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betta510 · 02-22-2008, 10:11

Hello everyone, I'm new here. I just wanted to ask a few question. I currently own a Dodge Charger 07, and I wanted to get a beater so I can preserve some miles on my Dodge. I was looking at getting a crown victoria. Anywhere from year 92 to 99. What I want to know is are these cars reliable?
What problems to look for?
What options should I look to get to come with the car?
I was also thinking about a caprice classic or impala.
I will be getting one from craigslist, like I said, it's just a beater car.

**El Calor** · 02-22-2008, 12:25

From what I know they are great cars! Just about every law enforcement and taxi company has run these cars at some point

ionosphere · 02-23-2008, 15:21

If you get the Crown Victoria or Grand Marquis, you might want to ditch your Dodge, as they will be a lot more comfortable.

**Nathan in MN** · 02-26-2008, 15:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by betta510

Hello everyone, I'm new here. I just wanted to ask a few question. I currently own a Dodge Charger 07, and I wanted to get a beater so I can preserve some miles on my Dodge. I was looking at getting a crown victoria. Anywhere from year 92 to 99. What I want to know is are these cars reliable?

Yes. Very. If well maintained, 300,000+ miles is not at all hard to achieve.

Quote:

Originally Posted by betta510

What problems to look for?

Find out if the intake manifold has been replaced. Look where the upper radiator hose goes into the intake manifold. If that part is aluminum and the rest of the intake is plastic, you're fine. If the place where the upper radiator hose attaches is plastic, plan on replacing the intake manifold. I believe the new intake is somewhere in the $180 range, plus labor if you can't install it yourself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by betta510

What options should I look to get to come with the car?

There's no options really that you HAVE to have or absolutely want to avoid with these cars--it's all a matter of personal preference. Do be aware that on the year range you're talking about, if it's equipped with traction control, you can't turn it off unless you pull the fuse, so that might be a bit annoying if you're not a fan of traction control.

Good luck, and let us know how you make out!

ionosphere · 02-26-2008, 15:56

I've got about another week of waiting for my factory ordered Grand Marquis. Was told when I ordered it that it should take 8-12 weeks, but it is going to end up being 4 months!!! Anyone know why it takes so long?

**Nathan in MN** · 02-28-2008, 20:24

Because dealers don't usually carry Panthers anymore--no one buys them. Whenever anyone wants to buy one, it's sort of considered a special order.