I have a 2002 with 40,000 miles and it has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I bought an extended warranty from Ford at the time of purchase for $100 over dealer cost. Seeing my reliability experience so far, i am not sure it was necessary. I put $0 down and financed the entire purchase, including the warranty at 0%. The LS is an excellent vehicle, but Lincoln has done a miserable job of promoting it.
I have a 2003 LS V8 with the same prob. Since this is my first American car in over 20 years, I attributed it to just crappy craftsmanship. The dealer took care of it in the past, but, as was your experience, it came back. Was your sterring column replacement covered under warranty?
I should think about $10,000 back of sticker would be a good price for the car.
I don't know if FMC is offering 0% on that car, but anything in the 725 FICO range should qualify you for the best thing Ford Credit is offering on the car, whatever it is. But you don't get the best deals on last years models from the credit side of the house - you get the best discount on last years car, not the best financing.
With 0%, you do need substantial down payments usually.
If you want to purchase a warranty extension from Ford, you can do that right up to the last day the originally factory warranty is any good as long as you are the original owner. So wait and decide later. It costs the same either way. That way, you can see how good the car has been, and decide later if you think the extended warranty will be a good idea, or unnecessary.
Bras? Don't use 'em, so don't really know.
I hate Silver too. But, I have owned 3 Silver cars because the deal was too good to pass up.
The 2003 LS has a 3 year factory, bumper to bumper, warranty. The power steering replacement was covered.The service mgr. said he had quite a few cars with this problem. It was fixed 1 time and so far it is quiet. This was my 1st American car since the 70's. It is a great car and I would like to stay with the LS. It looks like my days are numbered unless Lincoln gets it right again.
I hope that you are correct about the 4 years. 50K miles is OK. If it is 4 years, not 3, I'll keep it the extra year. So far I've had the following problems..AC blowing extreme wrong temps.(big job) Steering problem.(big job) Engine will not start.( Incorrect emission control hose came apart,towed and 1/2 day in shop).Seat belt tension part banging in column.(1/2 day).
He is absolutely correct about the warranty, 4yrs/50k miles... you can also purchase an extended warranty (the same one offered at time of vehicle purchase) up until the very last day/mile your factory warranty is valid.
I just purchased a '02 LS with the sport package. I am trying to find some site that has aftermarket accessories such as the ones you mention above. Please advise.
Try e-bay motors and the LS club. Do a search for Lincoln LS and the web site will be listed. Also Lincoln versus Cadillac site has abunch of LS related parts.
I ended up in Whitehall, MI, over this weekend, so had time to drive down to the Ford Museum in Dearborn yesterday -- it was wonderful. The planned portion of this business trip (the MI bit wasn't) left me with a drive from Milwaukee to Indianapolis last weekend, so I stopped by the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago on the way. For my money, the Ford is far more worthwhile. . .and much less crowded.
Anyway, on the way (on I-96) I passed the Wixom factory where our LS's were built. Interesting seeing those three cars (LS, T'Bird, T-Car) on display from the Interstate.
Gave me pause. I'm sure those who were able to tour that plant a year or so ago were pumped up. Part of my Dearborn visit involved the "Rouge Tour" which is focused (pardon) on the F150 line, done in the newest & most "lean" assembly plant. Impressive, to say the least. Since it was the weekend, they weren't running the line, but seeing how they've put it together was interesting. I do this "lean" thing for a living.
Anyway, I drove back across the state (& past Wixom again) thinking that Ford may do well, longer term, but the LS was a victim of transition.
Timing is everything.
Anyway, I'm much less troubled to drive a Ford product.
Did a Google search & found Blue Oval News, which many have already heard of (including me), but I'd never read before.
The jury's still out. Where's the competitor to the Infiniti M35?
The M-35 is Nissan's answer to a question nobody asked, cp. The last one came out, and nobody, I mean NOBODY bought the damn thing. You ever seen one on the road? I have seen one. So, they're trying again with a redesigned one. The last one was a strictly Japanese design. A 6 foot American couldn't get in the old one, the seat didn't go back far enough for his legs. Had a great engine though, nice and big. Thirsty too. So, where's the competition for it? The Mercury Marauder, which Ford just dropped, because nobody wanted that either. The LS, which nobody buys either. the 300C is exactly matched to the M45, except it's much cheaper. GM has no match for it that I can think of right now.
Have just worn through my 2nd set of Firehawk LH's and looking at other options. Have read on tirerack about Michelin PS2~$180, Avon TechM500 ~$140 and Turanza LS-Z ~$215. Any recommendations out there?
I just purchased a set of the Avon TechM550A/S about 3 weeks ago after reading the reviews on TireRack.com... i am truly impressed, overall a big improvement over my factory continetals on my 04ls, and a much quieter ride than my mom's firehawks on her 01 ls... On my 04 the ride's a lot better, sounds quieter, handles better, MUCH BETTER SNOW TRACTION, overall i'd say a great quality tire... not sure about the tread life though, but for the price, i'm not really conscerned... did a little researc on AvonTyres.com, apparently they have been in business since 1885 in Elksham England, were bought out in 1997 by Cooper tires in the US, still are made in England though... Avon tires were chosen as Original Equipment on Rolls-Royce cars. Additionally, Avon tires are known for also having been fitted as Original Equipment to top vehicle marques such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Morgan... So overall i'd say a great quality tire with a great history.. and for the price i don't think you can beat it...
They have - but it will be a slightly different car, on a different platform, and I think it goes to the DEW-lite platform, like the new Mustang, doesn't it?
bear in mind, if Lincoln, marketing geniuses they have been proven to be, continue to market their wares like they have the LS in years past, you may win....
Actually there are no new Lincoln models planned for the Mustang (DEW-Lite) platform. 2 new larger Lincolns are planned for the D3 platform (500/Montego/Freestyle/Volvo). Both should feature AWD. One will probably replace the LS and be named Continental and the other will be a larger car that might eventually replace the Town Car, although the panther based TC will probably stick around awhile.
I could have sworn that the LS was slated to continue as a marque, but on a modified platform of some form....maybe no longer DEW-lite, but something called an LS.
The LS could continue on the current platform but I've heard no plans for a new vehicle other than the 2 D3 based vehicles mentioned above. That would give Lincoln 3 cars so you'd have to wonder if there's room for an additional model.
By 2007 the Tbird is gone so it doesn't make sense to keep the LS on the DEW98 platform by itself with 2 new D3 based vehicles available. Or at least not more than a year or so.
The LS replacement will come 2008, it will solider on in it's current form till then with minimal changes. The next LS will be D3 derived, AWD, V8.
Don't think because it's D3 derived from the stretched and bloated 500, that it will be another 500 on stilts. Let's not forget the S60 (which will go onto a C1 derived architecture next life cycle) is also built on a similar platform.
Therefore, you can have the new LS riding with great dynamics, without the bloated porportions you have seen on the 500. The next "flagship" will take that role, since it'll ride on an an even more modified 500 (D3-Volvo P2 derived) platform.
Thanks dlinc for you comments on Avon TechM500's I am familiar with Avon for motorcycle tires, but have had no experience with their auto tires, I am guessing tread life should be no worse than the LH's of ~30-35K. Anybody have any experience with the Michelin PS2's?
No, but the Pilot Sport A/S tires are among the best available All Season tires. I would expect the PS2's to be just as good. Check tirerack.com for survey and test results.
Yes, thanks for the input dlinc. I currently have a set of Pilot Sport A/Ss on my '03 LS and am considering a set of Avon TechM 500s for a new set of CDC wheels I purchased for our '00 LS. Love the Pilot Sports and am impressed by the very similar stats for the Avons on TireRack. The price per tire makes them a great alternative to the Michelins, especially for a second set of wheels.
Well...the dealer is ordering me a new rack to solve the prob. While I had it there, they upgraded the tranny software to get rid of my stuttering shift from 2nd to 3rd and fixed a falling headliner. Since all of this was covered under warranty, I thought I'd throw them a small bone and replace the wiper blades. I was quite surprised $45 later for the blades. I guess the dealers have to make it up somewhere....
jroger3, Is this a new tranny reflash? If so from what point going foward was this software reflash upgrade started as I had my tranny reflashed a couple of years ago, but I do have a stutter btw 2 and 3rd.
I apologize...I don't have that info for you. This is the first time I have addressed the tranny stutter since I bought my '03 used in Nov. of '03. If you're still in warranty, I would get it done regardless.
I have Pilot Sport A/Ss not PS2s. Very happy with these tires and their performance. Tread wear continues to be perfect. At 12K miles they still look new. They've been rotated twice and I typically run 34 psi.
What significant changes took place for the 03 revision? I know they did some de contenting: eliminated the lights on the edge of the front doors, deleted the rain sensor wipers---what else? Also, what kind of gas mileage is everyone getting? V-6? V-8? Regular or Prem gas? I drove an 05 luxury V-6, and an '02 V-8. Power from the newer V-6 is quite perky, but the V-8 rules.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
My 03 6cyl gets 16 mpg around town....20/21 town and country.....Long highway , over 1,000 miles, avg. 30 mpg, never in the granny lane. Only use reg. gas, any brand. The list of good changes is long. Best is transmission and drive by wire. So far the best of the LSs. I had the 00 and the 2001.
“What significant changes took place for the 03 revision? I know they did some de contenting: eliminated the lights on the edge of the front doors, deleted the rain sensor wipers---what else? Also, what kind of gas mileage is everyone getting? V-6? V-8? Regular or Prem gas? I drove an 05 luxury V-6, and an '02 V-8. Power from the newer V-6 is quite perky, but the V-8 rules.”
V8 does “rule”. For me. I have now had 2 LS V8s – I test drove probably 9 or 10 LSs over the years - and I have never even driven a V6. Not that it is in any way “bad” – just not for me.
The 2003 had so many improvements over my 2000 that the difference in driving experience is quite dramatic in many aspects.
My fuel mileage (2003 V8 Sport) in my typical commute (in and out of Midtown Atlanta) I average approx. 20. That includes a run of 20+ miles on Interstate 85 before the traffic slows much (so 70 – 80 mph most of the way in) early in the morning and a slower, heavier traffic run (walk) home between 4:30 and 5:30.
Specifically: If I fill the tank in the AM before driving to work and with a warm engine, the display (proven quite accurate) will typically show something like 26 – 27 or even 28 (if A/C is off) as I pull off the highway after 18 to 20 miles at 70 to 80 mph. But then the display starts a slow decline as I drive on surface streets, commute home in the thick(er) PM traffic, drive short hops such as to lunch, and drive weekends when I have more opportunity to ‘exercise’ that lovely V8. If I do some extended highway driving outside my normal commute, I have seen some averages between 23 – 24 mpg over a full tank. And I rarely drive at steady speeds over 2,700 rpm.
Just one data point. And I certainly don’t think that this is bad at all, given the other vehicle attributes. . .
Any ‘around town’ mileage number would be pretty difficult to compare to most anyone else, as there are so many variables to consider – traffic, number of stop lights, weight of right foot, etc. But I typically see 17 – 19 when I am doing primarily ‘short trips’. I use WOT when it is safe – and fun.
YMMV. By a LOT!
- Ray Willing to give up great gas mileage (even at $3.00 per gallon and up) in return for some fun acceleration . . .
Just measured gas mileage today - '04 LS V6 - 8,800 miles on odometer - 93 octane gas - 23.75 mpg from Syracuse, NY to Scranton, PA with downtown Syracuse driving for 1 hour approx. 70 -75 mph speed average on Interstate 81 and 481
For the first time ever for me, my check engine light came on yesterday. The car feels no different. I have no idea why it would come on. I have an 01 LS with 48K on the clock. Is this something serious, or is it usually something minor? I have to make a 100 mile trip this w/e, should I get it checked out before that?
Could be as simple as a loose gas cap or an engine problem. Check the owner's manual - there's a difference whether it's flashing or on solid. One is ok to drive and the other isn't, but I don't remember which is which.
Comments
I don't know if FMC is offering 0% on that car, but anything in the 725 FICO range should qualify you for the best thing Ford Credit is offering on the car, whatever it is. But you don't get the best deals on last years models from the credit side of the house - you get the best discount on last years car, not the best financing.
