Well I guess I was just lucky with my '00 LS. With the exception of a tank or two, that poor car never had more than 89 octane in it. Ran just fine and since I was only commuting around town at sea level, I never noticed my lack of performance I guess. Since I traded it in two years, according to you I got out of it just in time before the engine blew huh?
Now I have a Jaguar XType and all the poor thing gets is 89 octane. I did put in 91 octane when I drove it over the continental divide ( just in case I needed more performance over those mountains). I guess I gotta quit buying these cars that require premium. My '03 Volkswagen GTI with the turbo also calls for it. It doesn't get it of course.
Slunar: your mpg comparisons are food for thought. It is only a supposed overall savings that causes me to use the 89. Interestingly, here in the midwest the 89 octane is cheaper than the 87 octane and 15 cents cheaper than premium. Government subsidy for grain alcohol.
Nicely done. Yes, all the experts, AND Slunar, agree. You're best off in every way, and economically ahead to use the grade of fuel the engine was designed to use. If you're one of those people who just HAS to save a penny where you can, (and that's what you are doing, so you think, it's pennies), then you really should drive a Civic, and save some serious dough.
Everyone: Please accept my apologies for my sarcastic response to eweygrin earlier. Guess I got out of bed on the wrong side today.
Thanks to today's on-board computers and bevy of sensors, I would guess that it is pretty well impossible to do permanent damage to a high performance engine in a modern street rocket. Certainly far less likely than doing the same to your ride in the days of big block "rat motors" and real hemi's :-) Having said that, I've never understood the "logic" that going with extended service intervals like 10,000 mile oil changes, 100,000 mile tuneups, using less that spec'ed fuel, or off-brand filters and oil are smart, true value decisions. Seems to me that it's along the same line as walking out of the Beemer dealership in a huff because that 7 series you've always lusted after and can now purchase gets 1.5 mpg. less than you thought, and requires 91 octane to boot!
Anyways, apologies extended and hopefully accepted. And, enjoy your purchase, eweygrin!
Not sure whether you're trying to be sarcastic desertguy or you just don't get it.
I never said using 89 was a threat to the engine's life, I was merely pointing out how some types of penny pinching are for naught. But then again I guess your rational for mis-treating your cars is that's what the warranty is for.
In any case I'm glad that your mid-west gas-o-hol is so cheap, because you're getting what you're paying for. Ethanol Alcohol has less energy per gallon than gasoline. While I don't have the ambition to go look up the exact differnce in BTU's, alcohol blends will give you lower gas mileage simply because a gallon of alcohol-gas blend has less energy than pure gasoline.
I guess I just don't understand people who can afford a $35K car and then don't have the money to buy the proper gas for it.
Thanks to all for the info about the changes made here and there to please the EPA. Not to start a political debate, but I really wish the government would let the carmakers build cars!! I'm all for clean air and have no problems with them regulating a car's emissions(I like the fact the LS is an LEV), but as we can tell by the juggling of equipment, some of it is ridiculous. I mean how much weight can full-size rear seat head restraints add? Oh well, at least Lincoln didn't make sacrifices in the car's structure to save weight.
scott8, I really hate it when you buy a new car and the dealer attaches the front plate. My LS was originally registered in OH(which has front plates) so I can understand it having the bracket mounted, but when I bought my Intrigue new, I told the dealer I DID NOT want a plate mounted on the front. Low and behold, when I went to pick the car up, there it was complete with front plate advertising their dealership.
I'm very grateful for the flexible nature of today's engines. I remember what a difference gas blends and brands made in my older cars. Today, I can't tell any difference in how my engines run regardless of how much MTBE or Ethanol seems to be introduced into the tank. The mileage and power may vary some, but it's relatively imperceptible, and the engine runs fine anyway. It's a beautiful, and amazing thing.
We've heard a few stories from Lincoln engineers about what the EPA puts automakers through. They do tests that have little to do with how people actually drive. That's why the '00-'02 LSs with the SST option start in 2nd gear unless you apply >60% throttle. The "normal" driving test with SST 1st gear enabled resulted in gas mileage that would have forced a gas guzzler tax on the V8 LS. Also why the trans will shift to 5th as low as 30 mph. Also why the days of having several engine/trans/rear axle ratio options available for a particular model of car are gone forever.
I'm with you, V8lincolnguy, I like driving a clean-running car, not to mention a 3700 lb car with good power that gets 26 mpg on the highway. But the tremendous progress made in emissions reductions and fuel economy have led to some unrealistic expectations about what more can be done.
Slunar: my dissertation was addressed to brooster54, not you (except the last paragraph)Check it out. There was a little toungue in cheek there as you ascertained. That said, no way do I think putting lower than 91 octane in my car is "mis-treating" it.
