Faults:

Needed upper ball joints at 112,000. I replaced everything: uppers, lowers, inner + outer tie rods. This way everything can be lubed each oil change.

Brake light switch.

Crank sensor.

At around 130,000 the torque converter went bad. While I had the trans out of the car, I took it to a local trans shop to rebuild it. To this day I think it was a smart move.

A few driver window regulators. This is more of an annoying problem, seeing how you can't find quality replacements.

Original alternator at 135,000.

At around 147,000 the A/C evaporator leaked. I went ahead and replaced everything in the whole system including compressor, dryer, and condenser. Again another smart move on my part.

Original catalytic converters, and I rebuilt the EGR system at around 165,000.

And of course the infamous rear air suspension air bags started to leak at 175,000. I replaced them with conventional springs. It took me about an hour and was only $250 dollars for the conversion kit. Don't let anyone fool you by saying the air bags provide a better ride, there is absolutely NO difference.

General Comments:

After 8 years of ownership and reaching a milestone of 200,000 miles, I thought it would be a good time to finally post a review of this fabulous car.

I performed all of the above repairs myself (except the trans rebuild). There have been also a few piece of mind repairs I have done over the years, such as the last time I replaced the drive belt, I also did the idler pulley and tensioner. A few weeks ago the original starter was showing signs of fatigue, so I replaced it. Sometimes I just get bored and like to do more than an oil change every 3,000, so I find things to maintain for the hell of it. At the end of the day it makes me feel good knowing I have a reliable lead sled that will keep on going. There are still many original parts on this car.

The Panther platform is for sure one of Ford's best, from when it was born in 1979 to when it was shamefully discontinued in 2011. The 4.6 provides reliability and decent power. Body on frame construction is very solid. The ride is smooth, but can be a little choppy on rough roads. The standard tire size should be wider; you do have to be careful on wet roads.

As far as interior, it is roomy, comfy and quiet. I do like the interior better in the '90-'94 models than the '95-'97. With the age and mileage, the driver's half of the front leather seat has held up well, but is now starting to discolor and crack.

On the outside this car is very sharp and formal looking (the way American luxury should be). The black body with gray interior and black carriage roof with opera lamps and limo-like back window really make it distinctive looking. I have only seen one other that looks sort of the same. It is not really a classic, but I do get complements and thumbs up from time to time.

The restyle from 1998 and beyond grew on me over the years, and I would not hesitate to purchase a newer model if the time ever comes to let this one go. They are pretty much the same mechanically.

Do not be afraid to purchase a Town Car or any Panther platform with over 100,000 miles. Weak points are window regulators, and the original front end parts. The trans will last as long as you drain the torque converter every 50,000.

Buy one and enjoy! You will never see brand new cars like this again.

Faults:

The clear coat was peeling off the car.

The front power windows & motors went out yearly.

The headliner started to fall.

Replaced the rear airbag springs & compressor.

The plastic intake manifold split open at 98000 miles (thank God for warranties).

General Comments:

The car was a great runner & performer.

The low quality of the paint & window components were annoying. $400 for a window regulator & motor in each front door every year got to be very annoying.

The annoying details are what led me to get rid of the car.