Lincoln Town Car

kinley

The lack of power is disturbing to me as well for the same reasons you cited. Our '94 Signature is adequate, but still very quiet at 104,000 miles. It is a pleaure to drive and tows a boat, but with no power to spare. This TC has the 'Road Handling' package so we're used to a firmer ride. It seems all of the 03's have the 'Handling'package as standard and the Executive would suit us just fine at $29,995.Thank you again for your post.

dbc123

Your comments that the ride is stiffer and noisier than expected and that the suspension tuning is out of character with the car are exactly in agreement with what I've been saying here and in the Grand Marquis forum. This is not going to sit well with owners of these cars as we expect a supple ride with excellent isolation from the road. These are areas where the TC could not be bettered by any car before. The ride and impact harshness in the new cars is nowhere near world class. Are you listening Lincoln?
Your observations on the new steering are, again, spot on. A huge improvement. Thanks for vindicating what I've been saying.

houndog

The only way that Lincoln will make the customers happy is to offer the standard "soft" suspension for those who want total isolation, and an optional "handling package" for those who want the tighter suspension. Give the buyers a choice, and they can have what they like. The lack of power is absurd. It needs 300hp minimum for a car that weighes over 4000lbs. Even at 300hp it will not equal the competition.

moondawg

I am interested in getting a TC,1996-97.I spotted one at a dealers lot.a nice black signature series,with appox.56k.I had some marring,otherwise,very clean.Asking price..$14,900U.S.I also spotted a '96 with 35,000 mls on it.It was gold and extra clean.Asking $11,500 for it.(another dealer)I'm debating to go in to the livery biz.I mentioned both colors.Relations told me they wouldn't get into a gold one(i.e.weddings and such)and would rather go into a black colored car.Does color really matter?Opinions,please.....

brucelinc

I agree that there should be a choice of "luxury" or "handling" suspensions. I still wonder how many traditional buyers have really complained that the prior TC suspension was too soft or floaty. I can't imagine many would opt for a "handling" package.

On the other hand, more enthusiast oriented drivers might want the handling package but I can't imagine them accepting the serious power shortage compared to the competition. Was the "Touring Sedan" model a big seller?

I think every TC should have the DOHC engine as used in the Marauder, but also focus on the quiet isolated ride that many buyers expect. Then, have a separate "Touring Sedan" model with the current firmer suspension tuning, maybe a more aggressive axle ratio, and bucket seat interior. This would be for the magazine editors to test and also for the folks who may currently have an LS or other premium midsize car but would like to move up to a larger car while still keeping some sporting flavor.

All the parts are already on the shelf. How complicated could it be?

kinley

and observing their computer sequential production system where on one line they mingled Towncars and Continentals and on the second line they produced Mark VIII's it is obvious that plant is capable of installing the Marauder engine into the Towncar anytime they would want to. It is just a matter of programming their computer sequential process so it would happen. A friend has a "Vivid Red" LS and that is the color I prefer on the Towncar rather than "Autumn Red" which resembles dried blood. Lincoln's marketing team needs some real people on their board as presently the group is marketing insensitive and doesn't care.

audia8q

>>>...Lincoln's marketing team needs some real people on their board as presently the group is marketing insensitive and doesn't care...<<<

oh not true. Lincoln listened very closely to their top customers for the T/C...They listend to livery and fleet buyers who make up the largest percentage of T/C buyers....Being around Lincoln a long time and having a medium sized fleet department, mostly limo's..they hit the nail right on target. They are very happy with the new T/C and out fleet sales show it.....

Of course, fleet buyers and retail consumers often have different needs, tastes and desires.

If I was making the decisions for Lincoln I would place the T/C into fleet only sales...like the Escort and soon to be Taurus.

navigator3740

That actually explains a lot. I guess the T/C won't be an option for me going forward, but I applaud the sales of Lincolns for Limos. They look great that way.

I'll just stay in my SUVs, and irritate Steve & Tidester some more.......

kinley

to livery and fleet buyers? You suggest over 50% and that amazes me. So, what are the sales facts?

audia8q

I will get that number for you, I don't have it handy but I think I can find it for you..

Its a huge number.

jerrym3

Glad to read that you are still around. Haven't heard from you on the Marauder chatbox for a long time. Wanted to get your views on the new Marauder pricing plan: $2,000 rebate plus A plan eligibility.

