Here is the heart of the car.  A 240 horsepower high-tech V8.  No oil leaks, usage, or problems here.

Car looks great from all angles!

Chrome wheels too.

The headlights on the car turn on automatically when it gets dark.

Factory remote keyless entry makes for convenient and safe entry.
 

VIN#1FALP54NXVA252308

This is our family car.  It is a 1997 Taurus SHO, a well-equipped domestic luxury/performance sedan.  It has been quite a pleasure to own over the last 2+ years.  However, we live where it snows a few times a year.  It would be more convenient to own a 4 wheel drive SUV.

Taurus SHO cars:  While not widely known, Ford began manufacturing "SHO" (Super High Output) Taurus vehicles in the late 80s with a highly-acclaimed v6.  When they changed to the newer body style in 1996, they updated SHOs to a 240 horsepower v8.  These motors known to be highly reliable, and put out great horsepower.  They are mated to an automatic overdrive transmission (only), as the driving market was moving away from manual transmissions.  They stiffened up the suspension (it is an "semi-active" suspension, which will detect driving habits and stiffen or soften the suspension as appropriate), placed larger brakes on the car (front disks are larger, and rear drums are replaced with disk), and equipped the car with almost every option.  For more information on SHOs, visit the SHOShop, SHOClub, and a review at TheAutoChannel.

History:  We bought the car in the summer of 2000, while living in the "flatlands".  It was bought from Maita Ford in Auburn, CA with approximately 80k miles on it.  While it had more mileage that I would have preferred, the high degree of cleanliness of the car impressed me enough that we bought it.  I do not know the history of the car from before our purchase, but since then, it is always garaged, and kept in real nice condition.  It has acquired some minor scratches and a couple parking lot dings from daily life, but the interior remains nice with no rips/tears or excess wear areas in the leather.  We installed professional window tinting in the car, which works greats for our kids in the back seat, as well as reducing any sun damage.

Maintenance:  The car is well maintained; I use synthetic oil every change at 4k miles.  Shortly after purchase, we had some transmission problems, and ended up rebuilding the transmission.  This last summer, we found that a TSB was updated regarding a transmission clip, and had that applied.  The air conditioning clutch assembly (nearly $700 part) was replaced this summer with a full AC system check.  The brakes were replaced all the way around (rotors and pads) with parts from the SHOShop approximately 1 year ago.  The car drives great, doesn't leak or use oil, and looks good.  It truly is a pleasure to own.  I've taken care of most or all of the wear items one would expect on a car with over 100k miles, so you can get a great bargain without the worry.

Update December 3, 2002:  We just bought and installed a set of 4 new tires.  With winter season coming, it is important to have full tread.  We've also replaced the broken power antenna.  There is nothing wrong with this car! 

1997 Taurus SHO Standard Equipment:

Equipped Options:

Edmunds TMV® Private Party Pricing:

Base Price $7,540   Optional Equipment $953   Color Adjustment $123   Regional Adjustment $171   Mileage Adjustment $-1,631   Condition Adjustment $0   Total: $7,156   TMV® pricing represents estimated  market transaction values. Prices as of:  10/02

As I state to the left, I'm looking to buy a SUV once this car sells.  However, if you have a nice Explorer or Cherokee/Grand Cherokee, I would consider a trade.  Get in contact with me.

The odometer reads 114k miles, but the car looks and drives more like 60-80k.

Moonroof is nice on summer days.

Beautiful grey leather interior, and plush front seats you can't get in a regular Taurus.

Don't mind the toys in the back.  The back seats are in great condition, with a towel ensuring the leather isn't chafed from the car seat.