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Sedans Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis
3244 messages, Last post on Aug 25, 2009 at 8:13 PM
You are in the Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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Most people will squeeze into a small 330 series BMW to say they are driving a German car. I feel interior size is a luxury in today's car market. dmers |
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Someone asked awhile ago about the New GM (RWD)in the Chicago Winters. I too live in Chicago, drive an '03 GM, and can say that there is maybe 2 or 3 times a winter you will wish you had front wheel drive. (362 days you won't) In my opinion, 2 or 3 times a year does not warrant FWD, AWD. They dump so much salt around here, that I don't think any snowfall under 4" has a chance of sticking to the road anyway. The bigger problem is rinsing the white salt film off you car every 3rd day. I think the hype for these Jumbo AWD SUVs is ...... well .... a Soccer Mom and her money shall part. Regarding the MPG - I have been getting 17/24 Regarding the Ride - I would like it to be "softer" as others have mentioned. I was looking for Value, roominess, and safety, so the GM works well for me. |
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Those still able to appreciate car car value, in terms of room, safety, power, durability, comfort, reasonable maintenance costs and lower insurance premiums will choose Ford's CV/GM. Those looking for trendy, fashionable cars will lease or buy European. It's not that German cars don't have some of the attributes outlined above, but American large sedans offer a lot more bang for the buck in the short and long term. The issue that those driving European cars have larger incomes than those buying American models is not true in every case. I know people that work two jobs just to afford payments on their leased MB's, Audis and BMW 's. |
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I agree with the total cost of ownership/mile value argument. The Grand Marquis is a very cost effective way to go. I generally buy a well equipped one at 1-2 years old and keep for another 6-8 years (we put about 22+K on a year) . . . . granted my maintanence is higher at first with brakes, hoses/belts, tires, etc, but 30 years of this tends to add up to a substantial savings over time for investing. You can afford to buy new cars later on. Do not skimp on tires: I tried some top of the line MasterCraft Tires and saved $250+ but lost my smooth ride. I traded back for the Michelins and got the smooth ride back. Those other tires may wear better, but you will feel all bumps. There is a reason Ford goes with Michelin tires from the get go. I got abaout 75K on the last set w/ rotation. 16" Tires cost more, but go a little farther. dmers |
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The new Chrysler 300 (rwd/awd) car coming out in the next month may cut into CV/GM sales. We have a '99GM w/HPP that we purchased new, but my wife thinks it's a dog. She really fell for the 300C at the auto show; she wants the Hemi (340HP/390ft-lbs.torque). Although I still like the GM, I don't think I'll be buying another one if this new Chrysler is successful. The *boss* wouldn't let me.  I'm afraid that Ford won't try to update these cars to compete with this newcomer. They have been decontenting the cars instead of adding new features. I also don't think that the new Ford 500 will be in the running for us. Any hope for improvements with the 2006 redesign? |
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| 2006 redesign of WHAT? The CV/GM? Don't hold your breath... | |
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wnichols: Remind your wife that it's very tricky to buy a new model when it just comes out. Chrysler doesn't have a good reputation for reliability. Although they're masters at car design, dependability is lacking in just about every model with very few exceptions (Re: PT Cruiser). CV/GM are tried and true war dogs for lack of a better description. They aren't perfect but Police departments around the country have been using them and New York City cab drivers use them as well, the Crown Vic that is. |
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| I have read on this board to expect a freshening or redesign of the CV/GM in 2006. Are you saying this info was wrong? | |
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I don't plan to buy until 2006 or 2007 - by this point, they should have most of the kinks worked out on this new design from Chrysler (300C). They are using quite a number of MB parts in this car, so hopefully it will last. If Ford does not make improvements to the CV/GM by that time, I will not be allowed to buy another one. There have been several mechanical problems with our '99 that I had to pay for out of warranty that should not have occurred at such low miles: tie rod ends and sleeves at  30K, heater box 33K and fuel pump 34K (rec'd warranty adjustment to price of heater box repair only). Car only has 46K now; we're concerned about what else will give out in the next 2-3 years. I won't buy the Chrysler if it is shown to have serious mechanical problems, but I probably won't be getting the GM either. |
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EVERYthing I read says AT MOST there will be a SLIGHT refreshening, which means decor changes, not a new platform or redesign. Nearly all the current CV/GM dates to 1992, when it had its last major redesign. See: http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2004-01-28-carlives_x.htm Pay especial attention to the last three paragraphs.... |
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