June 2025 Update / answering questions:
Since this was filmed, I did get brand new headlights, Alpine speakers/subwoofer/headunit (original didn't work), replaced the driver strut again, deeper interior cleaning, re-dyed floormats to the OEM blue, replaced many bulbs, took apart the dash to redo the AC vent foam seals, and replaced a vent. Soon the front and rear bumper are going to be fully repainted, new valve cover gaskets, and door lock actuators.

I've put  5,000 miles on it since this video. What a comfortable car.

The stuff in the video alone cost me around $500, as every part was dirt cheap off RockAuto. All labor was done by me. The most expensive parts were the struts and tires, which are basic maintainace items.

Some people couldn't believe that a car this clean was for $400. Yes, it would've been sent off to a yard if someone didn't buy it and we negotiated for a week. The reason for it being so cheap, aside from all the problems, was a issue with the title where it was signed improperly by the current owners and emissions issues due to a $7 gasket. I had to show up to the registered owners house with some forms and tell them the story. Newer cars with problems much less than these get scrapped a lot these days so it's nothing out of the ordinary.

There’s something magic about watching old cars get new life.

Saving an old car and keep it running for a longer time is more environmentally responsible than buying a brand new electric vehicle.

This trend of restoring old basic daily drivers is awesome and I'm here for it.

I respect the hell out of this. You have a perfectly functional car now. No debt. All it took was ingenuity and a willingness to work.

Great video, minimal talking, no blaring music.  Just the good stuff.

I'm a former member of the Taurus car club of america. If you get the transmission completely sorted out, that car will last forever. Those 3 l Vulcan Motors are bulletproof if you take care of them. The digital dash is a super rare option for the second generation taurus. Hats off to you for finding one.

the fact that he did literally EVERYTHING makes it look easy like playing lego 😭 , i wish i could have knowledge like this

Probably the most love this car has ever seen in its life.

0:18 you drove this shit on the freeway? thats brave

Only in Cali could you get away with that. All of them in the east have been rusted junk for 20 years now lol. Great job

WOW!  This screams 1994, I remember when these were new!  You gave this $400 car a second chance in it's life!  Nice Restoration!

My first car was a used 1993 Taurus almost 20 years ago. So nice to see one get some attention and care. They've all but disappeared from Michigan roads due to rusting away into oblivion.

Video title should read "How to turn a $400 car into a $4000 car in 10 minutes! 😁

@1:17 Sounds like the birds approve of the change 🤣🤣🤣🤣

10:28 “But I’m going to go with my instinct on this one. Saddle up partner!” I see what you did there sitting in the middle.

Kinda makes me wish I had really paid attention more when my Dad would work on our cars in the driveway. Anyone that can do this kind of work and flip/restore cars never has to worry about being able to put money in their pockets. Thanks for sharing, this really was amazing to watch. 👍

Last thing to do for a perfect restoration: front lights polishing. Very good job.

This is the content I crave. Restoring unassuming old cars makes me so happy.

You did a great restoration on this car. I wish companies still made cars like this; everything you need for a safe trip (air bags, power steering, anti-lock brakes), no extra things to break.