Hi Scotty,
I have a 07 Grand Marquis with slightly over 100 K. I drive it once maybe twice a week for short distances since I started working from home. Anyway, it's well maintained overall but I often hear people being discouraged from purchasing older vehicles as daily drivers in part due to rubber and plastic components becoming old and brittle. Is that a real concern as they can be replaced as needed? Any particular rubber or plastic components suggested to be replaced to keep the car running for miles to come? Thanks. Joe
The core of that car is based on the Panther platform from the late 1970s. It was the last full-size sedan made by Ford that was still a traditional body-on-frame vehicle. It was the last front engine, rear-wheel drive car. It was just modified through different generations (the Ford Crown Victoria is built on the same platform). Hoses will eventually dry rot, your gaskets will as well, but that's all normal wear and tear. Changing transmission fluid, etc. is a must if you want to keep that car as long as possible.
Thanks Justin,
I've owned several Panther platform vehicles with an 86 being the earliest. I've had the tranny flushed within the past year or so.. I keep up on maintenance. Even had the intake manifold gasket replaced before as this can be a common issue for the 4.6. Thanks. Joe
Well it's not that old. I got an '07 matrix and it still runs like a clock and doesn't leak anything. If you take care of a vehicle and drive it everyday, you don't have the problems of dry rot like something has been sitting for years. Lowe's wheel, dry rot
Thanks Scotty. I know 2007 doesn't seem that long ago to me. I'm 53 and time seems to fly by these days. I'm going to keep on driving her for as long as I can. Take care.. Joe
"Any particular rubber or plastic components suggested to be replaced to keep the car running for miles to come? Thanks. Joe"
This article addresses many of the rubber components you asked about:
https://www.hagerty.com/media/maintenance-and-tech/replace-rotten-rubber-parts/
