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Lincoln LS

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  • maxhonda99maxhonda99 Member Posts: 1,289
    Where can I find pics on the slightly redesigned exterior and interior of the 2003 Lincoln LS???
  • lobsenzalobsenza Member Posts: 619
    On the LLSOC (LLSOC.COM) web site in the 2003 LS section of the message board. There have been quite a few changes.
  • slunarslunar Member Posts: 479
    Allen, I downloaded & printed the '03 LS info back in July. I checked a couple of times to see if it was still there and saw it, so either it was still in my cache or it let me through, however when the big argument on this site started you could definately access it, plus as you stated much of the info has been on that other nameless site for the last month.

    If you are a LS Owner's Club member you can see a number of '03 LS photos, including quite a few interior shots showing the DVD nav system, new console, storage compartments etc. at llsoc.com.

    There were also 3 photo's (one interior) on that unmentionable site. All 3 of those photos were brochure quality photos so they most likely came from a Ford site, check around fordmedia.com and you might find some of them.

    With 30K on my '00 LS the only problems that I have had is a broken starter and a vibration. I have been told that the broken starter is a very unusual failure. I did have the PCM reflash which made a big improvement, makes the trannie shift better, but even with the old software there is not any failure issues just improved drivability. If the '00 LS you are looking at is a very early one the PCM reflash will also improve idle smoothness.

    Other than the rear windows, most of the "problems" are more related to noise, vibration, comfort and convience, not really any problems with something that will break and leave you stranded. If you live in the southern part of the US you should check out to see if the rear window mechanisms have the upgraded pieces and if you have a droning noise at around 51 MPH in 5th gear there are new rear halfshafts that greatly reduce the noise, again just a comfort issue, not a failure problem. You should also check the lug nuts to make sure that they have not been butchered up. The major things, engines and trannies seem pretty much bullit proof.
  • joe166joe166 Member Posts: 401
    I had no problem accessing the site yesterday and I have never been there before. Not that it was all that illuminating.
  • lsv8lsv8 Member Posts: 26
    On this morning's commute I approached a merge point between two roads and looked to the right to check the lane for an opening. When I looked back the traffic had slowed to almost a stop in front of me, which was a total surprise as I have never seen traffic slow in this area in over two years of travelling this route.

    I jerked the wheel to the right to avoid potiential contact with the car ahead, as I was not sure if I could have braked in time given the distance and the wet road surface.

    The combination of the rapid lane change and wet road surface intiated a fishtail, but as I began to countersteer, the AdvanceTrak kicked in and began straightening out the track of the car. After a second or two the car had composed itself after narrowly avoiding contact with both the lane of cars to the left and the curb to the right.

    This option really paid for itself today.

    I think from now on I'll do two things -- add a little more distance between me and the car in front, and add a change of underwear to the contents of the glove compartment...
  • johnnylincjohnnylinc Member Posts: 308
    Thanks for sharing your experience. I ordered AdvanceTrac on my '01 LS with this thought in mind: It's an expensive option, but if it saves me once it's worth the money. Your story confirms this. (Knock wood: Mine hasn't had to pull my chestnuts out of the fire yet.)

    Prior to the '02 model year, AdvanceTrac listed for $795 and heated seats were $400; for '02, they're bundled, and the package MSRP is $795. In effect, '02 buyers get the heated seats for no additional charge.

    Glad you made it unscathed; I won't comment on the skivvies. :)

    JLinc, LLSOC charter member
  • peachtree103peachtree103 Member Posts: 182
    After completing my fifth long distance trip in an LS (courtesy of Hertz), I have but one question:

    Is there really extra room in the glove box for a change of underwear?
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    If I misunderstood you, I do apologize...

    Bob

    Of course, now that the date has passed, we should expect to see 400 posts from all the Mania attendees, answering all those questions that were previously asked...:):):):):):)
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    It doesn't come close to the message # I input.

    I tried email to LS8_Apex ... undeliverable.

