I BOUGHT A MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS - IS IT JUNK? 

I love these cars! Been driving one since 1990. Had a 1986 from my father and drove it 1990-2006. Then bought a 2001 and drove that 2006-2022. Just bought my 3rd MGM, 2006, and drove from AZ to FL for it. 74K, super clean, runs great, drove it home and was getting 29mpg. I hope I am able to drive one till I'm done 🙂

Both the Grand Marquis and Crown Vic are probably the best cars Ford ever made. I worked as a city fleet mechanic for 37 years. The Crown Vics were the ONLY vehicles that never gave us any problems. Of course they were all bought new, and properly maintained. But the ones used as cop cars did get trashed. They still ran fine. I prefer the Grand Marquis because it has a softer suspension, softer seats, and a 2.73 rear axle that lets it cruise at 65 mph on the highway at just above idle. 32 mpg highway. I have owned three of them, an '05, an '06, and now an '07. I put over 400,000 miles on the '05, then gave it to my daughter and son in law, they are still driving it. The '06 has 289,000 on it, and I'm going to wear it out. I recently bought the '07, with only 36,000 miles on it, in like new condition, from an older couple living in a retirement community. They were the original owners, and had a stack of maintenance receipts two inches thick. I paid $9000 for it, and it was worth every penny. It is an original AZ car, was never undercoated, and the bottom is as clean as the top. Zero rust, not even surface rust. I bought the '07 because I knew the '06 would not last the rest of my life, and I wanted one that would. These were/are not project cars, they are transportation cars. I wouldn't be afraid to drive one anywhere. I worked on thousands of them over the past 37 years, and I know everything there is to know about them. If something goes wrong, I can fix it. And at 64, I guess I qualify as an old man. Actually if you live where they salt the roads, the undercoating can start to peel, salt gets between the undercoating and the metal, you can't get it out, and it rusts through the metal. Undercoating is NOT a good idea. I recommend a product called Fluid Film if you live in a salty area. It needs to be reapplied once a year. It doesn't harden, crack, and peel like undercoating. These cars (the Panther Platform cars with the 4.6L 2 valve V8 and AOD transmission) do have a few common problems. Starting at the back, assuming it is not a P71 police car, it will have rear air suspension. The air bags will eventually leak. They are expensive to replace. But there is an alternative. They can be replaced with coil springs for a fraction of the cost of new airbags. I did two of mine that way, and it worked fine. The plastic interior parts tend to be a bit fragile, and you cannot get replacement parts, either from Ford or aftermarket. On models with automatic climate control, which includes all Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Cars, the blend door actuator tends to fail. If replaced at a shop, it's a $2000 job, because the whole dash has to come out. However there is a shortcut way to do it, by removing the passenger side airbag and glovebox, fabricating some tools, and doing it through the airbag opening. Many RU-vid videos on it. The spark plug threads in the head do tend to strip out sometimes. That's probably the worst problem with these cars. The head needs to come off, and these are OHC engines, so there is a LOT of stuff to remove to get the head off. Figure $1000 per head to remove it, Helicoil all 4 holes, and put it all back together. I've done several, it's a 6-8 hour job per head. The last issue is the PLASTIC intake manifold can start to leak coolant. None of my three cars have had that problem, but I have replaced a LOT of intake manifolds on city fleet cars. I suspect they were overheated from idling too long. The transmissions are bulletproof if properly maintained, and cheap to replace if they do fail.

I own a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis LS, I'm an older guy, I call mine "Baby Girl!"

Call it “Mystery Marauder”.

Just found ur channel. I bought an 04 last month. Mine has got the one wheel peel. Definitely something I want to change someday.

First off...glad to have you in the FoMoCo side of things again (I know the shop truck is too)! Makes you smart. My name would be project Marquis-Mark. That way if a u-joint, tie rod or ball joint goes out it will have "good vibrations". I like that idea of "budget-minded" ;)

Just purchased a 2003 LS Ultimate edition today with 38K original miles for $3500. I think I did pretty good with it. Definitely going to be checking out your other videos.

Congrats for 1.300 subscribers, keep spirit.

These kind of cars are very very reliable and yes all you have to do, keep maintaining it, and and these kind of cars are very very reliable.

