'96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

M

magic_marker

Registered
The "big car" bug has bit me again, and I'm wondering if anyone has any info to share on these cars. All are the last model year of their "breeds", so to speak. I really would like a black on black vehicle with under 40k (and with cloth interior, in the case of the TC!) Finding low miles examples of these cars in a very basic color is a bigger problem than I expected...

Any info/advice would be welcome!
 
RE: '96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

A black on black Town Car = livery car , go for the Fleetwood
 
RE: '96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

Steve - do you think one can "chip" a Fleetwood, since it has the LS-1? }(
 
RE: '96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
Steve - do you think one can "chip" a Fleetwood, since it has the LS-1? }(
[/div]

Probably, but it sure doesn't have an LS1. That one has FWD and a Northstar. aka slow and not much fun to work on.
 
RE: '96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]Steve - do you think one can "chip" a Fleetwood, since it has the LS-1? }( [/div]Probably, but it sure doesn't have an LS1. That one has FWD and a Northstar. aka slow and not much fun to work on.
[/div]

and the older ones have LT-1's.
 
RE: '96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

As Moe pointed out, I meant to say LT-1 in relation to the '96.

But you're right, Dave, I just read that the '98-99 Fleetwoods are FWD (bummer), they have the sort-of-improved Northstar (sort-of a bummer) and they also have 6-lug wheels. Sounds like a stretched Deville on a hearse frame with the GVW of a one-ton dually! Hmmm... still, less than about 2,000 made over a 2 year period. Interesting quandry.
 
RE: '96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

I could easily be wrong, but as far as I know all of the fleetwoods in the 90's were fwd. That is the last thing I would buy. I couldnt work on it and it would cost more to have somebody else work on it. The roadmaster was a great car and can tow a great deal. I think the production was very limited so parts might be a nightmare. Worse than our cars.


If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?
 
RE: '96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
I could easily be wrong, but as far as I know all of the fleetwoods in the 90's were fwd. That is the last thing I would buy. I couldnt work on it and it would cost more to have somebody else work on it. The roadmaster was a great car and can tow a great deal. I think the production was very limited so parts might be a nightmare. Worse than our cars. If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?
[/div]

The Caprice LT1’s, Roadmaster, and Fleetwood shared the same LT-1 RWD platform I believe till 96.
 
RE: '96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

If you buy a Roadmaster, you are never allowed to post here again. I'm not including a smiley because I'm serious.
 
RE: '96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
If you buy a Roadmaster, you are never allowed to post here again. I'm not including a smiley because I'm serious.
[/div]

ROFL, Mark! C'mon, what's so bad about ye olde Roadbeast?? :7
 
RE: '96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

I'd personally get the Roadmaster if I was looking for a big 4 door like that. Pretty much the same as an Impala SS.
 
RE: '96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

Couple of things when considering a Roadmaster (my extended family has a few of them):

1. LT1 Roadmasters are fast. Not kidding here. Sub 7 second 0-60 times.
2. After 30k, all the interior parts rattle like crazy over bumps. Better interior *features* than a Caprice, same interior *quality*.
3. Do NOT get one with Dynaride (the airspring setup) take the M8 problems and issues, multiply by 10, then make the car really scary in the corners. When the parts wear out, it's really hard to keep the car between the lines going straight as well.
4. The seats are great. Wonderfully confortable.

The other cars I cannot comment on, only that the Fleetwoods have a longer frame (more rear legroom) than the Caprice and Roadmaster, most if not all have a huge number of optional features already installed, and are absoultely HUGE cars. I have abunch of experience with the Roadmasters because three of my older relatives have one, and two others had one. All were/are well-maintained, some still have very few miles, others have over 130k. I've driven most of them, turned a wrench on them too, and even the low mileage cars have that scary air-ride issue. I rode in a 1992 Limited model when it was brand new, and the ride was beyond awesome though. As someone mentioned above, styling leaves a lot to be desired.


Sean
 
RE: '96 Fleetwood,,, '96 Roadmaster... or '97 Town Car?

Thanks again for all of the responses, especially on the Roadmaster. :)

I've been a passenger in a '95 Roadmaster Wagon - it was the weirdest feeling. Soft, smooth ride, but all of the interior pieces rattled when going over the bumps! How is that possible?? I had written the noise and rattle off as an idiosyncracy of the wagon, but now I wonder if the rattles are just as bad in the sedan. Hmmm. Will have to do extensive test drives, for sure.

Yes, the '96 Fleetwoods are RWD (as are the TCs and Roadmasters). I'm not interested in a FWD car - at least not one that's almost 10 years old!

Any info from our limo-drivers and limo-owners out there? I thought there would be at leat ONE Ford vs. GM comment in this thread...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top