Does this mean y'all won't want LLSOC logo stuff? Cuz I'm getting a bunch o'stuff(polo/denim shirts, denim/microfiber jackets, caps) embroidered as we speak. Not to mention the T-shirt order I've got going.
Though, I really could use a die-cast model of our LS!
Bet you didn't anticipate getting so many new nicknames. We're a wacky bunch.
I would generally agree with previous respondees and say "All of the above, please." Caps, shirts, jackets, models would all be nice, as would pens, cufflinks, umbrellas and such.
From an availability standpoint, I think that major auto shows and Lincoln events would be good places to test such gear--you could gauge public reaction and see what sort of interest might be generated. It would be nice to see items in the Lincoln showroom, as well; I would imagine that the new Premium dealerships would have merchandise & accessory areas, would they not?
A web-based catalog would, I think, be essential. Something that's frustrating for me is the fact that some of the items mentioned WERE available through the Icollection site. Lincoln caps, shirts, and jackets were at one time in the catalog, but now the Icollection site (apparently) no longer exists, and the "new" Ford merchandise site conspicuously lacks Lincoln-branded items--they've simply disappeared. When I went to find a Lincoln cap and/or shirt, all I found was a scale model of a limo and nothing else.
I realize that the car itself is what's important, and that clothing and accessories are sidebar items, but if Lincoln is going to make such things available that availability must be consistent and the items must be easy to acquire.
The online catalog must be easy to find (linked from both the Lincoln and Ford websites), easy to use (currently, response time from Ford websites is poor, IMHO), and easy to navigate (good photos of each item, with online ordering capability). In comparison with BMW and Mercedes accessories, I think Lincoln is very far behind the curve.
Am I interested in Lincoln merchandise? You bet, and thanks for asking!
Note to Brian: Of COURSE I want LLSOC stuff, too. Johnnylinc is obviously a clothes horse. ;-)
I like many of the prior ideas. I myself would like shirts, die cast models, "Making of an LS" video, umbrella, keychain, mousepad, tire gauge and commuter cups (make sure it fits the cupholders). Catalogues should be sent to current & future owners.
One final thought. My 00 LS8 is the sixth Lincoln I have owned (I am only 36 yrs old). I rec'd a complimentary tube of touch up paint with all other Lincolns but not this one. Think it was a nice touch (no pun intended) to receive them in the mail. Such simple things can bring soo much pleasure.....
The gray Polo shirts sported by the Barret-Jackson crew at the inaugural Mania event in Irvine were very nice. Nicely embroidered "Lincoln LS" in black over the left breast the with the Lincoln star on the sleeve. Any chance of obtaining something like that anytime soon?
Merchandise Queen Kathy here..... thanks for all the great feedback! ... keep it coming if you have more. Jim was right, what a strong group!
icollection (or what is now www.ford.onlinestore.com) was mentioned several times. You are right Lincoln is completely void there, that is due in part to us. We want to put the right products out there on the right site, which is part of my reason for asking. Same with the catalog, would need to be specific to Lincoln and to LS of course!
I will definitely check out the Chevy site, always looking for good examples.
All your comments are great.. I am taking them all in... and you have confirmed that there is a "void" here... especially for specific, unique things.
Your Highness: Some suggestions-- Things to keep in the glove box (well, maybe in the trunk) with the Lincoln Logo such as tyre gauge, tiny flashlight, fold up umbrella, windshield sun cover, MUCH higher quality floor mats, ball caps, Members only type light jacket with Logo, small tool kit, first aid kit. I will think of other things soon.
I am the proud new owner of a '01 V-8LS w/the sport pkg., can a subwoofer be simply added to the system. Not a bad stock system, just needs a little extra kick. My dealer said the Alpine audiophile system was not an option with my vehicle. Thanks.
Demand and you will receive. I ask for and always get a free can of touch up paint each time I buy a new car. I tell the salesperson I want one as we get ready to fill out the papers. And he has to write it into the order. Over the last 10 years and about 10 new cars, I've never had a dealer lose a sale over a can of paint. Gotten 'em from Chevy, Geo, Mercury, Suzuki, Chrysler, Infiniti, and Hyundai dealers, and for my LS8. (I also require them to remove the dealer's logo from the rear of the car.)
I agree with 1422s post. The problem with the CU reliability reports is that the wrong questions are asked in the CU survey. Thus it is impossible to assess problems which fall outside the questions. Its the old GIGO thing. On the surface to suggest that the LS6 has more electrical problems than the LS8 is highly unlikely. It is the result of a poor measurement instrument and possible carelessness or inaccuracy by those completing the questionaire. In fact, the recent posts suggest that the LS8 with the message system may be having more problems with beeps and false messages. This is just an example of something that is harmless but might get reported as more electrical problems on the LS8. In short, in psychometrics the law of the instrument dictates what kind of inferences can be made within limits of probability. With a poorly designed instrument, no projections are valid.
