24 years of US cars looking for a change in 2003 M45 (Needs Help)

[rcreevesphotography]

Hello every one, I'm new.

My name is Ryan and I'm a 25 year old die hard US made car owner.

My first car (Still have) was a 1971 Dodge charger and from that car I have owned only Ford products, right now driving a 1989 Tbird.

I'm looking into buying my first new (used) car. I have been looking at a Jaguar-xj8, BMW 740IL, Audi A8, 2003 M45 and yes even a Crown Vic LX Sport.

The Jag idea was grate (Lots of Ford) till I got inside and found out at 6'4'' my legs hurt.

The BMW 740IL was all around grate but wow at 20k used I think it's a little much for a first new car.

I really liked the Audi but I hate it's VW ways.

So now I'm down to the 2003 Crown Vic LX sport with, Bucket seats, floor shifter 236hp 4.6L Ford or the 340hp M45.

On one had the Crown vic is great I know how to work on it and parts are no problem to find.... However I'm in my 20s and when the 2010 models come out I fear my car will look very dated with all the new space age cars on the roads.

So this brings me to the 340hp 2003 M45. I love the before it's time look, power, and options for the money. However I fear Japan made cars like well you get the idea.

So I need feedback, I know about the Sticking gas gauge, Oil burning, blue smoke puffing, green shifter knob ways of the M45. Is this stuff common if so how can I fix it, how good or bad are they on gas (I drive 55mph on the freeway mind you) Do they rust badly (I live in Ohio) Are parts common or all dealer order? Any and all feedback on what to fear and what to love would be great.

Thanks every one

[MinisterofDOOM]

Aside from the very very tried and true Crown Vic, none of those cars will be as cheap and easy to own as the M. High-tech German cars are among the most expensive cars to own. I LOVE the 7 and the A8. But I wouldn't want one after the warranty period unless I had a lot of cash to spare for maintenance and a 2nd car to drive during downtime.

The M will almost certainly be more reliable and cheaper to own than the europeans.

As for the Crown Vic...if you're going to get a Panther car, find a well-kept Marauder.

[striz923]

I am 6'5" and have an '06 M with plenty of room for the long legs. There is another guy on here that was 6'6" with the same experience. Cost of maintenance of the M will be the big hold up. The car performance and "bells and whistles" should be no contest with the M dominating. Good luck on your decision.

PS- Does the Crown Vic have it own cool website with the coolest people ever talking about how much they love their cars?

[paperfootball]

I am 6'4" myself and would love an extra inch or three in my 03 M45. I am not saying that it isn't comfortable, but it's nowhere near the legroom found in the "big-body" german cars--not that I would want one. There is not another car on the raod (that I can afford) that I would have over my M--just some food for thought.

[candymanfb]

Before you do anything else ... call your insurance company and find out much your premiums will go up. You'll need to consider this.Mine rose from $206 every 6 months to $1100 for 6 months for my 2004 M45 in L.A.

Before I bought my M .... I was thinking of the Marauder and the Grand Marquis also - stay away from the Ford CV and go with Mercury. Mercury has a slightly better warranty.I was able to find a few 2006 and 2007 Mercury GM cheaper than my M45.I found a few GM with leather and sunroofs.

The M45 has more horsepower - you'll need to be prepared for that. All the other cars you mentioned have a lot more room than the M45 (except the jag I think) ... do you have a large family?

My GF hated the looks of a Marauder and GM, but loved the M45! I drove a 1994 Buick Roadmaster wagon with an LT1 and a 1995 Chevy Impala (Clone - 9C1) up until April of this year ... and loved these cars - but I bought the M45 cause it was time to start acting my age.

Good luck and take your time!

[CakeDaddy]

No issues with mine…. I had the green shift knob, but I replaced it as soon as I got the car. No oil issues or gas gauge problems for me.

The Jag, Crown, BMW 7 are all good cars and I've driven them all. I've the Audi's and though it was over rated and almost everyone I know say that they are maintenance hogs. Ask yourself, “Do I want to be another pathetic sheep following the herd?” The M aka Y34 is unique. The only downside to owning this M is……. NO aftermarket parts.Oh, Im 6'4 215lbs

good luck.
Modified by CakeDaddy at 9:22 AM 11/19/2008

[jadeM45]

I think the "before its time" factor makes the M the obvious choice. One of the worst things about a used car is that when a new model comes out it makes your car look old and dated.

