Lincoln LS

nvbanker

"you don't like talk radio in stereophonic surround sound??"

Why sure! But they don't broadcase the feed that way.....and besides, it's on AM here. AM stereo sucks.......

I've also not found the value in Satellite Radio myself..... Everytime I drive under a tree, the signal goes away.

marsha7

I was joking, as I knew talk radio was on the AM dial...and nothing sounds worse for fidelity than AM hiss, except when it is broadcast in stereo, you get stereo hiss...:):):):):)

akirby

Wait until you hear digital radio. Supposedly makes AM sound as good as FM, and FM as good as CDs. This is similar to satellite radio but using local broadcasts.

desertguy

I had AM stereo in a 1988 Toyota (came with the car) and there were some mostly music stations in the Los Angeles area that were actually broadcasting in this format. It was better than FM. The sound was as good and there were no signal fades due to tall buildings etc. Trouble was, not too many stations used the format so I guess it died a slow death. IMO, satellite will be the only way to go within five years.

BTW, Car Connection has a snippet on the new Lincolns today.

laxman

From desertguy's post here is the quote from Car Connection:

"Lincoln confirms that it will add two new sedans after its next intro, the new Aviator crossover due in 2007. The next two sedans are expected to be successors to the Continental and LS, and both will be derived from the Freestyle/Volvo XC90 architecture."

Nice

Now I am wondering which auto show and when they will premier them?

akirby

The problem with satellite is no local advertising. Digital radio will replace current analog radio giving the stations more options for content and multiple logical channels on a single broadcast frequency. Sat won't replace local broadcasts unless they can also beam local stations like DirecTV has done for TV.

akirby

Happy Birthday Steve (cndnpinhead)!

desertguy

ABC or NBC (I was channel surfing :-) did a story last night on the news about the defection of oldies station form the format. Wrong demographic now. They don't care about the baby boomers who like this music. They want the 18 - 29 crowd.

Anyway, they went on to say that the oldies type music ('50s & '60s) was moving to satellite. Even had a well know DJ from New York who was moving to satellite since his station was switching to '70s and '80s music. He said that it will be great in that he won't limited to a list of 86 songs but can choose from hundreds and play stuff we have not heard in many years. That is why my next car is going to have satellite for sure. I don't hear very good reports on the FM modulators used to get the broadcast now with your current radio.

marsha7

that NY DJ wasn't, by chance, Cousin Brucie??? (Bruce Morrow from WABC in the 60s, big kinda like Imus is today)...

cdnpinhead

Thanks, Allen -- 57 & counting. Only the good die young. I'm safe.

Your message was beyond totally unexpected.

It seems that you and I, plus a few others, are the ones who keep this board aware of the LS's history -- mostly you, I might add. It's good of you to keep the trickle of people who come here aware of what we've learned over the years. I've often seen posts that I could respond to with something moderately useful, but decided that it was too much trouble, and besides, you'd respond in 2 hours or less.

You are, in case no one has noticed, the LS guru, so far as Edmunds is concerned.

desertguy

Yes it is Cousin Brucie and he is\or will be on Sirius. Just saw an ad for him on their website.

lateralg

I have a few available. Note to host: I'm not selling a thing. There are no strings attached.

tateos

Read in a recent post that you have a GXP. How do you like it? My wife got a 2004 GTP (with the supercharged 6) and she really likes it. Did you test drive the GTP vs GXP?

Richard Moore in AZ

akirby

Aw, shucks. Thanks Steve.

akirby

That was rayainsw, not me.

rayainsw

‘Twas me, indeed.

I had driven a couple of GTP CompG-s, but not recently. The GXP is so much better in every way (that matters to me) that I was simply amazed.

My test drive notes and initial impressions are on the Future Vehicles \ GXP board here . .

