2008 MERCURY Grand Marquis

DIRT CHEAP ROOMY RWD V8 -- I LOVE IT SO FAR

Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating: 5

I love my LS. This is the 3rd used MGM in our family so far. I got all of them used for stupid cheap. This one had only 31.5k miles on it. Inside is all leather and walnut burl. When I bought it, the driver window was stuck down -- I had the armrest window switch replaced for $85, P&L. The tires looked dried out so I put on some new Michelin Defenders; not cheap tires but the ride immediately became smoother and quieter. The driver's visor vanity mirror lid was cracked -- I replaced that with a used eBay visor for $50. Other than normal wear items such as tires, a battery, etc, the car has been pretty much flawless. It now has 51k miles and runs like a top. Brake pads still have plenty of meat left on them. Car tracks straight and handles great. Decent pickup for a big car. Not a race car by any means, but easy to merge or pass someone with on the Freeway. Tons of seating room. Tons of cargo space. Nice for towing a light UHAUL trailer whenever you like. Woodtone steering wheel is wonderful, although I normally drive one-handed at 6 (and maybe also 9 o'clock) position and it's perfect for that. Wonderful bright headlights that light up the shoulder when you hit your turn signal. Integral fog lights. SIX...yes, I said SIX seatbelts. Takes flex fuel. Burns regular. Surprisingly good mileage on freeway -- over 26 mpg driving from LA to Sacramento area and back. In town, the mileage sucks, but remember, in LA you are idling a lot at red lights. Things I would like to change: Raise rear end a bit so hitch doesn't scrape. Brake function....although I may have some air in my brake lines. Driver seat is too benchlike; it is very comfortable, but I'd like more lateral support. Previous owner did not order with side airbags; I would have ordered those...