Saw the 2004 Lincoln line up yesterday, and was not impressed.
While Cadillac introduces new and exciting cars, Lincoln just kind of creeps along. (I am not in favor of the CTS styling, but the new performance version looks like a runner.)
Blackwood? Dead XLR competition? Nada Aviator? Dead (we think) 2004 LS/Towncar changes????? not visual A "quick" Towncar to keep Caddy Northstar owners quiet? non-existent Where's Ford/Lincoln/Mercury's GTO? or Pontiac GP? Navigator? Losing ground to Caddy
Now I don't even hint that the average Towncar owner will go out Caddy hunting with or without a bigger motor, but the superior performing model gets the nod from the automotive press, and that can help the image and sales.
Case in point, the Marauder. Press wasn't totally impressed, and the car didn't sell.
(Yes, the press loved the retro TBird, but the sharpies in the dealers asked for MSRP plus $$$$$, and the initial interest tanked. Therefore, a good car (I am biased; I own one) will be put out to pasture.
If the new F150 doesn't turm out to be a big seller, where will Ford go? New cars are promised, but will Ford have the bucks required to keep those cars "modern"?
Darned if I know, especially when Ford's big announcement for the 2004 Panther platform is an available sun roof!!
Lincoln no longer competed with Cadillac, being Cadillac is going up market. Gm's Buick is the one that will take Cadillac past positioning in GM's lineup.
Okay, now I get it--the salesman told you to use 87. Slunar has already provided an excellent analysis of why using the recommended fuel is the intelligent thing to do, so I won't repeat what he said. I'll go a bit farther, though, in one other area: In my opinion, the salesman who told you that 87 was OK is an idiot. A good dealership would never let its personnel get away with something like that; that guy should be required to personally contact ALL customers to whom he gave wrong information & tell them he was wrong. Sheesh. (Again, I didn't intend to sound harsh; I just don't understand the logic behind using the wrong fuel.)
They should also have had a manual in your hands within a week of your purchase; NO excuse for that, either. If you want to download one for free, you can do so at this Ford website:
Just click on the "glove box manuals" link, fill in the info in the pull-downs, and download your manual. It's not the same as having one in the glove compartment, but at least you'll have a copy for reference purposes.
One more thing: There's a sticker on the inside of the fuel filler door that lists the octane requirement. That's what you should use, no matter what any salesperson tells you.
jerry: The Aviator is NOT dead. That is incorrect information.
Ant: So Lincoln is supposed to be competing with BUICK now??? You can't be serious. Targeting Buick would be a huge, huge mistake, in my opinion; if that's the best goal that Ford can come up with, they haven't gone nearly far enough with the management changes.
Well it's not really about Lincoln targeting Buick... It's GM's move, therefore we can say "Buick wants to target Lincoln because Cadillac moved up".
But if we disect this senario... Let's take some things in consideration as to why Cadillac moved upmarket. Sales (after years of being the top seller for luxury brand vehicles), started falling. One reason was because many people expect RWD on their "luxury vehicles". Therefore their Seville/Deville were not cutting it.
So now they decided to move to RWD platforms, and go up market mainly because GM really doesn't have premium luxury brand. While Ford has Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, GM's closest brand offering would be Cadillac.
This allows for GM to place Buick in the position that Cadillac used reside in.. Considering all the brands that GM has (Chevy, Saturn, Pontiac) it wouldn't hurt to move Buick one up. Whereas now Buick's Ford's equivilant would be Mercury.
But Buick will also suffer the same fate as Cadillac because they again are placing a brand into a segment that expects RWD drive and OverHead Cam engines for that matter, and Buick really doesn't have any RWD platform offerings. Luxury brand buyer's WILL expect refined/sophisticated OHC engines, which only the Rendezvous (for this year) will feature a 3.6L engine that's being shared with the Cadillac CTS. The remainer of Buick engines are mainly old-tech OHV 3.1L and 3.8K engines. So do not expect Buick to be much competition for Lincoln, but then again, it's a better move for GM since they have one too many standard brands, as it is.
I also read somewhere(I think it was Autoweek) that the Aviator was being dropped after 05 or so. I will say, I haven't seen that many of them on the road but in my humble opinion, it is a better choice than the gigantic Navigator. What Lincoln should do if they are indeed dropping the Aviator is introduce a car based SUV much like Cadillac has done with their new SRX. On the topic of Lincoln's future, does anyone know when the LS is supposed to be redesigned? I would imagine 2006 or 2007, but have not seen anything about it anywhere. Thats about the time frame I'll be in the market for a new car again. If my LS treats me well and Lincoln has an attractive car at that time, I will certainly give it a look. Anyone else think Lincoln should build a long wheelbase version of the LS and bring back the Continental name? To me, that would be a car worthy of the nameplate.
