newbie ... hello everyone.

[husky]

Greetings from Montana; this is a fascinating site which I know I'll enjoy. I've been browsing and such because I intend to buy a 2003 Grand Marquis LS Premium in the near future.
My criteria are simple:
1 owner - service records
V.Good condition
Budget: 5000 +/- a little
No air suspension
Less than 100,000 miles

This purchase will be used daily for country school rides for my 3 children, and Twice weekly trips to town which is 40 miles away. This will be our only vehicle for a while ... and I'm already familiar with RWD cars, and have no issues with doing some of my own maintenance on the car - if that maintenance is not too involved. Apart from all that, I relish the idea that my family can experience
a real car before they go the way of the dinosaur. I foresee gas prices coming down because of our energy boom and the fact that OPEC has to rethink their extortionate oil pricing ... besides; the Saudis are panicking!

In the end ... I need some advice on my choice ... especially with maintenance issues after 100,000 miles (assuming that the regular servicing up to that point, has been done).

[BigT]

Welcome!

[BuffaloRider]

I relish the idea that my family can experience
a real car before they go the way of the dinosaur.

Awesome! Welcome to the site.

[mudgnome]

Welcome from a fellow newb,there is lot's and lot's of info here........I have learned so much in my short time here so far.

[sly]

Welcome and good luck on your search.

[Piece-it pete]

Howdy! Obviously a great choice

Hopefully these known issues will be fixed already: timing chain tensioners (wear out prematurely), rear end (axles weak from the factory, can break). I've heard tell if the tensioners were done there's yellow or white xs and dots on the valve covers, and if the rear end was done the number on the metal tag will show it, but you'd have to talk to Ford to see which numbers are the 'good' ones.

Pete

[79lincolnlover]

Welcome to the party!

[Bobcat]

Welcome.

More Whales!

[husky]

Thanks for the welcome everyone

[husky]

Thanks for covering known issues; are there any more regarding engine, tranny etc?

[husky]

I'm still searching for a MGM and I've been studying a little and researching a little and here's one I found
2004 MGM (don't know which version yet, GS's or LS's); it's a one owner vehicle that has been garaged; light blue in color and only has 24k miles. Main use was to be driven shopping etc with an occasional
drive somewhere. Price 7,500, but negotiable (downwards of course) but well worth the money as is; or is it???? No pics forthcoming, this is legit, it belonged to a lady that lived in a very very nice retirement village. I've requested more info on the car but either way (GS or LS) I thought it would be an excellent buy.
What do y'all reckon? The car is to be used as only car for family of 5.

[miamibob]

Do a Kelly Blue Book and/or Hemmings search to check for prices in YOUR area!

[BuffaloRider]

Do a Kelly Blue Book and/or Hemmings search to check for prices in YOUR area!

Yeah, he said it.

I think it's an alright deal mainly because of the mileage and garage kept part but I'd definitely try to take the price down a bit. Tha's just me.

[husky]

Thanks guys,
The car is a base GS (not a "convenience" package with leather etc.) which is what I wanted; so far, photos look good and I'm gonna call the seller today.
In the meantime; I'll check out the value in the book and go from there. The mileage is great; but I probably won't go above 6,500 for it. Stay tuned.

[Nebulous]

Noice! Sounds like one sweet ride for the money! Welcome and keep us posted!