Just picked up (for a friend) a used 2008 Crown Vic cop car, $3K, 60,200 miles from South Florida. He thought it would make a good commuter car.
Having never been in one, I expected it to be similar to the rental Crown Vic's I liked so much. Nope! It's noisy inside, with vinyl floors and no back seat. So noisy, I can't hear my phone on speaker without putting it up to my ear.
Interestingly, it's extremely stiff riding. Much like an enthusiasts road race/track car might be. Which is simply strange in a car this big. The shocks are not tuned for a soft ride, and the springs seem to be lower and higher rate. Suddenly the smooth Florida highways are quite bumpy. Those suspension mods do allow the car to corner quite well. 60MPH on the cloverleaf was no problem at all, about the same as my S2000 turbo! So, the cornering grip is good, but that does not mean it's a precise or accurate driving car. It's not. In fact, I'd say the driving dynamics are "wonky" and take a bit to get used to. You can drive it like an idiot, and it seems to remain in some semblance of control. Yes, this thing will easily out-corner an eco-vehicle like the BMW i3 or a Prius.
This one has the 3.27 open rear axle, coupled with the 2 valve 4.6L V8 and dual exhaust. That means it jumps off the line quickly, and will spin the right rear tire right off the bat. Yet the car is not fast and the acceleration rate (other than the off the line "jump) is lackluster, about on par with a Prius. Maybe 8 or 9 seconds 0-60. Also the engine turns 2500 RPM at 80, a bit higher than I'd like. No idea on the MPG, but other owners seem to get about 20 miles to the gallon. Top speed is said to be 129MPH with the 3.27 rear axle.
The transmission is also tuned for firmer shifts, and you notice each shift. It clearly is not tuned for economy, as it does not upshift into top gear too soon. Nice.
As you might expect, people go slow in front of you.
Overall, not a bad deal for $3000, and with a little work, some quieter tires (the old Goodyear Eagle RS's are very noisy) and some paint touch up, it could be a very inexpensive way to commute in a reliable, very long lasting vehicle that is in it's own way, fun to drive.
Having never been in one, I expected it to be similar to the rental Crown Vic's I liked so much. Nope! It's noisy inside, with vinyl floors and no back seat. So noisy, I can't hear my phone on speaker without putting it up to my ear.
Interestingly, it's extremely stiff riding. Much like an enthusiasts road race/track car might be. Which is simply strange in a car this big. The shocks are not tuned for a soft ride, and the springs seem to be lower and higher rate. Suddenly the smooth Florida highways are quite bumpy. Those suspension mods do allow the car to corner quite well. 60MPH on the cloverleaf was no problem at all, about the same as my S2000 turbo! So, the cornering grip is good, but that does not mean it's a precise or accurate driving car. It's not. In fact, I'd say the driving dynamics are "wonky" and take a bit to get used to. You can drive it like an idiot, and it seems to remain in some semblance of control. Yes, this thing will easily out-corner an eco-vehicle like the BMW i3 or a Prius.
This one has the 3.27 open rear axle, coupled with the 2 valve 4.6L V8 and dual exhaust. That means it jumps off the line quickly, and will spin the right rear tire right off the bat. Yet the car is not fast and the acceleration rate (other than the off the line "jump) is lackluster, about on par with a Prius. Maybe 8 or 9 seconds 0-60. Also the engine turns 2500 RPM at 80, a bit higher than I'd like. No idea on the MPG, but other owners seem to get about 20 miles to the gallon. Top speed is said to be 129MPH with the 3.27 rear axle.
The transmission is also tuned for firmer shifts, and you notice each shift. It clearly is not tuned for economy, as it does not upshift into top gear too soon. Nice.
As you might expect, people go slow in front of you.
Overall, not a bad deal for $3000, and with a little work, some quieter tires (the old Goodyear Eagle RS's are very noisy) and some paint touch up, it could be a very inexpensive way to commute in a reliable, very long lasting vehicle that is in it's own way, fun to drive.
Last edited: