Ford Five Hundred Purchase - Ford Forums

fordguy501 · 08-13-2009, 17:05

Hello all,
I'm new to this forum and am looking for advice on the Ford Five Hundred.
I have owned several Tauruses over the years and have been happy with them overall.
I would like to buy a 2005-07 Five Hundred with no more than 80,000 miles and would appreciate any tips on what to look for, what to avoid, and what to expect as far as options on the vehicle and overall reliablility.
Is the CVT transmission something to avoid? Is that the only trans installed in this vehicle?
Thanks

FordGuy

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**360ci** · 08-13-2009, 20:43

I'd stay clear of the CVT transmissions. Just doing some reading here shows some weak link problems with CVT's having issues as early as 40K, just long enough to get the dealer off the hook for warranty repairs.

CVT's came standard on AWD models, and the base model only, mid and upper trim levels in FWD spec, came with the 6 speed auto. If you test drive the car, you'll know what transmission it has right away, as the CVT will increase and hold a constant rpm with throttle pressure and a conventional automatic will increase rpm to a certain point, and then drop rpm once it changes gears. To me, CVT's just don't sound right!

**tbird100636** · 08-14-2009, 08:28

It's not just the CVT with the problems, the 6 speed auto also has issues. I'd want to see some repair records before buying to see there has been any trans. related work done. Take a long test drive if possible, starting with the engine cold, do some around town driving, then take it on the highway. If anything doesn't seem right, pass it up.