LOL, actually these cars are EXTREMELY cheap to repair, and the parts and abundant and cheap. Every mechanic knows these inside out, as they repair many cabs.

I'm not saying here that these cars as good. No, they are pretty lousy for private use, but they do have a purpose, and police and cabbies love them.

 

what are you trying to say, are you replying to me insisting that I somehow represent the entire Nissan/Infiniti lineup, Im on my 4th Nissan and have never done anything but preventative maintenance, I have never had a problem with my cars, I worked in dealers, I know better not to take the car back, and my father who owned 2 nissans, never changed the oil on them, and had no problems, and the FX is 900 miles away in NY, thats his car, I tried to convince him to get a loaded Camry.

So if you asked me to buy a Mercury that was the same price as a Nissan, Infiniti or Lexus, I know to much about Ford but I want a LX570, the FX is fast, and just not for me, my 09 Maxima is a better all around car and has half the monthly car payment

and those surveys mean nothing to me, since being a tech and a car guy has changed my perception of vehicles, and knowing a couple guys who own shops helps reinforce my views

 

Like I said, I've seen these cars need tons of work right before the warranty expires, and then all was good, in fact I have seem German cars do the same thing

Cheap is a relative term, especially in NY when cost to own and operate a shop are so high, a friend of mine just turned his shop into a QuickieMart, oddly enough he makes more, selling energy drinks and donuts, then turning wrenches.

The cars are around for the long haul, but just not my cup of tea, it's like trying to convince me to buy a used M, I love the car just don't want to deal with it

 

I dont know, I've never heard of anyone having major problems with their Crown Vics. I've had a number of friends that bought used police crown vic, and they all seemed issue free.

Their biggest issue is body bushings sagging, so the whole car starts to rattle and squeak.

Well, cheap meaning that parts are inexpensive compared to other makes, and labor isn't time consuming because mechanics are experienced with these cars, and everything is very accessible under the hood.

As far as operating a shop in NYC, I don't know how they survive. Your average rent would be $3500-4000 a month, plus bills and insurance, thats at least 5k right there. Add the cost of equipment and tools that you need to invest into, and then if you have 3-4 mechanics working full time, your salary must be 9-12k per month. With these expenses you gotta pull in at least 25-30k a month for it to make sense.



Not my cup of tea either, but like I said before, they do have a certain purpose.

 

Grand Marquis ownership (and a number of Buicks as well) goes well beyond the Grandpa/Grandma stereotype.

Exactly. And that is why Ford is foolish to drop this car.

 

Since you read my review, you know that the CR-Z would be a lot better than it is now if it had a more refined and crisp-operating powertrain. Other than that, it's a pretty nice little package.


Actually, I had a similiar car not long after I first got MY license. My sporty Plymouth Barracuda, granted, was nice in some ways, but like you, I also enjoyed a big luxury soft-driver.

Agreed. And, while they are at it....bring back the big V8 full-frame GM cars as well. But the new CAFE laws may make that very difficult.

 

I have to disagree....for two main reasons. First, Ford kept these cars in production long after GM had (foolishly, IMO) discontinued the competing Chevy Caprice/ Buick Roadmaster/Cadillac Fleetwood, yet it was GM, not Ford, who actually went bankrupt and needed both Government money and a classic buyout to stay in buisness. Second, the Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/Town Car was a source of profit for Ford, not a loss.....they were considerably cheaper to produce than their actual list prices.

 

Yes, personally I'm glad to see that Ford is interested in progressing (being a member of a Ford family for decades).

 

I know a number of cops who sure don't consider it progress. They liked their Crown Vics for a reason. The ones I know who have been forced into Impalas and Chargers have ended up b**ching. A lot of cab drivers (though I don't know any personally) aren't too cool on the idea either.

 

Yes, they like the abuse the cars can take and durability, but they really don't enjoy driving them.

I know several cops, not one actually owns a Crown Vic for personal car. And it's not the cops decision to make when it comes to using taxpayers money.

Progress is what shareholders of Ford stock want and demand (including members of my family with longstanding ownership positions).

 

Yes, the cops will adjust to new vehicles as old models go away. They won't have much choice.

 

Profits...and dividends.....is what the Ford shareholders want. We'll see if Ford can keep making money or not. So far, they have not needed Government assistance.

I agree.....I'll probably not have another RWD car myself. But there was no denying the Crown Vic/Grand Marquis's appeal to law enforcement, taxi firms, and traditionally-minded car buyers who liked the bod-on-frame design.


Well, since it's apparantly a done deal, it's probably not worth arguing about. Ford made its bed, and will now lie in it. Like I said above, we'll see if it was a good buisness decision....and if it makes money.

(But I wouldn't want to be a Ford exec, though, or in the marketing department. From now on, if they get caught speeding or running red lights, the cops may have it out for them)

 

Well hell the same could be said for Nissan. They were basically bankrupt and saved by the French, Renault. Clearly the plan worked. Now Infiniti will use Benz parts and engines.

What is completely different is there was a focused plan to get Nissan out their mess whereas Mercury has floundered and gotten basically nothing but rebadged Fords for decades.

I don't know ANYONE who has bought a new Mercury outside of Mr. Johnson who bought a Maurader years ago. Contrast that with Nissan where I know tons of people with one.

 

Yes, not worth the trouble argueing about, just more idle chit chat.

That type of P/L granularity will never be disclosed (by model) for those that know how financial reporting is done.

But as a Ford insider, I support the decision and the shutdown of Mercury. Ford does not need to listen to geezers living in the past because they don't generate enough revenue to matter. Yes the low profit margin government and commercial buyers have some say but still are not nearly as lucrative as car models sold with high demand to general public.

 

Look at the cheap, junk Nissans that Ghosn gave us, though, while the plan WAS working. I know you remember them.

Agreed, but Mercury floundered at least partly because of Ford's neglect, not just the other way around.

I know a few new Merc owners but, agreed....substantially more Ford owners. Everything, of course, sells here in the D.C. area...even the Acura RL.