When my mom wrecked her 01 Buick at age 80 I helped her get another almost identical but two years newer. I got it from the Toyota dealer for less than wholesale including a new set of tires.

She drove it for about another year and gave up her license. I think she sold it for more than we paid for it.

I didn't want to worry about her learning a new set of controls and so forth so got the same car basically with less miles.

For that reason it might be a good idea to consider keeping with a newer crown vic or the merc version if you can find a good low miles one. (I imagine there are quite a few out there with low miles owned by octogenarians).

That said I don't know how you could go wrong with the avalon either.

We just got the Mrs. a HOnda Fit. Its easy to get in and out of and very nice to drive. Inexpensive to buy and hopefully to operate too with excellent resale. It might not have the right cache though with her circle though.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.