Looking at an SHO

[ramblinman6567]

Hi Guys,

I am currently looking into buying an SHO. I am really interested in an '89 that a guy has for sale locally. He specializes in First Generation SHOs, and has done all of the 60k maintenance (from what I understand is the valve lash adjustment, etc). I just wanted to see if there was a recommendation for a certain generation that is perhaps better built or more reliable (less issues, more of them made, etc), and if the SHO is a good choice as an everyday car.

I am not looking to milk a ton of horsepower, mainly because my research on here has told me that suspension and brakes are where its at, and these cars are not meant to be 400 HP monsters. I am a fairly competent mechanic and know my way around a car pretty well. Any advice would be appreciated, as I really want to get an SHO but also want to make sure it is the right car for me.

Thanks!

 

[Irish Pride]

Gen 1s are the best and then Gen 2s. No specific reasoning for that, they just are.

Stick with the V6 cars if you want something to play with. The 89 will be a V6 5speed car so that will be a good one to look at. Check for rust all over/under the car. If its been maintained it will be a very good choice for an everyday car. They are very reliable and fun to drive. You have to understand though, if you are not one to work on your own cars they can be very costly. Some spare parts are hard to come by but can be found. If you decide to get it make sure to post up pics. We love those here!

 

[Bob Gervais]

Gen 2s are the best. Particularly, blue 92s.

Kidding, but what Chad said is true. If you want to have fun, and availability of at least a few mods, the V6 5-speed should be your choice.

Aside from the drivetrain, the main difference between the Gen 1 and 2 is interior. The Gen 2s are known to be rattle traps, whereas every Gen 1 I've ever been in was rattle free. Seems like the Gen 1 has a better made interior.

 

[sperold]

The 89 is your best choice.
Although they are a bit of an orphan, as they represent the 86 to 89 series of Taurus cars, so a lot of things are not interchangeable with the 90 and 91 models, they were the most plentiful and the simplest, (no ABS) and the lightest, of the SHO's.
The Gen 1s have the most agressive styling and represent the "all business" aspect. The Gen 2s are more sophisticated and luxurious, but the seating surfaces are easy to get tired-of. The Gen 3s are the best made cars of the series, but - automatic only, cam failures, love it or hate it styling, and limited numbers, are draw backs.

The early SHOs have never shaken their reputation of being complicated and difficult to maintain that was earned back in an era where cars had carbureators and distributers. They are no more complicated than any other car now.
It is the right car for you.

 

[mrecoolgar]

Brians ?

 

[ramblinman6567]

Thanks for the advice guys. If things go through with the '89, I'll keep you posted for sure. I really like the earlier, more boxy models. I think perhaps Robocop helped to to enjoy earlier Taurus styling. haha

 

[JRA2000TL]

Go for the 89. I have both an 89 and a 95 and previously owned a 90 and 93. There's something special about those 1st year SHOs. I'm restoring mine to all stock. I bought it as a $300 turd that needed to be junked, but it was rust free. I'll be well into 3 grand into it and still going. I don't care...it's worth it to me.

 

[RonPorter]

Yeah, go for an '89!!

Not that I'm biased or anything!!

 

[SHO1]

Yeah, go for an '89!!

Not that I'm biased or anything!!

 

[AREA 91]

Hi Guys,

I am currently looking into buying an SHO. I am really interested in an '89 that a guy has for sale locally. He specializes in First Generation SHOs, and has done all of the 60k maintenance (from what I understand is the valve lash adjustment, etc). I just wanted to see if there was a recommendation for a certain generation that is perhaps better built or more reliable (less issues, more of them made, etc), and if the SHO is a good choice as an everyday car.

I am not looking to milk a ton of horsepower, mainly because my research on here has told me that suspension and brakes are where its at, and these cars are not meant to be 400 HP monsters. I am a fairly competent mechanic and know my way around a car pretty well. Any advice would be appreciated, as I really want to get an SHO but also want to make sure it is the right car for me.

Thanks!

Where are you in PA?
I may be able to help you out with advice or the owner.
There's not many of these things left out there in the road.

 

[Tyler]

If my noob only 33 posts in two years, only 17 years old, 2 cents counts for anything. I say buy it! I wish my SHO had a 60k and was in perfect condition but it's not, it's old and currently the front mount is shot, the heater won't work and it's cold now. But I refuse to drive anything else because nothing compares to driving a SHO. The mix of unmatched performance and all of today's luxury except for navigation make it in my mind the best car to own. I fell in love with mine as soon as I saw it lol. The Gen1's definitely are the best looking in my mind. And not because I own a gen1 do i say that but because it's my opinion. Plus it's the best bang for your buck. I payed 3000$ for mine and it has more accessories and is WAY faster then any other car for the same price or a grand or two more. You won't regret it.

 

[Tyler]

Oh yeah an one other thing! When I bought mine it was sitting for 5 years with the same
Gas and a dead battery, the previous owner put a smaller battery with a charge in it and started it right in Front of me, half the wires and vacuum lines were eaten by rats. It started right up as if it were driven everyday! All the systems works perfectly and it ran and braked like a champ! So if yours has been serviced I don't think reliability is an issue at all!