Im looking at buying a 2010 Merc Grand Marquis, grandpa car, 60k miles, mint condition. Im looking at throwing a nice dual exhaust on it, tinting the windows and making a sleeper of it myself. Looking forward to future videos on this

Today is 10/7/20. Just about two weeks ago I wrote that I was about to have my first experience on a Grand Marquis. I purchased a 2004 GS, one owner (90 yr old lady), 70250 miles in Naples, FL. I had a few things done to it to bring it up to date and ready for a 1200 mile trip from Orlando, FL to Killeen, TX. On 9/26/20 I took off with my brother as a co pilot. I have to say that it was an amazingly comfortable trip. The car is all and a bit more of every great review that you read about. So if you are in the market for one you won't regret it.

I just picked up a 2003 Grand Marquis with 116k miles for $500 that needs a trans. Its rust free but needs a little dent repair. So im gonna manual swap it. Probably gonna have it on the road for less than $2000. They really look good in silver!

I bought a 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis, 84000 original miles, with all options. Teridora red. Mint condition. Love It

Problem with 2003-2011 g Grand Marques, is 2.73:1 axle ratio. Also single exhaust. But that's easy remedied. Watch for coil breakage in front strut assemblies. Look at intake manifold leak. 0442 small evaporates leak, also.

2:20 Laura Palmer. My second favorite TV show of all time.

Jason, do you know what kind of undercoating that car had? I've seen a lot of advice on RU-vid that undercoating is bad because it gets hard and flakes off or it tends to trap moisture underneath it. The general recommendation is to use that Fluid Film oil spray annually instead. A little more effort required but better results for a car that is loved. Plus, you can spray it inside doors and in hard to reach places where a Ziebart might not reach - and it doesn't plug up drain holes.

These cars are absolutely reliable & comfortable. Just keep up with reg maintenance & they last forever. Bought my second one with 104k miles for $2k. From an older gentlemen that has owned since new back in 03'. It looks and drives immaculate!

I had a Grand Marquis and I loved it my grandma always Grove Grand Marquis and she loves them big time if I ever have a chance I'm going to get another one they are one nice cars

We have one that's 10 years older. Look exactly the same! Hah. Ours has 90K miles and came from Florida. Time capsule of sorts. Good luck! Hope your windshield wipers don't get stuck up like ours. :P

Put a dual cat back Magnaflow exhaust on my 08 Grand Marquis. More power and a nice growl. Think you'd like it.

The cruise control buttons usually fail vs the servo motor. Had to replace mine on the 03 green grand marquis

I bought one used about 7 years ago with low mileage for 2K, It has 200 000 miles on it now. The clear coat is peeling on it but the car is still solid (very little rust). I was going to get something newer but this car has been so good I thought I would keep it and fix it up. I put some new headlights and parking lights and a new exhaust system front to back, new shocks/swaybar links and bushings , new tires, new battery and alternator, new 02 sensors, MAF sensor, changed out the diff fluid and tranny fluid. I gave it a good tune up and it runs and drives like new now. I think the car will last another 5 years now easy.

Great car, my mom had one just like it brand new and it would float along smooth at 75 mph. Yes it is a grandma car, but it is a great sleeper. I live in Texas and thankfully there are some great rust-free Panther cars still around to purchase.

Thanks for sharing! Did you ever fix the cruise control and what was the problem?

I have bought 6 Grand Marquis over the last 30 yrs. Its the only car I buy and drive. Unfortunately it will end soon since production ended in Jan. 2011. Harder and harder to a find low mile Grand Marquis or ones in relative great shape. That day is slowly coming.

I've got a driftwood grey '07 MGM-GS (named "GrandMa") with only 45K miles on it currently. The first thing I did was to add a Sony XAV-AX100 Android Auto stereo head unit so I can have modern tech (bluetooth, nav, etc) in it. The second thing was adding a matched set of Addco sway bars (1.0" rear, 1.25" front) to it. It's a whole different car. Still rides nice and smooth, but is far better planted and corners flat. Dual exhaust is next, but I'm keeping it totally stock looking right down to the steelies and hubcaps.

Could you add led strip lights in the cracks of the dash bored and doors giving it a tech look ?

I have an 03 Marquis, the thing is a TANK

Pretty jelous I love how smooth these suckers are

I’d use some bar and chain oil on the underside.

I really would like to start on my mods but can't find your beginning videos.

Bought my 2002 LTC in February of this past year and I am looking for ideas to keep this town car in my family because my mom is tempting me with a 2003 Buick LeSabre which she knows I fell in love with my 1998 Pontiac Bonneville and that it's the same car essentially as my Bonneville . SOOOO Much potential from mod ... Change my mind....

