Help me pick a town car (please!)

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greg9807

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Hey everyone, i just decided to sign up, i thought maybe some of you could steer me in the right direction because I love town cars and want to get one.

Im in college, working part time, so im looking to spend around $5k.

Searching autotrader, it looks like i can get the following:

1. 92-93 Town car, 60-75k miles.

2. 95-97 Town car, 80-90k miles.

My main issue because of my tight budget is I do not want a car that is not relaiable, and will cost me alot in repairs (dont work on cars myself, so id have to pay someone).

What do you think i should go with if i want to minimize repair/maintence costs? The older ones have lower milage, but they are also about 5 years older.

Should i go with the older/lower milage, or the newer but higher milage?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
 
greg9807 said:
Hey everyone, i just decided to sign up, i thought maybe some of you could steer me in the right direction because I love town cars and want to get one.

Im in college, working part time, so im looking to spend around $5k.

Searching autotrader, it looks like i can get the following:

1. 92-93 Town car, 60-75k miles.

2. 95-97 Town car, 80-90k miles.

My main issue because of my tight budget is I do not want a car that is not relaiable, and will cost me alot in repairs (dont work on cars myself, so id have to pay someone).

What do you think i should go with if i want to minimize repair/maintence costs? The older ones have lower milage, but they are also about 5 years older.

Should i go with the older/lower milage, or the newer but higher milage?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
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:W to :V I own a 91 Town Car, go and look at them if you can inspect them real good.
 
it doesnt matter is they 5,000 or 555,000 on it, if it wasnt properly maintained, its going to be a problem car. my suggestion is to buy from a reputable dealer. i bought my 99 from the lincoln dealership because i know they will not sell a car that isnt a cut above the rest in terms of performance and reliability. dont buy one from one of those tote the note, 160 every other week places, the car wont last the duration of the payments.
i prefer the 95-97 exterior and the 90-94 interior. but if i was you, i would look for a nice 97 signature series or cartier. if youre not buying from a lincoln dealership, i would suggest talking the lot into letting you drive the car for 2 days and then taking it to a mechanic and have him look the car over and tell you if there are any problems, potential problems.. etc.. if im not mistaken, a car lot is required to give you a 72 hr road test. should be enough time to figure out if its the one for you or not.
 
Yeah, a used fleet car has high miles, but their always maintenenced.
 
Couple of things to look for:

All model years:

Air suspension
Make sure the air suspension is in GOOD order. check for any leaks, tears or over worked compressors... If it isn't insected you may find yourself replacing the bags not far down the road... Cost will run up to 1200+ at dealership...

Valve stem seals - Typically worse in the older years 90-94, but better with newer TC 95-98... Typical sign is it will puff blue smoke on acceleration. Some people say replace immediately, others like me, it has been 2+ yaers and mine is still smoking... Not a big deal to me because it isn;t a large puff... Fixing it will cost about 800+ at dealership...

95+ years - plastic intake manifold...
ASK if the original manifold has been replcaed... IF NOT, than DEMAND that they repolace it with a new one as the plastic one WILL break on you... FORD just wen through a class-action lawsuit over this... If they deny the car needs one, simply walk away as they are not being honest with you...

This is on top of everything else you would normally do to inspect a car before you buy...
 
I have a lot of experience with TCs in my limo business, from the late 70's on up to '06 models, and the ones I like best were the mid 90's, 95-97, Sig or Cartier models preferred. With proper maintenance, one of these will easily last until you finish school. Miles mean nothing to these cars, unless they are abused or neglected. A 95 with 12k on it will give you more trouble than the same year with 180K. Just sitting doesn't do a car any good, they gotta run.
 
glydrflyr said:
I have a lot of experience with TCs in my limo business, from the late 70's on up to '06 models, and the ones I like best were the mid 90's, 95-97, Sig or Cartier models preferred. With proper maintenance, one of these will easily last until you finish school. Miles mean nothing to these cars, unless they are abused or neglected. A 95 with 12k on it will give you more trouble than the same year with 180K. Just sitting doesn't do a car any good, they gotta run.
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That is true about the mileage, i never thought about it like that before, i have a 95 with 220440. Still going strong!!
 
Oh what kind of thing is that to say! lol
 
I would go with the '95-'97.

The only thing is that the air bags will last you until around 100k (this also can vary due to geographical conditions, driving style, etc. etc.) The air bags themselves will run you about 800 USD, and a air compressor will run you around 600 USD.

I had the A/C unit in my '95 TC go out (1200 USD). I also had an intermittent starting problem (traced it back to a faulty electric relay...costing me about 37 USD and the installation is as easy as plugging something in lol).

Also, check and see if the Manual Lever Transmission Sensor has been replaced. There is a TSB on the '95-'97s. The actual part is about 53 USD. Labour price depends on where you take it. I recommend finding a reputable dealer.

Window switches (especially in the front passenger door) are notorious for going out. The part is about 98 USD, and labour prices vary.

I never had any type of electronic failure. However, the redundant audio/climate controls can wear out in time. That is a simple fix. Just make sure that the rocker switch is making contact with the connector.

The actual engine and transmission WILL NOT DIE!!! lol

I severely abused my '95 TC, to the point where the ENTIRE suspension was going to have to be replaced (at 174K miles).


Good luck!
 
you can get air bags for 80 bucks a piece at arnottindustries.com, theyre better than oem. thats who i used to replace them in my old tc.
 
Air bags for 80 USD a piece? That is a GREAT deal!

Have you been able to find a good deal on an air compressor?

Dood, I just realised that you are from Fort Worth! I'm now residing in Grapevine.
 
beeftallywacker said:
Air bags for 80 USD a piece? That is a GREAT deal!

Have you been able to find a good deal on an air compressor?

Dood, I just realised that you are from Fort Worth! I'm now residing in Grapevine.
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Dude you can get a good rebuilt air ride compressor from Eddie Spinks at www.americanairsuspension.com for $160.00, that is where i got mine from!!!
 
I own a 94 town car and it is a great car, of course I got it from some old people, so it was pretty good condition when I got it, it has given me no trouble. And if you get one, get a signature or cartier.
 
go to edit profile(in the user control panel(the last hyperling on the top row at the top of the page) and enter your msn handle there.
 
Click on user cp and go to edit profile click there and there will be a space for you to enter your msn handle.
 
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