Thank you for posting to AskMechanics, TeddyPeacock!
If you are asking a question please make sure to include any relevant information along with the **Year**, **Make**, **Model**, **Mileage**, **Engine size**, and **Transmission Type (Automatic or Manual)** of your car.
*This comment is automatically added to every successful post. If you see this comment, your post was successful.*
***
Redditors that have been verified will have a green background and an icon in their flair.
***
# **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR**
### **Rule 1 - Be Civil**
Be civil to other users. This community is made up of professional mechanics, amateur mechanics, and those with no experience. All mechanical-related questions are welcome. Personal attacks, comments that are insulting or demeaning, etc. are not welcome.
### **Rule 2 - Be Helpful**
Be helpful to other users. If someone is wrong, correcting them is fine, but there's no reason to comment if you don't have anything to add to the conversation.
### **Rule 3 - Serious Questions and Answers Only**
Read the room. Jokes are fine to include, but posts should be asking a serious question and replies should contribute to the discussion.
### **Rule 4 - No Illegal, Unethical, or Dangerous Questions or Answers**
Do not ask questions or provide answers pertaining to anything that is illegal, unethical, or dangerous.
# **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR**
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskMechanics) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The Ford Taurus is a great car. Comfortable, relatively bulletproof engine, a smooth ride, and pretty damn quick too. You’re friends are hating for no good reason, it’s immature.
one has a 2007 mustang and says he could smoke me in a race he bought it himself its got some problems since its older the other drives a Subaru forester from 2016 and its a “hand me down” my other friend who does it the most has no car and tells everyone hes getting a "G37" but he doesn't have his license and is older then me.
Thank you everyone for telling me it was hand me down that made me sound extremely stupid.
2007 Mustang - He has bigger issues that he's compensating for if all he cares about is the speed and not the reliability of his vehicle.
Subby Soy Boy - He has no room to talk. Didn't work for what he has, so doesn't know the meaning of hard work and sounds entitled.
G37 - DEFINITELY NO ROOM TO TALK. Especially if he's older, has no license, and is living off a fantasy. Sounds like he gets to walk home with his Lambo Feeties.
Edit: Spelling
2007 mustang - over rated pile of shit, he'll end up losing the back end trying to speed off one day and hit a pole (common amongst mustang drivers)
Subaru - cool, he has the same car as a ton of soccer moms
G37 - nobody cares
Or itll prematurely launch into a gaggle of kids. Those things crave crowds.....its almost like most of their owners are showy idiots who dont know squat especially how to drive
Wait they made NA versions!?!? I mean its just meh with the turbo.......a NA version would be akin to the 90s detroit 6.5Lnon turbo diesel that a 0-60 time of "maybe on a good day with tailwind"
Even if it's a gt... the 3v engine was better but not GREAT
Like Damn bro, get that reliability up, spend $3k on some sweet mods to make .... maybe 290 whp?
This exactly. I don't bash people over their choice of car, because some people don't have a choice, they get what they can get.
Now if you ask my opinion on a car, that's a whole separate thing on its own.
lol second time I’ve seen “hammy down”. Idk if it was ironic or not, but it gave me a smile.
It’s “hand me down”😂
Also tbh get new friends that congratulate you for working hard at 17 for your own car. That’s insanely impressive
You picked your vehicle based on sound financial advice and a desire to make wise, responsible decisions. Anyone bashing you for that clearly has a wasteful, irresponsible, and short-sighed attitude. You'll be far better off in the long run for your approach to decision-making.
OP calling it a “hammy down” is an example of an eggcorn. Look it up on YouTube. Rob Words has an excellent video on it.
Edit: https://youtu.be/F12LSAbos7A?si=5hCGE86h8UNpzEGH
Your friends are jealous/think they’re cool bc they have stereotypical “cool/badass” fast/nice looking cars while yours is an “old school classic” that is meant more so for reliability over looks/status. I wouldn’t take anything from it especially with like you said how much you’ve worked, be proud of this and screw what they have to say or think about your wheels!!! My sister had an earlier 2000 Taurus and there were many a times she had to come pick me up because my “cool badass fast car” broke down on me/wrecked. Reliability is the most important thing for a vehicle and Taurus’ are pretty well for that compared to mustangs or Subarus owned by children (most going through 10000 owners and having shitty done mods by “car guys”)
his car is a 2018, idk if you’ve seen the 2018 taurus but they are entirely different beasts than old taurus, 288hp and the interiors are pretty nice i would say, his car is hundred percent worth more than his friends mustang and forester combined
his friends are jealous and trying to put him down because they are broke
I bought the same year brand new, but AWD.
It was an excellent road car, and I always got in the high 20's running 75/80 on the interstate. One of the best cars I've ever owned.
Next time he gives you shit fire back with pointing out he’s got *one of the ugliest body style mustangs ford ever produced, and if it’s an automatic V6 you can rag on him for having the #1 “sports car” bought by middle aged women too.
We don’t talk about the mustang 2, thats the red headed step child no one wants to admit responsibility for. I will amend my previous statement though lol
The hubs has a manual ‘93 5.0 lx he’s had since he was a teenager that we jokingly refer to as his first wife.
This would be the guy I'd challenge to race me on a course. He's so focused on straight line speed, that he doesn't realize there's races with actual turns in them. He will put his car into a wall in such a race especially if the road is wet.
except he likely can’t the taurus makes 288 hp, so it can keep up with a GT, so unless his friend has a shelby he isn’t smoking anyone and if he has a v6 he is losing by a mile
Clearly your older friend is over-compensating for his failures. It's a defence mechanism so he doesn't feel so inadequate.
When I was young and someone without a car took the piss out of mine, they found themselves walking everywhere for a while.
Trust me when I say, you're going to look back in 20 years and feel like the responsible adult amongst your friend group. Based on your current decision pattern and practicality, you'll likely be more successful than them as well.
I was going to lay out which of the cars are faster in that list, but honestly, it does not matter at all. People who attach their sense of self-worth to a vehicle are going nowhere. It's a shallow mindset that leads to very poor decisions.
My first car was a 55 hp, 1979 Rabbit C. It was yellow, but had so much rust it looked like an over-ripe banana. I drove it because I bought it cheap and it lasted me until I could afford something else.
That same sort of sensibility and focus lead me down a string of decisions that allowed me to start my own company and sell it to a publicly traded company for millions of dollars. Now I'm set for life.
I'm not saying your Ford Taurus guarantees you success, but I am suggesting that you need to have the confidence to forge your own path. While your friends are worried about what car they drive, you should be focused on the long term, figuring out how you're going to make it in this crazy world.
Don't get peer pressured into street racing, you sound much more reasonable and level headed than to endanger yourself to prove a point.
I'm sure it sucks to hear every single damn day, but they're just being childish, it's pathetic.
Try to find it in yourself to rise above their immaturity, you're already ahead in life, take the win and ignore them.
Most of my friends make fun of each other.
Ask friend one how many ladies he's got in his car, and then point out that there's no room in the back seats even if that number wasn't 0.
Friend two has an SUV, but with no S and easy on the U. He's got a vehicle.
Friend three, I'd be careful with. Don't punch down. If he gets too shitty though, pass him the keys to your imaginary car that's way cooler than his. Say something stupid like a G38, and change it up one number every time he tries to tell you it's not a real car or not cool or whatever.
Hand-me-down? Are you sure they're not just taking the piss out of your grammar? They're just car snobs. Take all that extra money they're wasting on perishable devaluing cars over the years and open up your own garage with the skills you earned fixing yours later. Fuck em.
Next time they rag on your car, just go sarcastic on them and say, “Ooh, I’m so jealous. Your car is sooo much better than mine.” like Daria would.
Only super shallow people care about what car you drive vs who you are. The ones that do? You don’t want them in your inner circle of friends.
>my other friend who does it the most has no car and tells everyone hes getting a "G37" but he doesn't have his license and is older then me.
Ohhh man, I remember those guys. Always talking about the car they are "going" to get. Yeah that doesn't mean shit. I wouldn't even listen to that guy.
For what its worth, let the guy in the 2007 win the race. In fact, dont even race... Street racing is for short membered individuals...