Weren't you the dealer that stated salesman who sold a Marauder at A plan prices or under list would be in deep stuff, correct?

So, why are dealers haunting me to come on down and drive out with a Marauder for 28K+??? Why do my local dealers have 15 of them on the lot? Was it overpricing or didn't the car match the Ford claims, or both?

Told you long time ago that the magazine reviews were going to make of break that car. The reviews were good, but not great. (The new Honda will beat or stay with the Marauder 0-60.)

I've been a Mercury fan for years, and I wouldn't be caught dead driving a BMW, Asian car, or an SUV. I had great hopes for that car, based on pre announcement press. I was disappointed.

Now Infiniti claims that the M45 is the "musclecar with brains".

Will Mercury respond, or just meekly offer a new minivan, the Monterey?

audia8q

I can't speak for all dealers...Quite frankly most Mercury dealers are not prepared to sell something like the MM. Our sales staff isnt the typical sleepy Mercury staff and we have quite a few "car guys" who really get into cars like the MM...This makes selling them pretty easy. Enthusiasm breeds sales.

We have done well with the car, We sold 10 right away at MSRP or over and have had decent sales of the car since. I only have 2 in stock and oddly enough since the incentives came out on the car we have had little interest..
We don't see very many A-plans here in CT, maybe a total of 3-6 per year and nobody has asked about A-plan on the MM...so I don't really have an opinion on that. I will not sell the car under the X-plan unless it's a friend or family of the dealership. We earn more revenue on an A-plan than an X-plan. strange huh?

I really wonder about the long term plans for Mercury. They could do so much with the brand since it really has NO image..no good or bad baggage to deal with.....But Mercury will go nowhere with rebadged Fords, INHO....I have been making alot of noise at factory meetings about making Mercury a niche sport brand. i.e. AWD sport wagons, performance stuff, etc....I don't think a $40K minivans is how Mercury will come back to life.

navigator3740

I am way confused by comparisons of the MM to any Honda, Infiniti or the like. I see no probability of cross-shopping this car. It has no competition at this time! Its potential buyers are those who like big American V-8 sedans, and only Ford makes 'em anymore. So if you want a hot one, here's your car. I can't imagine the MM winning over any asian market at all. Who cares about the numbers? The question is how large the market still is for cars like these. 15 years ago, I would have been all over this car, but I've aged beyond it now. As for dealers? The dealers here aren't excited about the car at all, and have only ordered a few, which flew off the lot immediately, to their surprise. The dealer I use was very tentative about them because he ordered a ton of boat anchors called Blackwoods, thinking they would be very hot, and has had to discount them $13M off sticker to move them at all, and still has 2 left. I was tempted at that price....but not quite enough.

dale_28

I'm looking for a 'new' car. This is probably going to be a 1995-1997 Lincoln Town Car. The two colors that I'm looking at are Silver and Black.
Anyways, I'm looking for some feedback on whether anyone thinks this is a bad idea (or a good idea for that matter). I'm lloking for something with a smooth ride, luxurious interior and good exterior styling.
However, due to the fact that I havn't won the Lotto, yet, I'm trying to find one a little bit cheaper. I was thinking of getting one from a local car/limo service (not an actual limo). Probably having somewhere between 100k and 200k on it. Is this a good idea, or should I just bite the bullet and pay the premium for the lower mileage car.
I like alot of the stuff I've read in the forum (to posting #600) and I also like the 95-97 Town Car body styling. Let me know.

0rnery

Seriously, black is a headache to own, though it is probably the prettiest.

I wouldn't buy any car that's been used for a rental or corporate fleet. Use CarFAX to single them out. I went through 52 CarFAX reports trying to find a G. Marquis and Town Car that hadn't been used as rentals during their life. 80% of those had been!

We got our '94 Town Car with 70K on it, for $6,600. I wasn't too picky about the color, as you can see! That amethyst would be my least favorite, but I bought it anyway. I'd have taken a black one too, if it had been in as good condition.

...smooth ride, luxurious interior and good exterior styling.

Smooth ride? It's got that in spades!

Luxurious interior? Dashboard might be the only thing holding it back. The rest is sweet!

