Crown Vic suitable for long distance travel?

Question

I am the proud owner of a 1989 Ford Crown Victoria. The engine itself is in prestine shape, but the subsystems seem to be starting to go. Most notably the ignition system: We had to replace the starter and the ignition coil within months of each other. My mechanic also said that the sparks plugs need to be replaced, and there is an exhaust leak. My family is moving several states away this summer, and my car is the only feasible way to go visit them. So my question is this: Can I get my car suitable for long-distance travel before summer comes? If so, any ideas on what specifically I need to focus on?

Answer 1

i had an 88 vicky wagon and it was one of the best cars i ever had.
get a tin can, some baling wire and (temporarily) fix the leak, change the plugs then go.

i got 22 mpg on the highway at 65 with cruise control. good tires are a plus, or at the very least a good spare.
i put the last 40 thousand miles on the car. it died at about 160k.
go, enjoy your self, and offer a prayer to your god, the universe, or whatever and don't look back.

Answer 2

There is no correct answer for this. Your best insurance should be to perform all maintenance as required by Ford. Replace the spark plugs and repair the exhaust leak. Definitely I would recommend getting a AAA/CAA membership in case you run into problems driving.

Generally highway driving does not cause much wear on components once the engine is warmed up and at cruising speed.

Make sure you cooling system is checked out or flush and fill it if needs to be changed.

I just drove my 1993 Honda Accord about 3800km from east coast to the west coast of Canada. Do your maintainence and you should be safe. Good luck

Answer 3

For an older car, the Crown Victoria is probably one of the best choices for long distance reliability.
There are numerous things that could go wrong on you; but this could also be true for a four or five year old car.
#1, I'd check the fluids. Transmission fluid should be clean with no burning smell. Oil good with no sludge (traces of water) and Coolant clean (with no trace of oil).
#2, I'd get some exhaust cement and/or tape and fix that leak. Don't take a chance with CO.
#3 If you have not replaced the fuel filter on schedule, do it now. You don't want to strain an old electric fuel pump.
#4 Take along some tools. I had to wait four hours to have an alternator replaced after one failed early morning on the Highway. I should have probably just bought one and done it myself.

Answer 4

That's pretty small stuff. It's a little bit of a mystery why someone would replace the coil without replacing the plugs and wires at the same time.
It's a great car for long trips. Just get to the little things all older cars need when it needs them. Don't put anything off. It will last forever.

Answer 5

Sounds like a tune up and replace the exhaust system. Replace hoses and belts if needed and filters. You probably aren't a rich man so just have the repairs done gradually. LOF is a must and you should be set. Crown Vics have always been good cars. Especially the old ones. Good Luck.

Answer 6

Crown Victorias are the best vehicle that FoMoCo has going for them. Hopefully, well enough to save them. What is your financial situation? If finances allow, I would suggest you purchase a newer one, around a mid to late 90's model, equipped with the 4.6L SOHC V8. You'll get 60 to 70 more miles per tank of gas over the 5.0L V8 that's in your car.

Answer 7

Get those subcomponents fixed as soon as possible. They can lead to your engine eventually breaking down by putting more strain on it. I say get the oil changed frequently preferably with synthetic oil from now on and your car should last. The crown vic was built for long trips so I think it is ok. Also I think since your car is getting older invest in a road service program such as AAA just in case. My father got 315000 miles out of his Grand MArque (spelling) by just taking care of it. He could have gotten many more miles, but decided he wanted an newer car.

Answer 8

i own a repair shop,and the things you named off are real minor ,compared to some of the stuff i see,you need to concentrate on the running part first,,spark plugs are simple,,a good tune up will take care of this and more on it,,other wise it sounds like its in pretty good shape,,i think you,ll be able to get in real good shape by summer time,really your not talking about a lot of work there,,just a few small things,,the stuff you have already replaced is just considered routine stuff,as long as its nothing like a transmission your doing fine,,id just start with the small things ,and it wont take very long to get it ready to do some traveling,,good luck ,i hope this help,s.happy new years also.