    Tried "help", but don't have the time or patience to fill out a form.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Actually I think the press release pretty much says everything. Pricing and option packages aren't finalized yet. Here's a link to the Autoweek article:


    http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&content_code=04445433


    Several LLSOC members have test driven the 2003 and will be reporting on it in the members only section at llsoc.com very shortly. 30 day free trial memberships are available.

  • cclittlecclittle Member Posts: 23
    With the [official] release of the specs and all that, everyone pretty much knows everything they told us about the car back in February - and then some. Numbers have solidified, and the "maybe's" are either in or out. All in all it's pretty much what they told us it would be, except that they've managed to squeeze even more power out of it than they were originally planning.
    Back at Mania 3, they said they were shooting for a full second off the 0-60 time, but I guess we'll have to wait for the C&D review for that.

    The only other advantage we LLSOC types can lord over you with these days, is the priviledge of having sat in one (okay, two) and played around for about an hour... but that's a very small consolation, considering that I don't currently have an LS, and won't even have one until March.

    IMO, I've been waiting and watching, and they've pretty much "fixed" >80% of the things the other club members were lamenting from previous years. I've been doing my homework on this car, and I am utterly confident that I will not be disappointed.
  • kelleyokelleyo Member Posts: 182
  • kelleyokelleyo Member Posts: 182
    '03 but I have until July 3 2003 till my lease runs out. I have a 2000 V8 Sport with all options. It would be difficult for me to trade up since my payments are high about $580 on a 0 down 36 month 36000 mile lease (had to do a little subsidy on a previous trade).

    I only have 22000 miles on the car so far and I am in the 35th month so at this rate the car will be fairly low mileage at turn in.

    Options:
    1. Trade in before lease end and get a new '03? Probably too expenseive and would probably be worth waiting till my lease is over. By then the '03 demand will have softened and they will probably start running promotions again.

    2. Buy my current car when lease is over? With low mileage it might be worth it. Car is in perfect condition and except for rear window crashes and reflashed tranny no problems. Would they sell it to me for less than residual? Should I offer them 17k and see if they bite?

    3. Get a new '03 when my lease is over? I can take advantage of any deals hey run in July throught Sept time frame. I can still get the returning red carpet lease discount of 1000 for up to six months after I turn it in and I have another car I can drive until then.

    4. If I was going to go until then would it make sense to wait on an '04 and the special 400 HP model I have heard about?

    What to do?
  • kelleyokelleyo Member Posts: 182
    I do not like the new wheels at all. I love the old wheels...

    Will the sport have a different wheel?Also will there be an LSE available at Job 1 or will it come later?
    Thanks in advance if it is possible to answer my million questions!
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    For an explanation of how the Go To thing really works you can (if you want to) read this post.

    Please don't shoot the messenger. :)

    L8_Apex retired a little over a year ago, btw. You can email me anytime you'd like -- just get the address from my profile. (Just fyi, all boards have the host's profiles linked at the top of the main page.)

    Pat
    Sedans Host
  • force98force98 Member Posts: 81
    Getting the wife a new car this weekend. Decision has come down to a Saab 95 Aero, Audi A6 Quatro, and Lincoln LSE. Final decision could be based on best deal. Lincoln dealer offered me the following lease today on an LSE--the car has the all season package and power moonroof. We also discussed them throwing in tint and rear spoiler.

    35 months @ $609 month, 15k miles a year, $850 out-of-pocket (includes first month payment).

    Anyone else run lease deals lately? Thanks!
  • slunarslunar Member Posts: 479
    force98:

    To evaluate your dealer's lease proposal more information is needed.

    What is the MSRP on the LSE, you didn't even say if it is a V-8 or V-6.

    What is the dealer's disounted price, before the $3,000 rebate? (Cap cost).

    Does the $609 / month include any taxes, that is where you live do you have property and sales tax.

    In any case if it is a LSE V-8 with the options you described, $609 with zero down & not taxes sounds in the ball park. You should check to make sure that Lincoln is not picking up the 1st month's lease payment as they are in some marketing area's.

    If is is a V-6 it sounds too high.
  • force98force98 Member Posts: 81
    It is a V-8, MSRP $44,115. They initially told me $677 a month, and I said not even close to what Saab offered me (considering the MSRP on both are within a few hundred dollars of each other). They based the $677 on no discount off MSRP, $3,000 rebate. I showed them I could get the Saab for $612 a month with not one penny out of my pocket, and Saab picks up the first month payment also. That's when they came back with the $609 a month offer.
  • johnnylincjohnnylinc Member Posts: 308
    The LSE won't be available at Job 1, and probably won't be part of the '03 lineup at all. The LSE-type bodywork will appear on the McLaren LS. Remember that the LSE is an appearance package; it's mechanically identical to the current Sport.

    The general consensus among club members is that we agree with you; we don't like the '03 wheels, either. Details are still a bit sketchy on exactly which wheels come with which packages, but the new 17" Sport wheels appear to be the multi-spoke type that appear in the photos. We hear that the current 5-spoke Sport wheels may still be available as a dealer-installed option on the '03.

    JLinc, LLSOC charter member
  • lobsenzalobsenza Member Posts: 619
    I recommend negotiating the deal as a cash price ofr the vehicle. It should be close to invoice -$3000. Then negotiate the lease. I think you will find the LS will out handle the Saab hands down.
  • johnnylincjohnnylinc Member Posts: 308
    The problem is that, after the latest software upgrade, the absolute number no longer displays. If you place the cursor over the message number, you just get indecipherable stuff that appears to be the same for every message in a particular forum. It once worked, but it no longer does.

    Oh, well...
  • rgnmstrrgnmstr Member Posts: 226
    <<<The general consensus among club members is that we agree with you; we don't like the '03 wheels, either. >>>>>

    I thought the group was told that Lincoln cared about what the LLSOC members felt. Since that ugly wheel made it to production I guess they had you fooled.
  • jerrym3jerrym3 Member Posts: 202
    Not offering the LSE package is a mistake. The LSE was the best looking LS, especially from the rear.

    Browsing the 2002's still left on the local Lincoln dealer's lots, most of the LSE's are gone, while many "normal" LS's are still sitting there.

    Hopefully, the 2003 LS, and next version of the TBird, will not be sharing the unattractive 2002 TBird wheel design.

    Were any changes made to the LS 2003 dash? (Jaguar changed their S model dash for 2003 replacing a dash that was not equal to the rest of the car in appearance.)
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I've been holding this for a special occasion:

    Bah!
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    The body kit is actually still available. Lincoln gets it from CDC and you can buy one yourself. It *may* need some minor tweaks to fit the 03 - that's not clear yet. I'm sure it will return to the lineup late in the 03 model year or for 04. Just like the Vivid Red. They like to hold back on the good stuff to boost sales later.

    The dash is basically the same layout but with satin nickel finish on the center stack. The console is all-new with a huge center console and electric parking brake. The gauges have a different appearance but same layout. Real walnut trim is available as is aluminum accent pieces.
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    OK; I read it, but still unclear on how to get to a post.

    As I understand it, if I want to go to relative (present) post number 9688, what I need to do is somehow find post 9688, hold cursor on its number to determine its absolute number, input the absolute number, & it will take me to where I am.

    I gotta be missing something; it can't be that bad.

    Pat: will you please give me step-by-step instructions on how to get to relative (present) post # 9688?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Okay, I know what you mean. You must be coming here via the Lincoln choice on the welcome page or the drop down box. Yes, the link is more complicated that way and you probably aren't able to see the entire link.

    Here's a trick -- right click on the link, choose copy, then go to Notepad (or anywhere) and paste the link. That way you'll be able to see the whole link and you *will* see the post number at the very end following the last slash.

    Obviously, it would be much better if nobody had to go to all this trouble, but apparently nothing can (or will) be done about it. I'm sorry.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    No, you have to start with a post number on the page you are on.