About the "go #" - it has to be an approximate number because there isn't any way to take into account deleted posts.
The post number you see here is relative to the number of posts that actually exist today in the discussion. The number the "go" box tries to find is relative to the number of posts that have ever existed.
So it can't be exact - it gets you close, then you just need to use the "Scroll Up" or "Scroll Down" choices to find exactly what you are looking for.
I hope this helps.
Pat Host Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
A good quality tire gauge, a tool kit with LS logo, and a custom fit sunshade for the windshield would be a real winner here in the desert. Thanks for asking Kathy.
Also re: touch up paint: Lincoln sends it to you after purchase.
If Lincoln is supposed to send touch up paint after purchase they must be using the US Mail because I never got mine and I bought my car over a year ago. I got the crystal glasses, that is all.
This press release, while directed at Jaguar, makes reference to the Lincoln LS in an V8 engine improvement for the 2002 MY. The reference to the LS is in the fourth paragraph. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010205/wescast_in.html
I got the paint, but never got the crystal glasses. Want to trade (is your car silver?)
Regarding LS items. Since my brother-in-law regularly traveled to the Jag plant in England on Ford business, I often reminded him of my upcoming 50th birthday and my fondness for British Racing Green. Kind but cheap guy that he is, he presented me with a very nice Jag key fob - in British Racing Green. Would have preferred the car, but the fob is classy.
I can't even come up with another name to call you, so forget about a previously unnamed wanted Item. I just wanted to say I've been waiting almost a year now for something LS on the icollection site to spend money on. Lately I do most of my shopping on the Internet, but I think sending a catalogue to all LS owners would be a great idea.
I know that in the BMW's that have been in my past some of the best items I used all the time were the RE CHARGEABLE FLASHLIGHT in the glove box and the TOOL KIT that was screwed onto the inside of the trunk lid.Both had the BMW logo. These would be dynamite additions for the LS.These are not the run of the mill stuff but if you could figure out a way that they could be offered....send me an order form.
Obviously, BMW and M-B have been at this sort of thing for quite a while, and their owner bases support a large variety of catalog items, but it seems from our comments that the very enthusiastic LS owner community would be interested in a similar (albeit necessarily smaller) catalog.
To expand the discussion: On the Chrysler website, when you use the "build your own" feature to configure a vehicle, they actually list the dealer-added Chrysler accessories available for that specific vehicle and allow you to include them in the configuration.
They even give you part numbers and retail prices so that you can order them through the dealer or get them online. This is a really handy feature. I found out about the LS splash guards and obtained the part numbers right here on the Edmunds forum, but it would've been nice to be able to get that information through the Lincoln website, too.
I just saw this. Edmunds is having an "Editor for a Day" contest for people who will be attending the New York show in April. Here's a link to the contest info:
I think it would be neat to see an LS owner's article appear on Edmunds. Note that the entry deadline is THIS FRIDAY, March 16, and you have to write an essay to enter. (And you all thought you were THROUGH with essay tests, didn't you?)
Artie--are you paying attention? Consider this a challenge. Or a dare, if you prefer.
Hi, Kathy. Any friend of Jim Rogers' is a friend of ours.
I was chiefly interested in clothing, but it looks like Brian's got that covered (no pun intended). However, I'd still like a second source for that. All the other posts have pretty much touched on everything I could think of. I'll just add that I think umbrellas in matching LS interior colors would be a nice touch. How about mugs or beer glasses? A dedicated catalogue is a great idea. Lastly, I would love a die cast model and build video.
On what basis do you make the assertion that "On the surface to suggest that the LS6 has more electrical problems than the LS8 is highly unlikely"? Do you have access to internal Lincoln data substantiating your claim? I doubt that. Are the two engines and all their sub-systems identical? No. Thus it clearly is entirely possible that these two different engines could legitimately have differing reliability survey results.
However, given that yesterday my '00 LS8's heated seats have failed yet again and my airbag warning light is now back on after 5 past attempts to rectify, I'm willing to concede that on the basis of my own experience, it seems hard to believe the LS8 received an average reliaiblity rating for electrical systems. So maybe you are right. Are the LS6 and LS8 both below average in this survey area?
I too am a sucker for clothes. It will be fun showing up to the SCCA events with the big LLSOC decal (thanks Brian!) and am looking forward to a repeat of all the curiosity that this car generates amongst the Black Forest crowd. Last time at the Porsche club outing I think they had trouble pursing their lips to announce a Lincoln and I definitely got some gawkers during tech inspection. I would definitely order and show off a nice t-shirt or polo with some LS propaganda on it. And I will be a customer of the LLSOC stuff too. Oh yeah, I buy coffee mugs too.
