Are Station wagons related to Mini Vans?

I heard that the Ford D186 platform cars are Ford Windstar, Ford Taurus, and Mercury Sable. Because these three cars are on the exact same platform I think the Ford Taurus Station wagon model (1986-2007) is the smaller version of the Ford Windstar minivan. So are Station wagons a more smaller version of minivans (ex. Ford Taurus and Windstar)?

Transmission fluid change or flush or both (1997 Ford Taurus GL)?

I just got a 1997 Ford Taurus GL with over 133000 miles. The car is in pretty good shape but when I shift gears it shifts kind of hard. I have no idea if the trans has ever been serviced but my guess is that it need to be. Would you recommend just draining the pan, changing the filter and gasket and replenishing the fluid or should I do a flush? Not a power flush. Just using an extension hose to drain the old fluid and add new fluid. Or do you recommend both? If so, in what order?

What's wrong with my Ford? Besides it being a Ford lol?

I have an 06 Ford Taurus SE and I just put a new motorblower fan in so it can have heat again this winter. And it worked fine on the way home. And now its next problem is that when I left my place an hour after my friends place all the lights went dark even my cars headlights. The raido sounded off too. And when I got a block a away I can feel the Ford jump forward a lot since it was slowly dying then I noticed that my battery check light popped on and when I made it to my driveway all lights went out and its now sittinf dead amd don't know what to do. A friend says its my alternator is shot but not entirely sure.

Need a shift solenoid replaced on 2005 ford taurus?

I have a 2005 ford taurus. Engine light is on and occasionally comes on the led screen saying check transmission. I had it checked out and was told the shift solenoid was going bad. Mechanic said he would let me know how much it would be and stuff. I've already ordered the part and everything. My issue is that I'm not hearing from the mechanic now and can't get in touch with any other mechanics. I called a shop and was told that replacing only that part would be a waste of time and that we should just go ahead and get a whole new transmission (is this just fishing for money on someone who doesn't know cars?) I was planning on getting a new car in a few months anyway so there's no way I'm putting 1200 into this one (it was used, i only paid 2000, has not sentimental value or anything so just not worth it to me). How long will the car last without this part being replaced, how much would it run me to get that part replaced and if i do get it replaced, is it just gonna be having trouble again in a month).