First Panther. 97 MGM.

[Android]

I'm starting this thread on here since it's a better place.

Just got my first Panther. I am not fond of the older suspension design but this car was in too good of shape to let slide. The original owner traded it in and now it's in my possession. The interior is immaculate and I love the leather seats. Only the steering wheel has the usual wear of 147k miles. The battery is 7 years old and it needs a right front window regulator. Those are the only things wrong with it.

On to the crappy pics. This was before I washed it. Not bad for $1700











I got a Bluetooth Cassette adapter and cleaner. Works great so far. I also washed the car and cleaned the leather seats and steering wheel with Lexol soap and a horse hair brush before applying Lexol conditioner. I do love the smell of clean leather.

[1985crownvicltd85]

nice car!

[Android]

Thanks. I'm enjoying it so far. Looking at doing some maintenance soon

[a_d_a_m]

Looks great for a first Panther.

[Android]

That's the only reason I got it. I would have preferred an 03+ but this one is mint with zero oil leaks.

[mitymerc]

Congrats!

[Android]

I just got a K&N air filter for it. I've had no issues with K&N before. They usually foul up the MAF Sensor if you over oil them.

[Pvt.Hudson]

Stick with the paper filters. K&N may allow more air but that also means more debris.

[Android]

I'm good. I've used them before on various vehicles and my lawn mower. Plus I don't drive in dusty conditions. Not looking to start a flame war lol.

[mitymerc]

I've been using K & N since the late 80's.
No problems here.

[sly]

I just keep some contact cleaner on hand to clean off my MAF with my oiled air filter.

[knucklehead0202]

I got an AFE dryforce filter. It's washable but doesn't use the stupid oil. Not sure if it's any better or worse than k&n, but no oil. Fouled the MAF on my '98 a few times and it pissed me off.

[Android]

Flushed the power steering with Mobil 1 ATF and did an Oil change, again with Mobil 1 and Risoline Nanoprime oil additive. I love that stuff.

[mercurygm88]

Leather, automatic climate control, and digi dash, that’s pretty loaded for a 97. I saw one that looked exactly like that on Facebook marketplace in Kentucky a few weeks ago. My first panther was a 95 Grand Marquis. Having had panthers from 88, 95, 01, and 03 I personally haven’t noticed a big enough difference in the suspension changes that it matters to me. Though I’m still getting used to the rack and pinion setup on the 03+ cars. Not a huge fan, I’ve never minded it in other cars but not a huge fan of how it feels on a panther.

[79lincolnlover]

Welcome! Does your '97 still have the OEM floor mats?