2003 Ford Taurus SES. Totaled?

[The White Falcon]

I think they still had lighted mirrors on high-series models, but the secondary visor on the passenger side was gone.

All those goodies (and a few others) were pulled out of the 2003 models built from 12/02 on. That's why I'm glad mine was made in 11/02.

[it'sthatcar]

I'm not sure when mine was manufactured...I don't know that I've ever checked. It's a 2004 model, and I know it was built after the deletion of the chrome accents on the side door trim on the SEL models (which I believe was deleted sometime during the 2004 model year?). Mine does have both driver and passenger lighted visor mirrors.

[The White Falcon]

Originally Posted by it'sthatcar

I'm not sure when mine was manufactured...I don't know that I've ever checked. It's a 2004 model, and I know it was built after the deletion of the chrome accents on the side door trim on the SEL models (which I believe was deleted sometime during the 2004 model year?). Mine does have both driver and passenger lighted visor mirrors.

Yeah, but it's the secondary visors that were deleted. Check the door sticker-it'll have a year and month on there.

[it'sthatcar]

Originally Posted by The White Falcon

Yeah, but it's the secondary visors that were deleted. Check the door sticker-it'll have a year and month on there.

OOOohhhhhhhh okay. I was thinking the main visor mirrors were deleted. Thanks for the clarification

[Ultimatum]

With all of this said. Can I still track the vehicle down in a few years (as long as it wasnt scrapped). Perhaps if it gets a R title or Salvage title. Could I track the VIN. I really, really hate to see the family car go. So many memories.

[The White Falcon]

...it's unlikely. I don't think they'll retitle it-they're going to either send it to a yard or scrap it.

[Ultimatum]

Damn, well I guess ill let it go. It really sucks but oh well. I guess when i get another Taurus, it won't matter as much.

[Canyonero]

use NADA for car values. It's what banks and dealers use

[Bull Geek]

The secondary visor got dropped with the 12/02 change on 03 model year cars.

You'll find two styles of visors in early and late 04s.

Chrome strip on the door got deleted part way through 04 model year on SEL bulls too.

If you are searching for a new car, considering you're in PA...have the car inspected for rot.
They are nice cars, but not when your rockers start rotting out, causing structural failure of the car...or the wheel well arches are rotting away. The wheel well arches are less important to safety/structural regidity of the car, but still worth checking. Brake line condition too, right where the plastic retainers hold the metal lines under the driver door on the rocker is a common point for the brake lines to rust out.

If I was out shopping for a Taurus right now and wanted the 00-03 early Gen 4 style, I would try to find a later built 2002 to an early 2003. Those typically had the options and features without the deletes (ie Lighted cruise control).
an SES or SEL model would be nice. Vulcans, I would check the condition of the coolant. If they didn't do coolant changes/flushes, that is not great for the car. DOHC, nothing really comes to mind.

Maintenance records showing trans servicing would be real nice if the mileage is kinda up there.

Thought about finding a station wagon?

[Ultimatum]

My father (since we both use the vehicle.) requested that I not get a wagon. :/ he wants a typical sedan, good quality, low miles, addons, and clean.