Now Is the Time to Buy a Used Ford Crown Victoria
Late-model used-car prices continued their decline in September, the third straight month of retreat after a run-up in prices during the spring. From Aug. 1 to Sept. 1, prices declined, on average, $218 — about 1% — to $21,959, but prices for the Ford Crown Victoria dipped 12% over the same period.
The Crown Vic was last sold new to consumers as a 2007 model, but it managed to make this list of 2009-11 cars because it was still sold to fleet operators until production ended a year ago. The car's 12% price dip shaved nearly $1,700 from its average asking price. Its sibling, the Mercury Grand Marquis, had the second-largest price drop, an 8% decline that cut more than $1,300 from its average asking price. It appears sellers are itching to rid themselves of Ford's ubiquitous full-size sedans.
This series typically focuses on cars with the greatest price declines, but we did uncover a significant price spike for used Lexus RX 350s. The average asking price for the luxury crossover jumped nearly $6,000, and the 18% increase was more than triple the next biggest percentage increase. It's unclear what's driving this price surge, especially considering the crossover's styling has been significantly updated for the 2013 model year with Lexus' new hourglass grille design, making the difference between used and new models even more pronounced. Perhaps shoppers prefer the old look.
The chart below details the top 10 used cars from the 2009 to 2011 model years with the biggest price drops — as well as the 10 with the biggest increases. To be eligible for the list, a model needs to have 500 cars in Cars.com's national inventory.
Source: Cars.com used-car listings, 2009 to 2011 model years
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My uncle was driving the car. I am aware of all his faults and qualities. The current price is really low for a car of this quality. Your article has encouraged me even more to buy it.
I sold our 2007 Crown Vic to an individual earlier this year and was surprised at how much it brought with well over 150,000 miles on it.
But in reality the guy also got a pretty good deal because many of the failed parts had already been replaced either under warranty or by me.
So it changed hands with four brand new tires, new belts and hoses, new antifreeze, a new water pump and fanclutch, a new heaterfan motor, a completely rebuilt AC system, and a rebuilt radiator.
Since I had all the paperwork for the repairs, I asked $18K for it but settled for $15K, because the guy had just lost his job, which was about 5K more than what I expected to get.
I'm sure that the shortage of good used cars in Grand Junction had something to do with that.
And the new owner merrily went on his way, moving back to Georgia, towing a big U-Haul all the way. Can't do that with an econobox.
Its a big gas guzzler and a big waste.
Realizing this all Cabbies are moving to Prius.
The only time I ever got to drive one of these was last summer. It was black and the outside lane seemed to magically clear in front of me!
Ah, the good old Crown Vic, synonymous with law enforcement! While it may not be the most fuel efficient or attractive vehicle on the road, it’s hard to argue with such an astounding price drop.
It’s easy for those who car shop on a tight budget to focus on appearance or features, only to end up paying more than they bargained for with their auto loan.
You may need to evaluate if your driving habits are conducive to a Crown Vic (probably not the best choice if you commute 50+ miles per day). But the Crown Vic price drop underscores the importance of exploring vehicle options that may not be the most popular. When there’s inventory that needs ridding, it only helps your shopping budget.
Someone needs to pay me to get this pos boat.
For all you guys so concerned about mpg and green economy, the Crown Victoria is neither frugal nor green, but people will drive them until the wheels fall off. It's called comfort.
The people who actually worry about economy and mpg are such a small minority that the F150 and the Camry are still the overwhelming choice for the majority, along with their peers like the Silverado, RAM, Accord, Altima and Sonata.
Small, cramped econoboxes are great for those chronically short of money, but for those who can afford it, which is the majority of Americans, comfort ranks higher than mpg.
The cost of fuel is not even a consideration when you choose to buy a truck or large sedan.
And that is exactly why the Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis and the Lincoln Towncar remain in demand.
But true to fashion, even they will eventually wear out and will no longer be economically feasible to repair and keep running.
That will be a sad day indeed, when they crush the last Crown Victoria.
I really wished Ford had refreshed the Town Car/Crown Victoria and kept selling them. I had a Town Car as a rental last year, and it now a dream car of mine.
As for the statement "The Crown Vic was last sold new to consumers as a 2007 model", this is incorrect. The Crown Vic was in fact last sold new to consumers as a 2011 model. I work for Ford and just verified this.
Soakee, the Crown Vic was only sold to fleet buyers after the 2007 model year. The Grand Marquis though was sold until 2011 to consumers.
Ahh one of the most dependable American cars. I have owned a 91 previously and now own a 99 lx that I bought at 186k miles and am now at 245k 2 years later. I recently had to buy brand new axles, bearings and axle seals for it but otherwise i regularly service the vehicle when the alloted mileage comes around. They may not be the most fuel effecient but itll never leave you stranded on the side of the road if properly maintained and i have heard can run 500-600k miles and keep going. I recommend to anyone to buy them.