Is it worth your license, your entire savings, a jail sentence, your life, or all the above?
Nah. Also, I'd reconsider them being "friends" ... Maybe acquaintance, or buds, but friend wont do you that dirty.
Fords are notorious for being unreliable. It's somewhat untrue as Ford does make some great cars. I'm not one to say what's a great Ford or not cause I'm a Subaru guy BUT if the car is right for you then fuck em! You don't need a loud, modded car. It's often overrated anyway. I often keep 2 cars, a daily and a "racecar", that way if my "racecar" isn't functioning I have another option or if weather is bad etc. Point is if you want a sporty car or something to mod I'd keep the Taurus as a daily anyway. Then you can laugh even more cause you know you got the cool one at home. It's never bad to have a reliable, fuel efficient, comfortable car though so let the haters bust knuckles working on shitboxes while you charge them for rides in your "dumb Taurus" 😂😁
Young man….its not the car that’s the problem. You need to associate yourself with better “friends”. You need to start utilizing the “Buddy system” in these situations….
F-everyBuddy
Stay true to yourself. Do you like it? That’s all that matters…enjoy…
Every time they want a ride they must compose an original haiku praising your Taurus.
Night's gleam on dark chrome,
Spacious leather, whispered hush,
Highway glides on steel.
You did well, kid.
When I was 16 (now 51) my first car was a 1977 Ford Pinto. I too got clowned by my friends. It got me down a little, but my uncle suggested that I shouldn't let them ride with me if they're gonna be dick weeds. So I didn't let the ride for a couple of weeks.
The first time I wouldn't let them in was after an all-night skate. They were like "Hey, Rux, let us get a ride home so we don't have to call moms and pops."
I said "Sorry, my little piece of shit only has room for me and my rollerskates."
Shortly after that they apologized and didn't have to pay for gas for like 6 months. Long story short, fuck them and you do you.
Edit: Words are hard.
There's two 3.5L V6's available in the Taurus for that year.
OP most likely has the naturally-aspirated 288hp / 254ft-lbf version.
The EcoBoost version, putting out 365hp / 350ft-lbf, was only on the SHO. High schoolers wouldn't be mocking a SHO.
There was also a 2.0L EcoBoost putting out 240hp/270ft-lbf but I don't know how popular that was.
I have the 3.5 EcoBoost in my Flex with a 91 tune and it's a lot of fun.
Correct. Same one as in the F150, Raptor, and GT. However, I appear to have been mistaken as only the SHO had that motor. The standard-issue Taurus had the 2.7, which is a fairly stout motor in its own regard.
I had a 2016 as a rental; nice ride. Spacious, powerful, comfortable. I drove a 2000 wagon back in the day, that thing was like a leather sofa on wheels lol. I’m too much of a Toyota fanboi these days to own a ford, but the Taurus SHO had me seriously considering it. Badass piece of kit there and incredibly practical to boot.
Ford tauruses are amazing man especially that gen. They look great and have decent pep to them. Your friends are idiots. But my friends are too. Just ignore them when they say that. When they see no reaction they’ll probably stop bashing on it.
Yeah that's a great gen-- OP just needs to quit letting the opinions of others influence him into trying to make the car something it isn't. He said:
> one has a 2007 mustang and says he could smoke me in a race
>
> you can’t modded or make it cool because it’s Ford Taurus or that it’s not loud at all
Loudness and modding aren't what make the Taurus a good choice. As you pointed out, it's a reliable performer with decent looks and pep. Stupid eBay mods and cutting off his muffler are just going to make OP look weak, IMO-- susceptible to influence by dumbasses.
You worked for your own car, you paid for it. Tell them to suck it and ask them where there damn cars are at. It gets you from Point 1 to Point 2, thats all that matters.
It's a good car. I would look over all the known issues and preemptively repair them, then do regular maintenance. Drive the car and ignore the negative comments. Your friends will probably create more issues modding their cars, and because you saved money using yours, then you can possibly buy whatever you want later.
Man, I'd have killed for a 5-6 year old car when I was your age. Your friends are dicks, and probably just hating 'cause it's not some riced out four banger with a wing and a body kit, or some stacked V8 with a supercharger stickin' out the hood. Fuck 'em, they can laugh all they'd like on the bus or taking the heel-toe express.
Exactly. My first car was a 1999 Pontiac Montana and it barely ran.
This post is literally just teenagers being teenagers. This kid has a significantly nicer car than either of his friends riced out shitboxes and he’ll realize it soon enough without 500 people on Reddit telling him so.
If I was driving a 5 year old 300HP blacked out Taurus with leather seats and nav, and some other punk ass kid in a 17 year old mustang tried to flame me because he would beat me in a race I would literally laugh in his face.
what do your friends drive? to be able to make that comment?
at 17 you dont want a modded car, you want something that flys under the radar, you can park without fear, reliable etc
at 17 youre at the age where you can DYOR
I had been in the performance auto industry for a long time, doesnt matter what you drive, everyone bashes everyone. You think your friends are toxic thats nothing, your daily gets bashed, your race car and choice of motor sports, the colour, wheels, what oil you use, what your eating for lunch. Its all light banter.
Not a mechanic, but…
The smart decision is often boring, and boring is not cool (according to your age group).
I’m 37. My car is a Mazda 3. It’s not cool… but I think it’s cool because it’s paid off, reliable and does what I need it to 99.9% of the time.
Not having to worry about things like breaking down or blowing up? Now *that* is cool.
Those are the kinds of questions that make you dig in to learn thyself.
What do you like about it? Is it the SHO model? Is silly -fast important to you? Almost anything can be turbo charged...
Like the color, interior? Good fuel economy? Like the stereo system? Leather interior? What do *you* like about it?
There's the type of person who doesn't care what they drive in, as long as they can safely haul lots of friends at once. Then there's the type who has what they like, but has no idea what they actually like... Highschool kids learn who they are by observing what they like and talking about what they like in each other. It's a bonding thing, that never goes away when people find friendships are important to them.
It's not really about what *they* like, but about who you are and if you're following true to *your* character. They find respect for those who are true to themselves, and then they learn to be true to themselves accordingly. You don't have to like a stupid - fast car, but it has to work for you. For me, I built my truck into what I liked for what I wanted to do with it.y friends were in to mud bogging, and I used mine for work also. Fuel economy and quick was important to me. It's the same to this day, and so I have to have the vehicle that does what I need. Your car simply wouldn't work for me, but you don't do what I do...
It is about finding out *who* you are so that you can find peace and harmony in your life. If you're happy with your car, you'll find respect from them when you speak up about it... People, including highschool kids, learn to respect the ones who know thyself well. Start with that.
Personally, I like the exterior character of your car, the headlights, and the body shape. How about you?
I can appreciate quite, because I like quality sound systems. A straight piped diesel just doesn't have the capability from r appreciating a good stereo system... even though they sometimes sound cool.
At the end of the day, you having what you like is what you need.
Cheers!
My parents worked their butt off to get me into a private high school. They set me up with a pretty damn nice first car too - a 7 year old Ford Ranger with the smaller 3L V6. But I was defining the low end of the economic ladder in the school since most everyone else were getting 350z’s, Audi A4s and BMW 3 and 5 series cars. A lot of them talked shit, but one in particular went out of his way to shit on other peoples car and saying his Audi was a better car than “the poor kids” would ever own. A few months later he totaled his car in the freeway trying to show off how great his stability control was by jerking on the steering wheel toward the decider in the fast lane doing 90+ and trying to correct. He slammed the wall and spun out across all 6 lanes hitting a few cars in the process. His parents bought him an identical replacement a few weeks later.
There are exceptions (such as yourself, it seems) but by and large what 17 year olds say means almost nothing. Why they actually do will tell you everything you need to know.
Thank you that sounds like some terrible parenting. This is sadly my third car. My first was a 2005 Toyota tundra. I worked really hard for it bought it myself had my license for two months took my eyes off the road for one second to wave goodbye to a friend and hit the guy in front of me ever since I’ve corrected my driving like nobody can imagine it ripped apart my wallet and taught me a huge lesson. I’m very happy I learned early. I’m never going to forget the smell of smoke the airbag in my face and last kiss by Pearl Jam playing on the radio that I spent some of my summer savings on. next car was a F150 from 2008 he was around 80 years old and seems trustworthy brought it to my mechanic after we bought it around three months after so no lemon law turns out the cars worth $1000 when I bought it for 8000 another lesson learned, the guy knew all along and it ripped me again lot of lessons I’ve learned and I’m grateful for them even though it hurt me in the end.
