Car for Dad?

Misanthropy

Misanthropy

Information Junkie
Hi, I am looking at purchasing a vehicle for my father, because right now he drives my grandma to/from doctor and hospital in a 90's ford Taurus with I'm sure over 200k miles on it.

Looking to spend between 3-4k and was thinking about a Crown Vic. Any suggestions what year? or maybe another model?

Aside from oil changes/fluids and wipers he probably won't ever take good care of it so it need not be a luxury car just with a reliable a/c and running parts.

Any feedback is appreciated........Thanks guys/gals :)
 
tixer

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
I might say my #1 would be the Ford 500 / Mercury Montego - Upright seating position, good visibility, and the same "family" as the Taurus. I'd think that it should be right in there pricewise, too. Find a 2WD version without the CVT. Should be a good little car. (full disclosure, I actually like the CVT, but many don't)

Maybe a Chevy Impala? Another basic, but well built car. They made lots, and they seem to be just fine.

If he's comfortable with the size of the 'Vic, it's not a bad way to go. Cross shop the Grand Marquis and Town Car too though, as there could well be deals to be found with higher comfort. In my experience, they're bulletproof with regular maintenance up to 250k or so, but get needy after that
 
driller

driller

El Presidente
You can't go wrong choosing the panther platform for lots of reasons. Room, comfort, reliability, rear wheel drive and decent mileage. I forget the year to look for, but just be certain it has the improved intake and not the one prone to cracking.

While I wouldn't pay extra, if a decent Town Car is available, don't let the luxury deter you. But I may be biased. LOL :)
 
Misanthropy

Misanthropy

Information Junkie
Do the town cars and grand marquis all have air ride ? That might be a deal killer since he wants low maintenance and if the air suspension went out I would be stuck driving there to replace it or chucking the car.
 
germansheperd

germansheperd

New member
My parents babysit and take my son to school. About a year and a half ago I bought my dad a GMC Envoy. The seat height and ease of getting in and out are about as good as it gets for seniors. It is a beast in the snow, it can get pretty brutal where I live here in rural NE Ohio.
My dad has an 02 Crown Vic with 13k miles and I can tell you the Envoy is by FAR easier to get in and out/more comfortable/ more room than the Crown Vic.
 
tixer

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
Good call on the Envoy. I borrowed one from a friend for the Chicago New Years party a few years back. What a great little truck.

My parents are getting up there also. Dad is 6'6" and although he technically "fits" in Mom's '09 Honda Accord, watching him get in and out of it is a difficult process. They're looking pretty seriously at a new Chevy Equinox, but I know that's likely out of your price range. These experiences are why I thought about the 500 though. it's more "upright" than any other "car" I can think of..
 
germansheperd

germansheperd

New member
tixer said:
Good call on the Envoy. I borrowed one from a friend for the Chicago New Years party a few years back. What a great little truck.

My parents are getting up there also. Dad is 6'6" and although he technically "fits" in Mom's '09 Honda Accord, watching him get in and out of it is a difficult process. They're looking pretty seriously at a new Chevy Equinox, but I know that's likely out of your price range. These experiences are why I thought about the 500 though. it's more "upright" than any other "car" I can think of..
Click to expand...
Careful with the 10-14 4cyl Equinoxes, they are pure garbage. The V6 ones don't have the nearly the issues.

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steve said:
Not sure you are going to find a good Envoy in the $3k t $4k range.
Click to expand...
I paid 4500. A lil more but worth every penny.
 
tixer

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
Yeah. I'm pushing hard for the v6. But my folks are cheap. Thanks for the reinforcement.. that's good info to have.
 
B

bigltc

New member
My neighbor picked up an older Dodge Caravan. Its easy for older people to get in and out of. All it needed was a good clean up, tune up and brakes.
 
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