Intake manifold left me stranded at 95,000 miles. This is a defect in original manufacturing. If you plan on buying one of these, make sure this has been swapped out. Otherwise, budget for expensive repairs.
Temperature blender motor in dash went at about 80,000 miles. (Only blew hot air, no cool air from the A/C.) It was a $65 dollar part, but a 6 hour job to fix it. I understand this to be another repair owners of these cars can expect to make at some point.
I spent $400 on a new steering gearbox at 90,000 miles. After much trouble diagnosing, this repair helped do-away with a shimmy in the steering wheel that was very obvious going over imperfections in the road at higher speeds.
I also had trouble with two of the four power window regulators between 75,000 and 85,000 miles.
All four brake rotors became warped and needed replaced within the past year.
One function of the power seat motors on the driver's side failed at about 80,000.
I bought this from a local dealership as a very clean 7-year-old car in 2004. It was to be a second car, but has since become my everyday driver.
I've read how great these cars are, and I think they can be. But if you have one of these or are in the market for one, you should beware that there are some expensive repairs that seem to come with the territory. I bought the car for $7000 and have likely spent another $2500 in repairs the past two years. Thanks to this car, I have me mechanic's phone number memorized. I don't think that's a good sign.
I still have lots of faith in the motor (I've seen some of these reach 300,000 miles in taxicabs, when heavier oil was used.) Tranny seems strong too.
The car is at its best on the interstate. Maximum fuel mileage (27-28 MPG) seems to occur at 70-75 MPH.
The seats are fairly comfortable, but the car has surprisingly little leg room in the front for a 6-2 driver.
I love these cars, you need to also worry about the IAC these parts go bad on these cars. My 2000 Grand Marquis needs one at 43K miles.
I have had the exact same problems! Intake manifold... mine was about 12.000 to repair, blender door, that was a cool 250.00...and now my drivers side window doesn't work...craziness. And my intake manifold went out AFTER the March cut off... not very happy.
Wow, my '96 crown Victoria is a real tank, size and durability! I have over 350,000 kilometers (218,000 miles) on it and it takes little things (power window motors, my power steering pump recently went, transmission needs a rebuild, finally) If you can afford the gas in the beast, there a real keeper!
I paid $1200 for my fairly clean highway patrol unmarked P71, replace the windshield ($165 installed) and a new set of tires, still has the old manifold @ 170,000 miles (not all these were bad, just certain lot #'s) the recall ends 10 years from date of manufacture, brake pads are the easiest I've ever replaced, the oil cooler system can give you problems, and very expensive, but can be shade tree fixed for about $30 in odd parts, haven't had any of the other problems listed, but I think it helps that it's miles where mostly highway, city PD cars take a lot more abuse, my car gets 22mpg every tank full, and I drive it like I stole it! LOVE this car! and with all the used Crown Vic's out there, there will always be one in my driveway!...just my opinion.
I'm very pleased with my 1996 Crown Victoria police interceptor. I have a 16-mile commute along a very bad stretch of freeway where big trucks drive at 70 mph in the slow lane. So I want a lot of car around me for protection. The Crown Vic is a very nice performer when you need good acceleration at high speeds. Purchased it cheap at an auction. It needed several thousand $$ in repairs but I'm still very happy with the car and would do it all over again.
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