    - Your post #9726 above is absolute number 10062.

    - 10062-9726 = 336

    - You want to find post 9688 so add 336 to that, which is 10024

    - 10024 is a rough estimate of the absolute number of 9688. So you can put that number in the Go To box and at least get close.

    In this example, we hit the nail right on the head. 10024 is indeed the absolute number of 9688, and the Go To box (correctly) takes you to the message just prior to the one you requested.

    The further away the post you are looking for is from where you are, the more "rough" the estimate gets, because it is more likely there are some number of deleted messages between where you are and where you want to go.

    I hope this helps.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Whomever coded the GoTo function should be flogged. If they can display the relative post number then they can search on it. This isn't rocket science.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    Pat: Thanks, that does help.

    I just bookmarked your instructions (post # 9728).

    A year from now, when I try to find it using the bookmark feature, will I go directly there?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Um, yes, it *should* work that way. (But who the heck knows??)

    :-)
  • ls1bmw0ls1bmw0 Member Posts: 782
    I second akirby: Bah!

    While Lincoln pays attention to us, they also aren't necessarily going to just lay down and let us determine their destiny. Wheels are changeable. Other more important things aren't and those they paid attention to. Determine your priorities.
  • kelleyokelleyo Member Posts: 182
    to mention was getting a different car than the LS.

    I have always been a Ford guy (exepct for my play toy Jeep). And I plan on staying that way. So I will probably get another LS any way (I had 3 Ford Taurus SHO's in a row before I got my LS)

    I like the S type but it seems like a girl car to me (except the S type R). The LS looks much moire masculine to me....
  • jerry2281jerry2281 Member Posts: 97
    Lincoln has really hit the mark on the freshened '03 LS. Over 500 changes according to the news release. For a vehicle that will probably be all new for 2005, the improvements on the interim '03 LS are major. The VVT on the new motors places the LS squarely in the middle of its competition in the luxury sport sedan market.

    As a 2001 LS Sport V-8 owner myself with 32,000 trouble-free miles, the numerous other '03 improvements confirm that the LS engineering team is listening to owner feedback and are making strong efforts to enhance the LS driving experience.

    Congratulations on a challenge well done.
  • lolaj42lolaj42 Member Posts: 420
    Amazing how some people can become disgruntled and disruptive when they have been shown-up and proven wrong. It's all about credibility, and who has it.

    The Lincoln folks sure did deliver the goods with the '03 LS!
  • slunarslunar Member Posts: 479
    force98: Sounds like your dealer was trying to pull a fast one and not offer any dealer discount with the $677 a month. Worth a try, so why not.

    I also recommend what lobsenza said. First negotiate a discounted cash purchase, that is dealer discount and the $3000 rebate. You should be paying invoice + the $350 local marketing charge. Invoice on a $44,115 MSRP LS should be about $40,636 less $3000 rebate + 350, so your cap cost basis should be about $38,0000.

    Now a couple of other things to watch out for. In some markets Lincoln is offering the moonroof at no charge. At $609 / month I think the free moonroof is now figured in the deal.

    Also in some markets Lincoln is paying the 1st month's lease payment, so check and see if it's offered where you live.

    Based on a $38,000 cap cost, $609 / month at 15,000 miles a year seems reasonable. The $677 / month initial offer was definitely a feeler to see if they had a sucker in the showroom. The Red Carpet lease paper work will spell out the cap cost, depreciation and the rent charges on it so you can ask to see it all spelled out before you sign on the dotted line.

