A dilemma?

[Deltona_Dave]

I posted a few weeks back that I bought a 2008 Taurus for a good price. I took it down this week to show my parents. My dad offered to buy it from me for what I paid and give me his 1998 Olds Intrigue (3800 Series II) with 40K on the odometer. The Intrigue has been owned by my folks since new. My Mom is the primary driver. It has had OCI's every year or 5K with bulk oil/filter. Mom was the primary driver and only put maybe 3-5K per year. Vehicle is like new, garage kept, new tires, etc.

My Mom is not a big Ford fan, but she loves this new Taurus. I am thinking of taking the offer, as my daughter likes the Intrigue. The head gaskets were replaced by a reputable Indy earlier this year.

I think I will let Dad have the T and I will take the Intrigue. I know the history, Mom will take care of the Taurus, and the Insurance will be about the same, actually a little less for the Intrigue due to it's age.

 

[Scienceman]

No!!! Keep the Ford!!!
Dont gp from Ford to GM!
you have a beautiful car!!!

 

[Scienceman]

Besides, there is a 10 year difference!

 

[fdcg27]

This sounds too good to be true.
Your father will give you what you paid for the Taurus, and throw the Intrigue into the deal?
The Intrigue may be ten years older than the Taurus, but it is way more car.
The Taurus was a fleet special by 2008, while the Intrigue was an upper middle market offering.
I know which one I'd rather drive.
Next to the Intrigue, the Taurus is slow and has a cheap looking interior.
Fuel economy should be close, and it would not surprise me were the Intrigue to actually deliver better fuel consumption in typical use.
I'd take the deal.

 

[Panzerman]

Its a good deal, because basically your are coming out of the deal with a free car. Hopefully though no one has trouble with thier cars and things get sour. Dealing with family is a risky thing at best.

 

[Hallmark]

If the Intrigue had the 3.5 (aka Shortstar) engine, an engineering gem of its time, I would go with the Olds. However, with the 3.8, albeit a bullet proof engine, I'm not so sure.

 

[Eddie]

3800 series do not have a great repair record over the long haul. Keep the Ford.

 

[FloatingBrick]

Quote:
The Taurus was a fleet special by 2008

Not sure the above is correct - I believe the 2008 was the resurrected model (500).

 

[dishdude]

Originally Posted By: FloatingBrick
Quote:
The Taurus was a fleet special by 2008

Not sure the above is correct - I believe the 2008 was the resurrected model (500).


I'm driving an '08 that is a company (fleet!) car.

 

[bdcardinal]

It all hinges if this is a old Turtle body style Taurus of the rebadged 500. It its the Turtle Taurus and a Vulcan motor, then ya do the trade. If ita a Turtle with a Duratech or the 500 don't do it.

 

[oilstudent24]

I think the 2008 Model Year was when Ford changed from the Ford 500 to the last Generation Taurus. With the change was the engine which went from 3.0 Duratec(not Vulcan) to the 3.5 which was a decent mover. Actually the 3.0 Duratec is a good engine power wise but the 500/Taurus was getting a little heavy for it. I think the 3.5 had around 263 or so HP IIRC.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: FloatingBrick
Quote:
The Taurus was a fleet special by 2008

Not sure the above is correct - I believe the 2008 was the resurrected model (500).


Yes.

 

[daves87rs]

The olds will be just fine, as I'm sure it was cared for. It's a chance to make his folks happy. Plus, he could be payment free (if he is not already) And parents can usually afford to do this with their kids.

I'd do it.

 

[aquariuscsm]

If it`s the 3800 V6,the Olds hands down.

 

[ls1mike]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
3800 series do not have a great repair record over the long haul. Keep the Ford.

Not sure where you get that from. The 3800 is very reliable having owned 4 of them I can tell you the motor is cheap and easy to maintain with very few problems. I know of 5 five on this board that have over 200,000 miles on them.

On that note, do what you want, depends on what you feel like driving.

 

[whip]

I'd drive the Olds for free. Even if you end up spending a few thousand on repairs, you're way ahead financially. You know the history of the car, so there are no hidden issues.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Got one of my guys in an old Buick with the 3800, smooth as silk at 155k miles.

 

[Deltona_Dave]

Decided to let the parents have the Taurus. Mom is short (4'11) and she can see better out of the Taurus.

The Olds has been garaged since new, 3800 Series II engine (they were one of GM's better engines).

It needs a little TLC (clay bar, wax) and a good highway run.

The Taurus has a great ride, and is not lacking in acceleration and handling! I'd rather my daughter have something a little less spunky for now.

Dave