Faults:
Rebuilt transmission - 92,000.
Mounted heavy duty air shocks on rear - 96,000.
Replaced alternator - 105,000.
Replaced water pump - 197,000.
Replaced right rear axle - 252,000.
Replaced radiator - 285,000.
General Comments:
This car lived it's first 92,000 miles climbing the hills of San Francisco, which tore the transmission out of it. I purchased it from the original owner for nearly nothing because of the bad transmission. With a re-built transmission I have proceeded to put 210,000 miles on it in the last five years. (I will have had this car 5 years in June 2004) It will have approximately 215,000 miles on it by then.
I drive from Seattle to San Francisco once or twice a month in it. Winter or summer the car just keeps going. Not only going, but it continues to average 22 mpg on the trip. Trip, after trip, after trip, after trip. I couldn't find a new car that can get that mileage and would be as comfortable to drive.
When I make the drive the rear seat is always down and the back is loaded to the roof with the equipment I need for my job. I am carrying between 2000 & 3000 pounds of equipment in the back.
With the air shocks I put on the back, this car carries the gear and still rides smooth as silk.
Since I got my first car in 1970 I have owned 12 cars and trucks. This is without a doubt, the most dependable, indestructible vehicle I have ever owned. I keep thinking I need to get a newer vehicle for this drive, but this wagon never lets me down.
9th Sep 2013, 23:47
This car is great. I've never had any problems out of the Grand Marquis.
Replaced head gaskets, wheel bearings, spark plugs and Monroe air shocks.
The cruise control switch is broken, but I don't care about that now; it can be fixed or I can find a salvaged one.
I love how the car still drives and fits 5 passengers, included an extra front middle seat. They are like sitting in a La-Z-Boy recliner with the soft cushion.
The power windows, locks, and seats all still work and are original, but in 2011 I had to replaced a motor for the left back window, and the A/C switch broke for some reason, but was fixed at a cheap price for $80.00.
Otherwise the car still has the power and effortless acceleration. It's an overall dependable automobile.
The paint, interior, motor and transmission still work great, but I need to have the valve gaskets replaced. They look kind of worn out for the car's age.
Otherwise the car is cheap to do repairs on, and starts up excellent without hesitating at first click.
These cars last a lifetime with oil changes and maintenance. The 5.0 liter Ford motor is powerful, as with the Crown Victoria; same big engine performance; you can't wrong with a Ford product.
This car is better than hassling with another car note. The Grand Marquis is a very reliable car. The odometer clocked over 324,000 miles and she is still running strong at her age, where it's time for her to be retired, but she keeps going on going like the Energizer Bunny, but she is my Energizer Grand Marquis with a high mileage on the engine. I use high mileage oil to keep her road worthy and happy.