    Kellyo - I've posted several times my impressions of an A - B test drive over the same roads between a S-type 3.0 and my LS-8. The Jag is smoother riding, but it also feels much more delicate and feminine (sorry PC people). Just look at how small and delicate the gear shift lever and knob is on the S-type verses the LS. The Jag is a nice riding car but doesn't inspire you to drive it hard. In comparison my LS-8 shouts "STICK YOUR FOOT IN IT!"
  • rgnmstrrgnmstr Member Posts: 226
    <<<Not offering the LSE package is a mistake. The LSE was the best looking LS, especially from the rear.
    Browsing the 2002's still left on the local Lincoln dealer's lots, most of the LSE's are gone, while many "normal" LS's are still sitting there.>>>>>

    Granted it looked good from the rear since you loose that huge hunk of plastic chrome but the front looked like a kit car. The round driving lamps have a huge gap all the way around which makes them look like they were pulled from the wrong parts bin. For the price.... the LSE package is/was a joke. They are basicly substituting body parts and charging over two grand. Oh, and then there are those gray spoke wheels. I guess they were an attempt to get rid of the brake dust complaints. The LSE body pannels should be part of the Sport package at no extra cost. I don't think you see many on the lots because there was not a big demand so most dealers dids not order many.
  • lolaj42lolaj42 Member Posts: 420
    Bah!
  • ls1bmw0ls1bmw0 Member Posts: 782
    And now for something completely different.... ;)

    For those of you who bypass the intro page for LLSOC and go on to the good bits, check out our new intro page at www.llsoc.com.

    Brian
  • funkcityfunkcity Member Posts: 100
    Is that the new LS Tag Line??
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    "Um, yes, it *should* work that way. (But who the heck knows??)"

    That suggests that if I seek that post (#9728)using bookmark, the system will do the absolute/relative conversion & find the post no matter what its present number.

    However, If a year from now, I ask to "go to" 9728, I probably wouldn't get to the post I want. Right?

    The horse is still twitching, not quite dead.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Not quite. The bookmark *is* the absolute post number. Yes, the bookmark should always find that post. If you are me, though, around here you get a little skeered of using words like "always." :-)

    Maybe we should continue via email if you have more questions -- feel free!!
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Big thumbs up!
  • chartrandchartrand Member Posts: 139
    After a glorious two weeks in Canada, I returned to a stone dead LS last night. (May 00 build) Worse yet I was locked out of my house as I always use the remote to open the garage door and don't even own a house key.
    We jumped the LS and it wouldn't start. It turned over five or six times then the car went into alarm mode with everything honking and flashing. We tried jumping four times and always had the same results.
    I finally had to put it on a charger to get it to start. The manual doesn't mention any special sequence to start a dead car. Am I missing something or are the electricals. screwed up?
    Ray Chartrand
    Charter llscoc member
  • ls1bmw0ls1bmw0 Member Posts: 782
    Ray,

    Post your question on the FRT support forum for LLSOC. They should be able to answer your question quickly. The car does go into alarm mode if the battery is disconnected then connected again. Found that out the hard way at midnight working on the car :(

    I'm guessing it's the same thing with a dead battery. But if you try to jump it and the alarm goes off, just turn off the alarm with the remote or put the key in the ignition. That should turn off the alarm, doesn't it?

    Brian
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Ray - sounds like a really dead battery. The alarm will go off after power is restored but as Brian said just hit the unlock button. You probably either didn't have a good connection on the cables or the other battery wasn't supplying enough juice to get it started. I've never had batteries last more than 3 years no matter what. You might also try cleaning the terminals, but with the battery in the trunk that's usually not a problem.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Almost forgot - if it is the battery and you're still under warranty it's a 100% free replacement - not even prorated. At least mine was earlier this year.
  • jdonneejdonnee Member Posts: 56
    The press release that I read said the 2003 LS had the HP increased to approximately 282. I really was expecting more like 300. Unless this makes a dramatic in your face improvement, I see no reason to sell my 2000 LS V8 Sport.

    Comments?
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    It's actually 280 hp but there's more: with the VVT there is more torque available at lower RPMS. Electronic throttle control gives the PCM better control of engine and tranny. Combine that with the 3.58 rear axle (yours is 3.31 unless it was a REALLY early 99 build) and the estimate is that the 2003 is almost a full second quicker from 0-60. Expect it to be somewhere in the mid 6's. According to Lincoln it's a very noticeable increase. LLSOC will have reports from club members who got a test drive shortly.
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