The only reason I don't have one is it's not a truck/SUV and I like trucks and SUVs.
Dear Town Car owners…
- Thread starter SeanE
- Start date
I've owned a few of these.
I'm of the unpopular opnion that these cars are about average in reliability/longevtity.
The occasional engine, trans, axle, HVAC issues are about average. These cars have their rust/rot prone areas like any.
The only reason they are known for racking up high mileage is because most of their existence was in fleet service, where they get the chance to rack up those miles. A regular civilian street driven car will either get totaled out in an accident or rust out before it has a chance, but that doesn't mean those cars aren't just as capable of going the distance. Just about everything you see in the junkyard ran/drove through the gates.
I'm of the unpopular opnion that these cars are about average in reliability/longevtity.
The occasional engine, trans, axle, HVAC issues are about average. These cars have their rust/rot prone areas like any.
The only reason they are known for racking up high mileage is because most of their existence was in fleet service, where they get the chance to rack up those miles. A regular civilian street driven car will either get totaled out in an accident or rust out before it has a chance, but that doesn't mean those cars aren't just as capable of going the distance. Just about everything you see in the junkyard ran/drove through the gates.
The ride quality alone makes it worth buying. I don't understand today's cars with their short walled tires and stiff suspensions that let you "feel the road" LMAO. Th trunk is enormous. I laugh when I watch new car reviews and they say the car has a large trunk. You really have to see it to understand. No new car can match that volume. Another plus is that it's an old and LARGE car, you get a little more respect in traffic. You know what I mean 
Weak point are the aforementioned intake manifold and the air suspension. On my 2003 Grand Marquis I did the manifold at approx 70k then AGAIN at 100k. I eventually gave the car to my buddy at 120k and that was 3 years ago I believe he's closing in on 200k. Hasn't had to do the manifold again. Not sure what he has had to do maintenance wise but he loves the car.
Weak point are the aforementioned intake manifold and the air suspension. On my 2003 Grand Marquis I did the manifold at approx 70k then AGAIN at 100k. I eventually gave the car to my buddy at 120k and that was 3 years ago I believe he's closing in on 200k. Hasn't had to do the manifold again. Not sure what he has had to do maintenance wise but he loves the car.
I have a 95 with 133k so it's outside of your year range.
Ride is wonderful, engine and trans are good too. This car has the 3.23 gears which are way more peppy than the 2.73s I had in a MGM.
Rear coil springs are fine, I don't understand why one would want the air ride.
My steering is dead on-center, pretty annoying. The rack & pinion might fix this.
Controls are a little weird, it seems like they took a base cop car and added gee-gaws and do-dads with Autozone switches randomly drilled into the dash.
Seats are amazing.
Halogen headlights are dim compared to modern standards.
I say go for it. Maybe go down to Florida for one from an estate sale-- the arbitrage really is worth it. Get a cheapo flight on Southwest and make a week of it.
Ride is wonderful, engine and trans are good too. This car has the 3.23 gears which are way more peppy than the 2.73s I had in a MGM.
Rear coil springs are fine, I don't understand why one would want the air ride.
My steering is dead on-center, pretty annoying. The rack & pinion might fix this.
Controls are a little weird, it seems like they took a base cop car and added gee-gaws and do-dads with Autozone switches randomly drilled into the dash.
Seats are amazing.
Halogen headlights are dim compared to modern standards.
I say go for it. Maybe go down to Florida for one from an estate sale-- the arbitrage really is worth it. Get a cheapo flight on Southwest and make a week of it.
I like the LS…. They made a few with a 5mt behind a ford v6. Very neat car. Lots of niggling issues like coil packs and window motors in these, though… made old jeep electronics look reliable.
I test drove a panther variant at one point… it floated so much that it seemed rather busy to me to drive. It had air springs in the rear and those were constantly adapting as well. Didn’t get it. for as large as the vehicle was, the interior didn’t seem that big.
I’ve often looked back and wondered if I should have gone for it. New shocks, get rid of air ride, put some nice wheels and tires on it and maybe drop the nose a touch, could be a classy runabout.
I test drove a panther variant at one point… it floated so much that it seemed rather busy to me to drive. It had air springs in the rear and those were constantly adapting as well. Didn’t get it. for as large as the vehicle was, the interior didn’t seem that big.
