a Dodge Neon (too small), a 2002 Chrysler Concorde, and a 2000 Jeep Cherokee.
5) I got approved at the first dealership with this Camry as the only option.
6) I went to the second dealer WITH THE CAMRY to see if they could beat the deal. Other cars were flying in left and right, such as Pontiac Vibes, a Buick Rendezvous, a Lincoln Towncar, a Nissan Altima, and a Ford Explorer.
7) I drove the Camry back to the first dealer and got it over a weekend.
8) I realized that I did not like the second dealer because they were trying to get me into a more expensive car (a Lincoln Towncar? Come on, dealer #2!). I knew one of the service writers personally (outside the dealer), so, yes, I did think I was safe.
9) I went to the first dealer and bought the Camry. After almost having to replace $2000+ worth of stuff, I wondered about the inspection.
Whenever I drive my Camry, I wonder where my Taurus and who got it. Since I was meticulous on maintenance, it probably runs great now! :- (
9th Apr 2009, 21:09
ORIGINAL REVIEWER HERE.
I am here with just a suggestion for Ford- in the future, make the driver's seat headrest articulating. I have it in my Camry and it feels great.
The Camry also has seat height adjust, but it is no easier to enter/exit than in any lower position.
As far as overall comfort, the Taurus still takes tops.
13th Jul 2009, 17:54
You think a Taurus rides better than a Buick LeSabre or Park Avenue? I drive a 2005 Park Avenue and think it rides just as smooth if not smoother than my grandparents Town Car. I can't imagine a Taurus would even compare even to the LeSabre.
21st Jul 2009, 21:01
ORIGINAL REVIEWER HERE:
I don't recall actually driving the LeSabre and Park Avenue, but the Taurus had a less bone-jarring ride.
24th Jul 2009, 17:16
I just bought my first car; a 2000 Ford Taurus with 79000 miles on it, in GOOD condition. I would like some advice/ things I should know from someone who own/once owned 2000 Ford Taurus. Thanks :)
24th Jul 2009, 21:54
ORIGINAL REVIEWER HERE:
1) Service religiously every 3-5K miles. This includes tires and oil.
2) If your "Low Coolant" light comes and stays on, it may be your coolant bottle. I don't remember when it turned on (I want to estimate around 65K) but the bottle isn't necessary to replace, because I drove it until 138K.
3) Don't keep too much in your trunk or the Taurus will sit obviously too low (you will see it) and you will need new springs.
4) Best gas mileage is right around 60-65 MPH. Use that cruise control!
What else do you want to know?
29th Jan 2009, 20:12
I am sad to hear you got rid of your Taurus. Shame the Toyota turned out to have issues...
Though I from what I read.. it seems the dealer KILLED your car. Did they even check for codes on the computer? Sudden vibration from a car is almost always a messed up ignition coil. What's with them replacing stuff and a problem coming back? That should have been a warning sign that the dealer wanted you to buy another car. From my experience... NEVER take an older car to get "fixed" at a dealer, since they have their own interests.
And about the engine having to be "ripped apart" to clean the valves... seems like a lie, and even if they had to take the head off of the engine, it should only cost 400 dollars. And were you not curious as to HOW the dealer KNEW that the number four cylinder needed to have a valve cleaned? Seriously, I think you got ripped off by them.
I have had my own experiences with those dealer mechanics. After they replaced a steering pump... the pulley developed a squeal, so I sent the car back to get it realigned... since they did a crap job, I wanted to make SURE they fixed it. I wasn't about fix it myself after these guys messed it up... and guess what they say when I brought the car back... "Exhaust leak..." I tell them to make sure... since I told them it didn't sound like an exhaust leak... and once they saw that I wasn't an idiot that they thought I was, they suddenly came to a rapid consensus of a pulley being misaligned. And yes, they fixed it for free. Not to mention, some of those guys probably don't know crap about cars... only computers.
Always get a second opinion before junking a car. Do your own research as well. It doesn't take a big brain to understand how a car works, and after a few days of reading up stuff on the internet, you'll have a basic understanding... keep checking up forums on problems that you have, and use the internet as a useful tool. Check up problems like vacuum leaks and the like... An EGR valve, and DPFE sensor is something you can replace yourself. Same goes for the ignition coils if they are in the front of the engine.
Oh, and 700 dollars for a fuel pump replacement is also a rip-off... And a fuel pump failure would affect the car while it's running, not just when it is starting... they should also have replaced the fuel FILTER before replacing the pump. If the filter gets clogged, then the pump won't be able to suck enough gas for the engine. I wouldn't be surprised if the pump was OK, but had a clogged filter. I think many people neglect to change fuel filters...
Now that your Taurus is gone, its remnants are probably on its way to China... my only advice is to educate yourself about these things, and get second opinions. Maybe there is someone in your family who knows about cars... ask them.
Judging by what I read from you, you seem to just trust the dealer, even when they don't explain stuff to you... NOT GOOD! Not all mechanics are bad guys, but some of them are predators. You can buy a repair manual for about 20 dollars... You can use youtube for videos as well, and other websites, not only will you save money doing your own maintenance, but you can also learn things, and help other people out, and become a source of advice. Though I really don't know your situation... such as time availability, and the like, but if you have weekends off, I'm sure you can do this stuff yourself.