I got an aluminum case that just fits in the glovebox slot.(Ihave the CD changer in there too) the paint, and a nice Lincoln ballpoint pen a few weeks after I bought the car and I bought mine before you. The goblets came long after that. I'm still not sure what the case is for though!
I am sure that what some of us are experiencing is the fact that some dealers might have tried to enhance the LS buying experience with some extra spiffs. I have only heard of the crystal glasses as a factory gift. The other items, despite coming from L-M might be a product of the PR of the dealer. Maybe they felt they were not getting enough bang for the buck and stopped doing it. As some have said here, my dealer is no longer a L-M dealer and I am not sure they really ever had their heart in it.
Im sure this is just me, but it seems like the LS is more prone to door dings and dents than any of my previous cars, especially near the upper body line of the doors. Im a very careful parker...had my prior car 7 years without acquring a single ding. Had the LS less than a year and a half, and just paid to have my second major ding taken out. (Paintless, of course.) This last one was particularly nasty, as it was so far forward in the door, Dentworks nor a private guy could get enough leverage in their tools to get it out. Matter of fact, the last guy (some guy who works out of his garage in Reston, VA made matters worse by putting about a dozen small dots or "high marks" inside the actual ding itself. End result: Paid an actual bodyshop that also does dentless repair $220 to fix the ding, and get the other guys highmarks out. (I didnt actually notice the highmarks until the repairshop pointed them out to me...the Reston guy was nice, and worked for an hour trying his best, but didnt succeed, and didnt charge me anything, so I didnt feel the need to go after him for his shoddy attempt). End result. 100% perfection. Surprised me, as the ding was almost creaselike in nature. They even were able to buff out some pretty nasty scuff/scratches that accompanied the ding.
Dont want to promote them for free here, but If anyone in the Rockville area needs the work, I can pass on their name/number. Had to leave it overnight, but it was well worth it.
This is Kathy. Again thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Very helpful.
Regarding the chrystal flutes, you all should have received them, as they were a gift from Lincoln directly. Many of the other items you mentioned come from the dealer, although the silver case (about a year or 2 ago) did come from Lincoln.
Joe and Mark, if you give me some specifics (or feel free to email me at kroznows@ford.com) I will pass onto Jim and the Brand Manager for LS and make sure you get the chrystal flutes.
I just need your name, address and VIN number of your LS.
I haven't had too much bad luck with door dings so far, but I thought I'd toss in my $.02 worth about paint damage. Since washing the car a couple of times in the last week, I've noticed some "scuffs" in the surface of the paint. I realize that the EPA has required the paint manufacturers to remove as many of the VOCs from the paint as possible, but I think that they've gone too far. IMHO, the paints in use today no longer have the inherent durability of the finishes of years gone by. The LS is only 10 months old, with 6500 miles, and a few "scuffs" from either road debris, or someone brushing against the car have already appeared. It's not only a Ford thing, however, as my 4 year old, 25,000 mile S-10 pickup is a mess already, and my 5.5 year old, 39,000 mile Z-28 really needs a total repaint. None of this is collision damage or door dings, etc. I'm talking strictly paint damage by abrasion. I realize that in order to curb pollution, some measures are taken that have inherent drawbacks. However, if you have to have your car regularly touched-up/repainted in order to look good and/or resist rust, what has been gained in terms of pollution reduction ?? Obviously, more paint will ultimately be sprayed on to the car during it's lifetime if the OE paint isn't durable. And it goes without saying that some of that paint, along with it's thinners, reducers, etc; will then wind up in the atmosphere anyway. So, what did we save ?? Do I need the goggles and Nomex for this one ?????
I too would like a die-cast model of my LS in, of course, Autumn Red (Parchment interior, too...)
The LS Waterford Flutes -- if for Sale, might allow me to increase my collection (if for free, click on my email in my profile...)
LS ball caps
I would buy via website, not from a dealer. Of course, the prices should listed on the internet will hopefully not be similar to those found at a dealership... (let's hope!)
Purchased a portable/temporary carport for the LS at K-Mart last night and couldn't pass it through the trunk, but did manage to insert the (approx.)5.5' X 1.5' X .75' (LARGE/HEAVY) box in through the rear door and back through the rear-folded seat space. Who needs an SUV!?!?
Those of you who have installed the Magnaflow mufflers, do you have the part numbers that you can email me? I want to give it to the Magnaflow R&D gang so they have a baseline to work with. The current test setup is too "Mustang GT" sounding and doesn't reflect the car.
I think this would be an excellent idea. I would really like to get 2 or 4 more of the beautiful Waterford flutes to make a set, they are much nicer than a majority of other expensive glasses I've encountered, the sit well in the hand and are nice to drink out of.
