Koz, it's the same vehicle underneath the cosmetics. Both are based on the Ford's Panther platform. Aside from creature comforts like leather seats, extra soundproofing and digital dash in the Merc, they are both the same. Same basic engine, same rear wheel drive, same winter driving habits.

My grandfather used to put bags of sand in the trunk, one on each side of the trunk to give a little more weight back there in his old land yachts. If he got stuck, he used the sand. Snow tires help, a good set. I guess if it's really bad you can switch to chains, but that's super slow going.

 

Can you use chains in NH? if you can that would be the route to take.

 

Actual chains are in the past, they're cables now but they work really, really well. Even in the worst blizzard I've never gotten a cruiser with cables stuck.

Koz, if it's got a limited-slip rear that will help a lot. Other than that, a good set of snow tires and stock the trunk with ballast. Kitty litter is good because it's cheap in bulk, the bags won't leak like sandbags tend to, and it will provide traction in a pinch.

 

I've got a 99 Grand Marquis- Imagine that- a cop driving a car almost ten years old- so much for all of us making over 100K a year at lucrative police details.
Anyhow I throw a half a dozen cinder blocks in the trunk every winter and that seems to help.

 

Park it until Spring!

 

Koz!
Did you get it from your great-aunt for your Birthday? (lucky ass-man you)
I love the Grand Marquis, Ballast the trunk and let me know if you want to sell it this spring okay buddy?

 

Thanks guys! Yes, chains are A-O-K in NH, but I think the ballast and snow tire route would be a better bet.

Koz! Did you get it from your great-aunt for your Birthday?

What's up Wood! No, it was the old mans "Land Yacht" as Johnny aptly puts it..
I just thought I'd drive it for a while, for sentiment mostly.

I love the Grand Marquis, ...let me know if you want to sell it this spring okay buddy?

You got it. I'm a truck guy. I haven't driven a car as my DD in 25 years.
But it is a comfortable car though, I have to admit it.
When the time comes to cut it loose I'll shoot you an e-mail...

In the meantime I'll throw a set of 4 Blizzaks on the boat and grab a half dozen bags of kitty litter...

Thanks again for the advice fellas. :thumbup:
(Funny I never had this problem with my Bronco, F250, or Tacoma..)

 

Studded snow tires front and rear and you think you are driving a Jeep.

 

I've got a 99 Grand Marquis- Imagine that- a cop driving a car almost ten years old- so much for all of us making over 100K a year at lucrative police details.

I'll do you better.....a 1995 Jeep Cherokee.

 

I used to put 50 lb weight plates in my trunk. Worked ok, and a decent set of snows on all 4 tires (not just rear). Also a shovel never hurts..lol Personally in NE we either get a s-load of snow or we get next to nothing. If you can tough out 4 or so snow storms a year in that boat then keep it. Other wise drive slow and do doughnuts.

Also, its a panther platform same as the CV, same motor etc except it has a carpet and doesn't have all the cooling options that a CVPI does such as tranny cooler, oil cooler, etc. Other then the chrome grill and bigger reflectors on the rear fascia its almost identical exterior wise to a CV.

 

I'll do you better.....a 1995 Jeep Cherokee.

The good thing about the Cherokee is that nobody knows how old it is until you say it since the body has barely changed in the last 20 years. ;-)

 

The good thing about the Cherokee is that nobody knows how old it is until you say it since the body has barely changed in the last 20 years. ;-)

It's also the Dodge Dart of our generation; if you have the 4.0 I-6 engine, it will run forever with regular maintenance.

 

Koz,

Nokian Hakkapeliitta snow tires and some weight in the trunk. They cost a bit and are tough to find in some areas, but are worth thier weight in gold. Just do it. You will be amazed.

http://www.nokiantires.com/tyre?id=11890&group=1.01&name=Nokian+Hakkapeliitta+5

 

Or you can get a set of MatTracks
http://www.mattracks.com/

 

Thanks Ding!
Very funny Rodney....

 

The good thing about the Cherokee is that nobody knows how old it is until you say it since the body has barely changed in the last 20 years. ;-)

Delta wishes he could say the same about himself.......... hahahahaa. Actually, don't we all?

 

Delta wishes he could say the same about himself.......... hahahahaa. Actually, don't we all?

Hey...my hairline hasn't moved a single millimeter since high school; divesting my interest in Miller Lite and a bottle of this stuff will fix me right up!

 

Hey...my hairline hasn't moved a single millimeter since high school

LUCKY Bastard!

 

LUCKY Bastard!

Good genes; luck of the genetic draw.

 

I have a 2003 mercury GM. During the winter i runn 235/65/16 winter light truck tires . They are Wild Country from wallmart.I had bad experience with Blizzaks due to tread falling apart after 18K .Wild Country i had for 3 winters without any problem. i also have been using weights in the trunk (cat litter also from walmart) during the bad storms or longer drives. Negative side to weights in the trunk is the fact that shocks in the mercury GM are very weak and they will bottom out if you have a serious amount of weight in the trunk. I drive mine mostly in summer since i did invest money in the car since i drive the car also on the track in epping and laudon for funn.
regarding the difference and similarities between Crown Victoria and Mercury GM: Only difference is that CV with P71in vinn number is a police package car, other packages P72,P74 are administration with no diffference whatsoever(mechanical and performance).

 

I just brought it home tonight. 9 months undriven = dead battery.
It's on the charger now...

Thanks Odin, that's good 411 on the Blizzaks.
I just noticed there are 4 brand new Michelin Energy's on it, so I think I'll just go with 2 rear snows & the weight.
I'll look into Wild Country. Thanks again folks..

 

Koz

I've actually been thinking seriously about getting a Grand Marquis or maybe a Lincoln. Let me know what you think about the GM afterwards. I'm looking for a Maroon with grey interior color.

 

This is an 00' Park Lane GS, silver W/ black leather on 1/2 of the roof, gray leather interior, 50,200 miles, new battery, new Michelin tires..
All in all a beautiful car, but too low to the ground for my taste.

If I decide to sell it you can have second dibs after Woody..
I'll throw up a pic or 2 this weekend...

 

Once you get a little road time in it you will love it
that is why I can't talk the wife into giving up her
96 Town Car she has had it since 1997

 

They have very solid ride. Check all the hoses and replace fluids no matter what. Also check the brake lines, and rear shocks, belts, because factory parts on the Mercury Gm and Lincoln TC are not very reliable after they have been sitting in the driveway or garage for few months. There is a excelent website that you can get lots of informations about the rear wheel drive american sedans ( lincoln, mercury). It is called www.crownvic.net. I did get lots of help when i did work on mine . You will be able to find tips on any topic regarding the car. My only problem right now is that i get about 13,3 miles city driving after the mods that i did on mine and arround 16.2 on highway driving (65 max speed)