Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

dtownfb · December 2001

Congratulations on your purchase. My guess the reason you got it so cheap is it probably was a rental car. Who cares at tha price? I would take it to a trusty mechanic jsut to give it a once over. Make sure everything is in good shape. This car should easily last you another 75k-100k miles.

pit · December 2001

I went to Jiffy Lube for my first oil change and was told it would be an extra $10 for the recommended 5w20 oil. I consider Jiffy Lube to be rather high priced already, only use them for the convenience factor.

My Ford dealer has unbelievably slow service dept.

What are other Taurus owners doing for a reasonably priced and QUICK oil change w/ 5w20 oil?

danielj6 · December 2001

My Merc. Sable never saw a dealer's svce. dept except for a factory recall. I've been having my
wagon and previous cars I owned at a private shop.

I don't like dealers'sevice,don't trust them.

danielj6 · December 2001

My satement above should read:

I've been having my wagon and previous cars I owned serviced at a private shop.
I don't like dealers'service depts. ,don't trust them.

Happy holidays everyone!

dtownfb · December 2001

Jiffy Lube is simply raking you over the coals since 5W20 oil is not readily available in auto stores, Walmart, KMart, etc. I believe cars have been using it in mass for only 1-2 model years. The Civic and Focus are the 2 cars that come to mind. Very few places have it. YOu wold be better off changing it your self for now or taking it to the dealership. They are essentially charging you $2 extra per quart. Why would you pay that?

mrdetailer · December 2001

Go to Autozone. Sylvania makes a blue halogen that is brighter. On my Mazda that I just replaced the snap in bulbs for, it only cost $4.00/bulb more for the blue ones. $34.00 for both.

I'm sure that they are not quite so killer as the $80.00 ones, but they are really cool. They improve driveability a lot especially on lighted roads. You can actually see the headlights on the road. These are about 20% brighter in my opinion and should not blind the other drivers.

marsha7 · December 2001

thanks for the thoughts...cheaper bulbs that are brighter???...let me repeat some thoughts raised in the Explorer topic...do the Sylvania bulbs generate an excess of heat that may melt the plastic lamp fixture or overheat and burn the wiring harness...do you know the wattage of the Sylvanias???...the PIAAs are 110/100 (that's how it is written on the package)...is the light just a matter of wattage, or does color have anything to do with it, i.e. blue/white or white...does anything measure lumens, or is that a useless measure of lighting???...I seem to have learned just enough to make myself dangerous...:):):)

sable2001 · January 2002

Well, we just passed the one year mark at the end of December for owning a 2001 Sable LS Premium with the factory installed CD Changer. Absolutely great car; have not had one single problem!

frank58 · January 2002

I have a 96 Sable wagon with 35866 miles on it. I developed a antifreeze leak, I was told this was due to a leaking freeze plug (front plug under the manifold). This car is over maintained, any one else see this issue?

I was also told the rear freeze plug shows signs of failure.
Thanks

jpc47 · January 2002

I have a 95 Sable handed down from my wife with 184,000 miles on it. It's been a good car. Replaced the water pump, front springs, a few other items. Speedometer is erratic.

ehaase · January 2002

http://auto.com/industry/taurus10_20020110.htm

It appears that Ford will have 4 mid sized cars:

1. Current Taurus repositioned as budget mid sized car.

2. D219 wagon - crossover similar to Highlander and Honda Pilot.

3. D219 sedan - upscale FWD sedan

4. Ford version of Mazda 6.

mdean47 · January 2002

With Duratec 24 valve engine, ABS brakes, power driver's seat, 47K. etc. Negotiated down from $8200. The car drives and looks very nice.

Am taking it to AAMCO for transmission diagnostic evaluation ($35), and scheduled AAA diagnostic as well ($63).

bcohen · January 2002

That's a great deal as long as there's nothing wrong with it. We just bought a 1999 Taurus with the 24V and the other stuff you mentioned with 40K miles. We went to an auction with a local hardware store owner/dealer and bought the car for $400 over the auction price. $7200. I'd say $7700 from a person or a dealer is a good deal. Have it checked out, though. Its worth the $35.

mdean47 · January 2002

Just got back from AAMCO where the '99 Sable GS passed with flying colors! And, I was pleasantly suprised that,with my auto club benefit, the test was a NO CHARGE.

AAA inspection set for next Thurs., they're fully booked through Wednesday. Very optimistic with this car. Can't wait until next week!

myersed · January 2002

Just worked with my son to purchase 2000 Sable with 68K miles. It has the old faithful (easy to work on) Vulcan 3liter. It was immaculate, no salt traces nor northern-tier-rust (Memphis vehicle) and had new rubber and brakepads.

