[Neanderthal]

A little follow-up now that we've had the caah a couple of weeks.
The automatic short-shifts with the best of them. It will shift as low as 1500 RPM, and with the VVT there is plenty of grunt low-down, in relation to its 121 c.i. displacement at any rate. I'd rate this engine a shade more flexible than the VVT 2.4 in my 2003 Accord.
The four-speed auto kicks down on command, and will run up to about 6000 at WFO for shiftouts at 38 and 75. It will kick down at 65, not leaving you flat-footed if the need to merge becomes an adrenaline imperative. I had a 2001 Accord 2.3 with four-speed auto that would leave you hanging when it shifted out of second at around 67, just the wrong place for No Power, No Torque Drill Sergeant!

It took forever to burn down to 1/2 tank, or 50% of 55 liters/14.5 gallons US-American. When I topped off, we had burned 7.4 gallons of non-ETOH 87 proof over 270 miles, for a net of 36.6 MPG. And that's not trying for Mobil Economy Run figgers. Hopefully this is not a fluke, and such MPG numb3rs will continue or improve.
While a fun and agile Town Car, the Spectre really shines on the highway. It's almost instinctive, perhaps because of its lightness, surefootedness, and agility, but the road at 50 to 80 is a simple task for this compact that fits like a good pair of jungle boots.
Reasonably quiet, very stable, powerful brakes, quality-feel controls in natural places, an easier drive than the 04 Impala. This was not what I expected, I figured my bigger cars would be better cruisers.
I finally found a space-hole for the Valentine 1, the only place it will fit is near the mirror. Another 1/4" in height and I'd be looking to hang it from the overhead light.
So far at 500 miles, no funny noises, no grouchy roaring or vibrating at 70 MPH despite what CR or CD and other experts may say,.

Just an inexpensive, well-put-together, does-it-all-right, 12,000 ($16,745 sticker) dollar car with a long warranty.

edit: A couple of items I forgot: The instruments lack good contrast, they are black on a grey background and the mileage numbers and sometimes the speed can be hard to read in certain lighting conditions. An odd oversight. The headlights are incredible, something I haven't seen lately in a modern car. Better than the Impala with Silverstars. I was going to look for Silverstars for this car, but with the reach out low beams and long-distance high beams, I see no need given current driving conditions. If we move to the country, that might be a reason to upgrade.