This question is actually about a couple of Mercury Grand Marquis used cars, but since they share the same platform with the Crown Vic I thought this might be a good place to ask.

I’m considering a couple of cars. One is a 2005 with 65K miles and the other is. 2007 with 81K. Both will probably sell for somewhere around $4000-$4500. Is there any reason to prefer one model over the other? Are there any particular issues I should be on the lookout for when I test drive them? I haven’t seen either of them in person, just on the dealer website.

 

I have an 02 grand marquis w 97 k miles. Dont think either car is better... it comes down to looking for accidents or repaint.. and can you get service records to see if oil and trans fluid changes have been done at reasonable intervals.
Look at tire wear and date codes.. and look at the bottom of doors for rust.. a carfax would tell you how many owners... one owner and garage kept is the way to go. Look at the bumpers for parking bumps.. and the brake pedal for signs of city driving. Highway miles are way better.

Check the doors to be sure the rivets that hold the power door lock solenoids are still well attached.

At this age it would be good if the cooling system was flushed and the plugs were changed once.

You can open the cooling overflow tank and look at the coolant and check and smell the transmission fluid dipstick.

Have the seller start the car while you watch the exhaust looking for any blue smoke puff on startup.