- Ray
With 575 happy miles “in the book” so far . . .

pat

starts here: rayainsw, "2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP" #169, 9 Jun 2005 6:53 pm

Keep reading for impressions, pics, etc. ...

koswus5

Hi everyone im kinda new to this whole car buying thing so I was hoping to get you opinions on some cars that I was thinking about buying. I'm 20 and still doing my undergraduate and I need a car to commute between school and my work (only highway) and I was doing som research about cars here at Edmunds. I came down to three choices 03 Linc. LS, 03 Jag. S-type, and 02 Lex. GS430. I'm looking for something used around 25K before taxes and fees and those 3 have my interest. My old car was a 95 Town Car (which I love very much but gas prices are killer). Since I dont have much time between school and work I wanted a car that wont need much trips to the shop and is generally low maintance. Gas mileage is important to me also and I need to use this care for at least another 6-10 yrs (tuition rates are up). I also need fold down rear seats (gotta move hings between dorm and home and a navigation system). I was wondering the opinion of the all members here that are willing to help me with this decision (my family and gf are going crazy listening to me talk about these things). I'm also open to new suggestions if anyone has them.

Thanks

cdnpinhead

I've owned an LS for the past five years, and it does the fold-down rear seat with reasonable reliability thing really well. After '03 the LS had variable valve timing, which improves both fuel mileage & performance. Mine doesn't, but yours would.

Since you're looking at buying used, the incredible depreciation that many of us endured when the car first came out won't be your problem. I'm banking (literally) on the concept that the LS will have the same kind of long-term reliability that the Lincoln/Ford taxis, limos & police cars exhibit.

Think about it. Taxis, limosines & police cars have been a captive Ford market for a very long time. I'm guessing/hoping FoMoCo learned a lot over the years from these guys, and that the cars will last more-or-less forever. I'm currently in the process of finding out. So far, so good.

The Jag lost out in the reliability situation, for reasons I haven't figured out -- could it be the UK situation overall? I certainly don't know. The Lexus will cost more than an equivalent FoMoCo product, because. . .it's a Lexus. The value equation isn't there.

Go with the LS.

akirby

The used LS will be a great bargain - more so than the Jag. Expect 25-30 mpg highway for the LS depending on whether it's a V6 or V8 and how you drive. You won't find a better road car. And you should still be under warranty so if anything needs to be fixed you're covered.

You'll really have to drive them all to find out what you like or don't like. They're all good.

lateralg

I owned a 2000 Lincoln LS, a 2001 Lexus GS 430, then upgraded to my 2003 Lincoln LS. The Lexus had a lot of good features, but had no idea where "straight ahead" was. Even the slightest wind caused constant steering correction. This wasn't unique to my particular car; the on-line forums confirmed that poor directional stability is the nature of the car.

Both of my LS's have been laser-straight on the highway.

A used LS in good condition is an incredible value ... maybe the best there is.

vhkat1

I can vouch for that. Never driven a car as straight as my 00 LS.

It's going on six years old at 66K & I plan to keep it for 2-4 years longer. Worried I won't find as good a car then. It just has all the features I like, ex-manual tranny. Maybe a 1-2 year old last sales year LS will do the trick about 08.

nvbanker

An 02 LS came through with 22,000 miles on it, looked showroom clean. I almost bought it just because nobody was bidding on it. It went for $15,000. That's an incredible value for that car. I don't need it right now, and it's a little too small for me, but the LS is truly an undervalued secret. Navigation is going to be a problem for you though in the older ones. If you can do with out it, I'd also recommend the LS as the most car for the money. The S-type is very much the same car under the skin, but will cost you more and not give you much more performance.

koswus5

Thanks everyone for all your comments and suggestions. I really found alot of new things that I did not know before about the three cars and I'll be sure to test drive all three before making a final decision. I know that LS and the S-type are roughly the same thing but it's hard for me to get over the sheet metal. The LS has a classic style and the S-Type has the popular retro look. I know that the 2003's initial relaiablity is pretty good but not too sure on the long term. Also Ill be swapping with my dad from time to time (his RX has more storage room for big stuff) and he loves the S-Types looks. Thanks again for all your comments and would appreciate more if anyone else has any.

nvbanker

will be a lot cheaper.... if that matters.

scootertrash2

I'd love to see Lincoln come out with a "tank-styled", rear drive sedan (Think Chrysler 300C) with the slab sides and mesh grille of a 1961 Continental with a Cobra engine in it and they'd finally have a vehicle that people, other than 80 year olds and rental car companies, would actually WANT to buy.

jerrym3

It's interesting to note that cars from the late 50's an 60's are growing in popularity (and price) while the radio stations are eliminating the music that the same demographic group likes to listen to.

