1999 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor 4.6L V8
Summary:
Almost Indestructible!
Faults:
Replaced alternator at 219,000.
Did Complete Tune-up (including upstream O2 sensors) at 210,000.
Replaced Front pads and rotors at 185,000.
Replaced Front Shocks at 175,000.
There is some rust forming in a few places and paint is in poor condition (many scratches and chips)
Drivers door window is loose and doesn't always seal out wind noise.
Needs a new drivers seat cushion as I think the cops who drove it previously may have eaten a few donuts too many. (worn out)
Passenger cabin has some squeaks and rattles from time to time and the passengers side dash vent always seizes in whatever position it is left in.
Pings very mildly to moderately under wide open throttle. have tried replacing fuel filter and running top end cleaner through it and still pings. Seems to do it least when running Esso gasoline.
Have replaced a few other things I can't remember (nothing too expensive or I would remember!)
General Comments:
I feel the repairs I have done so far are perfectly acceptable, as I'm sure it had a very hard life before I bought it. (and still has a hard life compared to some cars as I routinely drive it like I stole it)
This car is great and other than the alternator has never worried me. It handles very good, and still has plenty of power. very good for passing. I road tested a 2003 not too long ago and it seemed slower. (may have been due to rear gearing, also may have been due to sales guy in the passenger seat)
Isn't wonderful on gas, best ever fuel economy was 22 MPG all highway close to the speed limit. Usually gets 17-18
3/4 highway and 1/4 city driving fairly hard. have seen as low as 14 mpg all city driving the snot out of it.
Dash is kind of boring, electric seat controls are bizarre, rubber floor is great, speakers are very good for a factory system. not much leg room in back seats with front seats all the way back.
Overall if you do your own repairs (and this car has got to be one of the easiest cars to work on) and don't mind people constantly staring at you, the cvpi is an excellent car and I expect this car will go well over 400,000 km, as most of the old taxi's you see at the wreckers have at least this, and I'm sure they are nowhere near as well maintained as I maintain mine.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th October, 2005
24th Nov 2008, 09:31
Yeah, that ping you hear when you hold it wide open is the belt slipping, I also have a cvpi and it does the same thing. I also had to replace the alternator, plus the intake. I bought the cvpi at a police auction for $800 plus the part for a grand total of $1000. Overall the car is pretty much indestructible if you care for it. Although I don't have all the cosmetic damage you do, but I had a couple of you know pop stains but that is about it.