Hi all. I've had my '03 LS8 for two and a half weeks now and it's a really great car. It's got plenty of power and I think the auto trans shifts smoothly. Since it's new, I've been taking it easy but I just got to trying out the SST on some back roads and it really changes the personality of the car. I'm curious how often you guys actually use it though and did it take a while to get used to? This is the fist auto/stick I've driven and I feel like I need to re train myself on it. The problem is I feel like I need to pull the stick back towards me for second and fourth (not a good thing when your looking for fourth and find second)rather than forward. Also I find my left foot looking for a clutch when I come to a stop sign. I would also prefer a little more exhaust note to make me feel a little more connected to the engine. It would help with the shift points a little. I find myself looking at the tach more than I'd like. I guess it's a matter of getting used to it. But it is fun.
I was also wondering what people think about the rain sensitive wipers. I think I would rather have an old fashioned multi position delay. The rain sensors don't seem consistent to me. I find myself turning it off and on in the rain because I often can't get them to work when I think they should even though I've tried all the various positions while driving in a steady rain. This may be another case of getting used to it since I've only driven in the rain twice.
Anyway, I've been getting a lot of compliments so far and it has been fun so far.
It is possible to switch the upshift and downshift of the SST (+/-). But, I am not sure if that will solve your problem.
A Magnaflow exhaust system is available for the 02 and earlier cars that increase power as well as the exhaust note. You could wait for the 03 system from Magnaflow or (maybe) install Magnaflow mufflers. There are also systems from Borla and 1 or 2 others. The Magnaflow definitely is the best bang for the buck.
V8Lincolnguy, the story about the Aviator was premature and based on supplier's that produce parts for the Saint Louis Assembly Plant (where the Aviator is built). OBviously because that plant is being closed down, the media has put 2 and 2 together, and come up with that idea that it was being dropped next year. In reality, at one of the more recent press meetings, one of the higher Ford officials stated that the story was incorrect and they had no plans at this time to drop the Aviator.
On a side note, the vehicles being produced at that plant, can be shifted to the Louisville plant.
As to the redesign of the Aviator, you are correct in thinking it'll be car based. Expect to see that, and a crossover (think NaviCross) which will surplant the Aviator.
Congrats on the '03 LS. Though it's tough to tell from the older models on the outside, it is quite improved on the inside and even a bit in the mechanicals. A great car made better.
I know what you're talking about re the SST. I drove a couple for test drives and I had a blast, but I had the same issues as you, pushing when I shouldda pulled etc. I figured like you it would take some getting used to.
But I made it moot when my wife and I decided what we really wanted was the LS with the 5 speed stick. I have 35000 miles on it now (a 2001) and it's running better than ever. I recently oened up the airbox to get more goezinta and replaced the stock exhaust with a cat-back Magnaflow system to open up the goezoutta. What a great ride it is now. Real nice exhaust note - not loud or obnoxiuos but really connects me with the engine as you well put it. I feel like these mods gave me 15-20 more hp and I love it.
Rain sensing wipers: I have them and I like em. They're not perfect, but for me they work just dandy. The one nit I have is that many times they don't realize it's raining! But the easy way to fix that is turn the switch from auto to off then back to auto and then they work like a charm. Kinda have to kick start em. Also the variable switch needs to be on 'int' for them to work. "Auto + Int" = rain sense. I don't understand what you mean by "all the various positions" there is only one, AFAIK, that works in auto as I describe above. And you DO have an old fashioned variable delay - turn the auto off and set the intermittent to in between settings.
Lastly, unfortunately I feel, I've heard the rain sensing wipers are going away next year. And the official reason is that people get frustrated trying to use em properly at least so I heard. Course, this pales in comparison to them dropping the manual transmission!
I can't belive how quick you guys are to bury the Aviator. ANT14 explained the story, but I guess no-one wants to belive the Ford execs.
The Aviator has been around for less than a year and has sold 18,000 units so far. Sales have been steadily climbing and are now running about 3,000 / month.
From what I have heard the LS will stay pretty much as is through the 2006 model year. The only changes I am aware of are: Dec 2003, the LSE model returns (2004 model) Dec 2003, V6 convenience model returns to US lineup. 2005 MY - changes to unibody to improve side impact protection. 2005 or 2006 Possible high performance model done by Roush I'm sure that there will be other running changes over the next couple of years.