I'm from the 50s and 60s era, and I have more disposable income than I ever had. In the past, I never could have afforded buying two new cars within a 15 month period, but I bought a 2003 TBird and a 2004 LS8 Sport.

CBS 101.1 in NY just killed the "oldies" sound, and became a station that sounds like almost every other station in the NY area.

Granted, there will be a time when our music (like the music of the 1940's and early 50s) will lose popularity as my generation passes away, but now is not the time, especially when folks my age are living longer and maintaining healthier lifestyles.

What idiot (or group of idiots) killed CBS 101.1 and "Cousin Brucie"?

desertguy

Cousin Brucie is joining Sirius where he says he will have a choice of hundreds of songs(many we have not heard in decades) "instead of a list of 87 songs."

lateralg

Curious ... how did you pick your screen name?

marsha7

Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow) is alive???...I used to listen to 770 WABC radio, top 40, when I was a kid in NY...lost him when ABC went talk radio, but I also remember WCBS-FM as the FM oldies station in that time when most FM was Led Zeppelin and acid rock...

To stay on topic...I would really listen to Cousin Brucie if I had a Lincoln LS... :shades: :shades:

Bob

jerrym3

I remember seeing Cousin Brucie do a live show from Palisades Amusement Park many years ago. Yes, he's still around and kickin'.

Maybe it's just me, but I have one pet peeve about the LS.

I like to ride with the driver's window down unless it's too hot/cold and/or raining/snowing.

With the window down, I get a tremendous draft that blows at just about the ear level and back. Actually blows my hair forward. Very annoying, and no car I've ever owned has been shaped just so to cause this type of draft.

I've tried lowering different windows to change the draft angle without luck, and I really can't move the seat either forward or backward to find a comfortable spot.

Anyone else notice this? Has anyone installed the after market deflectors that attach to the outside of the door? Do they work?

lateralg

I shaved my head.

marsha7

I tried something different...keep the driver's window up, lower both passenger side windows between 2-6 inches (depending on the amount of wind you like)...I did it by accident in my Intrepid, and now in my Crown Vic...lowering both windows creates a major circulating draft in the car, feels cool and windy, but the wind is not directly on you...can only do it when you are alone, because passengers will feel much different...since I commute to work alone, as long as the temp is moderate, not needing AC, the wind cools the car quite well, and I like the air circulation...can also use it when you need the heat, but still want a little fresh air...lower windows about 1-2 inches, gives fresh air, but direct the heat toward the floor...tell me if it works for you... :shades: :shades:

gkarg

That B pillar is the cause. It is so fat and points the air right toward you. I don't notice it as much with all the windows down the whole way, but do notice it the most with just the driver's window down. Another annoyance that I found with that whole situation is the air coming out of the left vent. I had to turn the flow down to about half or my left ear would freeze from the breeze.

koury

Roll down all the windows EXCEPT the front passenger's, and you'll notice a big decrease in the amount of air that hits the driver.

seusa

Does anyone know when Lincoln will revamp the body on the LS? I now own a 2002, love it. Thinking about future purchase and wondered if it would be a long wait for the new style. Any info would be appreciated.

cdnpinhead

The next "revamp" will remove most of what many of us appreciate about the LS -- the wonderful (& very expensive) RWD system & suspension.

For a variety of reasons, Lincoln has chosen to shy away from competing with real sport/luxury vehicles and is planning to offer AWD vehicles based on FWD platforms.

If what you care most about is the sheet metal and "look," you may be pleased with the change. I think it's scheduled for '07 or thereabouts.

seusa

Thanks for the info. I love the way my car handles. I bought the LS for the ride, handling, and safety ratings. If the ride changes I might not want one of the new ones. Mine only has 45,000 on it right now so I am good for the time being.

akirby

As Steve pointed out if you read between the lines, we don't expect any major changes to the LS. For 2006 there will only be V8s and they will all have the LSE appearance package standard. Some guess that the 2006 model will continue through the end of 2006 and then be dropped with the new volvo platform based AWD models coming out mid 2007 or so.