Ye Olde Carr Auto Guy Dude Man. Subbed! I'm looking at a 07 GGM with 170k. I've yet to test drive. Outside looks like a garage example. $1k. Same color as yours too.

Is the intake manifold leaking coolant where the thermostat meets the d/s head?

Thank you for buying it.

Just bought a 2000 Grand Marquis LS , 107,788 mi., Near mint condition, rides like your on a cloud....back in the 70's that's all I drove, big boats, back to my youth again ! What will dual exhaust give you ??????

Cool ride buddy. Obviously it's the Grandma Quis. :)

I've got 2, love 'em!

How many miles were on this car when you bought it? I just bought one two weeks ago it's a 05 and it has 40k miles on it. I hope it last. Have you had any mechanical problems yet?

Watching this to get caught up on all OCG videos!

Nice car,good review

I bought a 2005 grand marquis ultimate edition and it needs a power steering module and it's discontinued. They installed a power steering pump and it didn't solve the problem and then installed something that has to with steering. It's a good thing it had a dealership warranty. Bought it on May 1st and had to take it to the dealership may 8th and it's still there. Would you know where to get the module? I think I only drove it 20 miles. I wanted drive down the interstate on the brand new Michelins

Mod Idea; Class 3 Trailer Hitch. Just in case you need to tow the Doba again. Lol Just kidding.

I'm between this and a P71 😕 I like the ruggedness of the P71 it can take a beating. Not that I'm going to but peace of mind that me driving it well, will last a longing time

Headers,gears cams nitrous 75 hp shot and a tune is all you can do on a stock block ,trust me

Headers exhaust flash tune, Auto X suspension and 315 R Comps.

I just bought a 08 grand marquis. Making it into my own version of a marauder.

Those engines do NOT blow plugs. They take SP493's. Not the 2 piece plugs

Looks like it was well taken care.

Mod idea; 5 Speed Manual Transmission. Will a Mustang GT bolt right up? Maybe 4:10 Final Drive, and LSD?

"ALMOST A LINCOLN". I DRIVE AN O4 MERC G.P. WITH 98000 MI. AND LOVE IT...!

Call it the Bang Bus!

Wonder if someone could help me. I bought a 2006 Mercury Marquis last summer off a car lot. Dealer claimed to have no history of the previous owner. The car showed 65,550 original miles. It's been undercoated. Body was in excellent shape outside; interior almost like new inside. Paid $6200 on it. Had some heater/cooler issues with panel switches that needed fixed however. Also put new quality Goodyear tires on it and had it 4 wheel aligned. Had a new transmission filter put on it plus the other things to make sure it was properly maintained the first week I bought it. Once out of the garage, I drove it down the freeway at 70 mph and immediately was not happy with the steering. Tires weren't shaking nor was it vibrating. Road was flat and very smooth. (No ruts in other words from heavy trucks). HOWEVER - when I took my hands off the steering wheel on a very flat freeway, the car would quickly veer off right OR veer off left ... dangerously so! It would NOT hold itself steady going down my lane like every other car I've ever owned driving on a flat surface. I've driven it now nearly 10,000 miles - a year later. Steering has not gotten worse, but surely hasn't gotten better. Has stayed the same. I MUST hold the steering wheel with one hand on the top and the other on the bottom of the steering wheel to make sure I don't swerve out of my lane within seconds. Tires look good indicating no abnormal wear. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY NEEDS TO BE FIXED ON THE "BOAT" TO DRIVE IT SAFELY WITH "MY PINKY FINGER." I would like to have a good idea before I pay big bucks from a front end shop giving me their opinion on what it needs to be fixed. Thanks in advance.

Would like to see front bushings done and how many are there

You never mentioned how many miles re on the Grand Marquis..

Simply put: Clyde. Just looks like an older gentleman named Clyde would drive that beauty.

Grand Marquis Mark. Feel it, Feel it.

Call it 'Ark of Olde'

Horray, new vid.

First Mod; New differential vent tube, It looks clogged at 6:50. Lol

I've named my 2011 Crown Victoria, "Bessie Velma", after two women I loved deeply who are no longer with us today.

Didn't even watch video. Answers yes best car ever made

I have a 1999 Crown Victoria Base Model with 162K. Call it Old Reliable. Very durable vehicles.