Exterior styling? Hmmm... seen better for sure, but the ride and bang for the buck makes up for ANYTHING!

kinley

Condition and low mileage would be of most importance to me followed by color. TC's with dual exhaust indicate they may have the "Handling" package which promises a firmer ride with better handling. From personal experience I highly recommend you change all fluids especially the rear differential on day of purchase. A new air filter would be in order as well. After '97 the most improvement is in the 03's. Our '94's engine, with 104k miles, is as quiet as the day we bought it. I add 1 quart of Mobile 1, 10-40 every 1k miles, changing the filter at 7k, when I change the oil. Let us know what you buy when you do.

navigator3740

Both of my cars currently, are BLACK, and I like 'em. Also, I think the styling of the T/C up to 98 is without peer! Now, from 98 on, that's a little different. They look best stretched about 90 inches, which may have been exactly what Henry had in mind. Anyway, to answer Dale's question, Ornery is right in that the T/C is the best in its class for ride, room and comfort, especially 90-97. 95 got a new interior that was even nicer than before, and nicer than after too. I would stay away from livery & limos, rentals may be ok if it was a major company that sold them before they got too used. Hertz, Budget, for example, usually sell them by 2 years at the latest, and under 40,000, so they didn't endure a lifetime of abuse. But hey, with a rental, you also don't run the risk of the same jerk abusing your car for 2 solid years, probably only 2 days, then another jerk got his chance. I used to buy Hertz rentals all the time and had very good results.

You will have to look hard to find a dissatisfied Town Car owner. Most of them are repeat buyers, car after car. They like what they offer, and usually treat their owner right. Good hunting!

A tip: For lower mileage, look rural. They're out there. Ex; Sun City AZ, Las Vegas, etc. Folks with money buy them, only drive them a little to the store and golf course, trade them in 2-3 years....

trainiac

2000 Cartier Sand metallic with beige interior impeccable condition with 48000 miles and all options, factory moonroof included. $23,000 asking price. I figure $19,000 at the most. What's it worth? Thanks.

pat

Hi trainiac -- you might want to also ask that question in Real-World Trade-In Values. Good luck!

kinley

2003 Vivid Red Executive with Marauder engine and a tach in the dash for $30k. Well, we can all dream once in a while.

0rnery

So, what's the secret? Always garaged and tarped? How do you remove the swirls and scratches? Secret wax or polymer?

I've never considered the TC to be a great style. Can't touch a
"Jaguar XJ" for example, but it's got the better bang for the buck for sure.

My mom just saw mine for the first time yesterday. She's ready to buy one! I'll ask her what color she wants...

brucelinc

Throw in a bucket seat, console, floor shift option in addition to the Marauder/Aviator engine and I will take one, too!

navigator3740

You know, I give them very little upkeep. They are garaged at night, but only under cover during the day. Usually washed every other week, dusted once in between. Waxed professionally twice a year, and they look pretty good. The 99 is starting to show some swirls, but not seriously.
FWIW, I really don't go looking for Black as a color. When I go to select a car, I look at the display of what I want, and buy the one I think is most attractive. Last two times, Black won. Go figure?

koolerb

Fuel gauge reads "CO" intermittantly. The owners manual say if gauge reads "CO" or "CA" bring in for dealer service. I've put alot of money into this car over the past year and would like to fix it my self if possible. If anyone could tell me what this means that would be great.

crackerjack_17

My brother called me the other day because the Town Car has been acting up again. First off, the Air Ride light is on. He said the car doesn't raise up anymore. Another thing, the car is blowing a faint gray smoke on low speed acceleration. He said there is a touch of blue in it also. So, what is everyone's diagnosis? The car is a 94' w/ 83k on it.

navigator3740

AIR RIDE: Either the pump is bad, the system has a leak in it, or somebody turned the switch off and it needs to be turned back on. (It's in the trunk).

SMOKE: This isn't uncommon......for a car with over 150K on the clock. At 83K, either some owner abused it, or he's got a rare problem in my experience. Is it using oil?

crackerjack_17

Honestly, the Town Car has always had problems. My grandparents haved owned it since it was basically new. I think they bought it with less than 15K miles on it. They have taken pretty good care of it. So I doubt any of these problems are related to abuse.

Anyways, I read some more about the air suspension problems, and I think I will recommend he replace it with a standard spring setup.