Someone mentioned that they don't like the automatic wipers. As George alluded to they are scheduled to be deleted from all LS models in Dec 2003. The primary reason is customer complaints coming from people who buy LS's and don't realize they have automatic wipers. That is on the GEN-II auto wipers they are tying to use the sensitiveity adjust as an intermittant interval adjust and can't figure out why it doesn't work (I guess no one reads their manuals anymore). This has lead to warranty charges from customers bringing their LSs back to the dealer complaining that the intermittant wipers don't work. So I guess you can consider it cost cutting, both to delete the auto sensor and to lower false warranty claims.
Personally, I like to throw a cup of water on the windshield and watch the wipers freak out! Preferably, while the owner is standing by the driver's door, thus getting an unexpected shower. But that's just me!!
I have to say that putting on an aftermarket exhaust to bump hp and torque is very tempting but it seems a shame to remove a brand new factory exhaust system (very tough sell to my other half).
Regarding the wipers, I read the manual and I thought that the various positions were various degrees of sensitivity to moisture on the windshield. I didn't think I had both the rain sensing and delay but I will definietly double check tonight. My experience with them seems to be the same as yours so far.
>>But the easy way to fix that is turn the switch from auto to off then back to auto and then they work like a charm. Kinda have to kick start em. <<
The last word I heard from Ford was Nick Sheele quoted in Automotive News saying Lincoln was targeting Cadillac. It was right after Reitzle left. Certainly Lincoln's pricing equates to Cadillac, (or did). So Lincoln, then, should now be viewed as a second tier luxury line to match Buick? This is shameful. The commitment to the heritage of the brand must have been cut as well as the budget.
You're correct; on the 2003 LS, the positions are sensitivity positions--that's the "GEN-II" version that slunar is referring to. On the '00-'02 models, cars with the automatic wipers have conventional interval settings in addition to the auto setting, but there's no sensitivity setting. (Heyjewel and I both have '01 models; he probably forgot that the interval function was removed from the '03 model.)
My guess is that when the auto wipers are eliminated sometime during the '04 production run, the conventional interval settings will return. Since the LSE will also be returning to the '04 lineup, this gives you two good reasons to trade your '03 next spring! Hehheh...
By the way, congrats on your purchase and welcome to LS ownership. You've made a wise choice.
The day I bought my LS it rained so I tried the automatic wipers out. At first, I didn't think they were working as they didn't want to come on in a slight drizzle, but just as the windshield was getting wet to the point I couldn't see well and was about to turn them on manually, they came on. On my LS, the int. adjustment still lets you adjust the delay manually or go to auto. I hate to see this feature deleted as it was just one of many nice extra touches that make this car more desireable.
>>>I have to say that putting on an aftermarket exhaust to bump hp and torque is very tempting but it seems a shame to remove a brand new factory exhaust system (very tough sell to my other half).<<<
Don't worry, you won't be able to spend your money on a Magnaflow system for your '03 because there isn't going to be one. They've declined to build it due to low sales projections. Since the '03 exhaust system is a one-off (the '04 is different from '03 and the '05 will likely be changed again) I wouldn't count on any additional Magnaflows for the LS. You guys with '00-'02 MYs are fortunate to have them available. If you want Magnaflows for your '03, you'll have to go mufflers only.
I'm not very familiar with the details of exhaust systems but Magnaflow's website has a cat-back system for the '03 V8 (#15766). If this isn't what I would be looking for what type of system have folks been getting for the '00-'02s? If I was only able to get mufflers, would this help improve the exhaust note? What about hp?
The '03 LS system that's listed on the Magnaflow website is the one that was cancelled during development for the reasons specified in mrdgr's message. Unfortunately, they put it in the catalog while it was under development, but haven't gotten around to removing it.
I'd suggest contacting Magnaflow, either via their 800 number or using their Email contact info, and asking them what the deal is. If enough people show interest, perhaps they'll change their decision.
(I know several people who have installed the '00-'02 system that's listed on that same page; Magnaflow did that one because it'll fit on all '00-'02 LSs except for the LSE.)
I put dual Magnaflow rear mufflers on my '00. Purely to enjoy the exhaust note - if there was an improvement in HP/TQ or MPG, it was not noticeable to me. If you'd like details, I'll gladly post them.
The 2 '03s I have driven had a much improved exhaust note compared to any '00 - '02s I drove. I prefer that my V8 motors not sound like an enraged industrial vaccuum cleaner . . .
- Ray With 2 nearly new OEM LS rear mufflers still in the garage . . .
>>>Magnaflow did that one because it'll fit on all '00-'02 LSs except for the LSE.<<<
And Magnaflow will not be manufacturing a system for the LSE either for the same reason: insufficient demand to justify production. Too bad because the LSE prototype system they built sounds awesome.