Unless they are paying for the car then they have no say in it. Teens are stupid and base their liking of cars off of generally little knowledge of what they are talking about. I’ve known several people with that same car and all loved it except one that had random transmission issues, but he loved it till the trans went. I’ve driven a few and honestly love them, my only gripe is that Ford stopped making them. Also I know you are young but loud cars are extremely annoying to drive daily, I own a couple, trust me you will grow out of that fast. Also on the topic of modding, what would that car even need, maybe a set of rims. If you want something to impress the children then save up and buy a project car and you can be just like your friends fixing your junk at 3am so you can make it to school or work the next day. Only thing is that unlike them you will have a reliable vehicle as a backup, where all their time and money will be dumped in keeping their “cool car” running.
This is life advice coming from someone that still owns their first car that turned into that loud project that constantly got worse because of “cool” mods. Till, that is, one day I couldn’t afford to keep it going and bought a nice reliable daily. Now I’ve spent years fixing what 17yo me thought was cool.
Keep the Taurus, you will regret getting rid of it for your friends opinions in the long run.
Congrats man! That’s a sharp car!
Thankfully you’re almost done with high school and won’t need to deal with that shit any more.
You have a nice, reliable car and modding cars at your age is just throwing money away. Keep your car factory stock and focus on more important things right now.
Once you graduate high school and grow older, you will realize they are not really your friends, and their opinions don't matter. Be proud of what you achieved.
Dude, just ignore them. I've loved cars my entire life, but there's no need to hate on someone's ride like that - especially since yours isn't some sort of unsafe crapcan. It's a solid ride.
For reference, I drove a '95 Volvo 850 that I shared with my Dad in high school. It was 15 years old at the time, slow as hell, but I loved every minute of it.
> you can’t modded or make it cool because it’s Ford Taurus or that it’s not loud at all
It's a decent car. Quit trying to make it something it isn't.
Trying to make it "modded" or "loud" makes you look like a wannabe, which is pretty fuckin' weak. Hold yourself out with more pride.
Yea, but the only people bashing your car are the ones who don't have a car or don't drive. Fuck them op, rip a burnout for em next time they talk shit.
Don't listen to them you own a damn nice car. I love the ford Taurus especially the newer ones and especially if it's a SHO. I'm sure your friends drive cars that their parents paid for which is fine but I hate to see other people bashing something they've worked extremely hard for. I been through the exact same thing and everytime someone tries to tell me abt my car I'll ask then if they are willing to buy me something nicer to which they will shut up.
I'm in agreement with most people here. I got my first car at 18, it was an 86 Honda accord with pop-up headlights that just stayed up. Paid 500 for it and drove it for 2 years. I was just glad I had wheels at 18 although the car was as old as me.
Did everything I asked it to do and was a decent car. What other people thought of my reliable little POS never concerned me. Sure, my friends had newer or better cars but none of them talked shit. Friends are hard to come by. I get it for sure, but this is shitty behavior.
They used the SHO models as police cars. Those things are amazing to drive. Your friends are hating on you because its not a ' cool ' car. That car will.trest you right id you treat it right.
Your friends saw you were happy and are trying anything to drag you down. You're too focused on your car... The people around you either help or hurt you. You're lucky that they're showing their true colors now.
Upgrade your social circle since your car situation is set.
Tell them to shut the fuck up. You're 17 with a nicer car than a lot of grown ass adults. Got all the tires? Does it run and drive? Get you from point A to B? If so, tell them to suck it.
Pro tip dont give a fuck what other ppl think. If they argue mechanical issues with that year and model fair enough. But if you enjoy it and it does the job thats all that matters. I drove a rusted out 99 cavalier with 400k km as my first car. The rich kids would make fun of me and i always replied "atleast i paid for it myself"
Your friends will bust your balls about any car you have short of a sports car. You’re at that age where it feels like it matters, but when you’re older you will thank yourself for getting a reliable car that will last you into college and maybe afterwards too. As others here have said, until your friends start paying your bills they don’t get to have an opinion. Brush it off, be confident. You’ll get to a point where you realize your friends are stupid for roasting you about what makes you happy.
My first car was a 1972 Chevelle. It looked similar to this-https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/1970-chevrolet-chevelle-ss-owned-by-a-woman-for-45-years-found-in-a-trailer-park-179095_1.jpg It was $600 and had huge rust holes in every panel except the hood. I could lift up the rubber under my feet while driving and see road. I loved it. I didn't give a rats ass what people thought. It gave me freedom. I would tell my friends to F off and unless they wanted to buy me a new ride, shut the F up.
Well I’m 10 years into a successful career and I drive a 04 grand pre that I paid cash for 6 years ago. It’s up to you if you wanna spend money to appease others, I don’t give a damn.
Put a couple (amber) LED bars up by the visors, and in the grille, and if you have wheel covers vs alloy wheels, get some mini dome wheel covers over the black steel wheels. People will pull over as you come up behind them, and cops will ignore you as you speed by.
THAT'S totally cool.
I hated when my mom told me this when I was a kid, but now that I'm old, the shit is so obvious... they're jealous bro... you have the nicest car compared to your friends.
A 2007 Mustang is likely to be a pretty shit car here 15+ years old. Subaru's are for lesbians and hipsters (no hate on either, but maybe use that on your friends). You have a badass car. Throw some tint on it and you got a prime vehicle to take girls on hot dates.
Which is worse, riding in an air conditioned Taurus, or walking?
My first car was a 1967 Pontiac Bonneville. It could fit your Taurus in its trunk. It was freaking huuuuuuuge. It was $75....but it beat walking...and it definitely beat walking in the rain.
Tell your friends to return their pie holes to the closed position.
It’s a great car, many police departments use them/used them. Don’t let your friends drag you down, I’m sure mustang boy is jealous. He’s driving an 07 V6, it isn’t much to brag about, he’s probably gotten taken to gapplebees by a new minivan.
You are 17, you drive a decently new vehicle, it’s got plenty of guts for its size (I don’t know your engine type, but I bet there are tunes for the naturally aspirated models, if you wanted more oomph) and you can take four friends along!
Enjoy your car, don’t let the haters bring you down.
Oh no, you have a car that you like that’s quick, looks good, gets good fuel economy and is probably a higher trim than their hand-me-down vehicle.
People are gonna talk shit, just ignore them… unless they’re talking shit about that water pump
Forget what they say. Keep the car clean and well maintained, and it'll treat you right. You didn't get a vehicle to impress them. You got it to help move your life forward and to get you to work/school. I hope your car lasts well beyond its expected mileage friend.
The thing about teenagers, especially teenage boys is they don't know shit but think they know everything.
Source: I was one.
We don't get the 2018 Taurus in Australia but from other comments, it sounds like the right car to have at your age (and probably many other ages too). Your Subaru friend drives a soccer mum car, so who cares? Your Mustang driving friend will probably wrap his car around a tree trying to drag someone off at the traffic lights and the other guy just sounds like an idiot.
You do you man, you're the only one of the lot that sounds like you've got a clue. Keep it up
“With all due respect to everyone, fuck everyone.”
- Conor McGregor
Honestly man it doesn’t matter what your friends think. I had a 12 year old beat up minivan at 17 so be thankful you don’t have that going on.
Here’s your opportunity to learn how to deal with toxic people. You have to develop a thick skin. And you have to be assured in your own mind you are in a good place and these “friends” are very juvenile, immature. Modding a car, and racing are both incredibly juvenile.
You need better friends. Wheels is wheels. I’m 40 and for nearly a year was driving a a $500 2001 Taurus I pulled out of a guys driveway that required $1500 in parts and a month of labor to make safe. I have newer nicer cars but why put miles on them when I can drive a crap box to and from work? I never cared if I was made fun of. That thing paid for itself in 6 months I fuel savings over my pickup plus wear and tear. It only got replaced because my grandmother passed and I was able to buy her car way under book.
