I'll be looking at one monday, so I need to know what to look for. I have a very mechanically minded brother in law, but he's usually very busy. It's only got 91k on it, looks clean, at a used car dealership. I've only seen pics of it, but it looks detailed, engine doesn't look to have been detailed.
So, what to look for? I live in Mississippi, car was from North Mississippi. Neither are well known for snow or rust.
My current one cost me $800 with 70K, you can get deals on these. The things to beware of include: rust in rear fenders, front end wear (tie rods, ball joints etc), ensure windows all work, frame can rust behind front suspension mounts.
There are not a lot of real issues, if they do have problems they are usually along the lines of an alternator, starter, fuel pump etc, easy to replace stuff.
Windows can be easily fixed but it definitely gives you negotiating room
Check the coolant and intake manifold. That would be the non-PI 4.6 motor with an all-plastic wet intake that likes to crack and shoot coolant everywhere. If it's already done that there will be newer intake on it with an aluminum cross-over on the front for the coolant. Also, they like to spit plugs out. Otherwise do what aussie said and enjoy.
No it isn't, those plastic manifold problems started in 98 
Oil Smoke at take off, just keep an eye on the rear view mirror. They were supposed to have the valve seal situation resolved by '96, but some still had an issue. You see it more at 100k +, but it has been seen under that.
aussiesmg wrote: No it isn't, those plastic manifold problems started in 98
Are you sure? My Grandpa had a 96 GM and I distinctly remember being doused in coolant from it. I could be wrong though, I seem to do that a lot lately.
Hey, now I can get back to the thread. :) Thanks for the input. I'm not sure if I'm going to settle on this one, but it's something to look at.
Javelin wrote:aussiesmg wrote: No it isn't, those plastic manifold problems started in 98Are you sure? My Grandpa had a 96 GM and I distinctly remember being doused in coolant from it. I could be wrong though, I seem to do that a lot lately.
Yeah, they changed them with the new model in 98, the problem was the plastic intake included a lip for the thermostat, the lip crumbled with the heat cycles and led to severe leaks. The fix was eventually a recall for the molded aluminum and plastic intake.
Not sure what happened with your 96, but I own 6 x 95-97 Town Cars and Marquis, none of which have the problem part
Javelin wrote:aussiesmg wrote: No it isn't, those plastic manifold problems started in 98Are you sure? My Grandpa had a 96 GM and I distinctly remember being doused in coolant from it. I could be wrong though, I seem to do that a lot lately.
I replaced one in a 96 town car the other day that was plastic. The good news is that Dorman makes a replacement manifold with an aluminum water crossover. The kit is like $126 and comes with thermostat, housing, gaskets, the works. Nice piece.
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