Under 20 Miles: 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
Most of the time when we see full-size cars from FoMoCo like this, we tend to think of them being used pretty heavily. Crown Victorias for police and taxis, Town cars for chauffers and government agencies, etc. The Mercury Grand Marquis isn’t seen as often, but falls in between those two examples in the lineup. It may not be a classic in the normal sense, but it’s certainly unusual – this one is basically a brand-new example, with only 31.4km (19.5) miles on the odometer. This could quite possibly be the lowest-mileage example left, and it’s for sale here online in Napanee, Ontario with an asking price of $29,900 CAD (approximately $23,300 USD).
The seller doesn’t provide much specific information, but does state this is an estate car that is in showroom condition, and has never been in the rain or snow. It would appear that this car was driven home when new, maybe a couple more short trips since then, and then left untouched. Whatever the reason, it presents perfectly. The paint is shiny (and so are the tires, thanks to some detailing), and all the glass, trim, and lights look flawless as would be expected for a car with no mileage on it.
The interior is nothing fancy, and the blue somewhat dates it compared to a black or gray interior, but it also looks new with no stains, tears, rips, or discoloration. The woodgrain trim is a nice touch, and I’m sure this would be a very comfortable place to spend some time in – those seats look about as big as a sofa! One surprising feature is the digital gauge cluster. If this car ends up in the States, I’m hoping that is easy to change from km/h to mph. The seller doesn’t mention anything one way or another, but from the photo iy appears all the gauges work and no warning lights are illuminated.
The engine looks as clean as you’d expect with just a light amount of dust from sitting the last 20 years. The engine is a 4.6 liter V8 coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The listing says all the seals have been lubricated, the fluids topped up, and there are no leaks. Underneath the car looks excellent as well, with no rust or road grime. Fortunately, the car was started regularly over the last 20 years, which if done correctly will have helped keep things operating properly. This car seems to need nothing else done to it, and is ready for its next owner.
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Comments
These were always my first choice as a
rental car.You could get high 20’s mpg on the freeway,
& weren’t worn out after driving all day.
I’ve been tempted to pick one up as a daily driver.
If you drive one,you’ll understand why the cops love them.
It’s sad that they’re not made any more.
Wow.
There has to be someone out there who says that these big rear-wheel-drive Ford/Mercury/Lincoln models were the best thing ever for what they were designed to do– dependable, unpretentious, basic, economical use, but with enough nice trim and finish (and size) to make them attractive and comfortable at a reasonable price. For this person, here you go– a new Grand Marquis.
Maybe there will be something which needs replaced due to 20 years of non-use, but maybe not. I guess it could be maintained as a “wrapper” car, but if I was the person I described above, I’m good to go with my 20 year old new car of my dreams, at not much money.
Finally one of my tips makes it to a feature! Found on trader.ça!
And he didn’t give you credit for it .
I hate when that happens!
Been there.
I wonder if Nick, Jesse or Josh will chime in now and give your your due credit? Nice find!
The panthers are a great platform. The factory tow pkg added a dual exhaust i believe. Good for another 20hp. These tow more than many new suvs.
The Marquus ” de sade ” edition is a real cream puff option.
Changing from km to miles on those is one button and it changes all the gauges back.
How would you lubricate the seals? Just run it? Spray something non them?
Uncle Buck, in order to do this, you would first need to go to a large marine mammal supply store, back in the “Adult” section and ask for Seal lubricant.
A walrus was driving and broke down.took the car to the shop and had to wait for a diag. While he was waiting he ate an ice cream. The tech came out with the diag and said u blew a seal. The walrus replied wiping his face nope just ice cream.
Towing rating was only 2000 pounds, not more than many new SUVs.
Fair enough Joe good call. I should’ve said “cuv’s” Our rav4 can only tow 1500lbs
Most small SUVs with a towing package can tow 3500 pounds.
You need the 3.5 litre V-6 RAV4. It will tow 3,500 lbs all day long.
Joe you and Jack are right again. That yr Rav4 was a dandy. 5spd auto and 260+hp v6 if I recall in a relatively lite weight awd pkg. Real fast units actually. Coworker has one they fly.
And indeed they tow way more. Ours is an 05 last yr of the stick shift. We have the std trans and in the snow its the best vehicle ive driven for that job, and ive driven alot of trucks and owned a landcruiser. Great car really but its 2.4L motor is a wimp for towing anything over 1000lbs. Still own it, just got me home through another nasty ❄ snowstorm tonite. Merry Christmas All 🎅
Oh man I’m seriously considering pulling the trigger on this one
Let us know if you do!
My wife had the exact car but with a white leather interior. It wasn’t as comfortable as mt 02 F- 250 but did get 26mph on the highway. I’m 6 ft and the seats bottoms are too short for me.
We had 130k when the plastic intake manifold cracked. We went to a used Rav4 after that and never looked back. The tranny was weird by about 90k and I was waiting for it to go anyday. Now my f-250 with this mileage would be great except for the plugs shooting out at 60k intervals. No Fords for me now.
Sounds like a great deal, i hope the digital gauges are not trouble.
Had the Ford version: ’93 Crown Vic…
Fabulous ride quality; 25mpg city with
the 4.6. One of the best vehicles I’ve
ever owned.
There are lots of these in Florida. Many of them sit in underground parking garage idle for 9 months until the snowbirds come back. Most are in excellent condition.
I had a 2003 Mercury Marauder (fancied up Grand Marquis w/ Mustang Mach 1 32 valve 4.6) – great car. Super comfortable and a decent performer with the 4 valve engine. I bought it used in 2005 and had driven it for 8 years and put 97k miles on it (total mileage was 120k) when I was rear ended and the insurance company totalled it. They gave me just $6,000 less than I had paid for it 8 years and 97k miles prior. Talk about cheap transportation!!!
Sorry to hear that, Neil. The Marauders are practically unicorns now, really hard to find.
For me the Panthers are one of the best platforms ever made. I have an older Vic and one of these 2000 Marquis.
I love to drive them both and have spent very little beyond regular maintenance.
nice car but c’mon man …..30 grand ….its a 22 yr old Ford ….
Its $23,300 USD.
ok …. 23 grand u s d …. c’mon man !
$23,000 for a new luxury car is a bargain!