Almost everyone dreams of inheriting something exciting or valuable, and some people are lucky enough to realize that dream. Such is the case with the owner of this 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis LS. It was left to them by their late uncle, and after ensuring it was mechanically healthy, they have decided this affordable classic needs a new home. It has a mere 45,000 miles on the clock, and meticulous maintenance means it should offer its next owner years of reliable service. The Mercury is listed here on Craigslist in Pompano Beach, Florida. It could be yours for $4,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this beauty.
Mercury introduced its Third Generation Grand Marquis for the 1998 model year with styling that was an evolution of its predecessor. It hit a sweet spot with buyers because although it was essentially competing head-to-head with Ford’s Crown Victoria, the Grand Marquis comfortably outsold it. Figures for 1999 confirm this, with the Mercury winning the battle with 142,372 cars versus Ford’s 114,669. The seller’s uncle ordered this classic in Light Blue Metallic, and its presentation is acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle with over two decades of use under its belt. The paint shines nicely, although the poor photo quality makes it difficult to confirm whether there are any panel of paint imperfections. There is no evidence of rust, and no problems are mentioned in the listing. The alloy wheels are stained, but some patient work with a high-quality polish might return them to their former glory. The trim is in good order, and there are no visible glass issues.
The seller’s supplied photos are sadly lacking, but they paint a generally positive picture of its interior. The back seat looks like it has never been used, but the driver’s door armrest is discolored. It is unclear whether that trait continues onto the front seat upholstery. Still, with the seller indicating their late uncle was meticulous with the car’s care, there shouldn’t be any significant issues. The dash looks good, and there are no signs of aftermarket additions. The new owner will drive away in a vehicle with dual front airbags, climate-controlled air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. There might be other touches, like cruise control, but the listing doesn’t mention these features.
Interior shots aren’t the only shortcoming in this listing because there are no engine photos. However, we know this classic features a 4.6-liter “Modular” V8 that sends 200hp and 265 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission. Power steering and brakes were standard equipment, and while the Grand Marquis tipped the scales at 3,922 lbs, the ¼-mile ET of 16.8 seconds confirms it is a relatively spritely performer. However, its greatest strength is its open-road performance and long-distance cruising capability. Sitting at 70mph on the freeway all day will be effortless, and with the Grand Marquis comfortably topping 20mpg, the driver can clock plenty of miles between visits to a gas station. The seller claims this Mercury has a genuine 45,000 miles on the clock but doesn’t mention verifying evidence. They recently performed an oil change and fitted new Michelin tires, making this a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis LS will unlikely make many lists of the world’s most desirable cars, but this one is a gem with some significant positive attributes. Its condition looks impressive for its age, and it is a mechanically healthy low-mile survivor. It is also exceptionally practical, which is a significant consideration for an enthusiast with a young family. The asking price means it is unquestionably affordable, and its respectable fuel consumption figures make it a viable daily driver. It ticks so many boxes I believe it shouldn’t have trouble finding a new home. Are you tempted to make it yours?
You know time is flying by when a 1990 Mercury is featured on a classic car site. I hate myself for saying this, but how about another Mustang?
I would take this over a Mustang any day of the week. Now that everyone wants to drive oversized pickups and SUVs, this will at least give you some chance of survival in a fender bender. Plus this car is almost invisible to the police. Fly in and drive home car. Keep up the good work BarnFinds!!!
Seems a high hp rating. Is this equipped w the dual exhaust option, or trailer pkg. I recall that jumped up the hp on these really nicely.
Typo it’s a 99
Let me just say, I think that history will treat, and perhaps already is treating, the Panther Fords (Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, Town Car) with the utmost respect. Not because they are stylish, or fast, or unique, or fun, or anything else normally associated with collectible cars. Rather, because…. they were tanks. But, they were quiet, comfortable, reasonably attractive, functional, decently-powered, well-equipped tanks.
I think we have all heard stories of these commonly providing 300,000, 400,000, even 500,000 miles of police or livery service. And when something does break, the parts are readily available and cheap. And probably will be readily available and cheap for decades to come.
Kind of my way of saying: the Panther may be the peak of the long-running, but now essentially absent, pillar of American motoring: the full-size rear-wheel-drive V8-powered four door sedan.