That car eats brake pads every year and I don't drive alot. The rotors will warp quicker too. I like it alot but its more expensive to own due to repairs. But I keep replacing suspension parts and it never gets fixed right. So I worn out a set of new tires in 1 year. I've taken it to 3 different car repair shops and it does not get fixed all the way right. But it keeps running and the engine performs with very good power and is very safe for me.

Call it 'Little Pluto'

Hey new to your channel love the car I have an 05 same color as yours.... I like to compare these as good as a 96 as impala... these just never got marketed that way. American muscle!!

Well! its a small world as l live almost next door to your dealership in St Stephen,NB. l moved here 4 years ago and just after move my next door neighbor totaled his car on hitting a deer on Rt 1. l decided to buy a 2nd car as a backup car just in case. Paid $1200 with 120kmiles. Had minor issues which l corrected and has been trouble free since. I'm the only 2nd lite iceberg blue Merc in town .drives like a dream?Well it handles like a bowling bowl on a water mattress.l always get comments on this grandma's car every 2nd or 3rd month and have had some serious offers. l think u did well at $2500 as now l would not hesitate on buying it. Its a real CREAM PUFF and they don't make em like that anymore and my father thinks its a classic..Marauders have 2doubled and tripled on sales value over past years but regular Mercs like ours r more reliable. and like Don Walser song "Hot Rod Mercury" it has a small rip on front driver's black leather seat.

Hi Jason, thanks for the reply and information below. Here's a "funny" story about my experience with an old Mercury Grand Marquis a year ago. I got it for only a couple hundred dollars and was assured it was a cream-puff since it was his wife's car. Well, driving it home it ran like s**t. Worse yet, it was leaking some kind of oil. The car had been stored outside in the tall grass and it had rusted one of the transmission lines going to the radiator. My buddy did most of the work fixing the leak and it was a helluva job underneath that front end with everything all cramped and in the way. But, he finally finished the job. I went to start it up - No start. Nothing. It started just once so we could get it home but no more. Tried jumping it - nothing. I still don't know how running the front end up on ramps could kill the starter but, apparently, it did. Then I went to RU-vid, as usual, and saw what a bear of a job it would be to remove and replace that starter. Horribly designed by engineers who just didn't care. One bolt was accessible but the other two were hidden from view. I had had enough and sold the car. Got lucky and got my money back. So, I just don't know why I'm considering another Grand Marquis that's now in the local Craig's List. I guess it's because everyone says they're a dream to drive. I'm still debating whether to spend that $ 1,500. Maybe if the seller gets more desperate and drops the price down to triple digits... Since that first Grand Marquis, I've bought a car lift (QuickJack BL5000) through Home Depot, of all places. I just noticed that they now have a BL7000 for only $ 200 more. Wish I knew that before. Basically it's two electric/hydraulic scissor jacks. And I've got four tires to put under the wheels so a car can't fall down on me. No more driving up on ramps and hoping the car doesn't fall over. Should make any future under car repairs safer. I wonder, should I or shouldn't I buy that Marquis?

#SMASHTHATLIKEBUTTON #BringUnderglowback Twin turbos! Brembo brakes! Dual exhaust!

Call it 'Marquis Grissom'

Project "Huggy" - as in Huggy bear (re: previous comments) 😀

Better Generation Car

It’ll make a cool Marauder tribute car.

"Olde Man Marq"

Too bad it's not an 03 because it would have a dash clock, map pouches, remote fuel door, full size engine cover, under hood light, black B pillars, blah blah blah

I have undercoated my mgm just cuz I live in south florida.

You can call it Olde Marq

Is that a *_PANTHER PLATFORM???_*

Go ahead and put some rims on it brother

GRAND DAD or Grand Master!

No it’s the best

How much did you pay

What was the price?

Too bad it's not a HPP car. They came with dual exhaust, 3.27 rear end and higher stall torque convertor

Name for Merc; "Lieutenant Rutherford"

Just bought an 05 GM from this old couple yesterday. Only $4k an it only had 75k miles on it. I call her Snow White lol

Mine is still in the shop for ball joints/suspension design problems.A plastic intake manifold that leaks/warped/constant engine light on. Also has climate control problems-blows hot air constantly. It has other problems also. Ford should have been sued for releasing this junk on the public.

2500 is very expensive right

if you live in the NW you usually have no choice

Old man car

What do you expect from 20 year old car.

Call it 'Grand Marshall McGraw'

Waaay to much talking. Gotta go