Other things, clothing (like jackets and polo shirts) done with the style of a BMW or MB rather than a giant truck rally Chevy logo. ;-) Key chains, a metal model, photos (well shot pics of the car, and particularly cutaways and technical drawings/photos of the engine and suspension), attractive but obviously car related desk clocks, etc. Lots of things would work well. I haven't felt the need to own a car jacket since my Scirocco days when I rallied a lot and had a VW rally jacket.
And of course a nice embroidered towel for the car, everyone knows you just don't go anywhere without your towel!
Setting the record straight... I was unaware that because I leased my LS under the X-Plan, that I was not qualified to get the flutes. This seems fair given the savings I made from the plan.
Yesterday, I started the whole discussion about not receiving any touch up paint mailed to me after purchase of my 00 LS. In that post I mentioned that I have had 6 Lincolns all by the age of 36. I sat down and thought about my past Lincs. I figured that I have had 8 Lincolns rather than 6! Sad to say I am also older than I thought. I am 37. Just curious - Anyone else close to these statistics?
I had intended to respond to your prior post about the loudness and resonance you were experiencing with the prototype MagnaFlow system. That really surprised me.
If memory serves, the part number on my mufflers was 11226.
And I consider it precisely the correct balance of deeper and mellower and louder - without excess noise and no resonance at any speed. I have received feedback from several people that it is 'authoritative' without being offensive - from inside or outside the vehicle. In fact, up to almost exactly 80 mph (at cruise throttle openings) I can't hear the exhaust.
HTH. - Ray Happy owner of MagnaFlow system since December 1999.......
How about an intake or exhaust valve or piston from the 3.9L engine mounted on a mahogany plaque. It would make a good conversation piece for one's desk at work.
You make an excellent point. In the mid to late 70s, when Japanese econoboxes started taking over, they were superb mechanical cars with the cheapest body and interior materials possible. Bodies rusted out and interiors imploded and shredded long before the running gear wore out. Everyone was down on Detroit iron those days, but I sometimes wondered if it made environmental sense to build the three or four Datsuns it would take to outlast one good solid American car.
Excellent idea. Definitely thinking outside of the box. I used to have a piston from a Cummins 777 diesel engine that I used as an ashtray when I was still smoking.
I guess my dealer really liked me because I got the glasses, the pen, the silver box and the touch up paint.
I also noticed what appeared to be "scuffs" in the paint, but my car was delivered with them. They were only visible at night under parking lot type lights. I was baffled by this but, as you did,I attributed it to people brushing against the car. My car was built in 9/99 and I got it in 12/99. I just figured it had been sitting around the dealer's lot for a while; probably got moved around a bit and had the opportunity for people to brush against it. Just conjecture on my part. You are the only other person I can recall mentioning it.
What I did was buff the entire car with a random orbital buffer using 3M "Fine Cut" rubbing compound on a terry pad. This stuff will not harm your clearcoat. It is designed to remove either 1200 or 1500 grit sanding scratches depending on the strength you get, so it's really fine. I was very pleased with the results. The finish became glass smooth and shiny and most of the scuffs came out. I did this last summer and no new "scuffs" have appeared since. I am also fanatical about where I park. I'll walk a ¼ mile to the mall if I have to. There are people who choose to drive themselves rather than go with me because they know they are in for a hike. (Most of them could use the exercise).
If you're not into doing this yourself, I'm sure a detail shop could take care of it.
BTW- 5½ years, 39K miles is disgraceful for the Camaro to need a complete repaint. If you think this is due to a factory defect, you may have recourse. I know there is a website devoted to Chrysler paint problems. There is probably one or more for GM cars also. Check around. These people have had success with older cars than yours by threatening small claims court.
You make an interesting point about the net effect of pollution laws vis-a-vis paint usage. Kind of reminds me of the "water-saver" toilets that use 1.5 gallons per flush. Only trouble is, you have to flush them 6 times as often in order to not have an overflow. Or, the "nonpolluting" electric cars because we don't have to figure on the additional electricity that has to be generated to recharge them. Sorry for the rant. I seem to be doing a lot of this lately. My wife must be right. I'm turning into an old crumudgeon.
I have the opportunity to purchase a new 2000 LS(basically never sold, production date is to Dec-99)V8 Sport, Advance Trac, etc. but no moonroof, no audiphile, but including 6-cd in glove box, for $31K. Any help from owners regarding the following would be appreciated:
1) Is this a deal? 2) Will I be missing out without the audiophile system? 3) Dealer says they can put in moonroof for $1000, is this risky, how good is the quality of doing this? 4) How much do loaded V8 2001's with moonroof sell for currently?
DJL - Sounds like a deal to me. What's "new" vs. "never sold"? Does the car have a lot of "demo" miles on it? I have the same car, although with the moonroof. (Rarely use it, BTW.) I'm quite happy with my non-audiophile system, but many people choose to upgrade speakers (at least) regardless of their factory system. A 12-99 car will need to have the ball joints inspected per the recall last fall, and maybe have the transmission sofware re-flashed. Both of these issues have been discussed at length in previous posts, and at LLSOC.com, and neither is a big deal. Don't know what new 2001s are selling for but every one I've seen has a sticker price over $40k.
I don't think that you're a crumudgeon at all. You, like myself, feel entitled to a fair value for our dollars, and if we don't receive it, we're willing to do what it takes to rectify the situation. With regard to the Camaro, I don't think that the paint job was "defective", rather the paint formulas of today just aren't durable. Combine this with the increased level of debris that seems to be on the road today, and the car is in somewhat less that great shape. P.S. I also park the car quite a way from the crowd wherever I go. My wife just LOVES that.
I'll take a shot at your questions; remember, these are ONLY opinions.
1) If the car is new, i.e. very few miles and never registered, it's probably a reasonable deal. A 2000 V8 Sport with CD changer and AdvanceTrac should list for $38,225 if it has no other equipment (phone, heated seats, & tricoat paint would bump the price), and the invoice would be $34,673. According to Edmunds, there is a $3,000 dealer incentive on the '00 LS, so you'd still be getting the car at around $1,000 below "cost" if you include the advertising fee.
Be sure that the car has never been registered or put into service. The warranty begins with the service date--if the car is a demo, then the warranty began when it went into demo service. Be sure you find out exactly how much warranty you'll get. (It's 4 years/50k miles when the car is new.)
2) Lincoln stopped putting the Audiophile stereo in the Sport early in the '00 model year, so you couldn't get the Audiophile anyway. If the stereo is inadequate for your needs, you can always do an aftermarket upgrade as scottc8 suggested. (The '01 Alpine Sport stereo is better than the standard unit, but you still can't get the full-tilt Audiophile in an '01 Sport.)
3) A dealer-installed moonroof would not be my choice. Even though the unit would likely be the same as the factory uses (I'm guessing it's made by ASC), I'd be afraid of letting someone cut a hole in my roof. One area of concern is the drain holes--would they be installed, and would they be installed correctly?
Also, I don't know if the factory uses extra bracing, but this probably wouldn't be present in an aftermarket installation. It might not open with the keyfob, either. You'd just need to have a serious discussion with the dealer and installer regarding the quality and, more importantly, the guarantee. Will the dealer guarantee the moonroof as if it was a factory installation, i.e. for the duration of the warranty?
4. You can use Edmunds to calculate the price of an '01 LS and figure on getting one at $1000 over invoice (or probably a few hundred less, depending on your shopping ability) including the advertising fee. A rough guess is that a comparable '01 would probably be $4,000-$6,000 more than the '00 you're looking at for $31k. Note that the '01 currently has a "free" CD changer, which reduces the window sticker price by $605. The '01 also includes all maintenance for the first 3 years/36k miles, but you can buy this package for the '00 from your dealer.
Like I said, these are only opinions, and quick ones at that; your experience may vary greatly, and you'll need to do some research. Hope this helps. No matter which way you go, it's a GREAT car.
My dealer said they do lots of a/m moonroofs, especially on Navigators. They order them without and add it if the customer wants it. These were guaranteed for the life of the vehicle against leaks and are most likely just as good quality wise as the factory. However, they will not work with the global open/close feature and it's not likely it can be wired to do that given the new electronics designs. I, too, couldn't bear the thought of that jigsaw cutting into my brand new LS.
I would definitely price a new one and compare before deciding. For me it would have to be more than just a few thousand cheaper to make it worthwhile. Then again, I almost always order my vehicles through the fleet sales dept. because I'm very picky on which options I do or do not want. It doesn't sound like a good enough deal to compromise on options that you think you really want like the moonroof, but if you're ok with it I think you could talk them down under 30K. But you gotta ask yourself why it's been there so long. Caveat Emptor.
Comments
Cuz I'm getting a bunch o'stuff(polo/denim shirts, denim/microfiber jackets, caps) embroidered as we speak. Not to mention the T-shirt order I've got going.
Though, I really could use a die-cast model of our LS!
Brian
I would generally agree with previous respondees and say "All of the above, please." Caps, shirts, jackets, models would all be nice, as would pens, cufflinks, umbrellas and such.
From an availability standpoint, I think that major auto shows and Lincoln events would be good places to test such gear--you could gauge public reaction and see what sort of interest might be generated. It would be nice to see items in the Lincoln showroom, as well; I would imagine that the new Premium dealerships would have merchandise & accessory areas, would they not?
