What Ford Models Make Best Used Cars

[PTG1212]

My son rececently graduated college and needs a decent used car in $5k - $6k range. Which model Fords tend to be the most reliable (and good gas mileage). I have a 2002 Taurus and I love the car. What about the Focus. It's always gotten high marks for handling, early ones had some issues, has that been fixed? Any suggestions or comments on models or better years, etc would be appreciated. Thanks.

[brokenantimatter]

It really depends on how much you trust your son as a driver and his automotive responibility towards his driving and his car.

I would recommend an escort over a focus.

[sandyshores]

Personally I like the Taurus. It also seems like you have a decent amount of $ to spend, in the range where you could definitley get your hands on something quite nice by way of a used car. A nice short-term lease could be found at swap-a-lease.com though Im not here to promote that site. I found in shopping for a good used car that the consumer reports annual used car guide, which can be found in most public libraries, is a great publication to look at. Best bet=Taurus

[Johnny Mullet]

Yeah, Taurus is a pretty decent car. Way more reliable than a Focus.

[pre98zetec]

Contour.

[1979Lee]

used ford crown victoria,mercury grand marquis
best and safest most reliable longest running cars ford has ever made

[dougand3]

I sure like the 1.9L in the 91-96 Escort. And no OBDII to nag you! If the oil was changed properly, engine will go a long time. Get one for $1000 and pocket $5000.

[03cavPA]

Originally Posted by pre98zetec

Contour.

Contours are nice, just stay away from pre 98 models, or find one that has had the harness recall work performed. The 'net is full of problems with self destructing wiring harnesses.

I have to replace the harness in my 95, but otherwise, it's in good shape. I think it's a decent car.

[pre98zetec]

Originally Posted by 03cavPA

Contours are nice, just stay away from pre 98 models, or find one that has had the harness recall work performed. The 'net is full of problems with self destructing wiring harnesses.

I have to replace the harness in my 95, but otherwise, it's in good shape. I think it's a decent car.

I have two 96's. Neither have had harness work and they both run/operate fine. No sign of harness problems.. Weird.

[03cavPA]

Originally Posted by pre98zetec

I have two 96's. Neither have had harness work and they both run/operate fine. No sign of harness problems.. Weird.

Yeah, it doesn't seem to affect all of them, yet. I think it's worse for cars in hotter climates, since the insulation breaks down with heat. Or, you got lucky.

Josh, keep an eye on the wires where they attach to the sensor plugs. Mine showed up at the ECT plug first, then it was worse when I started looking at the rest of the harness.

[pre98zetec]

Originally Posted by 03cavPA

Yeah, it doesn't seem to affect all of them, yet. I think it's worse for cars in hotter climates, since the insulation breaks down with heat. Or, you got lucky.

Josh, keep an eye on the wires where they attach to the sensor plugs. Mine showed up at the ECT plug first, then it was worse when I started looking at the rest of the harness.

I see you have a 95' Most of the harness problems I've ever heard of were on strictly 95's.. Havent heard much from a 96 or 97.. Maybe they partially fixed it in 96-97'. Or like you said it has to do with the climate I live in.