This just doesn't happen with the M. I constantly get people asking me what the car is, is it a 09?

The car is easy to maintain too. I grabbed a warranty from my credit union and it has covered every little problem I have had.

[maxnix]

Nothing like a heavy cast iron solid axle floating around somewhere back there to give you that true Ammmurican car handling.

[rcreevesphotography]

I have done all of the insurance research, since I'm under 25 it will cost me 99.01 a month for the crown vic with full coverage and 121.59 for the M. I also looked into local wear and tear parts cost is a little more but not worth crying about.

Good news when I turn 25 (Soon) my INS rate will drop from 121.59 to 80

As for large family, I'm more or less single unless you count a 110lbs 5'6'' girlfriend as a large member of any family haha

Also were do you buy brake rotors, Shocks/Struts. Since they are IRS cars are the rear bearings known for going out like on the MN12's
Modified by rcreevesphotography at 11:00 AM 11/19/2008

[rcreevesphotography]

My last question before I sit down with the books, they run on 91 and get in the ball park of 16c 21h has anyone had any better or worse luck with every day driving.

On one hand I'm lucky I work for a major Camcorder company that only works me Friday-Sunday and not only do I get drive time buy $0.41 a mile for gas

My weekly rounds are 262miles witch with my Tbird I buy 10gallons and that lasts me all weekend driving 55mpg on the freeway and around 35 in city never gunning the starts or spinning the tires. I always keep my cars tuned and often add Lucas full injector cleaner every 3 tanks

[Double E]

My commute is much like yours and though I use a heavier foot than you indicate is normal for your style, I get 22.5 with a variation of 2 tenths lower if anything.

If you get the US candidate, I also vote Marauder.

(good for you for reading up in this forum before posting btw!)

I recommend the 2004 M45 in any case. Same body style, better audio layout and more of them seem to have come with Nav.

I did not get a rear wing and don't miss it really now that I've had some time with this thing.

For upgrade parts, I have a set of EBC rotors & red stuff pads going on tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm also having the smoke on start up looked at. (it's not much but I want them to know about it. You probably already know about the piston rings as the cause...)

Truthfully, the only thing I've done is wire open the secondary exhaust tube going to the muffler. Sound is about all the difference it has made.

It doesn't really need much in the way of performance given its competitive class. Given that, there are things that can be done concerning full exhaust and I believe someone here is working on a FSTB for it.

Oil changes are a breeze as is most other routine servicing. Look on this board for contact information on how to get parts at a discount. The only gripe is that I cannot find air filters at local parts store. The complete FSM is available for download at the top of the forum.

Also, I would favor the BG44k fuel treatments every oil change over the Lucas additive with this car.

Oh...and good luck finding one... I had to get mine from TX.

[peter_rabbit]

I normally drive about 22mile on way to work. I'm getting roughly 400 -410 miles per tank. so between street and highway i'm averaging about 20-22mpg. I also was contemplating a Marauder since i'm a FORD man. But decided to go with the M. It was the better decision. I'm 6'2" 278lbs Athletic built and i have no problems with room. There was this one time when my girl was....ummmmm nevermind

[rcreevesphotography]

I hear that about the small back seat.....

[rcreevesphotography]

Dose every one run on 91 P.U.G. has any one tried 94 S.P.U.G or 89 M.U.G. I know newer cars the computer will often adjust for lower grades of gas but on that same hand some wont...

[szh]

Dose every one run on 91 P.U.G. has any one tried 94 S.P.U.G or 89 M.U.G. I know newer cars the computer will often adjust for lower grades of gas but on that same hand some wont...

I use 91 here in California ... nothing higher available.

However, I would strongly recommend against 89 or less! The engine simply will not like it in the long run. The 2003 and 2004 are prone to carbon build-up anyway, and using poor or low grade gas is not going to help the situation.

Plus, the cost "savings" is usually less than 15 to 20 dollars a month. If this amount is an issue, you are getting the wrong car to begin with!