On the smoke issue, I don't know what the problem is. It just had a tune up at around 75K miles. I was driving the car at the time, and it seemed like they're was a leak in the exhaust. Could the catalytic converter cause discoloration of the smoke? I've drawn a blank on this one. Anymore ideas? Also, I've told him to start monitoring the oil level.

rea98d

I've heard that at 80-100,000 miles, 4.6 motors start using oil through the valve stem seals. When this happens, you don't really notice the smoke, except when pulling away from stoplights & the like. Let your engine idle for a minute or two, then rev it up, and if valve stem seals are your problem, you'll see the big cloud of bluish-white smoke. Now if your car is constantly smoking "Uncle Buck" style, you've got bigger problems, but if it is just the seals, just keep plenty of oil in the engine and ignore it. I bought my T-Bird with over 130,000 miles on it, and it was doing that when we bought it. It now has 212,000 miles, and it's still going.

kinley

A gentleman from Lincoln advises the 04 Towncar will have the more powerful V8. Have you heard this as well?

houndog

Kinley, I hope you are right on the new motor. This car has been underpowered for years. 300HP will make it "competitive", not a class leader. It is a start in the right direction. Sales should increase by 25%. I'm ready for one. To lead the pack, it will need a performance package/tow package w/400hp, limited slip, 3:73 gears, 5 speed HD auto-trans, and 5.4 litre motor. Don't hold your beath waiting. FORD is always bringing up the rear.

ahomecareer

Does anyone think that this is risky to purchase?

The car is currently owned by someone who has to go back to his country (Israel). His mission is finished, and he HAS to sell his car. It is immaculate - pearl white with leather and cloth interior, garage kept, and a 4.6 engine (clean). I did a carfax report, and it is positive in all categories.

He bought this car from a Rabbi that took very good care of it. The ride is very smooth, no smoke, no shaking.

This is my first post, and I guess I'm just looking for some opinions. Thanks!

kinley

because the Rabbi "circumsised" the car when it was new. Other than that, buy it.

rea98d

I've said it before, but I'll say it again...My '95 T-Bird has the exact same type of engine & transmission, and I've got 214,000 miles out of it, and like a certain pink rabbit, it's still going. If the Rabbi took as good a care as you said he did, I'd say that car has at least half it's useful life ahead of it. If the price is right, buy it and never look back. It should be a great car.

navigator3740

Normally I'd pass on that much mileage, but pampered as it seems to be, it should be fine. The basics were very very good in 93 on Town Cars.

navigator3740

I'll admit Ford is missing the boat on some of their product. I think the T/C is one of them frankly. They've cheapened the interior, a GM looks nicer now. Exterior styling is geared for a limo conversion. But as to Ford "always" bringing up the rear, I don't agree.

Ya see, I still remember Cadillacs from 1980 up to about 1995. Had several of them. While Ford started using EFI in about 83 on most of their cars, and had multiport EFI on EVERY engine they made by 86, I had the pleasure of owning a 1983 Fleetwood with the 4.1L aluminum leaker in it, a fully modern engine, but prone to early crankshaft failure to the point the dealer had to add on a room for engine crates. I won't even talk about my 85 and 87 downsized caddys, also modern, but unreliable. But my favorite was when I went back to full sized, and bought a 1990 Fleetwood Brougham with the Chevy 350 engine, and a CARBURATOR! Ford hadn't used one on anything since 85, and here the biggest Caddy made has no fuel injection at all! And it was the car that moved me over to Lincoln, where I have happily been since 1992.

No, Ford isn't "always" bringing up the rear. They have the first large SUV's out with rack & pinion steering, Independent Suspension and they still have keypads on many of their doors, which is a lovely addition.

They need to do some work on the Town Car to please me, but it's a solid car, RWD like a big car should be, and it drives like a dream. The new Caddys are interesting, better engines now for sure, and I think they're probably better in some ways. But not "always". IMHO

houndog

I can't disagree with you on how bad some of the Caddys were in the 80's and 90's - I know because I owned one. The engines before the Northstar were absolute junk after 1979 model year. The town car is good but could be a lot better, and I only hope it will be. It needs options which are not available now, i.e. - tow package(performance pkg), cloth interior, choice of rear axle with posi, independent rear suspension, awd for those who need it, etc. Overall, for the price, it is still a fine car for those who need full size auto.

ahomecareer

The 93 Lincoln Town Car that we are about to purchase seems to be in great shape as I stated in an earlier post. I have one question. When the engine is turned on, you hear a quiet humming sound for about 15 or 20 seconds, then it cuts off and purrs like a kitten.

