I previously was going to buy a 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis for $500, but the seller sold it for $400 to a friend.
I am now looking at a 1998 Ford P71 Crown Victoria (police package, used in service with Sarnia Police).
It has 396,000km...this is a bit high for a civilian car but aparently slightly low for a retired police car.
Engine and trans in perfect shape, needs minor body work (filler needed sparingly over driver front fender for slight rusting), and both bumpers are broken in one way or another, but nothing bondo can't fix in 45 minutes.
Interior is beat up, but in overall good shape. Recently, the driver floor had a plate welded over it (as there was significant wear, and soon it would have broken through). It is now structurally sound, and based on photographs and verbal descriptions, a mechanic I know says it will likely pass the safety inspection.
It passed emissions test 3 months ago, but unfortunately the check engine idiot light is on and does not turn off. There is no apparent cause for this, and both the seller and I agree that there is no apparent cause. The seller, who bought it from a reseller (who never drove it) who bought it from an auction, says it has always been on since they got it. My speculation is that when the police equipment was removed, some under-the-hood wiring was damaged. Other things that have been removed were a high-performance aftermarket stereo and an alarm system, but these were removed in preparation for this sale and the light was on before they were removed anyway.
By the way, what are some possible causes for the light to be on if the transmission and engine are in near-perfect condition?
Anyway, it's going for $1000 firm.
I've heard from a number of places that the 4.6L Crown Vics (including this one) are relatively good on fuel...the seller told me (though this may be innacurate) that it is comparable to a '97 Cavalier (the seller's second car).
Is this a reasonable purchase as a 16 year old's first car?
Thanks, Kevin