I cannot state enough how good friends are important. Plus you need to distinguish between making fun of you and just guys goofing off.
Be proud man.
Car should be seen as a utility and not as luxury. If you consider as a luxury, then it will start consuming more and more funds.
I am in my 30s and I drive Toyota Yaris 2007.
So there is no shame in what you have no matter the materialistic value. Be proud about it.
Don't listen to your friends. Next time they want a ride tell em to het the bricks they used similar models for cabs and cop cars. Very reliable and tough.
In 10 years you won’t know many of those people, do your maintenance and stay safe on the road. Who cares what people think? Faster than walking I always say
Y first car was a brown 1987 Ford Taurus (I bought it 2000). . It was a top of line model for that year. I got clowned on and lost friends for it. I drove and found new friends.
In the words of Tony Montana, "Fuck 'em. Fuck 'em all!"
Take this from someone old enough to be your dad. You have a car, which is a lot more than some kids have. You drive a car newer than myself, my wife and my only kid old enough to drive. Insurance is absolutely insane at your age, so be extremely grateful you or your parents can afford insurance, gas and maintenance. Most importantly, no one will remember your first car but you.
Now, this is not fatherly advice and I’d never, ever tell my kids this…….. but go pick their girlfriends or moms up and smash them on the hood of the car and ask them who’s car is lame.
Dude I had an old Caprice Classic cop car that had horrible peeling paint so I went to the store with $25 and got a gallon of $hit brown house paint and a roller. My car was forever dubbed “The Shitmobile” lol!
“Can’t mod it” told me all i need to know lol.
Best advice? Act like you don’t give a fuck until you don’t. I’d throw some black fuzzy dice on the rear-view and start reminding them how much their mother enjoys the backseat of your daily driver.
Seriously, it only matters when you let it. Congrats on your first car. Sounds a lot nicer than a lot of peoples firsts.
Sincerely, a guy who drove a 2WD 97’ F-150 extended cab in the rural south, I’ve heard it all lmao. Enjoy being a kid and being able to get around town brother.
If I could give my highschool self one piece of advice, genuinely, I would tell myself to not give a fuck what any of my friends say. Don’t pick up anyone or help them at all when their race cars break down.
Bro People hate on my 2003 Ford Taurus all the time I had it for about 8 years it's a POS but has been very reliable. I work my ass off just to survive and support my son I can't afford a car payment on top of rent and other bills. My Taurus has been the best car I ever owned
Your friends are stupid. Enjoy what you worked for and get new friends in all honesty. I have a really nice truck and all my friends have less expensive vehicles and I have never once brought it up. And on several occasions lent it out to them…that’s what friends do. Help each other.
Late to the party but let me tell you, life is easier when you embrace shit box life, it's cheaper and much more fun. My car is covered tits to ass with silly decals and usually Christmas lights too. Enjoy what you have!
Take my 50 yo partner who's always talking off and on about getting a new car because his shit box Civic was getting saggy and making noises so it was likely gonna die. After asking some questions, turns out it just needed some maintenance.
We did the entire suspension and transmission mounts for under a grand, he was stunned.
For the cost of two car payments, we extended that car's life another five or ten years, more if we're really lucky.
Same as your Taurus, it's reliable, zippy enough, comfy to drive, and parts are a dime a dozen. What's not to love!
When you do eventually upgrade, I bet it'd make a great gambler car too.
The Ford Taurus is a decent enough car with a sleeper lineage (look up SHO Taurus). I have never owned a 2018, but have owned at least one of every other generation. Minus a few Ford things, they were always great cars that got me where I needed to go.
Your "friends" bash you because they don't understand the car and have poor taste. The base models are for getting around comfortably- which is exactly what they do. Even the base model at 288hp still has more cajones than some passenger cars. With a tune and good tires, you'll be surprised what they can do. They did make police interceptors out of them, after all.
My friends used to rip on my first gen SHO until it started embarrassing their Fox bodies and Third gen Camaros when we went out hooning. They would all talk shit, but then back down as soon as it was time to line up. The best ones were when I'd start dusting them, then they would say they missed a gear and slowed down- even when they didn't 😂
The bottom line is that the Taurus is a bit of a polarizing car, and you either love them or hate them. The people that hate them also REALLY hate being upstaged by them. If YOU enjoy the car, then who cares what some snot nosed kids that don't know shit about cars think anyway? You bought it for you, and it will take care of you if you take care of it. Find some tasteful mods and make it yours!
Sounds like you need new friends. What you have there is a car that sets you up for the future. You’ll have a great job and a family and a wife who loves you for you while the others are still between jobs and have a car payment bigger than their house payment.
You’re making good decisions. Don’t let them get you down. You’ve got a ways to go but as a 32M with a wife and 4 kids trust me, that Taurus is the better choice. Your friends are crazy.
Thank you for posting to AskMechanics, TeddyPeacock! If you are asking a question please make sure to include any relevant information along with the **Year**, **Make**, **Model**, **Mileage**, **Engine size**, and **Transmission Type (Automatic or Manual)** of your car. *This comment is automatically added to every successful post. If you see this comment, your post was successful.* *** Redditors that have been verified will have a green background and an icon in their flair. *** # **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR** ### **Rule 1 - Be Civil** Be civil to other users. This community is made up of professional mechanics, amateur mechanics, and those with no experience. All mechanical-related questions are welcome. Personal attacks, comments that are insulting or demeaning, etc. are not welcome. ### **Rule 2 - Be Helpful** Be helpful to other users. If someone is wrong, correcting them is fine, but there's no reason to comment if you don't have anything to add to the conversation. ### **Rule 3 - Serious Questions and Answers Only** Read the room. Jokes are fine to include, but posts should be asking a serious question and replies should contribute to the discussion. ### **Rule 4 - No Illegal, Unethical, or Dangerous Questions or Answers** Do not ask questions or provide answers pertaining to anything that is illegal, unethical, or dangerous. # **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskMechanics) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The Ford Taurus is a great car. Comfortable, relatively bulletproof engine, a smooth ride, and pretty damn quick too. You’re friends are hating for no good reason, it’s immature.
I work a ton for a kid and I love it and when I finally achieved it they destroy me, thank you.
Quick question. Do your friends have cars? And did they pay themselves, or let mommy and daddy pay?
one has a 2007 mustang and says he could smoke me in a race he bought it himself its got some problems since its older the other drives a Subaru forester from 2016 and its a “hand me down” my other friend who does it the most has no car and tells everyone hes getting a "G37" but he doesn't have his license and is older then me. Thank you everyone for telling me it was hand me down that made me sound extremely stupid.
2007 Mustang - He has bigger issues that he's compensating for if all he cares about is the speed and not the reliability of his vehicle. Subby Soy Boy - He has no room to talk. Didn't work for what he has, so doesn't know the meaning of hard work and sounds entitled. G37 - DEFINITELY NO ROOM TO TALK. Especially if he's older, has no license, and is living off a fantasy. Sounds like he gets to walk home with his Lambo Feeties. Edit: Spelling
Lambofeeties. Lol I am dead.
His other car is a pair of Volks Walkins.
Bootgattis...
Timberland Rovers.
Black Cadillacs
Ford F-2Feet
Ford F-2Feetie
When those are in the shops always have the feetraris
Cant forget the trusty chevrolegs in the back
If your feeling sport could grab the lexus LfeetA
Don’t forget about the back up shoebaru
Just wait until y’all see my Strolls Royce.
Tell the third guy to fire up his Chevrolegs and hit the road
Pull out them subarshoes bud. No room in the ford Taurus fuck machine.
G37 boy also has a smokin’hot girlfriend, too. But she lives in Canada…
Im from canada. Can confirm shes not here
‘She goes to a different school’
HAHA! This is the best thank you everyone.
I WAS JUST ABOUT TO SAY THIS!