Back in May of 2000, only a couple months after I got the car, my sister, a friend and myself had to drive 6 hours to a funeral in Michigan. My sister was driving on the I-90 turnpike in Ohio and we drove through several lines of thunderstorms that would go from driving rain to light mist in between each wave. The auto wipers her to keep her eyes focused on the road & hands on the wheel. Let me tell you - I knew that feature was worth every penny, that night. (You know it was bad weather, when there are tractor trailers laying over on their side in the median and in the ditches.)
When you are on a strange, 3-lane road with decent traffic, in the dead of night - having auto wipers and nice bright headlights/driving lights are 2 great reasons that I'll be keeping my LS well into the future.
Fundamentally, I love the idea of rain sensing wipers. However, I find them to be a little like the auto-dimming headlights I had in my Continentals of the 90's. A lovely do-dadd, that functionally demanded ideal conditions to work. Road sign reflections would turn them down, and often, headlights wouldn't, thus blinding oncoming drivers. Only on dark deserted country roads did they work properly. Either they need to be improved significantly, or I had to resort back to manual mode.
I agree that auto-dimming headlights were/are worthless. And I agree with Gkarg on the value of the rain-sensing wipers. I had a 2000 LS, and now a 2003. I liked both versions of the wipers, and the 2003 better, and would hate to see them discontinued.
Or you could be trying to pass one of those tractor trailers in the rain but because the wipers didn't feel there was enough moisture, decided not to turn on and because you were fiddling around with the switch to get them to wipe, you join the trucks in the ditch.
But seriously, I think they are a good idea but functionally, they don't seem to operate consistently. Maybe I still need more time with them.
I don't know about auto dimming headlights and I don't think I'd want them on my car, but the auto headlamps seem to work well for me. I'd gotten used to them on my Taurus and I like them on the LS. And the electronic parking brake? At first I wasn't crazy about it but now I like it (maybe I'll feel the same about the wipers someday). Best part is that I won't find myself driving with the brake on and wonderding what that smell is. (yes, I've done once or twice in the past)
I've had rain-sensing wipers on my last (gasp!) Cadillac, my former LS and current LS. Despite the criticisms by many owners, IFO like them very much. Is the technology perfect? No. Is it worth it to not have to fiddle with wipers in stop and go traffic and on city streets? Yes, absolutely!
I was at a Lincoln dealer yesterday. They had 5 2003's and 6 2004's, both V6 and V8's.
I looked underneath almost all of them.
ALL of the V8's, both 2003 & 2004 had the exact same exhuast, 2 cats with a 3rd common cat where both sides of the dual exhuast enter and exit (no H pipe).
ALL of the V6's, both 2003 and 2004 had the exact same exhuast, 2 cats, with a H pipe behind the resonators.
So the info. about the 2004 exhuast being different is not correct, or it is a change scheduled for later in 2004 MY production.
So it looks like it's going to be a Job 2 change. In any event, Magnaflow isn't going forward at this time with production for anything beyond the '02MY.
I am stuck and need advice. I am currently going through buy back procedings on my 03 Chevy Trailblazer and was thinking of turning towards an 04 Lincoln LS. I have always been true to Chevrolet and leary of the Ford's, but I am a sucker for rear wheel drive. Also I love how Ford always gets the newest technology first. So I was hoping that I could get some of people's reactions to the LS both good and bad. Thank You Anthony
Well, Anthony, there are 12,000 previous opinions to review. What else would you like to know? It's an awesome car, the likes of which only the Vette can resemble in thrill & excitement. But the one comment you made which got my attention is the technology issue. My major gripe with GM is their stubborn predeliction with old technology. They make it work ok, but they're the last ones in the world to get up to date. Most of their customers are the same though, so they don't notice.
Ditto nvbanker's advice. Take an LS for a thorough test drive and push it hard. You'll have no problem deciding and you won't be able to wipe the grin off your face either.
Also, drive it on the expressway, noting how well it stays on course, with little driver intervention. Some cars have little idea where "straight-ahead" is. The two LS's I've owned seem to know where I want to go. Its laser-straight tracking makes the difference between a fun 8-hour drive, and a tiring one.
Anyone seen the rebates edmunds has listed for the 03's??? $9000??? I called teh dealer as soon as I saw them and they said they hadn't heard of being able to combine the 5500+3500. Think edmunds has it wrong?
BTW - the LS is a GREAT car....BUT it is no where near the excitement of driving my 00 vett Ace
I've always leaned toward GM products myself, but I'm now driving an LS. I'm still not a Ford convert, but am impressed with some of their newer vehicles like the LS and also the Explorer(which other than than GM's excellent inline 6 engine, is a far superior SUV than the Trailblazer). I do like the Cadillac CTS alot and if I could have afforded an 04 model with the 255 hp engine and the options I wanted, I would have gone that route. But instead, I got an 01 LS V8 with only 25K for about what a Honda Accord would cost and I'm loving the LS! I was lucky enough to get to test drive the LS without the salesman in the car and came back to the dealer grinning like a goon. Basically, I was sold on the car at that point.
Comments
Now I have a Jaguar XType and all the poor thing gets is 89 octane. I did put in 91 octane when I drove it over the continental divide ( just in case I needed more performance over those mountains). I guess I gotta quit buying these cars that require premium. My '03 Volkswagen GTI with the turbo also calls for it. It doesn't get it of course.
Slunar: your mpg comparisons are food for thought. It is only a supposed overall savings that causes me to use the 89. Interestingly, here in the midwest the 89 octane is cheaper than the 87 octane and 15 cents cheaper than premium. Government subsidy for grain alcohol.
Thanks to today's on-board computers and bevy of sensors, I would guess that it is pretty well impossible to do permanent damage to a high performance engine in a modern street rocket. Certainly far less likely than doing the same to your ride in the days of big block "rat motors" and real hemi's :-) Having said that, I've never understood the "logic" that going with extended service intervals like 10,000 mile oil changes, 100,000 mile tuneups, using less that spec'ed fuel, or off-brand filters and oil are smart, true value decisions. Seems to me that it's along the same line as walking out of the Beemer dealership in a huff because that 7 series you've always lusted after and can now purchase gets 1.5 mpg. less than you thought, and requires 91 octane to boot!
Anyways, apologies extended and hopefully accepted. And, enjoy your purchase, eweygrin!
I never said using 89 was a threat to the engine's life, I was merely pointing out how some types of penny pinching are for naught. But then again I guess your rational for mis-treating your cars is that's what the warranty is for.
In any case I'm glad that your mid-west gas-o-hol is so cheap, because you're getting what you're paying for. Ethanol Alcohol has less energy per gallon than gasoline. While I don't have the ambition to go look up the exact differnce in BTU's, alcohol blends will give you lower gas mileage simply because a gallon of alcohol-gas blend has less energy than pure gasoline.
I guess I just don't understand people who can afford a $35K car and then don't have the money to buy the proper gas for it.
Thanks nvbanker, I'm glad some people get it.
scott8, I really hate it when you buy a new car and the dealer attaches the front plate. My LS was originally registered in OH(which has front plates) so I can understand it having the bracket mounted, but when I bought my Intrigue new, I told the dealer I DID NOT want a plate mounted on the front. Low and behold, when I went to pick the car up, there it was complete with front plate advertising their dealership.
I'm with you, V8lincolnguy, I like driving a clean-running car, not to mention a 3700 lb car with good power that gets 26 mpg on the highway. But the tremendous progress made in emissions reductions and fuel economy have led to some unrealistic expectations about what more can be done.
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmunds/VehicleComparison?basesty- leid=100193805&styleid=100183654&styleid=100163050&st- yleid=100161518&styleid=100193783&maxvehicles=5&op=9&- amp;tab=printable&tid=edmunds.n.specs.vdpcomparator..3.Lincol- n*
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmunds/VehicleComparison?basesty- leid=100074358&styleid=100172083&styleid=100180658&st- yleid=100070497&styleid=100172547&maxvehicles=5&op=9&- amp;tab=printable&tid=edmunds.n.standard.vdpcomparator..3.Inf- initi*
While Cadillac introduces new and exciting cars, Lincoln just kind of creeps along. (I am not in favor of the CTS styling, but the new performance version looks like a runner.)
Blackwood? Dead
XLR competition? Nada
Aviator? Dead (we think)
2004 LS/Towncar changes????? not visual
A "quick" Towncar to keep Caddy Northstar owners quiet? non-existent
Where's Ford/Lincoln/Mercury's GTO? or Pontiac GP?
Navigator? Losing ground to Caddy
Now I don't even hint that the average Towncar owner will go out Caddy hunting with or without a bigger motor, but the superior performing model gets the nod from the automotive press, and that can help the image and sales.
Case in point, the Marauder. Press wasn't totally impressed, and the car didn't sell.
(Yes, the press loved the retro TBird, but the sharpies in the dealers asked for MSRP plus $$$$$, and the initial interest tanked. Therefore, a good car (I am biased; I own one) will be put out to pasture.
If the new F150 doesn't turm out to be a big seller, where will Ford go? New cars are promised, but will Ford have the bucks required to keep those cars "modern"?
Darned if I know, especially when Ford's big announcement for the 2004 Panther platform is an available sun roof!!