He paid $8,000 (below NADA Loan Value). It was also appealing as he is a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force returning from Japan with his family after 3.5 years

Based on your 25K lower mileage and the better engine I would say you negotiated well.
Ed

fdthird · January 2002

To all those folks who have nothing but bad things to say about the Taurus, my wife and I just returned from a short weekend trip in her 2001 Taurus SEL. We put 500+ miles on the car over 2 days and loved every minute of it. This car is comfortable and a pleasure to drive. I find that the interior is very well designed with everything falling to your fingers without reaching or stretching. The Duratec has lots of power for passing or for re-establishing positions coming out of toll booths. With just over 9,000 miles on this car we are very happy with it. Again this weekend my wife told me how much she loved driving the car. To top it off, I think the SEL model was a definite bargain compared to other loaded vehicles in the market. Don't bother telling me about how much money we'll lose if we sell in a couple of years...the last Taurus we had was an '89 wagon that we sold just shortly after we got this new car last March! We plan on keeping it for the long haul. I hope that Ford doesn't forget those folks who don't want to drive a truck when they plan for a new Taurus. After driving family vans (the latest being a '97 E-150 Custom hi-top)for over 16 years, my wife loves driving a CAR!!

mralan · January 2002

Does anyone own a 01 SES? I would like to hear your opinions/recommendations on this model.

gtyates · January 2002

We own a 2001 Taurus SES. We bought it new about 5 months ago and have put 11000 miles on it. We have leather, cd player, rear spoiler, and the best feature ever offered on a vehicle, the adjustable gas and brake pedals. We love the car. Gas mileage is around 30 when traveling at 80 mph, 22-23 in town with a lead foot. Seats are very comfortable and the car is great on the highway when traveling. My only complaint at all is the Firestone Affinity tires that came on the car. They have too soft of a sidewall which compromises handling somewhat. Overall, we are pleased with the car. I recommend one.

tomo66 · January 2002

Does anybody have any ideas, how to improve
10-12 miles/gal(city) and 18-20 miles/gal(hwy) fuel consumption?
Recently, I put new tune-up parts and check all sensors on a shop computer. Still no improvements. I also did state emission test and car passed it with NO PROBLEMS.
What else?
I didn't touch OXygene Sensor. Should I try a new one($60 + my labor)?
Thanks

mralan · January 2002

GTYATES,

Have you decided on what brand of tires you are going to use to replace the Firestone Affinities?

gtyates · January 2002

MRALAN,

I am considering Bridgestone Potenza's for my Taurus (actually, my wife's car). The tire dealer we use recommends a couple of different models in the Potenza line, depending on if I want better handling or better ride. I have Potenza's on my daughter's Tracer LTS and they do well. I lost a little on the handling of that car, but gained a huge amount with the ride quality. I will say that the Affinity's ride pretty well when traveling, but for everyday use they are terrible!! (We travel 64 miles per day back and forth to work on a mix of country roads, interstate, and city streets. Also, I keep the tires inflated at 34 psi, instead of the recommended 30, which seems to help the handling some.) For now, I am keeping the Affinity's because I am a cheapskate, but I will have them replaced before the end of this year, probably by 20000 miles. I also understand that Yokahoma makes a tire that is really good for the newer Taurus. Again, we are very pleased with the car and have not had any issues with the car at all!!!

mralan · January 2002

I went through my 01 Taurus and found some NJ stickers on it. So, apparently it spent one winter up north. Do you think the salt may have harmed it?

mrl11777 · January 2002

My 98 sedan came with crappy OEM General tires, which were probably equal to the Affinity rubber. I replaced them with a set of Michelin Pilot XGT H4's. Made a world of difference.

My 2000 wagon came with OEM Continentals, and they seem pretty good.

danielj6 · January 2002

My Merc. Sable used to give me lousy gas mileage
so after the shop cleaned all fuel lines gas mileage improved markedly. However, my 6 cl. Duratec engine is thirsty and I realize that I need to keep a light foot on the gas or my 20 mpg
average will go down sharply.

Regarding the Firestone Affinities, My car came with them. To me they seem fine but I've been reading a great deal of dissatisfaction with them from other owners.

fdthird · January 2002

Never really been happy with any Firestone OE tires on any car I've had.

