Add a daily driver to the fleet?

With 3 continuous-improvement projects consisting of a diesel tow rig, 24' enclosed car hauler, and my 2011 Mustang, PLUS three slow-moving projects (Granada CAM-T, Mustang rally car, and Lincoln Continental sleeper), it has occurred to me that I do not have a "good" commuting vehicle...

Okay, I'll admit I have a problem, but looking at growing the fleet by adding a cheap daily...

To that end, I think this is my criteria (ish):

1. common platform (cheap/available parts)
2. comfortable ride (probably something larger)
3. not worn completely out
4. functioning A/C
5. I have to like driving it (totally subjective, I know...)

So I am currently looking at three vehicles:

1. Linky 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII.  I like the platform, but the electronics are a little imposing.  It would be comfy, fun to drive, but parts wouldn't be super-cheap.

Contestant 2: Linky 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis.  Not a P71, but it's the Panther platform, so parts are cheap.  V8 goodness.

Contestant 3: Linky 1997 Dodge Ram Van 1500 V8.  Because Dajiban is on my automotive bucket list.

I need an intervention...
 

My recommendation is to find something that you don't hate and will not be tempted to modify.  Seems like you might be inclined to modify any of the three on your current list.

In reply to pushrod36 :

True.  I'd be definitely modifying the van.  The Marquis and the Mark VIII are fine as-is.  Maybe some mufflers, but I think that'd be it.  If things broke, I'd replace them with improvement parts.

Marquis seems the most practical.  

It's a daily. Get the Marquis and drive it. Work on the stuff you want to work on.

X2 on the Marquis.

2003-and newer had rack/pinion , stiffer frame, etc....as you said parts are Rock Auto cheap.

full frame car ,like a truck...every junkyard in North America has 2-10 of them ready to grab parts.

monster trunk, I've hauled engines around and 600 lb of firewood, never a complaint. 

18 city 23 highway, regular corn gas = OK

Walmart 5-20W synthetic+ Ford oil filter (has drain back valve. Use only Ford Motorcraft) every 6,000m or when I think of it. Does not burn a drop at 130,000 miles.

I've had three of these and they are 200,000 mile plus machines. Actually they will run as long as you want them to, there are airport car service panthers at 500,000 miles, plus a lot of idling....

In reply to FIYAPOWA :

I think you need a 77-79 Town Car for daily driver. Seems like it would fit right in...though maybe not fit into the garage. 

By what definition would an Mark VIII be "fun to drive"?

Of the three I'd easily go for the Mercury.  Probably the best blank canvas if you do want to tweak it a little and they're comfortable cars.