Tell me about Crown Vic's

[UncleS2]

I like this thread! I've long thought that a Crown Vic or Grand Marquis, with handling package & dual-exhaust engine(or even better, the Police Package!)would make an outstanding car. And DJ, I've also thought that a Caprice or RoadMonster wagon would make a very useful vehicle- had no idea they'd carry 4x8' sheets of plywood inside, though!

I try to keep up with what's needed on Mom's 94 Grand Marquis- get the oil changed twice a year now(last 2 times, less than 3K miles in 6 months or more) at the local service station, a new air filter every 12 to 15K. We get any repairs or tune-up done at a local Ford dealership with a very good svc dept. Not cheap, but you never have to take it back to get something redone. Of course, hers has the jello suspension & the single exhaust engine.

Still a nice comfortable car for long trips, though.

I'd love to pick up a good used big Ford or Merc with the right goodies on it.

But for now, I'll have to stick with the Neon.

 

[BrianWC]

I have to say. Not that I would know what to do with it, but I've always liked the burgundy Grand Marquis with the tan top. Too bad my 68 year old neighbor has 2.

 

[Mud]

"I just have a bad taste for Vics."

No S**t.

 

[seldont]

If you want comfort and room ona a budget you cannot beat a Vic. My son is a cop in Clayton County Georgia and he loves driving them. Many of the forces now are slowly migrating to the new Impalas but all the guys on the force there swear by the Crown Vics for toughness and reliability. Aside from oneor two issues they can have (intake manifold etc.) they are almost bulletproof and part will be available forever. And in case you ever wanted to the is a good aftermarket following fot the 4.6 now since the Mustang and Lightning used them. I am wanting one myself but being as I have an F-150, Explorer, Mustang, Boat, and a Motorcycle my wife says no more til something else is gone. *sniff* I do not want to get rid of anything yet..... *sniff*

 

[Black Thunder]

**** Good engines.

Nice roomy cars.

 

[TonyMazz]

Go read on this forum under articles about police departments send their vic's with 100K to yellow cab where they run the miles upto 300K or more without major engine work.

They DO change out ball joints, arms, rods, etc but the motors and tranny's keep on ticking...

We bought a cherry 89 vic lx for my daughter and she just loves it....rides like a cloud..!! I work on it myself and we have changed suspension parts but the motor runs like a watch....

 

[thunderchild]

Great topic. I have always liked CVPI's. I wanted one because of it's reliability and outright toughness. I have some friends that have them and I mean since the late 80's. They swear by them. I like a tough vehicle that can take some daily punishment like DC streets give you. I drive my truck everyday because I would not take my other little car there to get beat ot death! How have you all liked yours? There used to be a place in Virginia, I think Alexandria that used to sell them exclusively. I can't remember the name though. This looks like I am going to have a new project coming up soon!

 

[BrianWC]

"I just have a bad taste for Vics."

Mud said:

quote:

---

No S**t.

---

Mud, what does that mean? I don't think I said anything horrible. I even went on to talk about how I thought some grand Marquis were okay. Not like I spent half a page ranting about how sorry they are or anything. Touchy...

 

[Mud]

Not touchy at all, does not matter to me who thinks what.

It's just that the guy asked a simple question from those that actually have some real-world experience with these cars.

So I'm reading:
- I have a Saab.
- I have a bad taste for CV's especially cabs.
- I looked at some other forums
- my neighbor has two of them

You wrote these, I didn't. Of course it was nothing horrible, but what was the point? Just got tedious. Apologies if I offended, I guess I qualify as a redneck and speak my mind too quickly.

To seldont - *** bless your son, we also have family in law enforcement and are always concerned for their safety.

Forgot to mention
- the Caprice LT1 has way more power, hands down, so if you are looking for a fast car out of the box, the 4.6 modular is OK, but not the first choice.

- the gas tank issue is real, especially for the older CV's that did not get the protective panel and a modified rear axle bolt to avoid poking the tank. In doing some research, the majority of deaths have been police officers since they are more subject to getting hit at traffic/accident stops. I agree that if it's a safety issue, Ford should have stepped up to the plate.

 

[Mud]

OK I'll let you know.

 

[DJ]

Those new Impalas are nice cars but in no way up to police use, that requires the durability of these old body on frame dinosaurs.

Seriously though do not expect any power from the 4.6L even the DOHC Merauders with 300hp/303tq are no faster than the mid 90s LT1 Chevys with 260hp/330tq. The single cam 4.6L is slower yet mid 16s at the dragstrip, some Merauders tickle high 14s stock, peaky motor likes to rev and the highway milage setup drivetrain doesn't let it work right.

 

[Clarence]

I have a 1998 Crown Vic with the 4.6 and approximately 51,000 miles on it. I have changed the transmission fluid twice and one gas filter. No other service work except oil canges. It still has the original brake pads which I will check for wear this spring. A great highway car and lots of comfort. I have never had one issue with this car.

 

[BrianWC]

Nah, I think you were just rude.

-I brought up saabs b/c he said he was getting rid of his small car and didn't want a minivan. He didn't say he was deadset on a Vic and I was just letting him know there were other cheap reliable cars with a lot of space. What are you a Ford salesman?

-I brought up Crown Vic cabs b/c every cab I've ever ridden in is a Crown Vic and smells horrible. Am I not permitted to say that? It's my real world experience.

-I brought up a bit of humor about Crown Vics? I didn't know that wasn't allowed. I thought it would be appreciated but apparently I touched a nerve stating the fact that people slow down when they see a Vic in the distance. I'll try and avoid it next time.

-I said I liked Gmarq's and my neighbor had a couple. Does that bother you?

Let me know next time you intend to post on a thread and I'll make sure I am on my best behavior in it. No tedium from me.

 

[Kuato]

Loved my Crown Vic (and no problems whatsoever except for the window actuator) until I got T-boned. I've also had an (older) Grand Marquis, that was great also.

I'd recommend either.

 

[Shaman]

Owned the older Box style. Loved it till the engine blew. New engine and it just wasn’t the same. Not a fan of the bench seats, couldn’t get comfortable. Had two window motors go out in the back windows. Thanks to a friend at AZ I got the second one free.

If you are looking for other alternatives, I would recommend a Grand Prix (97-03). Good gas mileage, and about the same size.

 

[GoldenRod]

The Crown Victoria is a very nice and reliable car. I almost bought one; however, their is one major problem I have with the car: the driver's seat does not slide back far enough. I drive in a very relaxed position, and I just could not get comfortable in that car; however, I highly recommend the Crown Vic/Grand Marq for someone looking for an excellent full frame, rear wheel drive car.

 

[Clement]

Thanks for the input. I'm still thinking about this. The new baby is not due until April, so I have a little time play with.

The only issue I would have with the crown vic is mileage. Right now I drive 250-300 miles a week. With my current car, that comes to 7.5 - 8 gal of gas. I realize that I'm spoiled right now with my Accent and it's approx 42 mpg highway mileage.

My friend with an '04 Vic sport is getting about 21 mpg average, mostly highway.
Another friend with an Impala, 3.4L is getting about 31 - 32 mpg on the highway.

Oh ****, I'll have to look more. I haven't had a chance to drive an Impala yet, Though I still like the Vic.

 

[Alan]

They say Chuck Norris looked at a Crown Vic before he settled on the only car macho enough for him,an El Camino.

 

[TomJones76]

I *love* em. The seating position makes my wife get motion sickness and then puke. That is why I do not have one.