I know this is off the banding subject but my car has been totalled and I'm stuck looking for a dependable vehicle at a reasonable cost. I am going to go look at 2 Ford Taurus's (2000 and a 2001) today. I used to own an 89 Taurus and it lasted forever but occassionally had some minor but expensive problems. The newer ones sound very nice but wanted to get some opinions. People seem to love or hate them and there does seem to be some lemon ones out there. I personally loved my 94 nissan sentra and planned on having it at least a few more years. It seems like anything quality like Honda's, Toyota's or Subaru's either have a ton of miles on them or are out of my price range. Please give me some feedback.... I was hoping to get my mechanic to look at anything I decide on but he has a personal vandetta against fords and I would feel funny having him look at one. My husband has had a 99 ford pick up for a few years and hasn't had any problems... Anyway thanks for your advice. Teresa

Teresa,

Glad to hear you finally got some wheels. Remember my daughter totalled my car right after yours. Well I went and bought me one of those new 2005 Chrysler 300. It is a nice roomy car and surprisingly I use to get 300 miles on a tank of gas in my '92 Camry, I get 275 in this one. Not bad going from a 4 cylinder to a 6. The only thing is I HATE having a car note -- had been without one for a while. But oh well I guess I was due a new one soon any way. That Camry had 199,900 miles on it but never ever left me on the road stranded. Usually only need the maintence things dones to it. I'm having a moment -- I MISS MY CAR!!! Oh, my who said that :guess :eek :guess :eek

Hi Tanya,

Glad you found something too. I know what you mean on the gas thing. I had a 4 cyl. before too and it got about 30-32 mpg and about 300 miles to a tank. The new car is a 6 cyl. and with normal driving seems to get about 22 mpg and also about 300 miles to a tank but its a slightly bigger tank. Yesterday on my Portland trip it seemed to actually get a lot better mileage since it was all freeway. I only used about a 1/2 tank to go over 200 miles. I made the mistake of buying a brand car once when I was 18. I had gotten a Geo Metro. Ugh!!! Many years of payments and 3 engines and 3 transmissions later I decided new cars weren't worth it. I know... It was a geo... but since cars lose their value so quickly I always feel like I am getting a better deal buying when its a few years old. That car I just got sold for almost 20k 4 years ago and I was able to get it for $4900 now. It looks and drives brand new so I was pretty happy. Anyway glad you found something and your daughter is okay, Teresa