With 0%, you do need substantial down payments usually.
If you want to purchase a warranty extension from Ford, you can do that right up to the last day the originally factory warranty is any good as long as you are the original owner. So wait and decide later. It costs the same either way. That way, you can see how good the car has been, and decide later if you think the extended warranty will be a good idea, or unnecessary.
Bras? Don't use 'em, so don't really know.
I hate Silver too. But, I have owned 3 Silver cars because the deal was too good to pass up.
Good luck. It's a hellova car.
Anyway, on the way (on I-96) I passed the Wixom factory where our LS's were built. Interesting seeing those three cars (LS, T'Bird, T-Car) on display from the Interstate.
Gave me pause. I'm sure those who were able to tour that plant a year or so ago were pumped up. Part of my Dearborn visit involved the "Rouge Tour" which is focused (pardon) on the F150 line, done in the newest & most "lean" assembly plant. Impressive, to say the least. Since it was the weekend, they weren't running the line, but seeing how they've put it together was interesting. I do this "lean" thing for a living.
Anyway, I drove back across the state (& past Wixom again) thinking that Ford may do well, longer term, but the LS was a victim of transition.
Timing is everything.
Anyway, I'm much less troubled to drive a Ford product.
Did a Google search & found Blue Oval News, which many have already heard of (including me), but I'd never read before.
The jury's still out. Where's the competitor to the Infiniti M35?
Track the Infiniti M car sales against the new "improved" LS for the next period of your choice -- 12 months, 24, 3, whatever.
You may well be right.
I'm guessing not.
The LS could continue on the current platform but I've heard no plans for a new vehicle other than the 2 D3 based vehicles mentioned above. That would give Lincoln 3 cars so you'd have to wonder if there's room for an additional model.
By 2007 the Tbird is gone so it doesn't make sense to keep the LS on the DEW98 platform by itself with 2 new D3 based vehicles available. Or at least not more than a year or so.
Don't think because it's D3 derived from the stretched and bloated 500, that it will be another 500 on stilts. Let's not forget the S60 (which will go onto a C1 derived architecture next life cycle) is also built on a similar platform.
Therefore, you can have the new LS riding with great dynamics, without the bloated porportions you have seen on the 500. The next "flagship" will take that role, since it'll ride on an an even more modified 500 (D3-Volvo P2 derived) platform.
(SIGH)
I believe they are a special order in this size.
Lincoln hubcap is too small.
Any words of wisdom?
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
V8 does “rule”. For me. I have now had 2 LS V8s – I test drove probably 9 or 10 LSs over the years - and I have never even driven a V6. Not that it is in any way “bad” – just not for me.
The 2003 had so many improvements over my 2000 that the difference in driving experience is quite dramatic in many aspects.
My fuel mileage (2003 V8 Sport) in my typical commute (in and out of Midtown Atlanta) I average approx. 20. That includes a run of 20+ miles on Interstate 85 before the traffic slows much (so 70 – 80 mph most of the way in) early in the morning and a slower, heavier traffic run (walk) home between 4:30 and 5:30.
Specifically: If I fill the tank in the AM before driving to work and with a warm engine, the display (proven quite accurate) will typically show something like 26 – 27 or even 28 (if A/C is off) as I pull off the highway after 18 to 20 miles at 70 to 80 mph. But then the display starts a slow decline as I drive on surface streets, commute home in the thick(er) PM traffic, drive short hops such as to lunch, and drive weekends when I have more opportunity to ‘exercise’ that lovely V8. If I do some extended highway driving outside my normal commute, I have seen some averages between 23 – 24 mpg over a full tank. And I rarely drive at steady speeds over 2,700 rpm.
Just one data point. And I certainly don’t think that this is bad at all, given the other vehicle attributes. . .
Any ‘around town’ mileage number would be pretty difficult to compare to most anyone else, as there are so many variables to consider – traffic, number of stop lights, weight of right foot, etc. But I typically see 17 – 19 when I am doing primarily ‘short trips’. I use WOT when it is safe – and fun.
YMMV. By a LOT!
- Ray
Willing to give up great gas mileage (even at $3.00 per gallon and up) in return for some fun acceleration . . .