1984 Towncar

[the_dro]

I have found a 1984 Lincoln towncar for sale in my neighborhood lately...they want $1050 for it...it has new tires, and is in inspectable condition...but i haven't seen much of it...

what should i look for next time i see it?
should i be afraid of it or any of its parts?

comment is welcome and wanted
thanx--dro

[Towncar]

I havn't seen many posts on '84. I believe that's a big 'ol fuel sucking monster, but rides like a dream with all the standard suspension.

The new tires may be hiding alignment and/or tie rod, ball joint problems that may need $$ soon.

The age says 21 years, but if it's taken care of mechanically it could go for upwards of 200,000+ miles without falling apart.

Take it for a spin. Turn the ign. key on check that all the warning lights work before starting the car, check all the guage readings while your driving. Hit some bumps listening to the suspension.

Operate everything... windows,lights,flashers,parking brake and release,all hatches and covers,seat and mirror adjusters,defrosters,heaters,air conditioner, etc.

After you check everything you can think of, and you find that you won't be dumping too many $$ into it after the initial $1050..

Go for it, $1050 for any decent vehicle is great.

Just be prepared to pay at the fuel pump!

[the_dro]

i've looked online for the fuel economy for the 1984's and have only came up with the economy for 1985's...and those were about 16 intown, 23 highway...is this also true for the 1984's?

[Towncar]

The 1984 has a 302cuin / 5.0 L engine. I'm thinking that your spec's are pretty much in line with what everyone's reporting. Highway 23mpg might be stretching it a bit.

Here's some 1984 Town Car data you might find interesting:

http://www.power-pill.com/testdata5.html
http://www.carsurvey.org/review_27050.html
http://www.carsurvey.org/review_45571.html
http://www.epinions.com/content_64854462084
http://www.epinions.com/auto_Make-19...ay_~full_specs
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/32/84320501.html
http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bi...c&f=3&t=000676
http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bi...c&f=3&t=000545
http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bi...c&f=3&t=001549
http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bi...c&f=3&t=001621

[the_dro]

What rust should i look for?
Its paint has no visible rust, but i haven't gotten a look at the chassis and such?
Any trouble spots to look out for?
dro

[anarkist61]

Check rockers & rear 1/4's. Also if you can, take a look at the brakes. They can be hard on brakes but no big deal, parts are cheap.

[ltdltc]

Fuel ecomomy will not be good as it has CFI. It is almost similar to TBI on chevys but it is not as good. I've heard many people having problems with them and ditching for a regular carburator.

For $1050, You could easily get a 1990 or 1991 Town Car with high miles. Which have Air bags and ABS (ABS standard in 1991, optional in 1990). It would handle better and would get much better fuel economy. But this is my opinion.

1k sounds like a lot of money for a 20 year old vehicle that will be used as a daily driver (if thats the case).

[k2acid]

I use my towncar every day, 80,000mi and no problems yet. It does guzzle gas, but there is really nothing you can do about that. I say check it out and if it is in good condition, offer him a grand for it. i got mine for $1200, though its an 89 and its not CFI, it was in perfect condition.

[anarkist61]

Those old boxcars are great cars. If it DOES have CFI and you have problems, just get an aftermarket intake & Holley 4 bbl to put on. I don't know what your Emissions laws are but here a 1984 is exempt from testing. Truth is it would probably be cleaner anyways if the injection were acting up.
I have a 1981 Marquis, am looking at a 1983 Crown Vic and sooner or later will get an older Town Car too. I don't like the newer ones as The 4.6 has it's own problems and I prefer no airbags/ABS. I like them in some ways but prefer the older ones.
If you want you can check out crownvic.net or crownvic.us as they're both great forums for the panther platform. Plenty of Towncar fans there too!!
Hope this helps, Den.

[Earl47]

What are you waiting for??? It's the funnest car to drive since the 66 Ford Mustang. Check for rust by opening the trunk and removing the cosemtics aside and feel up inside the innder sheet metal and check for rust under the vynil top. If she drives striaght buy it!!!! Remember, for that price you arent paying a car note, plus anything else can be fixed, with simple local salvage yard parts, and you will have fun!!!!....Earl

[305TPI_Z28]

i've got an 86. same body style. its got a strong 5.0L, but it sucks fuel like crazy. mine dualed out with 2.75" pipes and mustang shorty headers from hooker, so mine's even worse. but god it rides like a dam cadilac! i've 190,000 miles on the original motor and still going strong!

[wilhelmscream]

i have an 86 Signature Series Town Car and I only payed $750 for it with 65000 miles on it...see if you can talk them down from 1050 for it, and make sure everything is working at all times, cuz my neighbor who keeps up on his car will be nearing the 300000 mile mark since he keeps his in great condition...

[Lincoln_Lover]

How many miles are on it? That's a big deciding factor. As well, 84' is just before they came out with the computers in the cars which makes them way eazier to fix (Less $$ at a mechanics).
JR
PS: There's no way I'd pay that for a 21 year old car...$900 max (if it was babied)