I bought a 2001 with 121k last august. I paid $2750 was a good price. Looking around at the time prices seemed more around 3200-3600. But it didn't last long got rear ended 2 weeks later. Got $4554 from there insurance company.
I did spend 4-5 weeks looking for that Taurus. So I was pissed off and didn't bother looking around and bought a 2000 for $3500. This one had few more options like electronic heat, adjustable peddles, and a floor shifter. But only 87k miles.
I think these are great bargains. Relatively comfortable, pretty well built considering any random squeaks or other noise. Not the greatest gas mileage, I get an average of 21, maybe 70% city. My transmission works well, seems a lot of people think the tranny cooler is inefficient.
If I didn't have an chance to see the car(auction) I would consider $2500 a ok price. not great but not bad. If I could see it and depending on condition I think anything below $3500 is a good price.