BestOnlineBid.com - Purchasing a 97 Ford Taurus GL

Purchasing a 97 Ford Taurus GL - Need Some Advice!?

Ok this is my situation. I’ve been looking for a new car to drive. (My other one is now broken) Recently a customer of mine (also friend) mentioned he might have a car for me. It is a 97 Ford Taurus GL. My friend is now a retired auto mechanic. He goes to car auctions and purchases cars for his nephew (who owns a car body shop) to fix up. You have to be an authorized dealership to purchase these cars. This car in particular didn’t have previous owners. It’s basically a car that sat at the dealership and simply didn’t sell. So my friend bought it and held it for me. He already replaced the brake pads, routers, and checked everything out. The inside is literally brand spanking new (along with the rest of the car inside and out) under the hood was good also. Checked the oil, belts, everything inside. Took it for a test drive and drove wonderfully. The mileage is only at 70,000. He’s helping me out in my time of need and giving it to me for $2500. (Originally purchased for about $1800 and was selling for $5600 when it was at the dealership) Now, I’m not afraid that he’s hiding something from me or anything, he’s a really good friend of ours but I’ve been researching the car online and have been hearing mostly negative comments about it. Now my question is, in my situation considering the price, condition, mileage etc… should I go ahead with this (take note also, I only have about $2700 to spend to buy a car right now) or should I still be looking? Thanks everybody! -Bill (p.s. My friend also offered, if something went wrong or needed to be fixed, he would fix it for me) I've also done a carfax report and checked with another mechanic (have 2 in the family and my best friends step-dad owns his own body shop) I'm not worried about the price being suspisious, i'd trust my friend with my own children. He's retired, he's not looking to make money

Public Comments

Sounds too suspicious. The car is also 12 years old now. The price is too high. Would consider if the price was $1200-$1500.
Sounds like an okay deal to me. I'd have another mechanic check it out and get the Carfax report just to be sure. Have the mechanic double the check the transmission since that is what typically fails on a Taurus. You might consider talking him down in price even further. These economic times are really hurting the auto industry. People just aren't buying cars so it's easy to pit dealerships against each other. It looks like the Kelley Blue Book value of that car is about $1900. Find similar cars in your area and see how they're priced. Arm yourself with as much information as is possible before you make your decision. Additionally, I would request that his offer to fix anything that goes wrong to be made in writing. I had a 1995 Ford Taurus and it rarely had mechanical problems. It only got about 18 mpg though.
as an owner of a 97 ford taurus g model.. i think that it sounds like a good deal. My car has had problems..Ive had to do breaks obviously, and ive had to replace the cadalliac converter but for the most part thats it. I have 224,598 miles on it and its still going. If your friend is going to fix stuff too for you if needed then I say what are you waiting for?! good luck to you. Happy Driving =)
A lot of people love to hate on the Taurus, but they are generally good cars. If your friend says that this is a good car, I would take his word for it, especially since he has offered to fix any problems that might come up.
My mom had a taurus and it LIVED in the repair shop. lol I would NEVER buy a ford product. Why do you think theyre so cheap? cheap parts, cheap quality.
Don't listen to ChuckM. Ever since GM and Chrysler imploded he's been haunting this site. Can't stand to see Ford doing so well. The fact that you have first hand information on the condition and have has some maintenance done is a plus. Coming from a dealer is also a plus since they usually go through it as well. Regardless what other people say, the Taurus is an excellent car with a large quantity still on the roads. Like anything, you have to keep up the maintenance. Any used car is a gamble with your money. I believe this is a low risk purchase for you. You should buy it.