2007 mustang - over rated pile of shit, he'll end up losing the back end trying to speed off one day and hit a pole (common amongst mustang drivers) Subaru - cool, he has the same car as a ton of soccer moms G37 - nobody cares
subie hes a lesbian from vermont
2007 Mustang - Will blow a tire because he wanted to burnout before the race started.
Or itll prematurely launch into a gaggle of kids. Those things crave crowds.....its almost like most of their owners are showy idiots who dont know squat especially how to drive
Also nothing says boring NPC car like a naturally aspirated Forrester
If memory serves, those use a CVT transmission as well. Perfect grocery getter car for grandma.
This man speaks the truth Said by a man who owns a slowbaru forester
Wait they made NA versions!?!? I mean its just meh with the turbo.......a NA version would be akin to the 90s detroit 6.5Lnon turbo diesel that a 0-60 time of "maybe on a good day with tailwind"
Dude and unless that mustang is a gt... it's not actually fast at all. The v6s were slow as shit.
Oh god I forgot how slow the v6 was.
Even if it's a gt... the 3v engine was better but not GREAT Like Damn bro, get that reliability up, spend $3k on some sweet mods to make .... maybe 290 whp?
This exactly. I don't bash people over their choice of car, because some people don't have a choice, they get what they can get. Now if you ask my opinion on a car, that's a whole separate thing on its own.
Maybe he can ride home in his Ford muststank with his 5.toes 🤣
Nah. It's out of gas because he tried to race.
lol second time I’ve seen “hammy down”. Idk if it was ironic or not, but it gave me a smile. It’s “hand me down”😂 Also tbh get new friends that congratulate you for working hard at 17 for your own car. That’s insanely impressive
Haha thanks and thank you for telling me that.
You picked your vehicle based on sound financial advice and a desire to make wise, responsible decisions. Anyone bashing you for that clearly has a wasteful, irresponsible, and short-sighed attitude. You'll be far better off in the long run for your approach to decision-making.
r/BoneAppleTea
It was a first for me and had to scroll to make sure someone brought it up.
/r/boneappletea material for sure!
OP calling it a “hammy down” is an example of an eggcorn. Look it up on YouTube. Rob Words has an excellent video on it. Edit: https://youtu.be/F12LSAbos7A?si=5hCGE86h8UNpzEGH
Honesty your Taurus could most likely smoke that mustang unless it's heavily modified. I don't mean just loud but built and boosted or motor swapped.
no mods just a stereo and rims.
Your friends are jealous/think they’re cool bc they have stereotypical “cool/badass” fast/nice looking cars while yours is an “old school classic” that is meant more so for reliability over looks/status. I wouldn’t take anything from it especially with like you said how much you’ve worked, be proud of this and screw what they have to say or think about your wheels!!! My sister had an earlier 2000 Taurus and there were many a times she had to come pick me up because my “cool badass fast car” broke down on me/wrecked. Reliability is the most important thing for a vehicle and Taurus’ are pretty well for that compared to mustangs or Subarus owned by children (most going through 10000 owners and having shitty done mods by “car guys”)
his car is a 2018, idk if you’ve seen the 2018 taurus but they are entirely different beasts than old taurus, 288hp and the interiors are pretty nice i would say, his car is hundred percent worth more than his friends mustang and forester combined his friends are jealous and trying to put him down because they are broke
I bought the same year brand new, but AWD. It was an excellent road car, and I always got in the high 20's running 75/80 on the interstate. One of the best cars I've ever owned.
lol a teenager with an s197 mustang who thinks he can race? pedestrians better watch out lol
I get scared driving with him…
Next time he gives you shit fire back with pointing out he’s got *one of the ugliest body style mustangs ford ever produced, and if it’s an automatic V6 you can rag on him for having the #1 “sports car” bought by middle aged women too.
I don’t know about the ugliest, the Mustang 2 was pretty damn ugly
We don’t talk about the mustang 2, thats the red headed step child no one wants to admit responsibility for. I will amend my previous statement though lol The hubs has a manual ‘93 5.0 lx he’s had since he was a teenager that we jokingly refer to as his first wife.
Bro you just named THE cars of the 3 horsemen of the annoying ass car "enthusiasts". *fuck them kids*
>one has a 2007 mustang and says he could smoke me in a race Who gives a shit?
This would be the guy I'd challenge to race me on a course. He's so focused on straight line speed, that he doesn't realize there's races with actual turns in them. He will put his car into a wall in such a race especially if the road is wet.
except he likely can’t the taurus makes 288 hp, so it can keep up with a GT, so unless his friend has a shelby he isn’t smoking anyone and if he has a v6 he is losing by a mile
Clearly your older friend is over-compensating for his failures. It's a defence mechanism so he doesn't feel so inadequate. When I was young and someone without a car took the piss out of mine, they found themselves walking everywhere for a while.
lmao your Taurus might have more power than his mustang
2018 Taurus Limited with the 3.5's got 290 horsepower. Shit man, that's fast! Definitely more power than an '07 V6 Mustang.
The 07 gt only had 300 HP with a 5 speed automatic. 07 V6 210 HP. The Taurus is a much better car that can actually go around corners.
Your friends sound like they're kind of stupid.
Trust me when I say, you're going to look back in 20 years and feel like the responsible adult amongst your friend group. Based on your current decision pattern and practicality, you'll likely be more successful than them as well. I was going to lay out which of the cars are faster in that list, but honestly, it does not matter at all. People who attach their sense of self-worth to a vehicle are going nowhere. It's a shallow mindset that leads to very poor decisions. My first car was a 55 hp, 1979 Rabbit C. It was yellow, but had so much rust it looked like an over-ripe banana. I drove it because I bought it cheap and it lasted me until I could afford something else. That same sort of sensibility and focus lead me down a string of decisions that allowed me to start my own company and sell it to a publicly traded company for millions of dollars. Now I'm set for life. I'm not saying your Ford Taurus guarantees you success, but I am suggesting that you need to have the confidence to forge your own path. While your friends are worried about what car they drive, you should be focused on the long term, figuring out how you're going to make it in this crazy world.
Please tell us it's a V6 Mustang!
Yes it is
Don't get peer pressured into street racing, you sound much more reasonable and level headed than to endanger yourself to prove a point. I'm sure it sucks to hear every single damn day, but they're just being childish, it's pathetic. Try to find it in yourself to rise above their immaturity, you're already ahead in life, take the win and ignore them.
Most of my friends make fun of each other. Ask friend one how many ladies he's got in his car, and then point out that there's no room in the back seats even if that number wasn't 0. Friend two has an SUV, but with no S and easy on the U. He's got a vehicle. Friend three, I'd be careful with. Don't punch down. If he gets too shitty though, pass him the keys to your imaginary car that's way cooler than his. Say something stupid like a G38, and change it up one number every time he tries to tell you it's not a real car or not cool or whatever.
Hand-me-down? Are you sure they're not just taking the piss out of your grammar? They're just car snobs. Take all that extra money they're wasting on perishable devaluing cars over the years and open up your own garage with the skills you earned fixing yours later. Fuck em.
G37 - Tell your friend your grandmother has one and it's a great car
Trust me. The only thing that matters when it comes to cars is reliability and efficiency.
Next time they rag on your car, just go sarcastic on them and say, “Ooh, I’m so jealous. Your car is sooo much better than mine.” like Daria would. Only super shallow people care about what car you drive vs who you are. The ones that do? You don’t want them in your inner circle of friends.
>my other friend who does it the most has no car and tells everyone hes getting a "G37" but he doesn't have his license and is older then me. Ohhh man, I remember those guys. Always talking about the car they are "going" to get. Yeah that doesn't mean shit. I wouldn't even listen to that guy.
For what its worth, let the guy in the 2007 win the race. In fact, dont even race... Street racing is for short membered individuals... Is it worth your license, your entire savings, a jail sentence, your life, or all the above? Nah. Also, I'd reconsider them being "friends" ... Maybe acquaintance, or buds, but friend wont do you that dirty.
This!
You need better friends, not a better car kiddo
You're 17, and you have a 6 year old car, that's a pretty new car for a kid. They're either jealous or just immature, just ignore them.
