A while back buddy of mine was car shopping and asked me my thoughts on a P71. Honestly, I didn't know much about them; I'm under the age of 80, and I don't drive a cab, so the car was really off my radar screen... After checking it out though, I realized what a solid value this is for someone looking for affordable, reliable, safe transportation with a lot of space. I'd never consider one myself simply because they haven't made wagons in over a decade, but if someone can live with a sedan it seems like a great option.
The one thing that bothered me though was the stigma associated with the car, of being "that guy". I know there are several panther (and a few P71) owners on here, so I realize this stereotype doesn't apply to all--but it's still there. Every now and then, I'm reminded of why it exists.
"What guy" is that, you ask? This guy:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/2515231518.html
I guess aviators are not included...
"1999 Crown Vic that used to be a Lakewood Detective car. It gets a lot of looks from people as they think its the police. The actual police/fire/medics wave at you when you drive by because they assume you are a detective. I have done 90+ past a state patrol doing speed traps and they didn't pull me over. I assume it has to do with the antennas and the front grill lights that are always taken off when sold to the public. You will never get pulled over in this car. I mean think about it why would a cop pull over another cop. People in the fast lane move over quick because lets face it no one wants a cop behind them. My Crown Vic doesnt look like a old beat down car it demands and gets respect when you drive it which NO other car can do. With all that said this car has been great to me and I love the cage for taking my dog to the park, but I need a truck to do house work/ real work.
The body has scratches and a 6 inch dent on the front right fender.
Interior is good. Cloth front seats and Leather rear seats.
-154,XXX Miles It is my daily driver (you can carpool w/o getting pulled over, plus you can talk on your phone)"
The last part is probably my favorite.
The one thing that bothered me though was the stigma associated with the car, of being "that guy". I know there are several panther (and a few P71) owners on here, so I realize this stereotype doesn't apply to all--but it's still there. Every now and then, I'm reminded of why it exists.
"What guy" is that, you ask? This guy:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/2515231518.html
I guess aviators are not included...
"1999 Crown Vic that used to be a Lakewood Detective car. It gets a lot of looks from people as they think its the police. The actual police/fire/medics wave at you when you drive by because they assume you are a detective. I have done 90+ past a state patrol doing speed traps and they didn't pull me over. I assume it has to do with the antennas and the front grill lights that are always taken off when sold to the public. You will never get pulled over in this car. I mean think about it why would a cop pull over another cop. People in the fast lane move over quick because lets face it no one wants a cop behind them. My Crown Vic doesnt look like a old beat down car it demands and gets respect when you drive it which NO other car can do. With all that said this car has been great to me and I love the cage for taking my dog to the park, but I need a truck to do house work/ real work.
The body has scratches and a 6 inch dent on the front right fender.
Interior is good. Cloth front seats and Leather rear seats.
-154,XXX Miles It is my daily driver (you can carpool w/o getting pulled over, plus you can talk on your phone)"
The last part is probably my favorite.