I’ve often looked back and wondered if I should have gone for it. New shocks, get rid of air ride, put some nice wheels and tires on it and maybe drop the nose a touch, could be a classy runabout.
My parents bought a new Grand Marquis in 1995, traded it off in 2006 for a V-6 Charger. Not sure why they did that, but the Grand Marquis remains the 2nd-favorite car they've owned (behind the '85 Accord SE-i that I begged them to keep). Not my style of car, but I have to admit it was bulletproof for them, rode like a cloud, and the trunk was ridiculously huge. I rented a 2000 Town Car from Enterprise in Austin in 2001, and it was much the same experience. A little floaty on the highway for my taste, but you can't argue with the comfort factor. I don't think you're going to go wrong if you find a well maintained example. So many people on here brag about these cars, there has to be something to it.
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
We used to swap the CV company cars at 100k - Just gas, tires, oil …
They were never worn out then - but you could not pass up getting a new one …
NO
Seriously NO
I never recommend those to anyone. Town Car over an LS anyday for lots of reasons. The LS was a fantastic car when now, but now, no its bad.
Alrighty then the masses have spoken.
I suppose my experience with the LS is the exception to the rule.
Mine never gave me any problems and I really enjoyed how it rode.
Strictly personal opinion, and this is coming from a staunch GM supporter: to this day I struggle to find fault with the Panther platform. I've owned a '91 Caprice, a '94 Vic, and an '03 Marauder so I have plenty of seat time with all contenders.
Without a doubt, the '03+ Panther's are worlds above the -'02 models. Unlike today, Ford actually focused on true enhancements to the platform. From the updated frame, to the multitude of chassis improvements, to the overall fit and finish, the '03-'09 Panther's are the best of the bunch.
I could have the exact year wrong, but somewhere around 2009 Ford started to de-content every Panther from the PI to the Town Car. Truth be told, the penny pinching started long before then. Take my Marauder: only built for two years, yet the cost cutting from '03 to '04 ran deep. From removing the automatic parking brake release, to deleting the seat cushion storage pockets, to replacing the full size spare with a donut.
Without a doubt, the '03+ Panther's are worlds above the -'02 models. Unlike today, Ford actually focused on true enhancements to the platform. From the updated frame, to the multitude of chassis improvements, to the overall fit and finish, the '03-'09 Panther's are the best of the bunch.
I could have the exact year wrong, but somewhere around 2009 Ford started to de-content every Panther from the PI to the Town Car. Truth be told, the penny pinching started long before then. Take my Marauder: only built for two years, yet the cost cutting from '03 to '04 ran deep. From removing the automatic parking brake release, to deleting the seat cushion storage pockets, to replacing the full size spare with a donut.
not a day goes by on here without a raging hardon for the rustbucket couchmobile and once a week the gm w body.
at the end of the day you’re still driving a 15+ year old domestic car and things will break. the end
at the end of the day you’re still driving a 15+ year old domestic car and things will break. the end
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Breat me to it. The LS is a POS. Nothing less reliable that a cheap old Jag.
All due respect... that's not entirely true.
I'll give you the W-body. That platform is supported by a relatively small group of enthusiasts, however it continues to be one of the most popular GM models in history.
As for the Lincoln LS: it's a piece of garbage. Nothing but a slapped together, parts bin, bean counter squeezed shell of what could have been.
At the time, Ford was a financial disaster. It was losing money hand over fist due to the teet-sucking that was Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo.
The LS could have been such a great vehicle, if not for the forces what be.
At the time, Ford was a financial disaster. It was losing money hand over fist due to the teet-sucking that was Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo.
The LS could have been such a great vehicle, if not for the forces what be.
rust is uncommon in my climate.
