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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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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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Thanks for the reply. Maybe Ford's viewpoint will change if the RWD Chrysler 300 is a hit. It will be direct competition. In fact, the 300C will outclass the Merc. with features, including the 340 hp motor. Even the Marauder doesn't match up. But maybe Ford will decide not to compete with the "new kid on the block". As I said in my last post, this may be my last GM. I bought this one new when I was 32 - significantly under the target demographic age. My wife liked it very well at first, but has become dissatisfied by the lack of power and repair costs. So, I guess we wait and see what Mercury/Ford will bring to the table in 2006 & 2007. |
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| If the 300C is a hit, Ford will probably have to offer some version of the 5.4 or a supercharged 4.6 in order to compete. Modulated displacement will probably be necesary(CAFE), but with luck they will get it right. As I see it, the enthusiast consumer can't lose. | |
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