newbie wants to buy a grand marq or crown vic

[marqvic]

Hi,

Is this a good place to post this?

I was looking for a forum for Grand Marquis info (Crown Vic, too)....

I am looking for a '99 to '01 GMG although I'm wondering if I should consider '94 and up as well.

I'm in Canada and these cars are a bit expensive for me. I saved up a grand but to get something decent, it seems I'll need about $1800 or even a bit more.

I'm also concerned about the intake manifold issue... will these cars still have the plastic one in many cases? I believe the extended warranty won't apply to this time frame now?

I found a '94 that I haven't looked at but the previous owner drove it to Florida for winter but it's not plated or insured right now so I can't really test drive it. I was thinking of going for a '99 to '01 though anyway although those are the years they were build with the plastic intake manifolds but maybe Ford has a solution by now?

I hope this section is appropriate for this post and feel free to ask me anything. I'm without a vehicle right now and looking for cars anywhere near Toronto is difficult (just outside GTA) especially since these cars fetch a high price... $2/grand is what I need but I only have half that right now.

I am interested in receiving any advice and suggestions of what to look for and how to buy one of these vehicles! Either Crown Vic or MGM although I thought a MGM might be a more convenient option since it's a bit more upscale and less likely to be a PI or something?

Thanks for any replies! Any recommendations on where/what to post is appreciated as well! I'm new here and wish to follow the guidelines!

[johnunit]

2 grand will get you a rather nice driver. I think it's 99 and up that don't have the manifold issue. I believe you can visually check for a metal crossover on the front of the manifold if you're concerned.


I wouldn't be too afraid of a PI, but a good one starts at about 3 grand around here. A former OPP car will be mostly highway miles, relatively few curb jumps, etc. Obviously though it lacks some of the class and luxury of an GMQ. Your best bet for a nice car will probably be Kijiji.ca. Dealers tend to charge particularly high prices for these cars.


I'm in Scarborough and if there's any help I can be of in searching for a car when the time comes I'd be happy to assist.

Good luck in your search.

[R/T kota]

Where in Canada are you?
I found my 95 for 700 bucks in Hamilton. The deals are out there, just got to be quick and have the cash ready when they come up.

[R/T kota]

Just found on kijiji.

http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1995-Mercury-Grand-Marquis-Sedan-W0QQAdIdZ307176936

[DsTrBd]

Kick off your shoes and enjoy the ride !

[marqvic]

2 grand will get you a rather nice driver. I think it's 99 and up that don't have the manifold issue. I believe you can visually check for a metal crossover on the front of the manifold if you're concerned.

I wouldn't be too afraid of a PI, but a good one starts at about 3 grand around here. A former OPP car will be mostly highway miles, relatively few curb jumps, etc. Obviously though it lacks some of the class and luxury of an GMQ. Your best bet for a nice car will probably be Kijiji.ca. Dealers tend to charge particularly high prices for these cars.


I'm in Scarborough and if there's any help I can be of in searching for a car when the time comes I'd be happy to assist.

Good luck in your search.

Hey, 'long time I took to follow up but I am updating with a few questions!

Thanks for the replies, guys!

I think the '00 is included with the PI manifold and I think they (Ford) changed it finally in '03? Anyway, everything I read seemed to insinuate the '00 has it as well unless someone replaced it. It looks like you have to remove some parts to check? Any easy way?

I looked around using google but it's difficult to find out if anyone sells the aftermarket for a decent price. I noticed on ebay, they go for about $200 but this is for the U.S. and shipping up here causes an increase in price ($60) and ($70) duty.... I think. ????

Shouldn't it be replaced if you buy a used MGM and the previous owner didn't replace it? In fact, that might be part of the reason why they're selling?!?

For someone who doesn't know or didn't research it, this sounds like a very expensive repair if you take the car to a dealer and they'll put on the original one anyway....STILL?!?

I discovered that my insurance would be pretty low if I get one of these cars. At least, compared to two other cars I'd consider. A '96 Camry and '97 Accord with the range of insurance costs in this order for cheapest to more expensive: MGM/Crown Vic --> '96 Camry --> '97 Accord

So, my main concern about a MGM is the intake manifold. It looks like a complicated repair or at least, a lot of steps but I'd want to find a part that isn't too expensive.

There is one recycler that might have it and another in the same town but it's $300 (the other is $150 but that sounds used).

Since, you (or any Canadian) live in Canada, do you know any part places that might have the aluminum cross-over intake manifolds?

I'm just asking in case I bought a car that was in otherwise good condition but had the PI. I shouldn't rule out cars that are in good shape but have the plastic ones, right? They're not deal breakers? However, given these are old cars, they will probably have the plastic ones unless someone replaced it (but, there might be a good chance they replaced with the same type - a plastic one!).

Any comments?

Anyway, I have found some for sale that looked good (on kijiji) that have pictures and prices that might be acceptable. I am getting help in buying it so I have to wait until they're prepared/ready to help. In the meantime, I thought I'd figure out how to approach the manifold question.

Thanks for any advice.

P.S. this is old now and not applicable?

http://www.ssgm.com/news/ford-extends-intake-manifold-warranty-to-canada/1000201201/

...meaning expired.... right?

I found this page for replacing the manifold and it's a good job but the steps/process still looks ....uh... major?

http://www.autoclinix.com/Manifold2.htm

[79lincolnlover]

Your best bet is a Panther that has been senior-owned. Their cars are usually well-maintained with low-km's.

[1990LTD]

Where are you located? I can do the intake replacement if you're local.


I'm in Cape Breton.



+1 on buying an old persons car. It's entirely possible to find a Panther in your price range that has never been abused/neglected.

[79lincolnlover]

marqvic lives in Ontario.