Why so many Five Hundreds on the lots for so long?
I have been searching for a used Five Hundred (or Mercury Montego). While getting reports on specific VINs, I noticed quite a few of these being listed as entering dealer inventory/being put up for sale months ago (ie: 07/2008). Most of these are are 'corporate' or lease vehicles, if that plays into it... I can't understand why these cars have been sitting for so long, especially since I'm looking for Ford/mercury Certified Pre-owned (when I'd hope rules out most real lemons). Just curious if anyone knows something I don't! I don't want to get a low-mileage bargain that isn't...
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Really? What kinds of issues did you have?
No recognition means no resale. Do not buy one of these cars if you plan on trading it someday, unless you want a total financial bath.
Buying from the dealer pretty much insures you will pay too much for one of these cars. Dealers are taking in lease returns and trying to get as close to the lease residual as they can. You are much better off finding a desperate private party owner.
I bought a 2006 AWD Five Hundred SE with 94K miles at an auction for $5300. Let's say you can find one with 45K miles. I wouldn't pay more than $8000 for it. Within three years the car will be worth almost nothing.
I love the car, but it is not a wise investment unless you get one really cheap.
... buy only if you can get one cheap...
... having said that... I've got an 05 LTD that I bought new (thankfully I tend to hang on to my vehicles until I drive the wheels off of them)..
In an earlier post ("From the dealer"), I talked about how I thought about trading mine in when (and because) there were so many rebates to be had... after much consideration, I figured out, I want just what I've got... (I've dressed my car up quite a bit with a billet grill, spoiler (that alone gives the car a very different look... it no longer looks like a "plain sedan"), tinted windows, chrome 20" wheels, it's a stunning looking car...) Given it's an LTD, it has all the bells and whistles, heated seats, sun roof and the like (I added a GPS and Blue Tooth)
The dealer here in my relatively small town (they're pretty honest here at the dealership), recommended that I just keep my Five Hundred... he said these engines have been tested to last 200,000 to 250,000 miles and the transmission I've got (CVT) shouldn't give me any problems...
I put $150 into having the car detailed and brought up to "show room" new and I couldn't be happier... it gets decent gas mileage (22 in town and close to 40 on the highway), it's got great pick-up, it's a smooth ride...
I actually bought the extended warranty in '05 since it was the first model year but have not had to use it at all...
My understanding, the story is that Ford dropped the ball miserably in their marketing of the Five Hundred, it was their intent to make this their "flag ship"... They brought in a new CEO and he made the decision, rather than put money into marketing a new name, they brought back the Taurus name and essentially put that name on the Five Hundred...
Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Five Hundred if it were me...
BTW, I even took the Ford emblem off the trunk and put a "maltase cross" over the holes - it looks great (I'm a retired fire fighter, thus the maltase cross)... no one even knows it's a "Ford", much less what a "Five Hundred" is, and I'm happy with that...
My two (or three) cents...
Lori
View the full details of this 2006 Five Hundred FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE recall with the potential number of units affected, summary, consequence, and remedy. An official recall requires Ford to release an official notice to owners found to be defective. Being informed could you save time, money, and unnecessary stress.
2006 Ford Five Hundred Recall Details
1. NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 06E056000
Recall Date:
2006-06-13
Summary:
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Consequences:
FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy:
UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Component Affected:
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Potential Cars Affected:
58,640
Notes:
UFI FILTERS USA
Other 2006 Ford Five Hundred Recalls