Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Oct 21, 2003
Messages
960
Location
Maryland, USA
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/963860331.html

I am tired of those tailgaters, and thinking of buying an used Ford Crown Victoria Police interceptor. From the Internet the onwers claim these cars offer above average reliability and excellent handling due to the police package (heavy duty components and suspension). The gas mileage is very good for a V8 engine (25 MPG on highway) I have never test driven one yet, so, I do not know if the handling part is ture. I used to own a '77 Chevy Impala, which was very floaty on highway. I never felt safe driving it and donated it to the Salavation Army.

Does anyone have owned such a car and provide me your thoughts on its reliability, handling characteristics, and tips on buying one? Also, how well does it perform on rainy/icy road condition since it's rear wheel drive? I wonder how the police deal with slipery roads while driving thme.
 
I personally think it's a good choice for motorists who don't want to pay big bucks to be seen in the latest SUV. Factor in the cost of a good set of snow tires and you're set.
 
I've thought of getting one as well, just never did. IIRC, the ones to get are the '01 and '02. they had engine upgrades. the '03 was the 1st year of a new suspension design, used different offset wheels; for some reason the '03 was to be avoided. don't know if the '04 is better.
RWD isn't all that bad in a heavy car w/ good winter tires, and skill.
there are a few sellers on ebay who specialize in the CVPI, browse around and you can get a good idea of what is available.
 
Originally Posted By: JDD
I think you have to be at least 60 to own a Crown Vic---


A Mercury Gran Marquis maybe, but not a CV.
 
I too have often thought of having a police interceptor a daily beater.

Should be tough as nails and you ought to be able to get heavy duty replacement parts for some time.

Great idea!! And lots of places sell them for a song.

Cheers!
 
Originally Posted By: sifan
I never felt safe driving it and donated it to the Salavation Army.


Hahahhahhahhah it was unsafe so you donated it to the Salvation ARMY. Sorry, yeah, those are beasts, keep the insides clean and it'll be well worth the purchase price.

-A
 
Originally Posted By: JDD
I think you have to be at least 60 to own a Crown Vic---


I qualify.
grin2.gif
happy2.gif
 
Its a very good car. Police, Taxi, and limo companies do not use them for nothing. They get the job done very well, and very cheaply.
 
I have 3 Crown Vics' in the family. Two cvpi models 03 and 05 and an LX model 04. I actually prefer the 03. In 03 they changed the offset of the wheels and pushed them farther out, giving the car a wider stance and the watts suspension was updated. They handle very well for what they are. The 03 and up handle far better than the pre-03. Less body roll in corners and with a traction lock differential, they just go in snow. I have never had one of mine stuck yet. They actually perform better in snow than my escort. The 04 has the standard suspension and it's smooth on the road, but tends to body roll in hard cornering. I have had several over the years and have been very happy with them. For a cvpi probably the best combination would be 3.27:1 rear axle with traction lock for most driving, it could give you up to 28mpg on the highway and will go fine in snow. My o3 has 3.55:1 with traction lock and get 26mpg highway and 18 to 22 in city. The 04 has 3.27.1 with an electronic traction control system that is pretty much useless in deep snow. The 05 has 3.27:1 and traction lock and gets better mileage than the 03, but is a little doggy around in comparison to the 03. You don't have a choice for engine and trans, they all use the same ones 4.6liter engine and 4 speed OD trans. The options change from year to year, so find the one with the options you want. If you take reasonable care of a cvpi, you should easily get 250k, I did on the last three I had.
 
Im 20.
I put on Some 215/65R16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 tires. We have gotten about 8 inches so far here and I havent had a problem. Its easy to drive in snow, and I feel like I have been lied to with the "FWD is better in snow" rhetoric. This is the first time I have driven a RWD vehicle in snow. I only have 2.73 open diff, so I do have a little trouble getting going, but putting it in manual 2nd lets me get going. I intend to fix this problem by upgrading to a 3.55 t-lok sometime next year. I have the lightest duty suspension package available, and it isnt floaty at all, thanks to the good suspension design. No problem even at 90+. :p
I have only had mine about 9k mi. I havent had it fail me, however it did get a new rear cat paid for by ford under the 8year 80k emissions warranty because it had failed. There is a TSB for this on 2004-2005 CV/GM/TC. Listen for cat rattle if you check out one of these years, esp if over 80k mi.
I did have someone run my VIN through Fords OASIS system, which tracks warranty repairs on a vehicle.
It got a new radio at 20k mi, that was it.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Watch the Mustang boards for used T-lok carriers. You can usually find one cheap. Mine is getting worn, but I'm cheap. I've got a set of 3.73's going in it, but probably won't put in new clutches.
 
I drive them for a living (police work).

I would say they have average reliablity.

They do ride nice, have nice room, handle nice.

Being rear wheel drive they really need snow tires in the winter.
 
Originally Posted By: Buffman
better off with a 94-96 LT1 caprice/roadmaster/impala
wink.gif



Meh, a Termi-swap Vic would rape one
wink.gif
 
Originally Posted By: Onmo'Eegusee
Its easy to drive in snow, and I feel like I have been lied to with the "FWD is better in snow" rhetoric.


It's [censored] perpetuated by people who have no concept of vehicle control.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top