Now I'll have to think Jaguar/FoMoCo as Ford's luxury American car???
Just don't seem right.
They should also have had a manual in your hands within a week of your purchase; NO excuse for that, either. If you want to download one for free, you can do so at this Ford website:
http://www.qualitycareservice.com/
Just click on the "glove box manuals" link, fill in the info in the pull-downs, and download your manual. It's not the same as having one in the glove compartment, but at least you'll have a copy for reference purposes.
One more thing: There's a sticker on the inside of the fuel filler door that lists the octane requirement. That's what you should use, no matter what any salesperson tells you.
Ant: So Lincoln is supposed to be competing with BUICK now??? You can't be serious. Targeting Buick would be a huge, huge mistake, in my opinion; if that's the best goal that Ford can come up with, they haven't gone nearly far enough with the management changes.
But if we disect this senario... Let's take some things in consideration as to why Cadillac moved upmarket. Sales (after years of being the top seller for luxury brand vehicles), started falling. One reason was because many people expect RWD on their "luxury vehicles". Therefore their Seville/Deville were not cutting it.
So now they decided to move to RWD platforms, and go up market mainly because GM really doesn't have premium luxury brand. While Ford has Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, GM's closest brand offering would be Cadillac.
This allows for GM to place Buick in the position that Cadillac used reside in.. Considering all the brands that GM has (Chevy, Saturn, Pontiac) it wouldn't hurt to move Buick one up. Whereas now Buick's Ford's equivilant would be Mercury.
But Buick will also suffer the same fate as Cadillac because they again are placing a brand into a segment that expects RWD drive and OverHead Cam engines for that matter, and Buick really doesn't have any RWD platform offerings. Luxury brand buyer's WILL expect refined/sophisticated OHC engines, which only the Rendezvous (for this year) will feature a 3.6L engine that's being shared with the Cadillac CTS. The remainer of Buick engines are mainly old-tech OHV 3.1L and 3.8K engines. So do not expect Buick to be much competition for Lincoln, but then again, it's a better move for GM since they have one too many standard brands, as it is.
I was also wondering what people think about the rain sensitive wipers. I think I would rather have an old fashioned multi position delay. The rain sensors don't seem consistent to me. I find myself turning it off and on in the rain because I often can't get them to work when I think they should even though I've tried all the various positions while driving in a steady rain. This may be another case of getting used to it since I've only driven in the rain twice.
Anyway, I've been getting a lot of compliments so far and it has been fun so far.
A Magnaflow exhaust system is available for the 02 and earlier cars that increase power as well as the exhaust note. You could wait for the 03 system from Magnaflow or (maybe) install Magnaflow mufflers. There are also systems from Borla and 1 or 2 others. The Magnaflow definitely is the best bang for the buck.
On a side note, the vehicles being produced at that plant, can be shifted to the Louisville plant.
As to the redesign of the Aviator, you are correct in thinking it'll be car based. Expect to see that, and a crossover (think NaviCross) which will surplant the Aviator.
I know what you're talking about re the SST. I drove a couple for test drives and I had a blast, but I had the same issues as you, pushing when I shouldda pulled etc. I figured like you it would take some getting used to.
But I made it moot when my wife and I decided what we really wanted was the LS with the 5 speed stick. I have 35000 miles on it now (a 2001) and it's running better than ever. I recently oened up the airbox to get more goezinta and replaced the stock exhaust with a cat-back Magnaflow system to open up the goezoutta. What a great ride it is now. Real nice exhaust note - not loud or obnoxiuos but really connects me with the engine as you well put it. I feel like these mods gave me 15-20 more hp and I love it.
Rain sensing wipers: I have them and I like em. They're not perfect, but for me they work just dandy. The one nit I have is that many times they don't realize it's raining! But the easy way to fix that is turn the switch from auto to off then back to auto and then they work like a charm. Kinda have to kick start em. Also the variable switch needs to be on 'int' for them to work. "Auto + Int" = rain sense. I don't understand what you mean by "all the various positions" there is only one, AFAIK, that works in auto as I describe above. And you DO have an old fashioned variable delay - turn the auto off and set the intermittent to in between settings.
Lastly, unfortunately I feel, I've heard the rain sensing wipers are going away next year. And the official reason is that people get frustrated trying to use em properly at least so I heard. Course, this pales in comparison to them dropping the manual transmission!
George
The Aviator has been around for less than a year and has sold 18,000 units so far. Sales have been steadily climbing and are now running about 3,000 / month.
From what I have heard the LS will stay pretty much as is through the 2006 model year. The only changes I am aware of are:
Dec 2003, the LSE model returns (2004 model)
Dec 2003, V6 convenience model returns to US lineup.
