Used Cars: cost of repairs, whats the main problems with 1999 Ford Taurus?, wheel drive car, cv joints

Question
QUESTION: Hi Jay..
I'm looking to purchase a used 1999 ford taurus for $2000
body is in great shape, 14000 clicks on it, wee bit of rust on a wheel well..from wheat I can see, looks good!
my question
do you think the price is too high?..people have said I can get one cheaper.
and what is the main problems with these cars?
dont want to buy into constant repairs...
just getting out of a lemon rip off, dont want another!!
thanks appreciate your help!
Debbie

ANSWER: Well I dont know if it was an error or not, but if this car only has 14k miles, that is EXTREMELY low mileage.  Assuming the car has 140k miles on it, it is probably worth the $2000.  The thing with Taurus' is how they were taken care of, maintenance wise.
Overall they are pretty good cars, but their known problems are head gaskets, cv joints, motor mounts, and transmissions.  Sounds pretty bad, but truthfully most of these problems are peoples lack of maintenance.  Any front wheel drive car can have cv joint issues, if you dont catch a boot leaking before it is to late, it dont matter who makes it, they will go bad.  The motor mounts are a weak spot with Taurus, and people just dont realize they have gone bad, because they drive their car everyday, and dont notice how gradually the mounts have went bad.  Sometimes when motor mounts go bad, unrecognized, they can also lead to transmission issues, because the whole transmission and engine move around to freely.  If you knew a maintenance history on the vehicle it would help a lot, but in the end, anything you are buying for $2000 and under, you are going to have some risk.  I would have this car inspected by a mechanic, have them check motor mounts, cvjoints, and head gaskets.  There really isnt any sure way to check a transmission.  If everything checked out good on the car, I would feel confident giving $2000 for it.
If not, move on to the next one.  But dont fool yourself in thinking you can buy something for $2000, and NOT have to fix things as time goes on.  But there are some cars with long term reputations, and some not so long term reputations.  Feel free to email with any questtions that you have.  On a scale of 1-10 on long term durability with the Taurus, I give it about a 6!  To put this in perspective, I give Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans about a 9, and Neons and Malibus about a 2.  I hope this is helpful.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: HI Jay..
your advice was very helpful, thank you!!
yes, your right, typo on my part..sorry.
Appreciate your advice given & feel more confident knowing which questions to ask when taking it in for a over-all check (:
given your perspective on Honda's however, raised an eyebrow...I totally agree with the history of these cars being a thumbs up!
The car sitting in my driveway is a 1991 Honda Accord EX
I purchased it quite cheap & was not nieve to know repairs would be needed. Reasons for considering the Taurus was because the e-test failed on the Honda just a couple weeks ago & I may drop more $ into this than I should?
Tail end of the muffler just fell off AFTER the e-test, can I assume this failed due to the muffler?

Also, the key ignition wont hold the key in place (once the grib of the key is let go-car shuts off)??
it needs a new windshield
When the owners took there sterio out, they left wires hanging everywhere, Im hoping that's why the windows won't roll down?
This car came from Edmonton, they dont use salt on the roads there so the body is in good shape, but I cant start the car!!....and wondering if it's a bigger issue than the muffler.
The emissions failed saying the NO ppm numbers failed at a reading of 1726...when the limit is 0727
It passed with flying colors on the other readings
I've been uncertain as to go with the Honda...or buy the Taurus???
The Honda needs some luv,no doubt!
But with your scale of 9 for a Honda and 6 for a Taurus
Im reconsidering my next move.
Hint-when the car was being e-tested, the mechanic did ask me "this thing got tranny probs"? saying it seemed as tho it was "tripping"
What that means exactly, I dont know
...did notice from the start that when shifting from park to drive it stuck so bad I'd be wrestling with it to shift gears. Oil being low wouldnt have anything to do with this, would it?
Many question I know..but your advice is priceless Jay.
I keep getting different opinions and should just take it to the right place for the answers but I'm holding my $ close to my chest having to pay $100 an hr for a diagnostic check, or go with a different car altogether.
The Honda has been falling apart since I've had it for a short 2 months. I feel I got sold a "lemon" but maybe I should put the $$ into the Honda for the reliability or  go forward with a car that's "ready ta go"???
Should I go with the Honda or run for the Taurus? (:

Answer
Well first and foremost, yes I rate Hondas high, but in the end if a vehicle was not taken care of very well, or is not in good condition, regardless of make, I would steer clear of the vehicle.  You did not specify how many miles were on the honda, but the age is enough to seriously question this vehicle, given all that you have said. This Honda was a good car way back when, but I think this car needs to be retired.  These issues you are talking about are just the beginning of a long running nightmare.  If the Taurus checked out well, and I would recommend you purchase the Taurus over repairing the Honda.  Not very many times I have said that, but you really need to part with the Honda now...it is only going to get worse.......a lot worse!!!!!
When you get the Taurus, make sure and do your maintenance by the books.  Good luck and I hope in the end, it all works out for you.