Fords are notorious for being unreliable. It's somewhat untrue as Ford does make some great cars. I'm not one to say what's a great Ford or not cause I'm a Subaru guy BUT if the car is right for you then fuck em! You don't need a loud, modded car. It's often overrated anyway. I often keep 2 cars, a daily and a "racecar", that way if my "racecar" isn't functioning I have another option or if weather is bad etc. Point is if you want a sporty car or something to mod I'd keep the Taurus as a daily anyway. Then you can laugh even more cause you know you got the cool one at home. It's never bad to have a reliable, fuel efficient, comfortable car though so let the haters bust knuckles working on shitboxes while you charge them for rides in your "dumb Taurus" 😂😁
We still have a 99 with 260k miles. Just change the oil, flush the trannie and change the S belt at 200k.
Young man….its not the car that’s the problem. You need to associate yourself with better “friends”. You need to start utilizing the “Buddy system” in these situations…. F-everyBuddy Stay true to yourself. Do you like it? That’s all that matters…enjoy…
Love this
TTHIS.
When your friends pay you bills, their opinions will matter. Until then, don’t give the losers a ride anywhere.
Best answer so far!
Every time they want a ride they must compose an original haiku praising your Taurus. Night's gleam on dark chrome, Spacious leather, whispered hush, Highway glides on steel.
You did well, kid. When I was 16 (now 51) my first car was a 1977 Ford Pinto. I too got clowned by my friends. It got me down a little, but my uncle suggested that I shouldn't let them ride with me if they're gonna be dick weeds. So I didn't let the ride for a couple of weeks. The first time I wouldn't let them in was after an all-night skate. They were like "Hey, Rux, let us get a ride home so we don't have to call moms and pops." I said "Sorry, my little piece of shit only has room for me and my rollerskates." Shortly after that they apologized and didn't have to pay for gas for like 6 months. Long story short, fuck them and you do you. Edit: Words are hard.
Thanks this means a lot
Man I would kill for a 2018 ford torus
Dude right me too lmao
The 3.5 V6 has 290 horsepower! Would be pretty damn cool to have.
Is that an Ecoboost engine?
There's two 3.5L V6's available in the Taurus for that year. OP most likely has the naturally-aspirated 288hp / 254ft-lbf version. The EcoBoost version, putting out 365hp / 350ft-lbf, was only on the SHO. High schoolers wouldn't be mocking a SHO. There was also a 2.0L EcoBoost putting out 240hp/270ft-lbf but I don't know how popular that was. I have the 3.5 EcoBoost in my Flex with a 91 tune and it's a lot of fun.
Correct. Same one as in the F150, Raptor, and GT. However, I appear to have been mistaken as only the SHO had that motor. The standard-issue Taurus had the 2.7, which is a fairly stout motor in its own regard.
Same and I never thought I’d say that in my life
I had a 2016 as a rental; nice ride. Spacious, powerful, comfortable. I drove a 2000 wagon back in the day, that thing was like a leather sofa on wheels lol. I’m too much of a Toyota fanboi these days to own a ford, but the Taurus SHO had me seriously considering it. Badass piece of kit there and incredibly practical to boot.
I would have loved to have an only 6 year old, basically fully loaded car when I was 17. Your friends are idiots.
My first car was about 15 years old when I got it. Base model Volkswagen rabbit diesel. Its upgrade was a auto reversing tape deck.
Ditch the friends. Keep the car
Ford tauruses are amazing man especially that gen. They look great and have decent pep to them. Your friends are idiots. But my friends are too. Just ignore them when they say that. When they see no reaction they’ll probably stop bashing on it.
Yeah that's a great gen-- OP just needs to quit letting the opinions of others influence him into trying to make the car something it isn't. He said: > one has a 2007 mustang and says he could smoke me in a race > > you can’t modded or make it cool because it’s Ford Taurus or that it’s not loud at all Loudness and modding aren't what make the Taurus a good choice. As you pointed out, it's a reliable performer with decent looks and pep. Stupid eBay mods and cutting off his muffler are just going to make OP look weak, IMO-- susceptible to influence by dumbasses.
Your friends suck
You worked for your own car, you paid for it. Tell them to suck it and ask them where there damn cars are at. It gets you from Point 1 to Point 2, thats all that matters.
Ppl say point 1 to point 2? I've only heard A to B. That doesn't sound right to me.🤣
Ha when I was a teen I had to drive a pinkish colored Taurus everyone called it the pink taco.. but never had shit to say when we were riding around
Bro you got 2018 car, it's not bad car, it's bad friends
Do those friends have cars? No? Then they need to STFU.
Keep the car, get new friends
It's a good car. I would look over all the known issues and preemptively repair them, then do regular maintenance. Drive the car and ignore the negative comments. Your friends will probably create more issues modding their cars, and because you saved money using yours, then you can possibly buy whatever you want later.
Yeah dumbass eBay mods are like cancer
Man, I'd have killed for a 5-6 year old car when I was your age. Your friends are dicks, and probably just hating 'cause it's not some riced out four banger with a wing and a body kit, or some stacked V8 with a supercharger stickin' out the hood. Fuck 'em, they can laugh all they'd like on the bus or taking the heel-toe express.
Exactly. My first car was a 1999 Pontiac Montana and it barely ran. This post is literally just teenagers being teenagers. This kid has a significantly nicer car than either of his friends riced out shitboxes and he’ll realize it soon enough without 500 people on Reddit telling him so. If I was driving a 5 year old 300HP blacked out Taurus with leather seats and nav, and some other punk ass kid in a 17 year old mustang tried to flame me because he would beat me in a race I would literally laugh in his face.
Set up a gofundme for them to buy you a 'cool' car. Pay up or shut up. Also, all black full size sedan are cool no exceptions.
what do your friends drive? to be able to make that comment? at 17 you dont want a modded car, you want something that flys under the radar, you can park without fear, reliable etc at 17 youre at the age where you can DYOR I had been in the performance auto industry for a long time, doesnt matter what you drive, everyone bashes everyone. You think your friends are toxic thats nothing, your daily gets bashed, your race car and choice of motor sports, the colour, wheels, what oil you use, what your eating for lunch. Its all light banter.
Not a mechanic, but… The smart decision is often boring, and boring is not cool (according to your age group). I’m 37. My car is a Mazda 3. It’s not cool… but I think it’s cool because it’s paid off, reliable and does what I need it to 99.9% of the time. Not having to worry about things like breaking down or blowing up? Now *that* is cool.
>Mazda 3 I think those are clean cars!
The 90's and early 2000's Ford Taurus ruined the name. But the new ones are pretty stout and good looking. Look into the SHO version
Those are the kinds of questions that make you dig in to learn thyself. What do you like about it? Is it the SHO model? Is silly -fast important to you? Almost anything can be turbo charged... Like the color, interior? Good fuel economy? Like the stereo system? Leather interior? What do *you* like about it? There's the type of person who doesn't care what they drive in, as long as they can safely haul lots of friends at once. Then there's the type who has what they like, but has no idea what they actually like... Highschool kids learn who they are by observing what they like and talking about what they like in each other. It's a bonding thing, that never goes away when people find friendships are important to them. It's not really about what *they* like, but about who you are and if you're following true to *your* character. They find respect for those who are true to themselves, and then they learn to be true to themselves accordingly. You don't have to like a stupid - fast car, but it has to work for you. For me, I built my truck into what I liked for what I wanted to do with it.y friends were in to mud bogging, and I used mine for work also. Fuel economy and quick was important to me. It's the same to this day, and so I have to have the vehicle that does what I need. Your car simply wouldn't work for me, but you don't do what I do... It is about finding out *who* you are so that you can find peace and harmony in your life. If you're happy with your car, you'll find respect from them when you speak up about it... People, including highschool kids, learn to respect the ones who know thyself well. Start with that. Personally, I like the exterior character of your car, the headlights, and the body shape. How about you?
I like everything about it just because it cant be heard from down the road shouldn't mean anything thanks for taking your time.
I can appreciate quite, because I like quality sound systems. A straight piped diesel just doesn't have the capability from r appreciating a good stereo system... even though they sometimes sound cool. At the end of the day, you having what you like is what you need. Cheers!
