turbodiesel,
thanks for the info on the C Vic siites- I have reaserched the brake upgrade, big downside is that the bigger rotors and calipers also require 17" wheels. Another big gripe I have with the car is that the door panels only have 2 screws attaching them to the doors, the rest is up to a bunch of plastic hooks molded in the door panel, which are failing on the driver's side. New ones are 800 bucks at the dealer.
My real poing of conention is that Ford has done little to fix the design in later cars.

I recently had the pleasure of test driving a 300SD in Monterey that was well cared for, owner asking 3900- I realized then that I'd be much better off selling the Vic and plowing that money into a well-maintained 300SD--- there's no comparison. @ reasons I didn't buy the SD- it had a noisy rear end and it had lots'o'blowby, 234K on the original motor.

Sixto- thans for the hint about coverage. I didn't even think of that angle! I probably wouldn't have collision on this car, but comp will be an issue.

Robert, I feel your pain, I had a '79 Cordoba. Doors big enough to sleep in. At least the CD is really a compact compared to that.

To ALL, I will keep you posted. Seller eas not in on Friday, will check back Monday.

Thanks!!
Nate