Welcome to the Crown Vics ETC blog!

On April 6, 2000, I purchased a 1998 Ford Crown Victoria LX HPP with 23,490 miles. I decided to start a little website for it featuring a running log of my experiences with the car. Vic 1.0 was retired in 2015 due to rust and electrical issues. Vic 2.0 was a 2006 P71 in Blue Pearl that belonged to my boyfriend. It was a Ford demo and never saw actual police use. It was damaged in September of 2018 with well over 186,000 miles. It was replaced by Vic 3.0 in October 2018, a 2008 P71 in Silver Birch with 120,971 miles. To read posts prior to 2010, click a link at right, or go to Crown Vics, ETC.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Nells Comments on a Vic Owner's Video

I don't look around YouTube too much.  Way too many people with way too many opinions I don't agree with.  But I did accidentally come across this video, in which a man describes 5 things he dislikes about his Crown Vic.  I decided to watch it and see what he has to say.

He mentions in the beginning that he doesn't hate the car.  Seems to me there's little he DOES like.  Watch for yourself:



Now, I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion.  But I just HAVE to share some thoughts that popped into my mind while listening to this man's:



1 – I agree for the most part, sorta… When Vic 1.0 had its winter wheels on, it looked more police-y.  Vic 2.0 is dark blue and has police hubcaps and an antenna, so people sometimes are weary of it.  But with both cars, I'd think the fuzzy dice hanging in the window and vanity plate would dispel any incorrect thoughts...


2 – I disagree.  The car doesn’t feel big.  Maybe I am just used to it.  My '86 Pontiac Parisienne did more so, the '88 Grand Marquis a bit less than the Pontiac.  2b) Well, what do you expect?  A big car with a V8.  It's no Prius!  But MPG depends on the rear end you have and also varies depending on how you drive.  23MPG/HWY can be done with 3:55s, even better with others.


3 – I HAD a Vic with traction control and it was a horrible system.  Always drove with it off.  Not having it now is SO nice.  If you know how to drive, you don’t need traction control.   3a) RWD is for performance, whether people like it or not.  All wheel drive is of course very good for performance AND control.  BUT NOT all current Ford police vehicles are AWD.  3b) regarding the rear tires loosing traction, that is based on tires.  Goodyear Ultra Grips do just that.  Worn RS-As will loose traction more, as I found out when I took over Vic 2.0.  


4 – what do you expect in a police car for “necessities”?  The regular versions didn't have a whole lot more, granted.  But personally, I hate cars with too many gadgets.  I'm in it to drive, but watch TV or surf the Internet.  What you don’t get in luxuries you get in cool things like aluminum driveshafts, dual exhaust, bigger brakes, stab-shields in the Leer-made seats, fire suppression system, 140MPH gauges, etc.


5 – Suspension… sure, a Vic of ANY kind isn’t a BMW M5.  But I drove a ’98 with the Handling Package for 15 years.  Super comfy without being floaty.  I could throw that car into turns like nothing.  The regular versions I have driven were indeed a bit too floaty, but those cars were not made for the same hard use as the P71.  They also had different tires, with higher shoulders which I could feel made a difference.  

To his credit, the YouTuber also did a "5 Things I Love" video:  https://youtu.be/lo84XbTmcow