bobbyd

I was wondering why the new Ford Fusion didn't make pace car for the Daytona 500 race next weekend. Instead, Chevrolet was picked as pace car for the Daytona 500. Toyota was picked last year as the pace car. The sad news is that Ford was ONLY picked once in 40 years of pace cars at the Daytona 500. It was in 2011. I tried to dig up the voting procedure but was unable to find their criteria.

www.permachrome.com Update on the PVD wheels. This past summer I had my 2013 Taurus Limited Wheels Permachromed (PVD) processed with US Wheel Exchange located in Madison Heights, Mi. I decided against using Detroit Wheel, Troy Mi because I discovered they use replacement or damaged wheels that they purchase...then re-manufacture them. I immediately decided to cancel them. US Wheel Exchange uses your own wheels to be permachromed. Since the process takes up to 3 weeks to be completed, they substituted some MKS wheels for me to use until my wheels were done. Its VERY IMPORTANT to note that US Wheel uses the HUNTER wheel force balancer when they mount your wheels. Check out the attached site to see how much cooler PVD/Permachrome wheels make your ride look!

All the Ford Taurus and Explorer pursuit vehicles are built in Chicago by an American company. The Dodge Charger is built in Canada by a predominate Italian Company (Fiat).

Nothing is automatic in life, however, The 2013 Taurus has had incentives starting at $1000 in April of 2012 and has increased the incentives ever since that time all the way to the current amount. I still believe you don't have to worry, especially with this being the 12 month of selling this 2013 model!!!

Our family Taurus has started making a "shhhhhh" noise whenever you turn the steering wheel when turning out of the driveway and using a little more turning radius. It doesn't make the noise when in traffic and making turns, so its more at a very low speed..going in and out of driveway. Its not the familiar noise that's made when power steering fluid is low. Its more like a plastic rubbing plastic noise. Anyway, it seems to be more pronounced in cold weather. Any thoughts or suggestions? No leaks with car and fluids are all ok. Car has 61000 miles .

I've been trying to find a site that posts the Charger 'pursuit' vehicles ,but have not found it. I read that Charger averages about 1000 police/pursuit units a month compared to 700 Taurus pursuits. Ford separates police units from the non-police. Dodge combines them. The Challenger/Mustang comparison was for Jan 2012/Jan 2013. Challenger 946 more units 2551 vs 3497...compared to Mustang which dropped 128 units (3737 vs 3608). The REAL surprise was the Camaro sales surge far ahead of the other two!!!

One more thing to do once you get the VIN (if you want). GO TO: (www.researchmaniacs.com).....it allows you to check on your vehicle. It was accurate to the day when my 2013 Taurus was delivered. Hope that helps! (Thanks for buying a Ford product!)

Don't worry, you'll get the incentives! Make sure you check the trunk for the cargo net. Mine was missing when I took delivery and I had to complain to the dealer about it missing. Its not a big deal, but I had to make it a big deal to get it...since the ridiculous price to order one was close to $50!!! (P.S....don't be surprised if you get the car before April since its a one day convoy move from the Chicago Assembly plant!) Sweet ride!

Focus outsold the Cruz. The Camaro outsold the Mustang...and the shocker is the slow selling Challenger sold almost the same amount as the Mustang. Mustang only beat it by 200 cars. I can't figure that one out, unless they had huge incentives!

Looks like the giveaway incentives for the Volt ended. Sales dropped 50% from December to January!

Go to: ( GOODCARBADCAR.NET)......it allows you to check each vehicle by month and by year!

What about Taurus sales up over 40%! Did I miss them mention that?

Good video. The "slightly tight back seat" reference, with the guy struggling to get out seemed exaggerated, especially with the front drivers seat apparently positioned all the way back not helping things. Still, a decent review, especially about the hybrid version!

Anyone know when Ford will post their 4th quarter earnings? What is the approximate debt balance Ford has? At one point it was close to $30 billion, but I read somewhere its now near $12 billion? Anyone know?

I noticed the new Lincoln has more subdued full-width taillights compared to the much wider and more pronounced taillights on the Dodge Charger. I followed a Charger home on the freeway at night recently and I must say that full width taillight quickly becomes an optical nuisance. It looks cool to some but its also very annoying to follow at night. I wouldn't be surprised if someone eventually gets blinded to the point of an accident and blames the taillights. (New government standards for taillight brightness? ) It will be like the Electric Vehicles being too quiet and causing accidents to pedestrians!

Wow, they can automatically scan license plates without calling them in. Our Livonia Police Department has a new all black Taurus pursuit vehicle that looks like Darth Vader. Speeders watch out..they sit on the merging ramps of I-96/Jeffries..waiting to pounce. Of course, if that hot blonde was pulled over...she might have a chance of getting off without a ticket...but not for the rest of us guys. Guilty. Don't get a ticket in Livonia. You can no longer get points waived on moving violations..like the good ole days. They post the notice on the District Court Doors! Ouch!

Just talked to my dealer about the APIM cost. Estimate of parts and labor around $300+. However, I am covered for 5 yrs, unlimited mileage, if it goes bad.

I was just mailed an APIM Warranty Extension letter (Prg# 12M02) yesterday that extends the warranty on the APIM to 5 years regardless of mileage for all Ford vehicles. If this module fails it kills the MFT (inoperable). Looks like I better buy an extended $1000 ESP Warranty, since I love my 2013 Taurus and will keep it for some time. (Note: Ford will NOT replace it unless it fails within the warranty)

I feel your pain. I just opened my mail yesterday and received my 'MFT V3.5 Software Update Prg# 12A04 for my 2013 Taurus. I'm considering waiting on the update (it takes an hour to load with the car running) in case they add further updates to this ongoing issue with the MFT.

l Try (www.researchmaniacs.com).....it allows you to check on your vehicle. It was accurate to the day when my 2013 Taurus was delivered. Hope that helps! (Thanks for buying a Ford product!)

So, why are you buying our competitors vehicles?

Thanks for your support. It seems that the most negative detractors don't even drive Fords (Chrysler Fiat , Pontiac-Nissan Owners) and yet they are so-called Blue Forum members. Whatever! I'm like you...Ford Fan Forever! I've always owned them and always will! Thanks again!

OK! maybe I should have said...direct competitors.....maybe that would help. I understand! No arguing! Simple is good!

You said it...it gives them more options to buy. For example..the Taurus buyer is LIMITED in buying options. If I wanted a color key grill to match the paint on an SEL , I have to buy the more expensive Limited ($3500 more than the SEL). I had to buy a different model to get the grill difference. Remember, the 9 Charger vehicles are considered models...in order to get the trim...you buy the model. Same with Ford...you buy the Limited MODEL to get the colored grill...and even a cargo net is not available unless you buy the limited. The trims come with the different models!

I also give up. However, I was trying to imply that when the competitor word was used and Impala ($10,000 cheaper) was mentioned...it made no sense. Its like saying the Cruz is a competitor to the Taurus. Apples to Apples. As far as the Charger....9 different model choices does help...and then add police cars on top of that! As far as Camaro versus Mustang....they are equal in sales....the Ford Boss and GT 500 are very low volume sellers. But...Yes: Taurus is great!