The owner says that this is a process of the car "leveling out" or "balancing out", and when it is ready to drive, the humming noise will stop. And it DOES. I think he said it has something to do with the hydraulics (not sure). Anyway, is this normal? I know I had a cadillac that did the same, but it was an older cadillac bought from an auction, and I didn't have anything to compare it with.

Would appreciate some feedback today.

Thanks!

kinley

marjer

We traded our '00 Continental (65k miles) for a "03 TC. I don't like to run my main wheels out of warranty. Being a FoMCo lover we looked over the field: Crown Vic and Grand Marquis no rear leg room nor wanted options (heated seats, memory, and electrocromatic side mirror. LS wife is 5'2" and could not see out of it to drive, leaving the TC. The '03 is a vast improvement over the '02's but still underpowered. I was impressed with handling (over earlier years) and wife had no trouble driving it during the demo. We now have 6k on it and the drivers seat
must have been designed by Torquemada. I thought it may be just me but I see Consumer Reports also says the seat is very uncomfortable.
Has anyone else had back problems with this seat?
We are about to undertake about a 3k trip but first a trip to Pep Boys is in order for a cushion or foam rubber or something. I wish I could retrofit the drivers seat from my '02 Mazda/Ranger into it and exchange the engine for the one in the new Marauder.

ahomecareer

Has anyone had problems with a canvas top Lincoln Town Car, or does anyone know of anyone that has?

For example, (1) does it stain easily if it's a light color like beige? (2) if so, is it hard to clean? (3) will it be more proned to leak? (4) will it have the tendency to wear out quicker than a 1993 with a hard top?

Again, I would appreciate a quick response this evening if possible.

Thanks!

navigator3740

No question it will deteriorate much faster than paint, but it will also depend on many variables, such as how much sun it gets, other weather. (I can't tell where you live). Here in the SouthWest, heat and sun are the enemies of your car, so a car kept in the shade, or garaged lasts forever. We never have rust. But if it's seeing the sunlight every day, even if you condition the top with a protectorant, it's eventually going to shred in to pieces and fly off as you drive.

But the good news is, they can be replaced, and they don't cost all that much either. If it's a great car, don't let the top stop you.

ronald18

If the air compressor runs every time the car is started there is most likely a leak in the system. The car has conventional shocks. The compressor adds air to the air springs which are used in place of conventional coil springs. The system is far superior to "air shocks".

mvigor

Well that's just not true. The Towncar vents air from the rear air spring at each shutdown and pumps them back up again at each startup. The compressor is supposed to run every time the car is started.

dbc123

The ride height sensor reads high when the car is unladen (after passenger and luggage are removed).
After all doors are closed the system will vent down to trim height. One hour after key is turned off system will do a final trim (vent or fill as necessary). Nothing after that until car is keyed up to start. Then, when loaded, sensor will usually read low and command fill to ride height. These are air springs - not air shocks. The shocks are the same as on steel spring panther cars.

since66

Looking for info on what real life market is for the above Town Car, 42,000 miles, excellent condition, w/factory warrantee to 2004 or 60,000 miles.

kinley

99 Signature 14,000 miles for $21,000. Estate sale on Mercer Island. (206) 232 8686.

since66

Kinley, Thanx for info. The miles on that one are much in it's favor. I'm in the midwest and have decided to ask $15,950 for mine. We'll see.

jmeasell

I recently "inherited" my father's 91 TC (exec. series) with 60K miles. I thought of selling the vehicle, but after driving the car, decided to keep it. It has a few exterior nicks and dings but was well maintained and rides like a charm. As you can tell, my father didn't drive great distances and rarely used the car over the past few years. I've noted your comments regarding the rear axle fluid and would welcome any other suggestions -- timing belt? -- replacing hoses? -- flushing radiator? Thanks.

navigator3740

If it has the 4.6L SOHC engine, it has timing chains. But I'm not sure it doesn't have the 5.0L OHV engine, also with a timing chain. Either way,I would flush, drain and refill the radiator, oil, rear axle & transmission just for peace of mind to start fresh. Then you know where you're at. Other than that, there aren't any real disasters lurking in this car.

kinley

The tires should be replaced if factory. Ours ran 60,000 before new booties were require. Michelin Symetry is a decent ride and price. If a '91, it's a 4.6 OHC engine.