Hey Scotty and others, so I'm in Europe where Crown Vics are extremely rare, but it has been my wish for a while to get one. Now I just found one for sale, with 170K miled and "damaged gearbox/transmission" for $3K(the damage isn't specified, but I will call the owner and write it down if necessary). So should I get it or wilt it become a moneypit? How much would it cost to just order the parts and change out the damaged gearbox? Please share you opinions and knowledge, thanks in advance!
Assuming the trans needs to be replaced, aside from cost how available would a replacement be in your country? Here in the U.S. it wouldn't be tough to find a rebuilt transmission or even a good used one for a Crown Vic but it could be a challenge elsewhere.
If the trans isn't interchangeable with any other model, you are right. But I thought maybe I can order in online, would it cost a lot including shipping?
Transmissions are large and heavy so international shipping would be costly. Then if there is a problem with it you would have to pay shipping again to send the defective trans back.
Depending on what's wrong with the transmission it might be possible to have it rebuilt locally. Shipping shouldn't be too bad on a trans rebuild kit if you had to order it from the U.S.
You should find out what's actually wrong with it.
Thank you very much! I will write an update comment when I call the driver, appreciate your reply.
Apart from the transmission itself, if it’s hard to find parts for this ca in your area, I recommend you don’t burn your fingers with this project.
He didn't say what his ownernship plan is. I'm figuring that it would likely be a weekend toy just due to fuel costs in that part of the world. Might not bad for something to play around with (even in the U.S. people have all kinds of unusual cars from overseas), but would not be a good choice for a daily driver.
Agreed, although he’ll need to do his research well before getting serious.
Hey, so I called the owner. He said the mechanic told him the problem was with transmission was caused by burnt oil.
So you’re looking at a rebuild, at the very least. Price out everything as best you can, beforehand, before you go any further. Ask the mechanics in your area if they’re willing to work on it & if they can source parts for it (including a new transmission).
Hey, thanks for replies. So the guy told me he also has another, personal-use crown vic, 2009, former FBI car (The tranny-damaged one was patrol unit, 2008). Everything seems good, and i'm getting it for 4.2k. Gonna take it to a mechanic for a check of course 
And I found a former US Ford Centre mechanic here, he worked on crown vics, and can get parts from your country in a week or two.
That one definitely sounds like a better deal if it checks out, let us know!
I definitely will Chuck!
Great! All the best with your (potential) new toy!
I would consider other cars. Realize that it is not a common cat there and so for repairs you will face issues. Also, the electronics on those cars are not the best. I would consider a good popular instead.
Excuse the grammar mistakes, I was in a hurry 😀
I would pass personally.
