77ricbaez

I am looking for a more reliable car, one that I can daily drive. And i found a dealership with 3 different well kept Grand Marquis: a 2000 GS with 96,000 miles, a 2002 LSE (3.27 axle ratio!) with 68,510 miles and a 2006 LS with 109,000 miles.

What things should I look out for when buying the Panther platform cars?I hear those 4.6L engines last well into 300,000 miles. I have heard of cracked plastic intake manifolds on some of them, I think they switched to aluminum in 2002 (correct me if I'm wrong)?? Any other things to look out for? Any common issues with the Panther platform? I'm honestly leaning to the 2002 just because it's got the lowest miles and because it's got the 3.27 axle and dual exhaust. Still have yet to test drive them, that's why I'm asking what to look for when I see it in person.

oldcutlass

If I remember right the LSE had bucket seats and a floor shift. The GS is the base model, somewhat bland compared to the LS and LSE. The power train on these cars are very reliable, look at all the accessories and insure they work properly. The A/C controller simetimes develope issues. Other than that, the normal rust issues.

77ricbaez

That's strange.. the LSE doesn't have the floor shifter.. Vin check is useless since I think "M74" comes up as GS and the "M75" comes up as LS/LSE. unless you could have the option for column shift on LSE? or a 3.27 ratio with the LS? Rust shouldn't be an issue here in California lol.

TripDeuces

1) Have the plugs been removed or replaced? How many threads came out of the head with the plug?
2) Head light control module - Known to burn out but reliable modules are available aftermarket.

oldcutlass

I also vaguely remember the LSE had air ride. I sold Lincoln/Mercury's back in 2003/5 just don't don't remember much about the 2002's. I'd look for a Marauder if you want something cool and unique.

Olds64

x2

The 4.6L probably wasn't as notorious as the 5.4L Triton engine available in the trucks. However, they both had problem with spark plugs seizing in the head, blowing out and spark plug thread failure in the head. You can get inserts and heli-coils to correct this.

Also, be wary of drivability problems due to failed COPs (coil on plug). The Triton engines like to eat the plugs for breakfast.

77ricbaez

If only lol! I found one but it costs $25000

77ricbaez

Ok guys thanks for the help. My father has a 08 F150 with the 5.4 Triton, has 90,000 miles and that thing still runs strong. No major issues as far as I can remember, needed plugs and could at about 85,000, he had a misfire at high speeds it's a nice truck I'm sure the Marquis would give similar results with reliability

Jon442

I've had a couple ex-cop cars over the years, both with just over 100K on the clock when I got them. Dead reliable. I think any major issues have been touched on here. I assume the LSE also has the handling package, which would be nice to have.

BackInTheGame

As TripDeuces says, watch out for the headlight switch module, I had one burn out. Also the headgasket on the passenger side bank blew out. It was at about 140K miles at that time. This was on a Grand Marquis. Other than that, great car.

77ricbaez

I've read many complaints about that headlight module going out. Now the 02 that's for sale looks so damn good, it looks brand new. I bet the previous owner was an old man or lady who drove it sparingly. 68,510 miles is just amazing. Well, I'll have to see, I haven't taken it for a tet drive yet, but now I know what to look for. I also hear that the timing chain guide has a tendancy to break on the Ford 4.6L and 5.4L.

B964

The headlamp problem (Lighting Control Module) may be a covered repair depending on what year you end up getting.
Safety Recall 15S39 - All 2003-2005 Model Year Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis Vehicles - Headlights Inoperative

Spark plug issue is a worry but repairable in most cases and unlike a 5.4 in an Econoline van access is better. It needs a thread repair insert (not a heli-coil) like Napa 770-3221 and special tool like Lisle makes. If you ever need it done paying a tech that has done a ton may put you money ahead plus the tool is expensive.

Timing chain failure is related to poor maintenance.

I would stay away from any air ride models.

77ricbaez

Whats wrong with the air ride equipped models?

B964

Nothing other than component expense to repair.


There are kits to convert air ride to conventional if it ever came down to it.

77ricbaez

Oh ok, to my understanding, these cars are equiped with front shock absorbers and rear air suspension?

B964

Yes. Front conventional on all, rear air optional.

Olds64

Come to think of it, I've seen plenty of Panther cars with failed front suspension. Catastrophic!

I think the lower ball joints can fail if the car is neglected. Of course, a failed ball joint is obvious. If you're looking for a good daily driver you won't have to worry about that.

cjsdad

I had a 97 Expedition with the rear air suspension and had a failure with it. The system developed a leak and the little compressor just kept running. Luckily I noticed it right away and unplugged it so it wouldn't burn itself out. The problem was a coupling on the air line on the driver's side fender. FoMoCo sells an upgraded coupling that just pushes on. The lines are plastic so you cut the line as close to the connection as possible and clean it. Push the new connector on and away you go. I see a lot of those cars with a droopy rear and wish I could tell them all about that. It is a simple and very inexpensive fix. Dunno how much the little compressor is if it burns out though.

I changed the plugs on both of my Expy's several times and never had a problem with them. Just remember the head is aluminum and don't over torque the plugs and you shouldn't have any issues.

The head gasket issue was because of a certain run of engine blocks being machined improperly. You can look it up on the Ford Truck forums to find the exact years.

The coil issue with the Expy was a leaky connection for the rear heater line that dripped on the passenger rear coil. FoMoCo also has an upgrade repair kit for that which consists of a new hose clamp.

Those engines respond VERY well to Bosch Platinum +4 plugs and a K & N air filter.

I would buy one again!

TripDeuces

The failed air suspension is another common thing on many Fords, especially the Lincolns. Not sure how it relates to others in the Ford line up. Ford sold I kit to eliminate or fix the old system for around $2k but NAPA has a fix for around $500.
Burned through exhaust manifolds are another Ford problem.

stevengerard

Keep on eye out for a Marauder. They are either way over priced or cheep right now. You can find them now for under $5000 if you are patient. Most had the LCM (Lighting control module) replaced under warranty but that doesn't mean they won't go out. Air suspension components are widely available. Not not cheap but not real expensive and relatively easy to replace. Either a crown vic sport, the LSE or the MM are great cars