A web-based catalog would, I think, be essential. Something that's frustrating for me is the fact that some of the items mentioned WERE available through the Icollection site. Lincoln caps, shirts, and jackets were at one time in the catalog, but now the Icollection site (apparently) no longer exists, and the "new" Ford merchandise site conspicuously lacks Lincoln-branded items--they've simply disappeared. When I went to find a Lincoln cap and/or shirt, all I found was a scale model of a limo and nothing else.
I realize that the car itself is what's important, and that clothing and accessories are sidebar items, but if Lincoln is going to make such things available that availability must be consistent and the items must be easy to acquire.
The online catalog must be easy to find (linked from both the Lincoln and Ford websites), easy to use (currently, response time from Ford websites is poor, IMHO), and easy to navigate (good photos of each item, with online ordering capability). In comparison with BMW and Mercedes accessories, I think Lincoln is very far behind the curve.
Am I interested in Lincoln merchandise? You bet, and thanks for asking!
Note to Brian: Of COURSE I want LLSOC stuff, too. Johnnylinc is obviously a clothes horse. ;-)
One final thought. My 00 LS8 is the sixth Lincoln I have owned (I am only 36 yrs old). I rec'd a complimentary tube of touch up paint with all other Lincolns but not this one. Think it was a nice touch (no pun intended) to receive them in the mail. Such simple things can bring soo much pleasure.....
The gray Polo shirts sported by the Barret-Jackson crew at the inaugural Mania event in Irvine were very nice. Nicely embroidered "Lincoln LS" in black over the left breast the with the Lincoln star on the sleeve. Any chance of obtaining something like that anytime soon?
icollection (or what is now www.ford.onlinestore.com) was mentioned several times. You are right Lincoln is completely void there, that is due in part to us. We want to put the right products out there on the right site, which is part of my reason for asking. Same with the catalog, would need to be specific to Lincoln and to LS of course!
I will definitely check out the Chevy site, always looking for good examples.
All your comments are great.. I am taking them all in... and you have confirmed that there is a "void" here... especially for specific, unique things.
Humm......a scale model personalized Aqua Blue LS
The post number you see here is relative to the number of posts that actually exist today in the discussion. The number the "go" box tries to find is relative to the number of posts that have ever existed.
So it can't be exact - it gets you close, then you just need to use the "Scroll Up" or "Scroll Down" choices to find exactly what you are looking for.
I hope this helps.
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
Also re: touch up paint: Lincoln sends it to you after purchase.
Regarding LS items. Since my brother-in-law regularly traveled to the Jag plant in England on Ford business, I often reminded him of my upcoming 50th birthday and my fondness for British Racing Green. Kind but cheap guy that he is, he presented me with a very nice Jag key fob - in British Racing Green. Would have preferred the car, but the fob is classy.
It would be nice to trade that for an LS model.
Tom...
These would be dynamite additions for the LS.These are not the run of the mill stuff but if you could figure out a way that they could be offered....send me an order form.
http://www.bmwonline.com
And here's one for Mercedes:
http://www.thecollection.mbusa.com/
Obviously, BMW and M-B have been at this sort of thing for quite a while, and their owner bases support a large variety of catalog items, but it seems from our comments that the very enthusiastic LS owner community would be interested in a similar (albeit necessarily smaller) catalog.
To expand the discussion: On the Chrysler website, when you use the "build your own" feature to configure a vehicle, they actually list the dealer-added Chrysler accessories available for that specific vehicle and allow you to include them in the configuration.
They even give you part numbers and retail prices so that you can order them through the dealer or get them online. This is a really handy feature. I found out about the LS splash guards and obtained the part numbers right here on the Edmunds forum, but it would've been nice to be able to get that information through the Lincoln website, too.
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/editor4aday.html
I think it would be neat to see an LS owner's article appear on Edmunds. Note that the entry deadline is THIS FRIDAY, March 16, and you have to write an essay to enter. (And you all thought you were THROUGH with essay tests, didn't you?)
Artie--are you paying attention? Consider this a challenge. Or a dare, if you prefer.
Artie
I was chiefly interested in clothing, but it looks like Brian's got that covered (no pun intended). However, I'd still like a second source for that. All the other posts have pretty much touched on everything I could think of. I'll just add that I think umbrellas in matching LS interior colors would be a nice touch. How about mugs or beer glasses? A dedicated catalogue is a great idea. Lastly, I would love a die cast model and build video.
However, given that yesterday my '00 LS8's heated seats have failed yet again and my airbag warning light is now back on after 5 past attempts to rectify, I'm willing to concede that on the basis of my own experience, it seems hard to believe the LS8 received an average reliaiblity rating for electrical systems. So maybe you are right. Are the LS6 and LS8 both below average in this survey area?
I haven't complained before about this because, all things considered, I don't consider it very important but...
