Should I keep a '97 Taurus wagon or '99 Explorer?

powernoodle

powernoodle

Power Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2004
Messages
11,974
Heres the deal. We bought for Mrs. Powernoodle an '08 Honda CR-V. All wheel drive, moonroof, nice mpg, sweet ride.

My '99 4x4 Explorer has 180,000 on the clock and needs a tranny rebuild, though I could probably keep driving it without fixing the tranny. That repair would cost $1500. Has a cracked windshield too, but insurance is going to take care of that.

Or, I might sell the Explorer and keep Wifey's retired '97 Taurus wagon. But it looks like something a granny would drive. Its in very good shape, and has "only" 116,000 miles which is way less than the Explorer.

The Taurus is in better shape, but I like driving the Explorer better.

So do I keep the Explorer, and maybe sink $1500 into it? I do get some kind of cheap thrill from driving a vehicle until it turns into dust and parts start to fall off. Or do I keep the Taurus, because it almost feels new compared to the rickety Explorer? If I keep the Taurus, I'm getting the dang windows tinted to hide my shame. The Taurus is worth $2600, and the Explorer - if repaired - maybe $3500.

I'm leaning toward the Explorer, but just barely.

Peace out.

IMG00267.jpg
 
The Explorer should hold it's resale value for a longer period of time,you could probably drive it another 100K and still get a grand for it when your done,the Taurus will probably only be worth about $500.00 in a couple more years.
 
How about we place this in Gadgets & Gear.
 
I'm still driving a 96 Kia Sportage. 125K. We've put more money into it that it is worth the last few years, BUT THAT'S NOT THE RIGHT EQUATION!!!

The point is it drives better and is more reliable than a used car we could buy for the cost of keeping it running. And that is still FAR less than car payments for a new car.

Further for the price of a new efficient car, we can pump a lot of gasoline, even at these prices.

For the green side of the argument, there's the carbon impact of the production of a new vehicle compared to the impact of keeping a car out of the waste stream. In the next number of years, the car energy market will be in flux as new motors, fuels and such come out. It makes sense to me to not buy a car until that settles down some and I can make a good choice without getting stuck with a mostly new auto that no one wants in the used market.

For the money side of it, either of the Explorer or Taurus are worth keeping and keeping up if they're otherwise in decent shape and can be reliable.
 
What are you 16? :D Image is a silly reason to keep a vehicle, unless you've got the money to worry about such things. Go with the more reliable ride and start saving your money for the next one.
 
If your insurance will "take care of the windshield," then your deductible it way too low ! Raise it to at least $500 and enjoy your lower insurance payments.

Is the Explorer a 4x4 ?

I always had a 4x4 until the last one got totaled (wife was driving....:eek:) and living in Oklahoma, I thought the need for a 4x4 was minimized.

Last summer, after several years without a 4x4, we got one........and I was wondering why the hell I didn't have one all those years. I like the options it gives you.

Since "bugouts" are discussed here, it sure would suck to be caught in a major traffic jam and not be able to even successfully negotiate a curb to get out of there...

But, back to your question: I'd keep the one that's most reliable. If that meant putting $1500 into the Explorer, then I'd do that. (btw, I saved $177 on my transmission bill by asking if there was a cash discount) :thumbup:

.
 
My advice, even though it's too late,

Don't buy anything new. Drive both of the Fords, enjoying liability-only insurance rates, until the wheels fall off. At that point, buy the nicest late-model used cars you can afford. Repeat every 10-15 years. :)

That's advice from the Financial Conservative within me.

The Car-Lover says dump both the Fords and sell the Family-Wagon Honda. Then buy a convertibles for your wife and a 4x4 truck for yourself. :D
 
4x4 . . . I like the options it gives you.
Click to expand...

Here's my idea of offroading. I took the Powernoodle progeny to the circus a few months ago. Big traffic jam. Me and every other SUV with clearance drove over a high curb for quick egress. I'd still be sitting there if I were in the Taurus. I'm a scofflaw. Plus, the extra ton of steel in the Explorer, coupled with the fact that your torso isn't at bumper level, makes it seem safer.

there's the carbon impact
Click to expand...

