What Panther is right for me?

[sly]

my LX has cloth... plush as it is... so LX/LS models don't always have leather... FYI.

[jaywish]

never came across that. What year?

[sly]

Mine's a 93. Lots of cloth LXs down here in the south.

[miamibob]

I should sell him my '95 GM!! Bobby

[sly]

I'd sell him my Lincoln... but it's outta his price range. And beater gonna beat until it's dead beyond repair.

[miamibob]

Well, our ideas are out there. Let's see if there is a REAL interest.

[killgore]

Alright well I found a 170K 94 Lincoln Town Car for a price I felt comfortable with. Decent MPG while I was driving it and felt like I was floating on air. Was great.

[miamibob]

Tell us all about it and what you are going to pay for it.

[LithiumCobalt]

Alright guys I'd figure I would address a couple of questions. First off: The mileage I get currently is 7 on the highway. I view anything higher than 18 as good (I don't know why). College is a 60 mile trip from home and whenever I need to go back it would be nicer on fuel to get something that gets more than 7. Second: I would be looking in the 1500 - 2000 range (which kind of drives me to the older cars anyways. But for some reason around these parts I could not find an 03 for dealer sale over 5K (3K for a private sale which is what I would be looking towards). For whatever reason they do not hold their value well in this area. I am mechanically inclined and so fixing matienence items (shocks, brakes, etc.) is a non issue.

Okay so here is a few more questions then: 302 or 4.6? I don't necessarily hot rod everywhere, but I do like power when I ask for it. Also fuel economy is an issue, but I'm not going to sweat 1-2 mpg difference on the highway.

Difference between CV/GM/TC: What are the big differences in the cars? Any reason to look for a CV over a TC (or vice versa).

Police Interceptors: If I find a PI in my price range should I give that any more or less thought over another car? Are there any real benefits to the PI?

What are some main problem areas I should check?

The main reason I am looking at the Panther platform is because my family have owned two (an 88 GM and a 01 CV PI) and they seemed to be very reliable cars. Never did they go to the mechanics for anything more than an alternator swap and we got both for pretty cheap (2K for the 88 in 01 and 1.5K for the CV in 11). Also they give the V8 in the front and the drive wheels in the back (the way god meant it to be). I'm just trying to make an informed decision rather than jumping on exactly what my heart wants (an 88 like the days of my youth).

If you're looking for fuel economy, go with the 4.6L. The 5.0L (standard low-output version) isn't too much different, but it also has about 50 less HP with similar MPG.

If you are buying a car for $1,500-2,000, it's a good thing you're mechanically inclined, because it's likely you'll have some repairs needed on a car in that price range.

As far as differences between the CV/GM/TC - under the skin, they're the same, for the most part. Town Cars will be more polished, have more standard features and options. Since the price doesn't vary much between them, I'd go for the Lincoln.

As for PI's, I wouldn't even bother looking at them. These cars have some of the hardest mileage on them. At 100,000, they're getting pretty tired. I work for a sheriff's department so I know how these cars get the living piss beat out of them.

Main issues for the Panthers are usually front suspensions are worn out, air springs can be marginal (easy to change) - 90+ Town Cars only, fuel/brake line rust/rot if the car is from the north, 96+ Panthers got a plastic intake manifold that likes to crack and piss coolant all over (most have been changed to updated manifold by now). 80's models have strange emissions controls/engine management issues and crispy wiring. Most other things are just annoying little things that every car has when it gets older.

A lot of guys here prefer working on the 5.0L, but I find them to be a lot more troublesome. I've had multiple 4.6's and never had to do a damn thing to them - not the same story with the 5.0L.

Transimissions - The AOD is lackluster in my opinion. The AOD-E was barely marginally better. The 4R70W transmission (95+) was pretty damn good - after 1998 they were even better.

Good luck in your decision! These cars last a long time if you can find one that was well maintained.

[killgore]

The car has 170k on it, air bags recently got replaced within the last 20K, 4.6, transmission shifts good, no leaks. The main problems are 3/4 of the windows don't work and it was a little dirty. Its a family friend that has to move to another state. So I would pay about 700 for it - leaving a bunch for repairs if needed -

[johnunit]

The car has 170k on it, air bags recently got replaced within the last 20K, 4.6, transmission shifts good, no leaks. The main problems are 3/4 of the windows don't work and it was a little dirty. Its a family friend that has to move to another state. So I would pay about 700 for it - leaving a bunch for repairs if needed -

windows are a common fail point. Call it 50 bucks and 2-3 hours per window, and that's being pessimistic. The motors and gears on them are weak.

[HiFiMerc]

I'm willing to bet that is uses oil with that many miles on it. Stopped at an intersection today. Across from me was an 91-94 Town Car. When the light turned green, we both left clouds of smoke behind us. I laughed, btw.

Valve seals are likely shot.

[miamibob]

Not sure where you live but for $700 you can bet your booty there will be numerous repairs.

[Mr Bean]

If you just need a reliable car that gets decent mileage to go from point a to point b I suggest looking for 95-97 model year CV/GM/TC. 96-97 would be ideal since they have better intake design. I would actually avoid the Town Car since they have more options and more things to break. 96-97 CV/GM will have 2.73s and I used to get great mileage with both on my 96's. 98-02 are decent as well but will be more money and I found newer cars to get worse fuel mileage.

[84GrandMarquis]

96-97 would be ideal since they have better intake design.

Well I guess you could say they have the better intake because they've all already been replaced! 95 was the last year that didn't have the plastic intake manifold. That in combination with the 4R70W tranny make 1995 the best year for the Grand Marquis IMO.

I would say go for the Town Car. At $700 bucks she sounds like a good deal.

Although with your long commute I would look for something with a 4 cylinder, maybe a tempo or topaz from an old lady with lower mileage can be had for dirt cheap. Not nearly as great a track record as the panther, but still they make a decent beater and get amazing MPGs. Just my 2 cents

Can't blame you for wanting a panther though, you can't beat the smooth ride. 170k miles isn't too bad for a '94 Town Car. The way I see it, you're going to end up dumping money into any old car, might as well be this one