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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,431
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,431 |
A friend of mine had a '96 Taurus. Worked fine for a few years, some small problems happened, and then bigger ones. When the transmission failed shortly after they had fixed the power steering, they got rid of the car and her parents bought her (by sheer coincidence) a 2000 Contour.
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,037
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,037 |
If it does have a Duratec, definitely go for it. I had a rental Taurus SES w/ Duratec that we drove from Buffalo to Toronto and back, plus a separate trip from Toronto to Hamilton & back in there too, so figure about 6 hours of highway driving over weekend. It was pretty fast, quiet, and a comfortable ride, even with five people in the car. I did a fair amount of 80mph+ running with it and it was good.
The Taurus I rented another time that was similar, but with a Vulcan V6, pulled me around well enough but it just didn't feel as refined.
"Think of it, if you like, as a librarian with a G-string under the tweed." Clarkson on the Mondeo.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 54
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 54 |
Well, my wife drives a 1999 Taurus station wagon. It's been pretty reliable. Other than routine maintenance (tires, brakes, etc), we have performed the following repairs. Replaced 02 sensor (under warrantee) Replaced alternator at about 84,000 miles. We've been pretty rough on the car, as I used it to push around a solo-tec snow plow and have driven mostly on mountainous terrain. It's held up quite well and now had about 94,000 miles on it. It has the Duratec V6. Sincerely, Scott PS: check this site out on price. http://used-cars.autos.yahoo.com/usedcars/revise.html
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,051
Hard-core CEG\'er
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OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,051 |
Well it looks like we got beat for the Taurus. I called today and left a message to ask wether it was a Duratec or Vulcan and he called back tonight and said it is almost definitely sold as of tomorrow afternoon.  Maybe the person won't buy it. 
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17,248
CEG road warrior
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CEG road warrior
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17,248 |
I just rode in a 2005 Taurus. Rattled more than my Contour. 
Hector
2003 Rally Red Mitsubishi Evolution VIII
257HP/259TQ
2005 Lapis Blue Mazda 6s
RET: 00 Cabernet Red Ford Contour Zetec ATX SUPERCHARGED
160HP/141TQ
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 568
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 568 |
Originally posted by ALIAS Jerk:
My girlfriend's mom has a 1996 Taurus SE all options but leather, Including the duratec ( ) My girlfriend definately knows how to push that duratec to its full potential.
There was no SE in 1996. GL, LX, and SHO were the available models. I'm guessing she has the LX, as I don't recall the Duratec being available on the GL (don't quote me on that). Floor or column shifter?
B. Riley
Melbourne, FL
'01 Camry LE V6/5-spd
Was: '00 Black/Tan SVT Contour #560 - Sold 3/26/03
Before that: '95 Champ/Blue Contour GL V6 ATX
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 389
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 389 |
Duratec was standard on LX. In 1998, the SE became the top model which had the Duratec. The 3rd generation Taurus (1996-99) was very confusing as far as trim goes. They are good cars. The Vulcan/Duratec debate will never die, but the Duratec is definitely a good motor. I love our Vulcan, but it's hard to argue with the more powerful car that gets almost the same gas mileage.
2000 Contour SE
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,610
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,610 |
My mom has a 2001 that she bought new and now has 44,000 miles. She has only had to replace the battery so far. It has been a good car. But it is the SEL and I think the SES would have been more fun. The vulcan has some pep but not like the duratec. Thems my thoughts on that, just buy it if you like it and it is nice.
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 389
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 389 |
A Vulcan in an SEL? Are you sure?
2000 Contour SE
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 568
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 568 |
Originally posted by hrsepwrdrms:
My mom has a 2001 that she bought new and now has 44,000 miles. She has only had to replace the battery so far. It has been a good car. But it is the SEL and I think the SES would have been more fun. The vulcan has some pep but not like the duratec.
Majisto is correct -- you have it backwards. In 2001, the Vulcan was standard on all but the SEL.
B. Riley
Melbourne, FL
'01 Camry LE V6/5-spd
Was: '00 Black/Tan SVT Contour #560 - Sold 3/26/03
Before that: '95 Champ/Blue Contour GL V6 ATX
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