2005 MY - changes to unibody to improve side impact protection.
2005 or 2006 Possible high performance model done by Roush
I'm sure that there will be other running changes over the next couple of years.
Someone mentioned that they don't like the automatic wipers. As George alluded to they are scheduled to be deleted from all LS models in Dec 2003. The primary reason is customer complaints coming from people who buy LS's and don't realize they have automatic wipers. That is on the GEN-II auto wipers they are tying to use the sensitiveity adjust as an intermittant interval adjust and can't figure out why it doesn't work (I guess no one reads their manuals anymore). This has lead to warranty charges from customers bringing their LSs back to the dealer complaining that the intermittant wipers don't work. So I guess you can consider it cost cutting, both to delete the auto sensor and to lower false warranty claims.
Regarding the wipers, I read the manual and I thought that the various positions were various degrees of sensitivity to moisture on the windshield. I didn't think I had both the rain sensing and delay but I will definietly double check tonight. My experience with them seems to be the same as yours so far.
>>But the easy way to fix that is turn the switch from auto to off then back to auto and then they work like a charm. Kinda have to kick start em. <<
Sometimes they seem to work fine. Go figure.
Certainly Lincoln's pricing equates to Cadillac, (or did). So Lincoln, then, should now be viewed as a second tier luxury line to match Buick? This is shameful. The commitment to the heritage of the brand must have been cut as well as the budget.
My guess is that when the auto wipers are eliminated sometime during the '04 production run, the conventional interval settings will return. Since the LSE will also be returning to the '04 lineup, this gives you two good reasons to trade your '03 next spring! Hehheh...
By the way, congrats on your purchase and welcome to LS ownership. You've made a wise choice.
Don't worry, you won't be able to spend your money on a Magnaflow system for your '03 because there isn't going to be one. They've declined to build it due to low sales projections. Since the '03 exhaust system is a one-off (the '04 is different from '03 and the '05 will likely be changed again) I wouldn't count on any additional Magnaflows for the LS. You guys with '00-'02 MYs are fortunate to have them available. If you want Magnaflows for your '03, you'll have to go mufflers only.
I'd suggest contacting Magnaflow, either via their 800 number or using their Email contact info, and asking them what the deal is. If enough people show interest, perhaps they'll change their decision.
(I know several people who have installed the '00-'02 system that's listed on that same page; Magnaflow did that one because it'll fit on all '00-'02 LSs except for the LSE.)
The 2 '03s I have driven had a much improved exhaust note compared to any '00 - '02s I drove. I prefer that my V8 motors not sound like an enraged industrial vaccuum cleaner . . .
- Ray
With 2 nearly new OEM LS rear mufflers still in the garage . . .
And Magnaflow will not be manufacturing a system for the LSE either for the same reason: insufficient demand to justify production. Too bad because the LSE prototype system they built sounds awesome.
When you are on a strange, 3-lane road with decent traffic, in the dead of night - having auto wipers and nice bright headlights/driving lights are 2 great reasons that I'll be keeping my LS well into the future.
But seriously, I think they are a good idea but functionally, they don't seem to operate consistently. Maybe I still need more time with them.
I don't know about auto dimming headlights and I don't think I'd want them on my car, but the auto headlamps seem to work well for me. I'd gotten used to them on my Taurus and I like them on the LS. And the electronic parking brake? At first I wasn't crazy about it but now I like it (maybe I'll feel the same about the wipers someday). Best part is that I won't find myself driving with the brake on and wonderding what that smell is. (yes, I've done once or twice in the past)
I looked underneath almost all of them.
ALL of the V8's, both 2003 & 2004 had the exact same exhuast, 2 cats with a 3rd common cat where both sides of the dual exhuast enter and exit (no H pipe).
ALL of the V6's, both 2003 and 2004 had the exact same exhuast, 2 cats, with a H pipe behind the resonators.
So the info. about the 2004 exhuast being different is not correct, or it is a change scheduled for later in 2004 MY production.
Thank You
Anthony
Try an LS, you'll be amazed.
Also, drive it on the expressway, noting how well it stays on course, with little driver intervention. Some cars have little idea where "straight-ahead" is. The two LS's I've owned seem to know where I want to go. Its laser-straight tracking makes the difference between a fun 8-hour drive, and a tiring one.
Anyone seen the rebates edmunds has listed for the 03's??? $9000??? I called teh dealer as soon as I saw them and they said they hadn't heard of being able to combine the 5500+3500. Think edmunds has it wrong?
BTW - the LS is a GREAT car....BUT it is no where near the excitement of driving my 00 vett
Ace