Spent a quite a few hours in a CVPI. The 4.6 is pretty much bulletproof. We had quite a few cars that had the electric fans seize up while idling unattended. The heater core hose(s) would pop, dumping the coolant. Car gets towed to the mechanic. The mechanic would replace the fan, t-stat, add coolant and do an oil change and send out the door.
The later model CV went to drive by wire. The CVs with a throttle cable felt quicker. The seats prior to the last years were slightly more comfortable but the seat foam breaks down rather quickly. The later model CV have better breaks vs the earlier years.
If you want economy, look into finding the aero body CV ('92-'97 years).
Read the VIN
P71 - Police
P72 - Commercial (taxi, they have bigger rear doors)
P73 - Civilian
There is also a Crown Vic with a Sport Package. They have a center console , monochromatic paint job. The Sport is a mix of a P71 and Marauder but still retains the 4.6 2V motor. The Sport is quicker than the P71. I had a Sport CV which I sold when I bought my '04 Marauder. The Marauders have the dual overhead cam Cobra motor.
I still have pics of my CV Sport if you want see one.
Billy T.
gnxtc2@aol.com