I Think the Answer is Panther

"That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms" (thatbastardkurtis5) 07/18/2015 at 20:47 • Filed to: None

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Tomorrow night, the auction for my Civic is ending on eBay. I’ve got it on there with a reserve at $2500 because it’s got a clutch issue that I don’t feel like fixing, so I’ve been trying to figure out what I can buy for that money.

Inspiration came from my new job, where I work pretty closely with the Providence Police Department. The garage where I park is practically overflowing with Crown Vics.

Low mileage, solid P71s are abundant around the $2-3k mark. It’s big, somewhat entertaining, and it’ll baby, which is key.

My favorite one I’ve found so far is this one:

Its a 2003, has 95k miles, and needs work on the a/c and front windows (a great combination, since its going to be like 90 all week). He doesnt have any interior pictures up besides the dash, but if its as solid as the outside, thats good enough for me. And for all this Panther excellence, hes only asking $1500.

Now I know there are some Panther owners here. What do I need to look for and avoid on these cars? Never owned one before, though I’ve thought about it plenty of times. Hopefully I can find one nearby to check out tomorrow, since I’ve never even driven a Panther.

boxrocket > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 07/18/2015 at 21:44

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Panthers are great. Some departments use Grand Marquis and Town Car models for detectives, captains/supervisors, and undercover cars, but you’ll mostly find the P71s like you’re describing.

Apart from parking and fuel consumption, there’s few notable downsides, other than those that have been covered ad nauseam.

Alternately, used Volvos in the same price range can also baby, and you don’t have as significant a fuel consumption issue. Plus wagons availability.

Happy hunting!

jkm7680 > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 07/18/2015 at 22:04

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Do it! Window regulators are the biggest problem with them, if it was a marked patrol car make sure to check the back door locks and that everything is in place and where it should be.

They’re great cars for everybody. The gas mileage isn’t that atrocious, the insurance isn’t bad, there’s acres of comfortable usable space on the interior, the engine note is actually sex, they last forever and they’re easy to work on. Go for it! The ‘03 and ‘04 model years are apparently the best ones for the Crown Vic P71 also.

MM54 > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 07/19/2015 at 15:19

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‘04 is the best year, ‘03 is second so you’re good there, plus the black ones look best. The windows may be a bit tough to do (I’ve worked inside those doors fixing my locks and it’s a little tight) but it’s certainly doable. The A/C system is also as simple as they come so, as long as the evap is good, you’re no more than a day’s labor (+parts) and a charge from working A/C.

In terms of potential issues, there isn’t a ton to watch out for. If it’s an early ‘03 you may be getting close to finding out if you have the bad timing chain tensioners - listen to the front of the engine. I want to say by mid model year they fixed it. The other thing with ‘03s (and I believe only ‘03s) is that there was a batch is axle shafts which weren’t hardened properly and will wear and cause some problems. Check inside the rear wheels if there’s gear oil leaking from the diff.

If it matters to you, there will be a tag on the diff with the ratio that will also tell you if it’s an LSD - “3 27” indicates 3.27 gears, open, “3L27” is limited slip, etc.

Make sure the transmission fluid is in okay shape, with that mileage everything should be okay though. If you have any questions, let me know. I’ve fixed just about every part that can break on mine (except the a/c because reasons)...

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > MM54 07/20/2015 at 21:18

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That’s a pretty good rundown right there. Are 03-04 the best years because of a lack of drive by wire, or is there another reason for it? I’ve heard the 05s are a bit laggy for throttle response...I’m not an electric throttle fan, I’m pretty happy to be looking at one with a good old fashioned throttle cable.

I like what I’m hearing about the cars so far, and I figure with a decent set of snow tires on it I should be able to drive it year round...the one I’m checking out tomorrow has the limited slip, but I don’t know which ratio...hoping for 3.55s, but I believe it’s a former MA state car, so 3.27s would seem like the choice for them.

MM54 > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 07/20/2015 at 21:46

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In 2003 they redesigned the chassis and it got much better. I’ve have an ‘02 and had an ‘03 and the suspensions and brakes in the ‘03 are hugely better. In 2004 they redid the intake runner and tune and bumped up the power. In 2005 they got drive by wire which sucked the first couple years, and any particular 05-07 may or may not have had its computer updated by the dealer to fix the lag. By 2008 they were being decontent-ed to death.

I drive my ‘02 year-round, the past couple winters in Erie PA I’ve pushed snow with the front bumper, no problem with good snow tires (I have Firestone Winterforce). To be safe I throw two bundles of shingles in the trunk, 160lbs right over the axle that can double as stuff-under-the-tires if I get stuck (never had to use them, though). The limited-slip rear is a must for the snow, as far as I’m concerned. 3.55s are pretty rare, P71s are likely to have 3.27s but could be had with the taller gear, so we’ll see. Like I said, it’s easy to check as long as nobody lost the tag (in my case, the diff cover had never been removed in 170k miles so it was still there).