True - I like to create as much carbon dioxide as possible. Plants need it to breathe, and in return they exhale life-sustaining oxygen. I don't understand these folks who hate plants and want us to deprive them of carbon dioxide. Good point.

How about we place this in Gadgets & Gear.
Click to expand...

You guys just love to vex me, don't you? :)

Triton said:
What are you 16? :D
Click to expand...

Emotionally, intellectually and hormonally, yes. Chronologically, I'm 46. :)

One way for me to look at this is to hypothesize about which vehicle I might most regret selling. Explorer probably wins that contest.

What I'm really trying to do is hold out for another couple of years until Honda starts sticking diesels in its lineup. They are charted for the CR-V, Accord, Odyssey and Pilot. Don't know if I'll go that route, but gas hit $3.95 here today. A 4x4 diesel Pilot getting 26mpg city would be swell. I'm willing to wait it out a couple of years, to see what gas prices do and how Honda and Toyota respond.

:thumbup:
 
Keep the explorer, please!
It's an SUV, so you have options.
I like your attitude toward the carbon-dioxide alarmists.
Plus, if there is any truth to global warming theory (which I doubt), then you are gonna need that Explorer, because half of America will be under water, right?
Besides, my middle school director drove a Sable wagon. I hated that guy, and he was corrupt. If I saw you driving, I would have to shoot Greek fire at you, or something.
 
I've got a soft spot in my heart for Taurus wagons and wagons in general. I'm a tall guy and that car is reasonably able to seat me no matter where I end up sitting.

If your Explorer were a Bronco, then this would be tougher (because Broncos are badass). I don't have a need to go offroad, or tow a boat or trailer around. If you have those needs the Explorer would be the way to go. I'd imagine the wagon will be about 25% more efficient, and you might save $10-20 per week with it, depending on your commute/habits.

As for regrets, I currently have a few regrets about selling my 81 Datsun 510, so anything can happen. :)
 
powernoodle said:
Emotionally, intellectually and hormonally, yes. Chronologically, I'm 46. :)

One way for me to look at this is to hypothesize about which vehicle I might most regret selling. Explorer probably wins that contest.
Click to expand...

I understand, I find myself in that same place. What the heck do you mean I don't still look "cool?" :)

It's hard to be sensible all the time...
 
I would keep the Explorer. It wil hold it's value better than the wagon. And it is more useful with having 4x4, especially inclement weather.
 
Keep the exploder!! Sorry I am a Ford nut, but love the nicknames mechanics give them. It is built on a frame which will outlast any unibody design. Unibodies are design to flex in after 150,000 to 200,000 they are done. I had a 94 Merc Sable 190,000 the body flex as bad, but what killed it was the ecm to control the engine died and the cost was 2500.00 or buying a used one (not recommended). So sold it to a wreking yard for parts (900.00). That wagon might be worth more for parts. Wagon were not as common as sedans and some parts are harder to come by. Once you get that rebuilt flush your trans every 20,000 miles. And if you have a trans cooler have them replace it not flush it. It is cheap insurance to insure the life of your rebuilt. If you do not have a cooler, install one. I am not talking about the radiator cooler on more cars/trucks. It is a small aux coil that helps the temp of trans fluid stay below the temp were it begins to break down.
 
Keep the taurus. It will last longer and cheaper to maintain not to mention fuel costs. Just rememebr on any car or truck with automatic transmission have the trans fluid flushed often.
 
FWIW I have a 97 Taurus with just under 400,000 kilometres and I plan to keep it as long as possible. It does well in winter, carries a fair bit, and at least around here there are lots of them for spare parts. Repairs are cheap, mileage is average I guess but best of all it gives me low insurance premiums. Also it is not high on the must steal list for the chronic car thieves in this province.
 
sell the tauraus and use that money to fix the explorer. or as previous poster said sell them both and get something (newer) better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top