Originally Posted by Bogdon
"That being said, GET A PANTHER! Nothing drives like a Vic, GM, or Town Car. With a $5k budget, you could find a nice Town Car, which would be my recommendation. I see you're in NY, make darn sure and look for rust (I'm in MN, I can relate). Also, always go for an '03+, they got completely revised suspension and steering which is leaps and bounds better than the -'02."
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I've come across an 02 GM LS with 57,000 miles, original owner from Penn for $4,000. Another offer is $4,700 for an 05 GM GS with 73,000 miles and three different owners, originally purchased in New Hampshire. If I'm not mistaken, the 05 GM GS doesn't have ABS. I'm reluctant to consider a rear wheel drive with no ABS. On the flip positive side, I prefer steel wheels which is what the 05 GM GS is advertised as having.
Concerning the Town Car, isn't it the same engine as the Vic and GM, but on a heavier body?
The Town Car is longer, a little heavier, and has more sound instulation, but otherwise is mechanically identical to any other Panther. It really comes down to your styling preference, other than the way the 3 cars look they're all the same. That's not counting the Marauder (the version I had), feel free to Google it for a fun read.
The '02 and '05 will both have 4-channel ABS, however I BELIEVE either could or could not have Traction Control. Honestly, it's not necessary. I drove my Marauder all through a typical MN winter without much issue. I ran relatively fat 17" snow tires on the stock wheels, and it was fine. I wouldn't worry about winter driving in any Panther, TC or not.
In your scenario, honestly the best thing to do is find the newest year, lowest mile example of either 3. Non-interceptor, non-livery, and you'll be fine. The good ones are fairly obvious, and the lousy ones are lousy. Don't worry so much about miles, I bought my Marauder with 174k on it and beat the snot out of it for 50k miles, all while enjoying almost 100% reliability, oven-like heat, and frigid A/C. I absolutely loved that car, and would love to have another.