My wife's 2001 SEL came with Continentals and we like the way they feel

a6chris · January 2002

I've been looking at the new 2002 Tauri for a while. Is there a noticable power difference between the Vulcan and Duratec motors? I had a 93' Taurus with the good ole' 3.0L V6. It was great. If the Vulcan does ok then I won't waste the extra money to get the bigger motor. I do a lot of city driving so I need something to merge in and out of traffic and on the freeways I cruise at anywhere from 75-95. Any input??

ezaircon4jc · January 2002

I have it in my '96 Sable (and a version in my Lincoln LS). It has very good power, however, it really likes the upper RPM's. If you drive without any kind of a load on flat terrian, then the Vulcan should do just fine. If you EVER carry a load or drive hilly areas, the Duratec is the ticket!

mrdetailer · January 2002

teo · January 2002

It is a 3.0L The Ford 3.8L OHV V6 is a piece of junk. Loves to eat head gaskets galore.

ezaircon4jc · January 2002

This is a 3.0L, 24V, DOHC, engine that makes 200HP and 200lbft torque. It is much quicker than the old Vulcan that I had in my '86 Sable. Then it had only 140HP and somewhere near 175ftlb torque.

tomcat630 · January 2002

The last 3.8 V6 Tauri were in 1995.

brucelinc · January 2002

I have had a number of Taurus's (Tauri?) through the years as company cars - Vulcans, 3.8s, and Duratecs. We currently own a 2000 with the Duratec. I agree with Ezaircon4jc - Get the Duratec! In addition to the extra power, it is smoother, has a much better sound (IMHO), and is simply a more modern design. The Vulcan is quite durable and will not likely give any problems but I really think you would like the Duratec better.

joecug · January 2002

Can a Duratec be used to replace a
3.8L engine. My 93 needs a new engine
since the gasket blew on the 3.8L and I
dont want to replace it with another
3.8. The Vulcan has too little horsepower
for a wagon. I do not think the Duratec
was being made in 93, so I'm wondering if swapping a Duratec for a 3.8L possible
for that year. I'm also wondering if the
4.0 used in the Aerostars could be put
in a 93 Taurus.

iusecad · January 2002

(which I don't know if it can be done)

from http://www.jasperengines.com

a rebuilt Duratec runs $3,955.

a rebuilt 3.8 runs $2,398.

I think the rebuilts are more reliable than the old factory motors, if purchased from a reputable engine builder...

gwen3 · January 2002

I live in the north-east, drive my 2000 sable with the duratec engine to work every day, average of 45 miles per day from Long Island to the Bronx and Westchester. The car is a good commuter car and has held up well so far, I have posted 20000 miles, Firestone tires are satisfactory. The negative at this time is that the car is somewhat noisy (engine noise during acc.)and in my opinion, it will not hold up in the long run. My husband dissagrees.

ezaircon4jc · January 2002

My '96 Sable has the Duratec and 106 thousand miles. It still runs strong and the only repairs have been the A/C compresor clutch and the crank bearing (non-internal). I have had to replace tires, battery, struts, brakes, rotors, fluids, etc., but these are normal wear items. Even the clutch was worn out. This is our 4th Sable (86, 88, 91 and our current 96) and all but the first had'have over 100k. We had 175k on the 91 with the dreaded 3.8L with NO issues. It still had very good power and if it wasn't for the smog check I was dreading, we would probably still own it. That, and the Lincoln LS at the dealer had MY name on it

mralan · January 2002

Is the latest generation Taurus considerably approved? I heard the new transmissions are better and the 3.0L V-6 is much better than the old 3.8L. Also, the safety record of the Gen IV Taurus is supposed to be exemplary.

tomcat630 · January 2002

The 2000+ cars have the 5 star ratings all around for crash tests.

jodigreen · January 2002

Hi everybody! I need some advice. I'm looking into the Sable, but I have just one problem. I'm very little, 4'10", and I'm afraid that the Sable will be too big for me. Any opinions on whether it is a good car for a short person???

dtownfb · January 2002

The Sable is about 195 inches long (give or take a few inches). slightly longer then the Accord or Camry. That shouldn't be a problem

I believe the Sable has adjustable foot pedals as well as height adjustable seats. the foot pedals are designed specifically for shorter people so they do no ahve to sit so close to the steering wheel. Plus you can always get "booster seat" to help you sit higher.

I would definitely put it on your shopping list and give it a drive.

jodigreen · January 2002

Thanks so much for your advice. What you said is what I was pretty much thinking. Just wanted to make sure. Thanks!

gtyates · January 2002

My wife is 4'11" and loves her 2001 Taurus (except for the Affinity tires) We have the adjustable pedals, which means she can get to a comfortable position as well as me, and I am 6'tall. With adjustable pedals, you will not be disappointed.

jrosasmc · February 2002

Is there really a major difference(s) between the Taurus/Sable and the more costly 1995-02 Lincoln Continental? I can't justify why people spend the extra money for a Conti when they can get a premium Taurus or Sable for less.

ohio7 · February 2002

Two weeks ago I was at a shopping center on a Sunday and could NOT get the gear shift out of Park. Called the Roadside Assistance number and the woman could do nothing for me except call my dealer. The service dept. of course was closed so I talked to a salesman. He didn't have a clue. Called back the Roadside Assistance folks and told another woman my problem and asked to have a tow truck sent out.

Hurrah for this very knowledgable woman!! She told me to simply put my foot on the brake, depress the emergency brake, and turn the key to "on". Then move the gearshift to "neutral" and start the car. This saved me hours that I would have had to sit out in the cold and waste time. I was on my way.

The next day I called early to the service dept. and was told to come in and they would try to fit me in. He also warned me that I would NOT have brake lights!!! This got me to thinking that this seemed too familiar. I took it in last March for it's first of two recalls. The reason - the grease from the adjustable pedals could get into the brake light switch and cause one to not be able to move out of Park, brake lights not come on, etc.

Even though I had this fixed to prevent what actually happened to me, it did anyway!!!! Geez, why have a recall if the problem can happen anyway??? I'm a single female that doesn't have a cell phone and would have limited people to call anyway. This really disturbed and angered me.

The next day they took care of me within 30 minutes, to their credit. When I asked about what was wrong and what they did, the mechanic said he replaced the brake light switch!! I brought this up to the service manager who seemed like it was no big deal. I asked him if they kept track of recall problems recurring and tell Ford about it. Of course , he said "yes" but it didn't seem like it.

I ended up calling Ford's Customer Service in Canada and complaining. They were very receptive to my problem and wanted a lot of info about the car.

Has anyone else had this happen?

mralan · February 2002

Anyone else buy a Taurus as a program car? I'd like to hear about the reliablity of former rental Taurus(s).

riswami · February 2002

a 97 Taurus GL at the end of January 98. It was a Budget rental. Car had 23k on when I bought it. Has ABS, Power Seats, 4 wheel disc brakes etc.

Have spent $160 in repairs; door switch went bad; had the work done at a dealership.

The car has been solid. I change the oil, air filter, cabin filter and wiper blades myself. Had the trans fluid drained twice, 30k and 60k. Flushed brake fluid and coolant. Car has 65k now. Car has run flawlessly. Have a little rotor shutter at high speed stops, but I can live with that until I do the front brakes.

I don't buy the abused rental car theory. As a matter of fact I'm less comfortable with owner leases. Lots of those cars have had little routine maintenance.

mrl11777 · February 2002

I am on my third former rental Taurus. All came from dealer fleets. All were very clean and trouble free. I think buying a used car this way is pretty low-risk.

FWIW, all were purchased when they were a year old. The first was a 92 GL wagon, retired after 9 years and 150k good miles, the second is a 98 SE Duratec sedan and the 92 wagon was replaced with an 00 SE Vulcan wagon. Saved a bundle over new, and the cars were/are all well equipped.

gjbwj · February 2002

To your experience, in what case, why my steering power did not work properly. should I have to fix it. Thanks

danielj6 · February 2002

I'm considering the purchase of a Ford Explorer
as my Sable S.W. doesn't seem to fit a minimum of 6 passengers.

I'd like to save some money and would like to know whether or not Ford equips rental fleets with Explorers.

Thanks

ehenness · February 2002

Yes, Ford does equip rental fleets with Explorers. They own Hertz, and Hertz rents them. I've seen them on other rental lots that deal with Fords (Budget). Also, my local Ford dealer rents cars and trucks, and they also rent Explorers. They may not be as common as rentals as Escorts, Focuses (Foci? :-) or Taurus/Sable models, but they're out there.

You may also want to check out the Ford pre-owned site, where they sell the best ex-company service, off-lease, and rentals at a fixed price (which is usually very good). The catch is that the program is available in only 5 areas--metro areas of Atlanta, Boston, NYC, Oklahoma City, and San Francisco. Check out www.fordpreowned.com. They usually have a good number of Explorers available. (If you want to browse the inventory and aren't in the area, use zip codes of 02101 for Boston, 10011 for NYC...). You pick the car, pick the dealer you want it delivered to, pay a $300 deposit. When it arrives at that dealer (in no more than 3 days), the dealer calls and you set up an appointment for inspection and test drive. If you want it, you buy it. If not, you pass on it. As long as you keep the appointment, the $300 is refunded if you turn it down. Painless...

How do I know? My '98 Taurus SE (Vulcan) was one of these (to continue the thread). It was an ex-Ford company car. Got it in late August 2000 with 11,000 miles on it. Pristine condition, and we paid $1400 under Edmunds TMV book value for it. Have done only routine maintenance on it since then except for a broken transmission cooler line clamp (a plastic one). Fixed in 30 minutes under warrantee. The clamp caused a minor leak, not a gusher. The car needed front rotors and pads at 25,000, but those were also replaced under warrantee. Car now has 35,000 miles and runs beautifully.

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

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