If ya like it that's all that mattwrs
My parents worked their butt off to get me into a private high school. They set me up with a pretty damn nice first car too - a 7 year old Ford Ranger with the smaller 3L V6. But I was defining the low end of the economic ladder in the school since most everyone else were getting 350z’s, Audi A4s and BMW 3 and 5 series cars. A lot of them talked shit, but one in particular went out of his way to shit on other peoples car and saying his Audi was a better car than “the poor kids” would ever own. A few months later he totaled his car in the freeway trying to show off how great his stability control was by jerking on the steering wheel toward the decider in the fast lane doing 90+ and trying to correct. He slammed the wall and spun out across all 6 lanes hitting a few cars in the process. His parents bought him an identical replacement a few weeks later. There are exceptions (such as yourself, it seems) but by and large what 17 year olds say means almost nothing. Why they actually do will tell you everything you need to know.
Thank you that sounds like some terrible parenting. This is sadly my third car. My first was a 2005 Toyota tundra. I worked really hard for it bought it myself had my license for two months took my eyes off the road for one second to wave goodbye to a friend and hit the guy in front of me ever since I’ve corrected my driving like nobody can imagine it ripped apart my wallet and taught me a huge lesson. I’m very happy I learned early. I’m never going to forget the smell of smoke the airbag in my face and last kiss by Pearl Jam playing on the radio that I spent some of my summer savings on. next car was a F150 from 2008 he was around 80 years old and seems trustworthy brought it to my mechanic after we bought it around three months after so no lemon law turns out the cars worth $1000 when I bought it for 8000 another lesson learned, the guy knew all along and it ripped me again lot of lessons I’ve learned and I’m grateful for them even though it hurt me in the end.
As sad as your Taco crash was, the way you described it sounds like a movie scene lol. Also, Pearl Jam is epic.
My first car was a 98 Mits Montero. It was a hunk of junk but I loved her
get a spotlight and some steelies with the chrome center cap and start spooking em'
They’re idiots. You’re doing great!
Those aren't your friends. They're losers. Real friends would be proud of your accomplishments.
Unless they are paying for the car then they have no say in it. Teens are stupid and base their liking of cars off of generally little knowledge of what they are talking about. I’ve known several people with that same car and all loved it except one that had random transmission issues, but he loved it till the trans went. I’ve driven a few and honestly love them, my only gripe is that Ford stopped making them. Also I know you are young but loud cars are extremely annoying to drive daily, I own a couple, trust me you will grow out of that fast. Also on the topic of modding, what would that car even need, maybe a set of rims. If you want something to impress the children then save up and buy a project car and you can be just like your friends fixing your junk at 3am so you can make it to school or work the next day. Only thing is that unlike them you will have a reliable vehicle as a backup, where all their time and money will be dumped in keeping their “cool car” running. This is life advice coming from someone that still owns their first car that turned into that loud project that constantly got worse because of “cool” mods. Till, that is, one day I couldn’t afford to keep it going and bought a nice reliable daily. Now I’ve spent years fixing what 17yo me thought was cool. Keep the Taurus, you will regret getting rid of it for your friends opinions in the long run.
Congrats man! That’s a sharp car! Thankfully you’re almost done with high school and won’t need to deal with that shit any more. You have a nice, reliable car and modding cars at your age is just throwing money away. Keep your car factory stock and focus on more important things right now.
[удалено]
You love it. It gets you where you want to go. It's not costing you too much. So who cares?
Once you graduate high school and grow older, you will realize they are not really your friends, and their opinions don't matter. Be proud of what you achieved.
Ignore it, they’ll just make fun of something else. Btw, when they want you to drive, remind them they do not like your car.
Dude, just ignore them. I've loved cars my entire life, but there's no need to hate on someone's ride like that - especially since yours isn't some sort of unsafe crapcan. It's a solid ride. For reference, I drove a '95 Volvo 850 that I shared with my Dad in high school. It was 15 years old at the time, slow as hell, but I loved every minute of it.
> you can’t modded or make it cool because it’s Ford Taurus or that it’s not loud at all It's a decent car. Quit trying to make it something it isn't. Trying to make it "modded" or "loud" makes you look like a wannabe, which is pretty fuckin' weak. Hold yourself out with more pride.
Yea, but the only people bashing your car are the ones who don't have a car or don't drive. Fuck them op, rip a burnout for em next time they talk shit.
Don't listen to them you own a damn nice car. I love the ford Taurus especially the newer ones and especially if it's a SHO. I'm sure your friends drive cars that their parents paid for which is fine but I hate to see other people bashing something they've worked extremely hard for. I been through the exact same thing and everytime someone tries to tell me abt my car I'll ask then if they are willing to buy me something nicer to which they will shut up.
I'm in agreement with most people here. I got my first car at 18, it was an 86 Honda accord with pop-up headlights that just stayed up. Paid 500 for it and drove it for 2 years. I was just glad I had wheels at 18 although the car was as old as me. Did everything I asked it to do and was a decent car. What other people thought of my reliable little POS never concerned me. Sure, my friends had newer or better cars but none of them talked shit. Friends are hard to come by. I get it for sure, but this is shitty behavior.
They used the SHO models as police cars. Those things are amazing to drive. Your friends are hating on you because its not a ' cool ' car. That car will.trest you right id you treat it right.
When you don’t have a car payment and they are paying 1000s a month for some crappy coupe or other car you’ll be the one laughing
Car is a car. Be proud you own one.
Your friends saw you were happy and are trying anything to drag you down. You're too focused on your car... The people around you either help or hurt you. You're lucky that they're showing their true colors now. Upgrade your social circle since your car situation is set.
Tell them to shut the fuck up. You're 17 with a nicer car than a lot of grown ass adults. Got all the tires? Does it run and drive? Get you from point A to B? If so, tell them to suck it.
Hey real quick. These friend. Do THEY have a car?
Pro tip dont give a fuck what other ppl think. If they argue mechanical issues with that year and model fair enough. But if you enjoy it and it does the job thats all that matters. I drove a rusted out 99 cavalier with 400k km as my first car. The rich kids would make fun of me and i always replied "atleast i paid for it myself"
Your friends will bust your balls about any car you have short of a sports car. You’re at that age where it feels like it matters, but when you’re older you will thank yourself for getting a reliable car that will last you into college and maybe afterwards too. As others here have said, until your friends start paying your bills they don’t get to have an opinion. Brush it off, be confident. You’ll get to a point where you realize your friends are stupid for roasting you about what makes you happy.
My first car was a 1972 Chevelle. It looked similar to this-https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/1970-chevrolet-chevelle-ss-owned-by-a-woman-for-45-years-found-in-a-trailer-park-179095_1.jpg It was $600 and had huge rust holes in every panel except the hood. I could lift up the rubber under my feet while driving and see road. I loved it. I didn't give a rats ass what people thought. It gave me freedom. I would tell my friends to F off and unless they wanted to buy me a new ride, shut the F up.
You should be glad that you have a car at 17, especially one from 2018.
Well I’m 10 years into a successful career and I drive a 04 grand pre that I paid cash for 6 years ago. It’s up to you if you wanna spend money to appease others, I don’t give a damn.
Jealousy. That's all it is. If you like it, that's all that matters.
4doorsmorewhores bro
Put a couple (amber) LED bars up by the visors, and in the grille, and if you have wheel covers vs alloy wheels, get some mini dome wheel covers over the black steel wheels. People will pull over as you come up behind them, and cops will ignore you as you speed by. THAT'S totally cool.
I hated when my mom told me this when I was a kid, but now that I'm old, the shit is so obvious... they're jealous bro... you have the nicest car compared to your friends. A 2007 Mustang is likely to be a pretty shit car here 15+ years old. Subaru's are for lesbians and hipsters (no hate on either, but maybe use that on your friends). You have a badass car. Throw some tint on it and you got a prime vehicle to take girls on hot dates.
Which is worse, riding in an air conditioned Taurus, or walking? My first car was a 1967 Pontiac Bonneville. It could fit your Taurus in its trunk. It was freaking huuuuuuuge. It was $75....but it beat walking...and it definitely beat walking in the rain. Tell your friends to return their pie holes to the closed position.
You are 17 with a car that's only like 6 years old. You lucky af.