I leased my 2001 LS in October 2000 and as of today I have not received any gifts... no glasses, no pen, no paint, nada.
I don't know if this is because my car is leased, or it is a 2001 model, or I'm just unlucky.
Should I mention this to Mr. Rogers?
Joe
I think you just did.
I am sure that what some of us are experiencing is the fact that some dealers might have tried to enhance the LS buying experience with some extra spiffs. I have only heard of the crystal glasses as a factory gift. The other items, despite coming from L-M might be a product of the PR of the dealer. Maybe they felt they were not getting enough bang for the buck and stopped doing it. As some have said here, my dealer is no longer a L-M dealer and I am not sure they really ever had their heart in it.
Dont want to promote them for free here, but If anyone in the Rockville area needs the work, I can pass on their name/number. Had to leave it overnight, but it was well worth it.
Regarding the chrystal flutes, you all should have received them, as they were a gift from Lincoln directly. Many of the other items you mentioned come from the dealer, although the silver case (about a year or 2 ago) did come from Lincoln.
Joe and Mark, if you give me some specifics (or feel free to email me at kroznows@ford.com) I will pass onto Jim and the Brand Manager for LS and make sure you get the chrystal flutes.
I just need your name, address and VIN number of your LS.
Please send me an email with more details on the portable carport. Manufacturer, size, wind resistance, your satisfaction with it, etc.
I sent you an email but it bounced ... undeliverable.
Gary
qcompass@att.net
Since washing the car a couple of times in the last week, I've noticed some "scuffs" in the surface of the paint. I realize that the EPA has required the paint manufacturers to remove as many of the VOCs from the paint as possible, but I think that they've gone too far. IMHO, the paints in use today no longer have the inherent durability of the finishes of years gone by.
The LS is only 10 months old, with 6500 miles, and a few "scuffs" from either road debris, or someone brushing against the car have already appeared. It's not only a Ford thing, however, as my 4 year old, 25,000 mile S-10 pickup is a mess already, and my 5.5 year old, 39,000 mile Z-28 really needs a total repaint. None of this is collision damage or door dings, etc. I'm talking strictly paint damage by abrasion.
I realize that in order to curb pollution, some measures are taken that have inherent drawbacks. However, if you have to have your car regularly touched-up/repainted in order to look good and/or resist rust, what has been gained in terms of pollution reduction ??
Obviously, more paint will ultimately be sprayed on to the car during it's lifetime if the OE paint isn't durable. And it goes without saying that some of that paint, along with it's thinners, reducers, etc; will then wind up in the atmosphere anyway. So, what did we save ??
Do I need the goggles and Nomex for this one ?????
The LS Waterford Flutes -- if for Sale, might allow me to increase my collection (if for free, click on my email in my profile...)
LS ball caps
I would buy via website, not from a dealer. Of course, the prices should listed on the internet will hopefully not be similar to those found at a dealership... (let's hope!)
Thanks,
Brian
Other things, clothing (like jackets and polo shirts) done with the style of a BMW or MB rather than a giant truck rally Chevy logo. ;-) Key chains, a metal model, photos (well shot pics of the car, and particularly cutaways and technical drawings/photos of the engine and suspension), attractive but obviously car related desk clocks, etc. Lots of things would work well. I haven't felt the need to own a car jacket since my Scirocco days when I rallied a lot and had a VW rally jacket.
And of course a nice embroidered towel for the car, everyone knows you just don't go anywhere without your towel!
11123 1.75" inlet/outlet offset-center
11113 1.75" inlet/outlet cnter-center
I was unaware that because I leased my LS under the X-Plan, that I was not qualified to get the flutes. This seems fair given the savings I made from the plan.
Once again...LM got it right.
Joe
It is an amazing phenomenon, isn't it, to think we are one age and then figure out that the reality says something different. ;->
This isn't exactly what you asked, but I just wanted you to know that I can fully relate.
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
I had intended to respond to your prior post about the loudness and resonance you were experiencing with the prototype MagnaFlow system. That really surprised me.
If memory serves, the part number on my mufflers was 11226.
And I consider it precisely the correct balance of deeper and mellower and louder - without excess noise and no resonance at any speed. I have received feedback from several people that it is 'authoritative' without being offensive - from inside or outside the vehicle. In fact, up to almost exactly 80 mph (at cruise throttle openings) I can't hear the exhaust.
HTH.
- Ray
Happy owner of MagnaFlow system since December 1999.......
How about an intake or exhaust valve or piston from the 3.9L engine mounted on a mahogany plaque. It would make a good conversation piece for one's desk at work.
Scott
I guess my dealer really liked me because I got the glasses, the pen, the silver box and the touch up paint.
