Interested in either a 2008 Taurus or Sable.

[Curious1]

Hello I am in the market for a new vehicle and right now I am leaning towards the Saturn Aura because I really like its style, power, and interior. My gripes with it is lack of factory installed in dash navigation system and it doesn't offer AWD. I know the next generation is probably going to offer these features but I don't know if I can wait until 2010-2011.

I am drawn to the Sable since it seems very roomy on the inside and it has all the features I wanted.

Anyway here are my questions about the 2008 Mercury Sable:

Fuel Economy: I already own a Honda Ridgeline and plan on buying a Buick Enclave in the next 2-3 years and we wanted something smaller that can handle snow as well as these vehicles but with better fuel economy. I know AWD cars doesn't get amazing fuel economy but this is still an important factor.

Performance and Handling: The last generation Montego was a joke in the performance and I am glad Ford has finally updated the engine. So how well does this vehicle perform and handle? Its not the most important thing but I was hoping it would be on par with my old Accord.

Antenna: Another thing I didn't like about the last generation other than the lack of power and style was that I noticed that is had this ugly pole antenna mounted on the front right side. I didn't even know they put these on cars that cost this much. I don't care for them since they make the car look bad, are prone to vandalism, and can be damaged in a car wash. I checked it out on cars.com and it said the car does have one but I have seen a few new 2008 Sable's on the road and they don't seem to have one. So whats the deal with that?

Tires: My final question, are the OEM tires Ford puts on this vehicle work well enough with snow and the AWD system of this car?

Thats about all my questions. Thanks for the help.

[DanSeals]

I just leased an 08 AWD Sable premier (wood grain, power pedals, audiophile, AWD) 1 week ago. I traded my 03 Passat Wagon for it.
As far as handling, for a big heavy car I think it handles very well. Definitely out handles my 03 Passat. The brakes are great so far, very positive feel. Remember this thing is heavy, almost 3900 lbs, my 83 Coupe Deville is 4100lbs. Right now, with some spirited driving, city only, the computer shows 17mpg average. Alot of suv's can get that, but I don't care for suv's because of their high prices.
I walked out the door for 28,500$, according to kbb thats about 400$ above invoice, plus they gave me right at kbb trade in value for my passat.
The ride is awesome and the cabin is very quiet compared to the 03 Passat.
I too liked the Aura but the wife wanted AWD. I test drove Audi's, Benz's, Volvo's and Subie's and for the price you gotta be kiddin! The Sable Premier is an awesome deal for the price. Just wish it had a manual mode on the tranny.
Dan

[DanSeals]

Sorry, missed some of your questions.
No pole antennae, just the shark antennae for the Sirius.
The tires are Pirelli P6. As heavy as the car is, can't imagine it having too much problems in the snow.
The power is good, not great but it will move when you stomp on it. The 6 speed is very nice. I lock out the overdrive in the city, hilly here in Colorado Springs, makes the car much more responsive.

Dan

[Curious1]

Thanks for replying to my question. If your Sable out handles your Passat then I think it will out handle my Accord and that is important to me. My most important worry is how well it will handle in the snow with its AWD system and its standard tires since with my Accord during a heavy snow storm we had it was barely able to creep back home and it needed to be in 1 and 2 gear just to get it to move.

We will rarely do city driving with this vehicle since we no longer live in a city. Highway mileage is more important. I don't understand how the system can't get fuel economy comparable to the FWD only model since the AWD is only part time? But from what I saw I think the highway fuel economy will be good enough.

I am still holding out on the Aura, supposedly in 2009-2010 it will be getting AWD and the other options I wanted. I am used to 145 HP in my Accord and the Ridgeline and Enclave weight at least a ton more than the Sable so the Sables power will suffice. Thanks for all the information.