I'm a cabbie.I drive a 2004 Crown Vic.It's an ex- police vehicle.When my
company gets them they usualy have in excess of 150,000 kms on them.Just
recently it started to have wiring problems.I don't stand over the
mechanics' shoulders while they work on them,but I believe it was a
short of some kind.The only problem left is that the highbeams only
function in the flash mode,and that too will be fixed soon enough.It now
has over 280 k on it.

My point is that these cars have the ever-lovin' CRAP driven out of
them,(by drivers other than yours truly of course),they're "maintained"
by mechanics who are told to get em in and get em out in a hurry in no
uncertain terms,and yet I find that when they're looked after with just
a reasonable amount of care that they make terrific taxis.There are
always little things that could be better,but I don't expect miracles.

Unfortunately I suppose it would be considered rather too primitive by
todays standards: I can't fill er up with a garden hose and it doesn't
sport optional sails,but the gas mileage seems reasonable enough and the
customers find it quite comfy.

Thanks,
Lins