Faults:
This car is over 25 years old and in excellent shape.
One original owner before me, always kept up with maintenance. No major rust as it's a west coast car.
There is really nothing wrong with the car, except for the rear power window control don't work from the drivers seat control. They still roll down from the back controls.
Had to replace some signal bulbs. Just maintenance.
351 is a great engine. LOTS of power, lots of fun.
Considering this car has well over 420000 kilometers on it, it's amazing it's still running.
It runs great actually, like new, floats over potholes and bumps like a yacht on a calm ocean.
General Comments:
I love old V-8, rear wheel drive, domestic land barges for the 1970's and 1980's.
At first it was just for the looks and nostalgia, but after owning a few and driving them, you will never want to switch to a front drive compact again.
The price of gas is not even an issue for me, as these old cars are so reliable and maintenance free that it makes up for the difference is gas price in the long run.
It's just totally worth it to drive a real, full size, rear wheel drive car. The steering is effortless, and the suspension absorbs bumps like nobody's business. This car is made for the highway, long trips, and the open road.
The ford 351 engine provides plenty of power, almost an unnecessary amount, but it's lots of fun. This wagon weighs over 2 tons and can still beat most cars off the line!
Keep in mind the 351 was put in these wagons so they could carry a family of 6-8 people with all their luggage, a roof mounted luggage carrier, and pull a travel trailer at the same time. Very tough car, built like a truck!
I have owned a few GM cars of the same era like the Chevy Caprice, Buick LeSabre, and Pontiac Parisienne, and I must say I prefer the GM's, mostly just because the interior controls are laid out better for the driver, as well the interior is more comfortable is most models.
As far as quality and reliability goes, this is a great car. I'm not much of a Ford guy, but I have to say they made this one right.
This is a very safe car as well, huge steel bumpers front and back, full frame, and heavy steel panels. I feel very safe when driving this car, even with bad drivers on the road. That's worth a lot to me.
It's very comfortable to seat many, many people as well. Huge bench seats! I also like the power tailgate window, very nice for the summer.
So far I have enjoyed this car a lot, it seems to be ready for another 100000k as well!
18th Jun 2013, 00:22
'Plan to continue to buy Fords' - this is a reasonable policy, if by it you mean you will continue to buy good, solid old Panther platform (Crown Vic/Mercury Grand Marquis/Lincoln Town Car) vehicles. If by that you meant you might buy a new Ford, I would be careful. Nothing made today compares in quality, comfort, or durability with the old full-sized, full-framed cars.