Considering Crown Vic, '03 with 68000 miles

[Titan]

Thanks for the advice. Being that it will be highway only, I think a trans cooler would be overkill, especially if change the fluid once or twice a year (approximately 45-50K miles/year). Then again, if it really works better to have a cooler, maybe it would pay for itself to allow only once/year fluid changes?

 

[Titan]

I'm thinking this car doesn't have a CD player...anyone know if there's an easy swap, or should I just get an aftermarket unit?

 

[HM12460]

i don't really care for late model ford's, but the crown vicky is a very well built car.

 

[alreadygone]

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I'm thinking this car doesn't have a CD player...anyone know if there's an easy swap, or should I just get an aftermarket unit?

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Get an aftermarket QUALITY disc changer and mount it on trunk shelf beside spare(factory location for Lincolns). Some hardwire into antenna cable,others are transmitters, either way, tune radio to unused fm station and listen away!

Bob

 

[01rangerxl]

A hard wired CD changer is best. The previous owner of my Explorer put in a decent Pioneer, but I guess it just transmits an FM signal because the clarity is not all that great.

 

[brianl703]

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I'm thinking this car doesn't have a CD player...anyone know if there's an easy swap, or should I just get an aftermarket unit?

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You should be able to replace that unit with a Ford AM/FM/CD player off Ebay. You will need to verify that it fits and that it has the correct wiring plugs. Some Ebay sellers know what their radios fit and will list it. Depending on what it costs you might be better off getting an aftermarket unit, though.

 

[Titan]

Thanks for all the input! After learning of some alternator and fuel pump issues on the 03's Crowns (not many problems, but, enough to pay attention to), and the circa-100K rear air suspension problems in the LTC, I ended up with an 04 Grand Marquis with 29,000 miles. It's the only one of the not-Town Cars with heated leather seats and side impact air bags. 12,000.00, perfect paint, clean car-fax...I feel like I really lucked up! Now, for all the fluid changes...should take up a good bit of time today, but, I like to mess with it. Thanks again, and thanks for the Crown Vic website link...valuable info over there!

 

[artificialist]

Frequently, Best Buy and Circuit City will have a stereo sale, and add free installation when you buy their stereo.

It is worth doing.

My dad had a hardwired CD changer in his Lexus ES300. It was a huge pain.

 

[Benzadmiral]

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Thanks for all the input! After learning of some alternator and fuel pump issues on the 03's Crowns (not many problems, but, enough to pay attention to), and the circa-100K rear air suspension problems in the LTC, I ended up with an 04 Grand Marquis with 29,000 miles. It's the only one of the not-Town Cars with heated leather seats and side impact air bags. 12,000.00, perfect paint, clean car-fax...I feel like I really lucked up!

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You did luck out. This summer, when I first thought of replacing my C230, I test-drove a Grand Marquis with the sport trappings -- floor console and auto shifter, front buckets, leather all around, and stiffer suspension. It rode and drove much like my late lamented Mercedes S-Class. I didn't buy it because at that time, my small Benz was behaving perfectly.

I'm more than happy with my Buick, but I have the feeling that if I'd gone with the Grand Marquis, I'd be just as pleased.