2003 Grand Marquis?

[Piece-it pete]

Howdy folks. I'm going to take a look at a 2003 Grand Marquis Ultimate with 50K something miles on it.

I know about the timing chain tensioner issue, and the possible rear axle issue. Anything else I should look for?

Pete

[sniper308]

GOOD LUCK ON THE ADOPTION OF A 2003 M-PANTHER POST SOME PICS WHEN YOU GET IT.

[87gtVIC]

I have no clue. But good luck Pete.

[P72Ford]

Some of the '03-'04 cars had issues with steel wheels. But I doubt an Ultimate has steelies.

[Piece-it pete]

Thanks guys.

No steelies, and no pics yet

Drove the hour and a half to look at it (bless my SOs soul) and - it's pretty nice. Light cracking on the drivers seat, where you get in, and minor scratches on the back seat in one area.

Pulled a little bit to the right. Needs tires anyway. Trunk, dirty, as was the interior in non exposed areas. I found a handicapped placard and believe the car is an estate.

Found some receipts. The differential shows a complete factory rebuild under warrentee at 23K (probably the rear axle issue), the rear suspension has been replaced with coils in 08, multiple oil change receipts, it appears that at least basic maintenence was done.

The body is nice, real nice. Silver on silver. It's laid out too, wheel controls, heated seats, I think everything except the cd changer, memory seats, and and moon. The original sticker says $32 large :whoa:

I did hear a strange very light and non-regular tick right at startup that went away immediately. I wouldn't have noticed if I wasn't listening for it specifically. Certain that's the timing tensioner, but sooo light I can put it off while using it to negotiate

Of course, while test driving it, the headlights went out. Parking turns everything else was fine. The only way to get headlights was to hold the flash to pass. He'll have to to fix it, I'm assuming it's a relay. No matter.

It's the first time I've driven a 'new and improved' Panther. I can see why some don't like the rack and pinion steering, it feels... twitchier? Liked to spin the tires on takeoff too. But very very nice.

Much more tossable than my 85, the difference is obvious. But did I feel good getting back in the 85 Still the most comfortable cockpit ever.

I think I'll make a lowball today, I'll keep yous posted.

Pete

[Peter]

The soft axles were only a problem on pre-october 2002 builds.

Why not get a Marauder fora little more?

[Piece-it pete]

I wish I could! But it would be a big little more if I get this where I'm aiming at. I should know today.

Pete

[tyler_hubbard2003]

I didn't realize the newer marquis had issues like that, I thought they were essentially bulletproof lol Good thing I never over paid for one like I almost did :p And for a little more I would totally get a marauder haha

[Dereck]

Of course, while test driving it, the headlights went out.

Pete

Hi Piece-It-Pete

Headlight problem is a high probability the LCM is playing up, there is mucho talk (and a fix) on mercurymarauder.net about 2003 LCMs

Regards

Dereck

[Piece-it pete]

Thank you!!! I'm going to try to get it even chaeper and fix it myself.

Pints on the house!

Pete

[marquisman]

sweet! ill have 2 pints to start.

[Piece-it pete]

Barkeep! 2 pints of Tennents for my friend here. In cans :heyhey:

Thank you!!! I'm going to try to get it even chaeper and fix it myself.

I can use the money to take spelling lessons He hasn't called me back. I'm not calling him - yet.

Pete

[marquisman]

cans? you got a nail or something? shot gun time lol

[Piece-it pete]

Whoops, discontinued in 1991. Dementia's setting in

They seemed a lot racier when I was a kid :leer:

http://www.cannyscot.com/index.htm

Pete

[Piece-it pete]

Guys not calling. I figure either: 1) the lights are working intermittently, and he's hoping to foist it off on a sucker, or 2) they can't make them not work, and he thinks I'm FOS.

The search continues...

Pete