Purchased my '03 Town Car in 2018 with 55,000 on the odometer. Was in very good shape sitting on a dealership lot. Senior man died, neighbor was the sales manager at the dealership and purchased the vehicle from the estate (no one wanted the grandpa car). Car sat on dealers lot for long time and they ended up replacing tires, battery and wipers to get a VA inspection sticker. I purchased the car for.....get this $1,700.00. Was looking for panther to use as my work vehicle. However, after driving this vehicle, found that it was super quiet and a wonderful car, great ride, so much so that it's become our go to vehicle for long distance travel. I replaced all fluids after purchase (coolant, oil, transmission, brake, power steering & diff). And not have driven 100,000 miles with nothing more than replacement of noisy idler pully, minor repair to the AC system, brake pads, Air Bags (not as expensive as people in thread have stated- $70 for a pair), battery and tires. Parts are plentiful because of so many Crown Vics, Mercury Marquis and Town Cars on road. The 4.6 2v engine is the best Ford Modular motor they made. Tons of those engines running around in panthers, Mustangs, F150's etc. through those years. Gets around 23 miles per gallon on the interstate, 19 around town on regular gas. The combination of ride, mileage, reliability and trunk space (honestly you could put at least four golf bags in the trunk) make it an amazing car with none like it on the market today. No rust, but they do have the water leak issue with the cowl. Easy fix with many videos online to show how to complete. I guess the rust issue is more related to where you live because I don't see these cars with rust in East TN for the most part.
I can't recommend this car enough. Prices, like a lot of things, on low mileage panthers have shot up, so finding one like mine will probably set you back around $10,000 or so I would expect. However, I found and purchased a 2001 (slightly different body and car) Town Car with 85,000 miles back last April for my Father In Law for $3,500.00. Awesome car that had a ton of receipts for work at the Lincoln dealership, owned by older couple from France that were moving back and wanted to sell vehicle. Car is currently in Naples FL, hauling around my In-Laws and they absolutely love it. And I agree, the 03-up panthers are the best edition of this amazing platform. But the ones prior are also very good, but prefer the rack and pinion steering.
Btw, I have a friend who was an executive with the Ford advertising agency back in the day. He stated that the Jag, LS and Thunderbird were the same chassis. He stated that Ford lost money on the Thunderbirds, broke even on the LS and made a profit on the Jag. This was the Ford DEW98 platform. Overall, they are not as reliable, and most parts are much more expensive & harder to replace than the panther platform vehicles.
I can't recommend this car enough. Prices, like a lot of things, on low mileage panthers have shot up, so finding one like mine will probably set you back around $10,000 or so I would expect. However, I found and purchased a 2001 (slightly different body and car) Town Car with 85,000 miles back last April for my Father In Law for $3,500.00. Awesome car that had a ton of receipts for work at the Lincoln dealership, owned by older couple from France that were moving back and wanted to sell vehicle. Car is currently in Naples FL, hauling around my In-Laws and they absolutely love it. And I agree, the 03-up panthers are the best edition of this amazing platform. But the ones prior are also very good, but prefer the rack and pinion steering.
Btw, I have a friend who was an executive with the Ford advertising agency back in the day. He stated that the Jag, LS and Thunderbird were the same chassis. He stated that Ford lost money on the Thunderbirds, broke even on the LS and made a profit on the Jag. This was the Ford DEW98 platform. Overall, they are not as reliable, and most parts are much more expensive & harder to replace than the panther platform vehicles.
In this order:
1st Pick 2004
2nd Pick 2008
3rd Pick 1999 (Of course one that is rust free)
The platform is great, I would personally just replace the coil packs and intake manifold just due to age. The rest is regular maint. Yep window regulators, and stupid stuff. Air springs are pretty affordable aftermarket or you can get the spring conversion kit.
Skip 2000 to 2003 as you will need to take the front of the engine apart and do timing guides and tensioners.
1st Pick 2004
2nd Pick 2008
3rd Pick 1999 (Of course one that is rust free)
The platform is great, I would personally just replace the coil packs and intake manifold just due to age. The rest is regular maint. Yep window regulators, and stupid stuff. Air springs are pretty affordable aftermarket or you can get the spring conversion kit.
Skip 2000 to 2003 as you will need to take the front of the engine apart and do timing guides and tensioners.
I purchased my 2001 Town Car in December of 2016 for $5,200 with 38,800 miles on it. Within a week, the oil light came on, but thankfully it was just a bad $13 sending unit.
Since then, I’ve done regular maintenance, and I’ve had to replace the following items due to failure: thermostat, a/c compressor, two power window motor/regulator assemblies, 4 ignition coils, rear air springs, and blend door actuators. The last two are common failure points.