Wait and steal a 2006 model - they'll be dirt cheap and a screaming bargain, if you like the current body style.

seusa

Not sure how I feel about AWD model. I have never driven one. I just know that I love driving my car on road trips.

akirby

It will be a totally different car. The engine is transverse so the weight bias will be more towards the front, even if the AWD systems sends more torque to the rear (this is similar to the Jag X-type arrangement). The good news is there will be options for 300+ hp with a couple of V8s and a new turbo I6 that Volvo is developing.

If you really like your 2002 I'd seriously consider an upgrade to a 2006. You may or may not like the new one.

Could be called the Continental. Maybe they'll even have a Continental LS model!

seusa

Thanks so much for the info. Everyone on this board is helpful. I looked here before I bought my 2002. I was considering the LS or an Avalon. What I read here convinced me that the LS was the way to go.

cdnpinhead

I've just returned from another of my annual trips. The LS was wonderful, as always.

I went to visit Edmonton & Vancouver, which I haven't done in quite awhile, in a most pleasant fashion. I travelled most of 5000 miles. I'm coming to realize that I'll keep this car until something major fails, since there are so few other options (I want a manual). For long-distance highway driving, the LS is hard to equal, in my experience. Bear in mind that I've never driven a BMW, among others. I have, however, driven well in excess of a million miles.

The often-maligned V6 returned 26.5 mpg & (so far) has been stone reliable. I drove a Datsun 1600/2400 engine well beyond 200K miles, and (so far) it looks like this motor is on the same page.

I drive cars -- long distances -- to places where (it appears) most here care nothing for. That said, the LS is a very pleasant way to do it. I've done portions of this route with a '65 MGB, among other vehicles, several years ago.

So, once again, I think I've used my LS in the way it was intended. . . for what it's worth.

Pearls before swine.

nvbanker

"Pearls before swine"

OBJECTION!! I've never owned an LS, but have driven tens of them as rentals, both the 6, the 8 and the manual once. I don't like manuals.....but YMMV. They are an amazing car, very very underrated IMO because Ford won't promote it, and it's too late now anyway, unless they update it well. I've also driven BMWs. I think it compares favorably. It just doesn't hold resale like the BMW does. Again, undervalued. So, if you want a heckofaperformingcar for a song, buy a one or two year old LS.

dcls6

...so my 2001, V6 has about 48k miles and warranty will expire next month. Have had very few problems - (1) half shaft and steering rack. One issue may be a pump or something that 'moans' during in stop and go traffic for a short period - then goes away. 'Moaning' varies in sound at 1200-1300 rpm. It's not the A/C.

I guess we live with the engine droan at 62-69 mph? Quiet above 70. Also, there is wind noise at the driver's door - can't tell if it's because of the mirror or a seal.

Would appreciate any end-of-warranty thoughts.Thanks.

lateralg

1) At what engine RPM?
2) Does it happen in D4 & D5 at same RPM?
3) Will it immediately cease if you tap the brake pedal?

dcls6

Actually, it's a slight increase in engine noise at 62-69 in D5, then gets quiet again at 70+. Diff rpm in D4. Braking has no effect other than slowing down- below 62 it's quiet.

lateralg

I'm looking for the engine RPM, not the vehicle speed in MPH.

By tapping the brake, I mean just that ... a quick tap, not even enough to slow the car down.

nvbanker

Normally, I advise against the extended warranty - if you can afford the warranty, you can afford a repair that would likely be covered. I have purchased them from Ford at the end of factory warranties, but never used one. It's always been a waste of money for me. I'd self-insure.

akirby

My advice exactly! I only advocate them for people who can't afford to pay for a few hundred dollar repair down the road. And then you should add the ext. warranty to the price of the car and finance it so you're only paying a few dollars per month instead of being hit with a large one time repair bill.

If you can afford to pay $1500 cash for an extended warranty, you can afford to pay for a repair and in the long run being self-insured is cheaper. Otherwise the extended warranty companies wouldn't be in business.