Farewell my dear old friend; may you take care of your new owners (and they for you) as well we did for each other.
-178K miles
-4.6 V8 OHC 205HP engine, Auto/OD trans, traction control, ABS*
-Ford Alpine Green (changes from blue to green)*
-Scarce/"rare" factory Sport Package w/ upgraded MarkVIII disc brakes, HD suspension, swaybars, and 16" wheels
-Every available factory option except sunroof and leather - all work!
The Good:
- Has been super-reliable, drive anywhere anytime!
- Independent Rear Suspension for comfortable ride and GREAT handling
- 25mpg highway
- Seats four comfortably (5 is a squeeze); big trunk
- Automatic lights and climate control
- Self-maintained by gearhead; most receipts provided, plus wiring diagrams too
- New intake manifold & gaskets per Ford factory TSB (November 2004)
- New plugs & wires (spring 2006)
- New water pump & coolant flush (March 2007)
- New rear brakes and caliper (June 07) and front control arms (Aug 2007)
- Good tires with plenty of tread left
- A/C works (both cold and hot)
The Bad:
- *Car was sideswiped in 2004; was repaired by so-called "professional" in Green County but paint job was poor and "top" of car (hood, roof, trunk) needs extensive work... By "extensive" I mean "more than a simple sprayover", but should still be easy enough for an experienced paint/body man. Rear seam of roof sometimes leaks (slightly) in heavy rain (no water inside car but headliner is stained).
- Small dent in front hood from a deer attack (yes, the deer attacked me)
- Burglarized in Sept 2007; idiot wannabe thieves ruined radio and part of dash
- *Needs ABS sensor replaced
- Plus your typical wear&tear / rough spots and usage for a daily-driver of this age and experience. There is no rust worth mentioning except a fixable spot low on the rocker panel right in front of the RR wheel, which is somewhat typical of these cars.
Despite these flaws and toll of being stored outside, the car was/is otherwise well-maintained and cared for and is safe and mechanically sound, I sometimes drive my family and kids in it still. The motor runs quiet and strong!
I have owned the car since 2001 and have put 120K solid trouble-free miles on it since. Has been driven very little since Oct 2007 but still starts and runs fine, and I personally wouldn't hesitate to drive it to California tomorrow. I'd keep it but have too many other projects / cars right now. Would be an excellent 1st car, work car, second car, college car, project car... The Ford 4.6 is a strong, durable, cheap, reliable motor. Transmission shifts without issue (but is probably due for routine fluid service).