In October of 2019, I hit a deer, but the car soldiered on just fine with some wrinkled hood and front fender metal and a headlight out. I replaced the plastic (fiberglass) header and the attached grille, along with a fender and hood from a salvage yard. I also had to replace the a/c condenser, as it got damaged.
Supposedly mine is part of the era with bad intake manifolds, but mine has never had an issue with it.
The car is currently approaching 148k, and the heater core leaks. I bypassed it, since the $2,000 repair quote was just too much. I use a little plug-in heater/defogger when necessary (I live in Central Texas). Soon, I’ll be putting this one up for sale, as I’ve inherited something else and will use my wife’s 2003 Corolla for commuting. I will miss this car, it’s roominess, and super smooth ride.
Random gripe: cup holder placement is awkward: hits my knee and blocks the hvac controls.
Since then, I’ve done regular maintenance, and I’ve had to replace the following items due to failure: thermostat, a/c compressor, two power window motor/regulator assemblies, 4 ignition coils, rear air springs, and blend door actuators. The last two are common failure points.
In October of 2019, I hit a deer, but the car soldiered on just fine with some wrinkled hood and front fender metal and a headlight out. I replaced the plastic (fiberglass) header and the attached grille, along with a fender and hood from a salvage yard. I also had to replace the a/c condenser, as it got damaged.
Supposedly mine is part of the era with bad intake manifolds, but mine has never had an issue with it.
The car is currently approaching 148k, and the heater core leaks. I bypassed it, since the $2,000 repair quote was just too much. I use a little plug-in heater/defogger when necessary (I live in Central Texas). Soon, I’ll be putting this one up for sale, as I’ve inherited something else and will use my wife’s 2003 Corolla for commuting. I will miss this car, it’s roominess, and super smooth ride.
Random gripe: cup holder placement is awkward: hits my knee and blocks the hvac controls.
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The v6 actually was a Ford, unlike the v8 no matter what some posters in this thread think.
They probably are above average compared to other similar vehicles, like other Jaguars etc.
I always wanted one of these cars. A flooded house, in a roundabout way, gave me the opportunity to buy one.
My 2001 has been an okay car. I was able to find one without rust. It came out of NYC. When I got it, it had little compression on cylinder 5. I ended up changing the engine because a 2v 4.6 is cheaper to replace than it is to repair.
The hardest things to work on with these cars are the starters (98-02 are awful), fuel pump and blend door actuator. You're guaranteed to have the blend door actuator failed. There's tricks to change them and you can still get an actual Motorcraft part for them.
For making the same basic car with the same basic drivetrain for nearly 20 years, there's a lot of year specific or "generation" specific stuff. 98-02 break the lower ball joints seemingly at random. 03+ may drive better depending on what you consider driving better. 98-02 have a massive transmission cooler from the factory, but it has a thermostat on it that starts to open at 180 degrees, so the trans is always overheating with that big cooler. My 2001 has already had at least one transmission replacement. Whatever is in there now appears to have a shift kit.
Ignition coils are a common problem on the 98-11. ONLY Motorcraft or Denso coils. Torque the spark plus to 25 ft/lb to avoid them launching.
My 2001 has been an okay car. I was able to find one without rust. It came out of NYC. When I got it, it had little compression on cylinder 5. I ended up changing the engine because a 2v 4.6 is cheaper to replace than it is to repair.
The hardest things to work on with these cars are the starters (98-02 are awful), fuel pump and blend door actuator. You're guaranteed to have the blend door actuator failed. There's tricks to change them and you can still get an actual Motorcraft part for them.
For making the same basic car with the same basic drivetrain for nearly 20 years, there's a lot of year specific or "generation" specific stuff. 98-02 break the lower ball joints seemingly at random. 03+ may drive better depending on what you consider driving better. 98-02 have a massive transmission cooler from the factory, but it has a thermostat on it that starts to open at 180 degrees, so the trans is always overheating with that big cooler. My 2001 has already had at least one transmission replacement. Whatever is in there now appears to have a shift kit.
Ignition coils are a common problem on the 98-11. ONLY Motorcraft or Denso coils. Torque the spark plus to 25 ft/lb to avoid them launching.