So if this is what you want or need, snatch up this low-mileage example for not much money.
Having had two of these I agree they are great and reliable transportation. However, Ford and the after market do not support the Panther platform directly anymore. Parts that are generally Ford are available, but body parts and switches for lights, seat adjustment and power windows are not available. This is frustrating and disappointing as I still have one for a teenage driver and I am experiencing the above problems. I wish this wasn’t so because these cars are great.
Do I spy a little Road Runner lurking in the background?
These big lugs have a great reputation and make great catches. That is, if you don’t mind riding around in a 10 year ol…wait, I mean a 20 year ol….wait……
Wallow wallow…
It’s a 99, not a 90. I love it, and even though it would probably be a reliable car, it’s still very old. It’s in great condition, though, so someone will buy it. That’s a very reasonable price.
Love my 2003 P71, 203K, runs great. Only quirk is the AC won’t start for 20-30 minutes. When the compressor kicks on it’ll run as long as you need it and blows ice cold. Just use the “4-55” Air Conditioning until it turns on.
Blend door actuator
The Wizard (Tyler Hooves mechanic buddy) recently posted a YouTube video on these cars. Calling them the best car out there on a budget. Especially if you want a Bimmer or Lexus, or maybe a Mercedes. Says it’s just a downright great car that’s cheap to own, great ride and easy to maintain. I highly agree.
I’ve got a 97 I bought surplus police with 23,000 on it. Detectives car with cloth seats.
The car pictured is an example of the 98 till 2002 marquis with the Romeo motor ( discontinued in 2011!) 1990 Marquis had the 302 motor and that was the first year for Airbags in the Merc! The 92’model year featured the 4.6 Romeo Engine and a major Reskin! This matters because in most states the 90′ would be an antique, 98 would be the twenty five year threshold for becoming a classic ( I know I’m pulling at straws) but the 90 and 98 are different cars ( over My lifetime I owned both)!
Bob in TN Thank you I couldn’t have said it better. BTW my daily is a 08 Grand Marquis.
My late uncle bought a new Lincoln every year. When he passed, he left me…ZIP!
Not much of an heirloom if it’s offered for sale. Is it
These were really good cars, but they never did have a huge resale value.
I have seen dozens of these go through the car auction just to watch them not bring hardly anything.
The Police departments used a similar version and they seem to run forever.
After the Police bought new vehicles, they kept some of these as they are used as a backup when their own car is in for service.
Perhaps the styling kept the value?
Just my oponion!
He left you GREAT Memories Steve & love in his own way ! – You gain with other Wealth in many other ways than just MONEY ! 🙏🏼
I would rather see these on the road over the umpteen silver Buick LeSabres of the same vintage (1992 to 2006). Did these cars ever come in any other color? At least they’re finally starting to disappear.
@Dale
Gold & Silver! As a part-time used car dealer since 1982, I have a ‘Golden Rule’ that i always followed, ‘don’t buy any gold or silver Buick LeSabres’!
The cars were ok if you wanted to change the intake gaskets every 80-100 thousand miles, but gold or silver also? Wow, enough is too much!
I believe they finally did wear the gold color out, hopefully silver is next?
I do have a Dodge Ram 3500, 5.9 diesel and it’s silver!
Just my oponion!
Thank you! At least a Delorean has an excuse.
If it wasn’t in Florida and I am in Orygon I would love this car. Much nicer than VW .
I personally have driven many of these Mercury ‘s as a taxi driver , over 300,000 miles on these vehicles is no problem . 2003 and newer handle better with rack and pinion !
As a Fellow Cabbie, I can tell you that the watts arm linkage added in 98′ was a game changer!;
The 200hp is accurate. This is what Toyota was aiming at with the Lexus LS400. Don’t believe you can buy a better car for $4000. Problem is, it will be gone before any of us can get there.
This car was one of the best secrets out there! 210 HP with a single overhead cam! With proper care 300 thousand miles is the norm! Safe reliable and easy to maintain! Anyone who knows these cars will grab it!!
I had a 99 with this package PHP and I drove it for 8 years with only routine maintenance. Zero problems. It’s to bad I live in Ohio. Its just about impossible to find one that isn’t rusted in the usual spots!