Bruno
What I did was buff the entire car with a random orbital buffer using 3M "Fine Cut" rubbing compound on a terry pad. This stuff will not harm your clearcoat. It is designed to remove either 1200 or 1500 grit sanding scratches depending on the strength you get, so it's really fine. I was very pleased with the results. The finish became glass smooth and shiny and most of the scuffs came out. I did this last summer and no new "scuffs" have appeared since. I am also fanatical about where I park. I'll walk a ¼ mile to the mall if I have to. There are people who choose to drive themselves rather than go with me because they know they are in for a hike. (Most of them could use the exercise).
If you're not into doing this yourself, I'm sure a detail shop could take care of it.
BTW- 5½ years, 39K miles is disgraceful for the Camaro to need a complete repaint. If you think this is due to a factory defect, you may have recourse. I know there is a website devoted to Chrysler paint problems. There is probably one or more for GM cars also. Check around. These people have had success with older cars than yours by threatening small claims court.
You make an interesting point about the net effect of pollution laws vis-a-vis paint usage. Kind of reminds me of the "water-saver" toilets that use 1.5 gallons per flush. Only trouble is, you have to flush them 6 times as often in order to not have an overflow. Or, the "nonpolluting" electric cars because we don't have to figure on the additional electricity that has to be generated to recharge them. Sorry for the rant. I seem to be doing a lot of this lately. My wife must be right. I'm turning into an old crumudgeon.
1) Is this a deal?
2) Will I be missing out without the audiophile system?
3) Dealer says they can put in moonroof for $1000, is this risky, how good is the quality of doing this?
4) How much do loaded V8 2001's with moonroof sell for currently?
Thanks. Direct emails also appreciated.
DJL
Both of these issues have been discussed at length in previous posts, and at LLSOC.com, and neither is a big deal. Don't know what new 2001s are selling for but every one I've seen has a sticker price over $40k.
Scott
With regard to the Camaro, I don't think that the paint job was "defective", rather the paint formulas of today just aren't durable. Combine this with the increased level of debris that seems to be on the road today, and the car is in somewhat less that great shape.
P.S. I also park the car quite a way from the crowd wherever I go. My wife just LOVES that.
1) If the car is new, i.e. very few miles and never registered, it's probably a reasonable deal. A 2000 V8 Sport with CD changer and AdvanceTrac should list for $38,225 if it has no other equipment (phone, heated seats, & tricoat paint would bump the price), and the invoice would be $34,673. According to Edmunds, there is a $3,000 dealer incentive on the '00 LS, so you'd still be getting the car at around $1,000 below "cost" if you include the advertising fee.
Be sure that the car has never been registered or put into service. The warranty begins with the service date--if the car is a demo, then the warranty began when it went into demo service. Be sure you find out exactly how much warranty you'll get. (It's 4 years/50k miles when the car is new.)
2) Lincoln stopped putting the Audiophile stereo in the Sport early in the '00 model year, so you couldn't get the Audiophile anyway. If the stereo is inadequate for your needs, you can always do an aftermarket upgrade as scottc8 suggested. (The '01 Alpine Sport stereo is better than the standard unit, but you still can't get the full-tilt Audiophile in an '01 Sport.)
3) A dealer-installed moonroof would not be my choice. Even though the unit would likely be the same as the factory uses (I'm guessing it's made by ASC), I'd be afraid of letting someone cut a hole in my roof. One area of concern is the drain holes--would they be installed, and would they be installed correctly?
Also, I don't know if the factory uses extra bracing, but this probably wouldn't be present in an aftermarket installation. It might not open with the keyfob, either. You'd just need to have a serious discussion with the dealer and installer regarding the quality and, more importantly, the guarantee. Will the dealer guarantee the moonroof as if it was a factory installation, i.e. for the duration of the warranty?
4. You can use Edmunds to calculate the price of an '01 LS and figure on getting one at $1000 over invoice (or probably a few hundred less, depending on your shopping ability) including the advertising fee. A rough guess is that a comparable '01 would probably be $4,000-$6,000 more than the '00 you're looking at for $31k. Note that the '01 currently has a "free" CD changer, which reduces the window sticker price by $605. The '01 also includes all maintenance for the first 3 years/36k miles, but you can buy this package for the '00 from your dealer.
Like I said, these are only opinions, and quick ones at that; your experience may vary greatly, and you'll need to do some research. Hope this helps. No matter which way you go, it's a GREAT car.
I would definitely price a new one and compare before deciding. For me it would have to be more than just a few thousand cheaper to make it worthwhile. Then again, I almost always order my vehicles through the fleet sales dept. because I'm very picky on which options I do or do not want. It doesn't sound like a good enough deal to compromise on options that you think you really want like the moonroof, but if you're ok with it I think you could talk them down under 30K. But you gotta ask yourself why it's been there so long. Caveat Emptor.