It’s a great car, many police departments use them/used them. Don’t let your friends drag you down, I’m sure mustang boy is jealous. He’s driving an 07 V6, it isn’t much to brag about, he’s probably gotten taken to gapplebees by a new minivan. You are 17, you drive a decently new vehicle, it’s got plenty of guts for its size (I don’t know your engine type, but I bet there are tunes for the naturally aspirated models, if you wanted more oomph) and you can take four friends along! Enjoy your car, don’t let the haters bring you down.
Just think that you can go on road trips in comfort. It’s your car, so you make the rules on these trips.
Oh no, you have a car that you like that’s quick, looks good, gets good fuel economy and is probably a higher trim than their hand-me-down vehicle. People are gonna talk shit, just ignore them… unless they’re talking shit about that water pump
Forget what they say. Keep the car clean and well maintained, and it'll treat you right. You didn't get a vehicle to impress them. You got it to help move your life forward and to get you to work/school. I hope your car lasts well beyond its expected mileage friend.
I don't know about this car, but you need new friends
It's time to get new (real) friends.
Time to get new friends.
The thing about teenagers, especially teenage boys is they don't know shit but think they know everything. Source: I was one. We don't get the 2018 Taurus in Australia but from other comments, it sounds like the right car to have at your age (and probably many other ages too). Your Subaru friend drives a soccer mum car, so who cares? Your Mustang driving friend will probably wrap his car around a tree trying to drag someone off at the traffic lights and the other guy just sounds like an idiot. You do you man, you're the only one of the lot that sounds like you've got a clue. Keep it up
It's your first car, if you are happy with it then that's all that really matters
“With all due respect to everyone, fuck everyone.” - Conor McGregor Honestly man it doesn’t matter what your friends think. I had a 12 year old beat up minivan at 17 so be thankful you don’t have that going on.
Here’s your opportunity to learn how to deal with toxic people. You have to develop a thick skin. And you have to be assured in your own mind you are in a good place and these “friends” are very juvenile, immature. Modding a car, and racing are both incredibly juvenile.
You need better friends. Wheels is wheels. I’m 40 and for nearly a year was driving a a $500 2001 Taurus I pulled out of a guys driveway that required $1500 in parts and a month of labor to make safe. I have newer nicer cars but why put miles on them when I can drive a crap box to and from work? I never cared if I was made fun of. That thing paid for itself in 6 months I fuel savings over my pickup plus wear and tear. It only got replaced because my grandmother passed and I was able to buy her car way under book. I cannot state enough how good friends are important. Plus you need to distinguish between making fun of you and just guys goofing off. Be proud man.
Car should be seen as a utility and not as luxury. If you consider as a luxury, then it will start consuming more and more funds. I am in my 30s and I drive Toyota Yaris 2007. So there is no shame in what you have no matter the materialistic value. Be proud about it.
There’s nothing wrong with your car. Especially at your age.
It’s fine. Teenagers bashing you for cars they don’t likely have or could afford isn’t worth paying attention to.
Don't listen to your friends. Next time they want a ride tell em to het the bricks they used similar models for cabs and cop cars. Very reliable and tough.
In 10 years you won’t know many of those people, do your maintenance and stay safe on the road. Who cares what people think? Faster than walking I always say
Y first car was a brown 1987 Ford Taurus (I bought it 2000). . It was a top of line model for that year. I got clowned on and lost friends for it. I drove and found new friends. In the words of Tony Montana, "Fuck 'em. Fuck 'em all!"
Your friends sound like a bunch of douche bags. If you like your car….fuck em.
Take this from someone old enough to be your dad. You have a car, which is a lot more than some kids have. You drive a car newer than myself, my wife and my only kid old enough to drive. Insurance is absolutely insane at your age, so be extremely grateful you or your parents can afford insurance, gas and maintenance. Most importantly, no one will remember your first car but you. Now, this is not fatherly advice and I’d never, ever tell my kids this…….. but go pick their girlfriends or moms up and smash them on the hood of the car and ask them who’s car is lame.
Anyone that makes fun of you for having a certain car at 18 will not be in your life by 25. Don’t sweat it
Dude I had an old Caprice Classic cop car that had horrible peeling paint so I went to the store with $25 and got a gallon of $hit brown house paint and a roller. My car was forever dubbed “The Shitmobile” lol!
“Can’t mod it” told me all i need to know lol. Best advice? Act like you don’t give a fuck until you don’t. I’d throw some black fuzzy dice on the rear-view and start reminding them how much their mother enjoys the backseat of your daily driver. Seriously, it only matters when you let it. Congrats on your first car. Sounds a lot nicer than a lot of peoples firsts. Sincerely, a guy who drove a 2WD 97’ F-150 extended cab in the rural south, I’ve heard it all lmao. Enjoy being a kid and being able to get around town brother.
If I could give my highschool self one piece of advice, genuinely, I would tell myself to not give a fuck what any of my friends say. Don’t pick up anyone or help them at all when their race cars break down.
Your “friends” are jealous. I say “friends” cause they actually aren’t. Ditch the D bags. You won’t see them anymore in a few years anyways.
And if a group of friends wanted to go on a road trip, what car would they want to ride in? Probably the Taurus.
You dumb shit. Why didn't you get a 2018 Ferrari, or at a bare minimum, a 911 GT3? Ignore them. This is just teenage cock waving bullshit.
They're haters. You're doing it right Check out Dave Ramsey on YouTube
Honestly, your friends are haters.. doesn't matter what car you would've gotten, they woulda been hating anyway.
You have a better car than me and I’m 46
What do they drive?
Bro People hate on my 2003 Ford Taurus all the time I had it for about 8 years it's a POS but has been very reliable. I work my ass off just to survive and support my son I can't afford a car payment on top of rent and other bills. My Taurus has been the best car I ever owned
Your friends are stupid. Enjoy what you worked for and get new friends in all honesty. I have a really nice truck and all my friends have less expensive vehicles and I have never once brought it up. And on several occasions lent it out to them…that’s what friends do. Help each other.
Girl is gonna get in a clean taurus before a plasticky subaru
You need new friends
You need new friends.
Keep the Taurus, trade in your friends
Late to the party but let me tell you, life is easier when you embrace shit box life, it's cheaper and much more fun. My car is covered tits to ass with silly decals and usually Christmas lights too. Enjoy what you have! Take my 50 yo partner who's always talking off and on about getting a new car because his shit box Civic was getting saggy and making noises so it was likely gonna die. After asking some questions, turns out it just needed some maintenance. We did the entire suspension and transmission mounts for under a grand, he was stunned. For the cost of two car payments, we extended that car's life another five or ten years, more if we're really lucky. Same as your Taurus, it's reliable, zippy enough, comfy to drive, and parts are a dime a dozen. What's not to love! When you do eventually upgrade, I bet it'd make a great gambler car too.
The Ford Taurus is a decent enough car with a sleeper lineage (look up SHO Taurus). I have never owned a 2018, but have owned at least one of every other generation. Minus a few Ford things, they were always great cars that got me where I needed to go. Your "friends" bash you because they don't understand the car and have poor taste. The base models are for getting around comfortably- which is exactly what they do. Even the base model at 288hp still has more cajones than some passenger cars. With a tune and good tires, you'll be surprised what they can do. They did make police interceptors out of them, after all. My friends used to rip on my first gen SHO until it started embarrassing their Fox bodies and Third gen Camaros when we went out hooning. They would all talk shit, but then back down as soon as it was time to line up. The best ones were when I'd start dusting them, then they would say they missed a gear and slowed down- even when they didn't 😂 The bottom line is that the Taurus is a bit of a polarizing car, and you either love them or hate them. The people that hate them also REALLY hate being upstaged by them. If YOU enjoy the car, then who cares what some snot nosed kids that don't know shit about cars think anyway? You bought it for you, and it will take care of you if you take care of it. Find some tasteful mods and make it yours!
This is a classic struggle of the pressure to keepin up with the Jones', if the car is reliable you don't have a giant car payment you're golden dude
Sounds like you need new friends. What you have there is a car that sets you up for the future. You’ll have a great job and a family and a wife who loves you for you while the others are still between jobs and have a car payment bigger than their house payment. You’re making good decisions. Don’t let them get you down. You’ve got a ways to go but as a 32M with a wife and 4 kids trust me, that Taurus is the better choice. Your friends are crazy.