My boyfriend previously owned a 96 ford taurus that he sold to a friend of mine. Due to financial problems, when the power steering pump went out (this is believed to be the only problem with the vehicle) , she wasn't able to repair it. I have offered to buy the vehicle from her for $700 as my boyfriend says he can fix it. I don't know how many miles are on the vehicle, but it looks in good shape. My dad thinks I'm making a mistake. But I have little money and can't afford a car payment. I've never bought a vehicle before so I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing or not. Any thoughts?
2007-06-26 08:41:12 · 7 answers · asked by katiesmomga 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
The only problem with people suggesting you get a Honda or Toyota is that you CAN'T get a $700 Honda or Toyota!!! They'd be rusting hulks sitting in a junkyard!!
Some people think Ford is crap. Some think Taurus is crap, but they were extremely popular, nearly #1 car for long time.
Why does your dad think it's a mistake? Because the car is bad, or because your boyfriend is bad and can't fix it.
It's too bad the other gal can't fix the power steering pump, because that's not worth $700 to fix. Much less. But otherwise, $700 for that 96 Taurus, even if your boyfriend fixes it, is a very good price, assuming all other things seem good......body, engine, tranny. If we lived in same town, I'd be at your doorstep offering her $750 for that car!!
(And no, we're probably not....)
2007-06-26 08:57:25 · answer #1 · answered by tlworkroom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a big fan of either the Taurus, or the fact that it's a 96'. Mileage (you need to find out) depreciates a car more than ANY single factor. The plus is of course your boyfriend is familiar with the car, but boyfriends aren't husbands, you can't count on him to always fix the car. I think you can do better for the money with a honda or toyota from a similar year. Good luck.
2007-06-26 08:50:49 · answer #2 · answered by Scott B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Repairing power steering on a $700 96 taurus is comparably a minimal cost.If You are confident that the vehicle is otherwise mechanically sound,then it is a good buy ,as opposed to an unaffordable monthy car payment.
Good luck,Jill,and happy motoring!
2007-06-26 08:54:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your B/F can fix the pump then you will have a car to drive, however the age of the car and the miles WILL produce more mechanical failures that will have to be delt with in the future. $700 is a good price but it has been my experience that you get what you pay for when it comes to cars less than $1000.
2007-06-26 08:51:57 · answer #4 · answered by Gobyknows 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for it ! any taurus that runs and looks good will bring a grand at any auction due to gas prices,get a 2nd or 3rd opinion on the power steering .
2007-06-26 08:52:13 · answer #5 · answered by lakefreak 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion for $700 you cannot go wrong as for that money it is hard to buy anything decent BUT if additional items fail and you cannot afford to fix them it could be a problem.
2007-06-26 08:47:21 · answer #6 · answered by K R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's most likely a big mistake-you'd be better of with a much older civic or any other japanese cars (toyotas, hondas and some nissans/mazdas)
2007-06-26 08:45:47 · answer #7 · answered by Kevin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