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need input on interceptors


ST62382
01-13-2009, 10:06 PM
Tossing around the idea of trading the VUE in, since I pretty much can't afford the payments anymore.

One car I've always wanted, and can find cheap thus lowering my payments, is a Crown Vic interceptor. There are three of them for sale at work, two '05s and an '06. I'd probably go for the more expensive '05, which with my discount at work would be about $7500, and it has a little over 84,000 mi.

Where I need input is here: how are these in the snow? I've heard from a couple people that they are not good/they suck. Anyone here have any personal experience that agrees/disagrees with that?

For any more details, or for more of the story behind this, feel free to ask!

Blue)(Fusion
02-02-2009, 08:33 AM
I have a '00 Grand Marquis and my dad has a '99 P-71. Essentially same car and I've driven both. Just more pick-up and go on the P-71 as you would expect. Any way, both drive fine in the snow. That is, as long as you know how to handle a rear wheel drive vehicle. I'm 21 and I've driven 2 cars that were front wheel drive prior to buying my Grand Marquis since I loved driving my dad's car so much. I will never go back to front wheel drive again.

I know a lot of people get defensive and nervous at the phrase "rear wheel drive" in the cold winter states. Honestly, though, I think it handles as good if not better in the snow and ice conditions. The weight is more distributed between the front and rear of the car since the drivetrain has to go to the rear wheels. You can also just downshift into lower gears and use engine braking on the rear wheels on snowy hills. Front-wheel drive cars don't benefit as much from that since the braking is still done on the front wheels allowing an opportunity to fish-tail. The traction control does a good job at keeping you pointed in the right direction, too. As long as you have good tires (I use Michelin Symmetry) and know how to handle the rear-wheel drive it's a great ride!

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