Z

[AZhitman]

Long-term performance and reliability will favor the M. The 03-04 M45 is, in my opinion, one of the decade's most beautiful designs.

Beyond that, fit and finish, and how well the car retains its "new car" look also strongly favors the Infiniti.

Most 03 Crown Vics look tired and worn (esp the interior) and nearly all are "lopsided" (one corner of the suspension is invariably off-kilter)... no clue why that might be.

With that said, I really liked my 03 Interceptor.

[detective308]

Ryan, Don't buy the Crown Vic: you'll never be happy with it. With that said, we just bought an 07 M-35 with less than 25,000 miles. It was in the color that we wanted and is also a CPO in like new condition. We love it havingtraded in a 4 year old Avalon. Proir to buying, we drove a CTS, ES-350, and Acura TL and there is really no comparison. The M-35 is very fast and the M-45 even more so. The M-35 has better handling especially on the winter roads in Columbus. I don't like the Crown Vic as I retired as detective at one of the suburban Columbus PDs 5 years ago and never liked the Fords. They really aren't that well put together nor comfortable. We had a Grand Marquis as a rental while in another state last year and didn't really like it at all. This loaded Merc was little nicer than our cruisers. Stop in at Graham or Germain and drive a Crown Vic or better yet, rent one for a few days then drive the M-35 and you'll be sold. Years ago, I bought a new 73 Charger and you are right that it was a nice car. Don't worry that if you buy the M, you'll save it only for special trips: you'll find that you will make up reasons to go places just so you can drive it.

[MagicM]

Hmmm a cop car that hasn't changed in looks for the past 16 years with a 4.6 Liter V8 that makes no more horsepower than a Japanese pencil sharpener, or a Luxury highly reliable Infiniti, with a 340 HP V8, better looks, and better materials/interior. Very hard choice isn't it

[MinisterofDOOM]

Proir to buying, we drove a CTS, ES-350, and Acura TL and there is really no comparison.

Strange crop of cars to cross-shop. The ES and TL don't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the rest...I can see why your decision was so easy. Honestly I can't believe the ES even sells anymore. $40k for a Camry is ridiculous.

[szh]

Also, I would favor the BG44k fuel treatments every oil change over the Lucas additive with this car.

Indeed, yes!!!

Avoid the Lucas additive. It causes more problems than it solves. See here: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/...s.htm for why I say this!

Z

[notacarlo]

First time to chime in here.....so here it goes.

You can add an alcohol injection kit to the M45 to aid in the fuel burn. It will not harm O2 sensors and it will literally scour the piston tops and cylinder head. Since most of the kits today are adjustable, I doubt there's any harm to the ECM's fuel curve. Since I put the black car away for the winter I am in the process moving the alky kit over to the M. Probably going to use a microswitch on the accelerator to trigger since there's no boost reference.....yet.I will report on this experiment as needed.

When I stripped the Buick motor down, it looked like it had just rolled out of Detroit.

Forgot to add that alky will add enough energy to 91 to clear almost 100 octane. With a pump turned down to run NA a gallon of denatured alky will last a darn long time.

[CakeDaddy]

First time to chime in here.....so here it goes.

Welcome & Wow! You have the best of both worlds with that y34 M and the 87 Grand Nat'l

[sr79labrat]

I love my M and I am 24, 215 lbs and 6ft. It is really a great ride and I can say that the wife loves it and my friends envy it. It is tight in the back seat with a car full. I have gotten 21mpg in the city in super light driving...hyper mileing?!?! I have also gotten as high as 29mpg on the hwy coasting. I drove a S4-Audi before getting my car and read a ton of reviews....nothing else touches the M in bang for buck. Just think...all aluminum engine, dohc, variable valve timing, 5sp automatic, and RWD!!! The car is sick and is cheap on mait. as long as you stay away from the dealer. Do your own tune ups, oil changes...it couldnt be easier. My only problem is a sweaky seat!

Either way...love it!Kyle

[notacarlo]

Welcome & Wow! You have the best of both worlds with that y34 M and the 87 Grand Nat'l

Thanks! 1st gear in the M almost rivals the GN (1/4 throttle of course..and that's sayin' something!)