Quote:
Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels
I agree, but not a Lincoln. Go for the Mercury Marquis -- you don't want to look like you are flaunting your $$ (or look like a airport limo either) I sliver Marquis would do nicely... If the area allows it, get a nice condition W126 XXX SEL as that car exudes understated class... just don't get a smelly smokey diesel  |
Either a Town Car or a Grand Marquis '00 - '01 sounds like a great idea to me.
Or maybe even a newer one
Not only will they be quiet, give the appearance of being American made (though the Grand Marquis is built at the STAP in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, actually!!) and have incredible comfort, smoothness and reliability and room, and the potential for lasting to 300,000 -500,000 miles.
These are the last remaining, perfected of what American carmakers always built best: RWD, BOF, cast iron block pushrod V8 (now in the modular 4.6L version)
For more information, see
www.crownvic.net
Just don't get a white Town Car though, as chances are high it might have seen commercial use.
Don't forget they are the car of choice of America's retirees, so there are always LOTS of gently used, low mileage examples to choose. Especially in Florida, Southern California and Arizona.....
If you want to spend $15,000, that can buy you a one year old rental return Mercury Marquis GS or LS with some factory warranty left on it, stretching your budget a bit..
Stretching a bit more you could roll a brand new Mercury Grand Marquis for about $18k, as Ford is running a factory $5,500 rebate on them now.
Get one in a dark metallic color, such as dark blue, dark red, or black, or a non metallic pastel color.
They are available commonly with velour (The Grand Marquis GS, or with leather, the Grand Marquis LS and the Town Car)
If you get one without the trailer tow option (very desirable), then ditch the space saver spare and put in a full size spare tire.....
What will delight and amaze you is the overall amazingly CHEAP cost per mile to run. Mid 20s hwy mpg, and if you take care of them, virtually NO REPAIRS EVER.
Remember, these are the Police Cars and Taxis in a Tuxedo - the same car! so they are *Really* built to take it.
They are NOT very fast, though, and no one's idea of a sports car, but were never meant to be.
(That said, the enthusiast money goes for a Crown Vic LX Sport version with the bucket seats, floor shifter, better suspension and upgraded wheels or the ne plus ultra, the storming Grand Marquis Marauder with 300 HP.)