2002 Taurus SE

[atc2be]

I have the option of buying a 2002 Taurus SE with 38,000 miles on it for $8,000. The car has the lower end V6, A/C, CD, power windows and locks, cruise, keyless entry, power seat and runs really well. MSN Autos says the car is very reliable and safe but I'm ust wondering if anyone else has a 2002 and a decent experience with it. Thanks!!

[PTG1212]

I have a 2002 Taurus SES, vulcan engine and 41k miles. It's been a great car and I'm very happy with it. These later models are much more reliable. Comfortable car, decent gas mileage and I think the 2002 model year is one of the best looking Taurus's.

[atc2be]

thanks for the reply, the '02 Taurus seems to have it all, decent mileage, comfortable ride, reliability, and safety and I think that $8000 is a decent price for the car

[Willyum]

I have an '02 SES and it's been the best car I've ever had. Don't let Q's & A's on this forum scare you, all vehicles have problems and need maintenance and repairs. Run the vehicle info thru www.kbb.com for Blue Book prices. $8,000 is too high, about $2500 too high.

[atc2be]

I checked the KBB value, which put it up arond $9500 retail. I also checked edmunds and edmunds put it around 10,500. Similar cars in my area are going for between 10,000 and 11,000. I'm not sure what you mean that it is $2500 overpriced w/ only 38K on it

[itsmeeelisa]

Only if your buying it from a regular car dealer should you look at the "retail price"

If your buying it from someone you know, or someone selling it outright, you should look at the "private party" price.

If someone was trading one in, they would look at the "trade in" price.

Every area is different though so make sure you put in your zip. Two months ago I bought a 02 SE with all you describe (except the cd player)and 50,000 miles from a car remarketing dealer in the
southwest. I paid $6300, private party was around $7000. It's okay, but I've had a few issues already. Oxygen sensor, have a strange noise when I shut it off (still don't know what that is yet) and there is a lot of road noise. I think that's just Ford as I have a 03 windstar and it's noisey too. I've only had it about 4 months.

Personally, for me, I wont buy anymore Fords. I hadn't owned one in a long time so I thought what the heck. But it's a decent car. If you know Fords, like them, then great.

PS. Not knocking them in anyway. Just not for me.

Originally Posted by atc2be

I checked the KBB value, which put it up arond $9500 retail. I also checked edmunds and edmunds put it around 10,500. Similar cars in my area are going for between 10,000 and 11,000. I'm not sure what you mean that it is $2500 overpriced w/ only 38K on it

[atc2be]

Well...it's not my first choice for a personal automobile but I'm 23, I have two children, and it seems like a perfect family car because I refuse to buy a damn minivan! lol. Anyway, it is from a dealer and I'm in the northeast. Cars are more expensive here than a lot of other places :-(

[PTG1212]

You'll get a minivan eventually. I have a 2002 Taurus, I drive, a 2001 Windstar my wife drives and a 94 Sable, (with 3.8L and original head gasket) that my kids drive. I think your choice of the Taurus makes good sense. I bought my 2002, 9 months old for $11.5k in showroom condition. I did so because a used Taurus tends to be an exceptional value for a good family car. Good luck.

[Willyum]

I never pay a "decent" price for a car. Depends a lot if you have cash in hand or have to submit to financing, etc. I would start by offering them about $500 under private party sale price, they won't let you walk out the door without giving in. They gave the "trade in value" for it don't forget. If you have the stomach for it you can do a lot with a strong negotiating personality. Don't forget you have the upper hand, they WANT to sell that car!

[itsmeeelisa]

hahaha I just got the mini van, and i'm 41!!! I didn't do it while my kids were young but now I have a grandson. I figured I was finally old enough!
So I agree, you'll end up some day!

Originally Posted by PTG1212

You'll get a minivan eventually. I have a 2002 Taurus, I drive, a 2001 Windstar my wife drives and a 94 Sable, (with 3.8L and original head gasket) that my kids drive. I think your choice of the Taurus makes good sense. I bought my 2002, 9 months old for $11.5k in showroom condition. I did so because a used Taurus tends to be an exceptional value for a good family car. Good luck.

[atc2be]

I ha to drive a minivan once as a rental car when mine was in the shop. It was then I swore I'd never own one if I could ever do anything about it!