Lincoln Aviator

navigator3740

Your Class II hitch is the small one, good for towing a tent trailer, etc. The class III is the standard receiver, good for what, 7000 lbs? I forget, but it's the normal hitch you want if you tow anything like a boat or trailer.....

dc661

Lincoln just announced a lease rate of $599 per month for 42 months for a Premium AWD Aviator. $3199 due at signing + tax, title and license fees. The ad in the NY Times paper did not provide the breakdown.

sirknightd

The ny times ad also stated it included a moonroof. Also, I asked the dealer what the rate was on the lease and was informed 3.0 per cent.

Any word on when navigation and advance trac will become available?

jack7742

We've had our AWD Premium Aviator since the first week of December. I thought I'd pass on a few pros and cons we've noticed. Currently have 2900 miles and one trip from San Antonio to Fort Worth on vehicle.

PROS:
Exterior appearance is a personal thing, but we like the aggressive look. The ceramic
white color with its underlying metallic is super.

Interior appearance is again personal, and we like it. The LED display on switches
makes them easy to find at night. Too bad the audio system doesn’t have the same LED
display.
 
The horsepower is great. When you want to move- it moves. The engine - transmission
interface is very smooth. Shifts are barely noticeable.

Suspension provides a smooth ride, and is very responsive to driver input. Having no
input/control over AWD is a little weird.

Audio system is very good. It’s all we want in an automobile system.
 
HID headlights are a noticeable step up from halogen.

CONS
Interior room at drivers position is just barely adequate for me (6’4” & 265). Room is
fine for wife. Memory tilt steering wheel and seat back, ala our Q45, would go long way
to ameliorate problem.

Manual recline on front seat backs. Memory power seats and manual recline ??

Standard rear view mirror. Strange for luxury SUV. Maybe oversight.

Position of door handles not very user friendly.
 
Sloping cargo area with 3rd row stored. Probably can’t be helped, but you look at
Navigator & Expedition say why not.

Don’t buy for gas mileage, buy for power. Avg. so far is approx. 15.
 
Bottom Line: After our 2000 LS, we are very pleased with the Aviator. My wife likes
sitting up where you can see around the rest of the trucks and SUVs. Entry and exit is
easy after a low slung sedan where you drop down into and crawl out of the seats. The
biggest plus is performance and our Aviator delivers.

akirby

Probably a silly question - but did you have the adjustable pedals moved as far towards the firewall as possible? If they were moved closer to the seat it would cut down the perceived leg room.

jack7742

Yep, pedals all way forward, seat all the way back and all the way down. Part of problem is probably because my primary vehicle is a 2003 F150, and the size difference between the F150 and Aviator is considerable. As the Aviator is my wife's primary it's not a big deal. We were considering a Navigator, but she proclaimed it too big and the Aviator just right.

geniaho

Well.. Took a test drive in a black Av yesterday and it made me a believer. It is so nice I have ordered one. But hear this.. It's a special edition Aviator called "Kittyhawke" to commemorate the anniversary of the Kittyhawke flight I think. Lots of badging and diffrent things that the dealer is finding out for me. It comes only in black with black interior. I will let you know more later. Has anyone even heard about that one?

johnnylinc

Here's what I've learned: The special edition is called the Kitty Hawk (option code 47K) and it appears to be a Canada-only package; lucky for you, not so for potential U.S. buyers. Availability date is March 15. You're correct about the color--black/black only. The black interior is unique to this package. The black exterior is the same black (code UA) that's in the standard colour lineup.

In Canada the only available array is the AWD Premium, so the Kitty Hawk is an option package added to that array. It's only available with the 2nd row buckets; you can't get the split bench. The package includes HID lamps, reverse sensing system, tire pressure monitoring w/the chrome wheels, a liftgate spoiler, unique woodgrain trim, and various trim pieces (grille, running boards, floormats, etc.) that are unique to the package.

Note to sirknightd: I asked the question but, unfortunately, I have not gotten an answer on AdvanceTrac and navigation availability. Your best bet at this point is to ask your dealer.

Correction: In an earlier post I said that AdvanceTrac listed for $795 on my LS. This isn't correct. Its MSRP is $735 on the LS and $795 on the Av.

sirknightd

Johnnylinc

thank you for checking on the nav/advance trac

I ll check again with the dealer and get back to everyone

akirby

is only available in Canada? Did North Carolina move North while we weren't looking? I don't get it - maybe they're debuting it in Canada first and we'll get it later. I would like to see the black interior - I thought it was odd that it wasn't offered initially. Any interior pictures available?

navigator3740

you missed the memo on Kitty Hawk relocation too? Phew! Thought it was only me!!

sirknightd

well they say that the
Canadian-US border is not well guarded. I guess Kitty Hawk snuck across.

geniaho

I am as surprised as you as to the Kitty Hawk just a sashaying across the border like that with no fanfare and lights.
I really don't think that this would only be available to the Canadian side.
This is a momentous occasion for the whole world.. let alone that it took place in North Carolina in the U.S. A. There are many events scheduled by the national Aviation hall of Fame. Apparently the 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction will be given to the Henry Ford Museum because of his intense personnel and financial support of the whole aviation dream.
I have seen pictures of the Kitty edition and to say the least it is stunning. Specially the rear spoiler and enhanced grille.
Even though I was not going to get the Black one, I could not pass up a chance to be in some small way a part of the Wright Bros. Commemoration and therein I cannot believe that this is only happening in Canada.
I did not get the DVD player the GPS or the Advanced Trac systems which I really do not need as this baby will probably never see a gravel road. I will get a GPS later to protect re thievery so as it can be located if it does get stolen. It's a real concern of mine, something as nice as that is bound to attract unwanted nefariousness.
I will have the dealer add the best Michilin raised letter white walls and a silver pinstripe to further enhance the Side view.
Bye for now. geniaho

hairong

To my knowledge the special lease rate is only available on the Premium models, both 2wd and awd. The interest is 3% and around $2800 in dealer cash (Ford incentive to dealers), for this special lease only. RV is unchanged. A premium on special is actually cheaper (in monthly payment) than a Luxury w/ same lease terms.

swizzle

What can the aviator handle??
driving over curbs?? driving in the woods etc...

akirby

It should be fine off road in all but the toughest situations. It's still a truck based SUV (evidenced by the 7300 lb towing capacity). It's not a rock crawler but it has decent ground clearance and AWD. Trails, woods, gravel, etc. shouldn't be a problem.

aviatorman

MOST people wouldn't take an Aviator off-road anyway. If I get one it is staying on-road..

sirknightd

Even with advance trac and AWD but Without the low range 4 WD I expect the Aviator not to be capable of driving on the beach as my current Explorer with control trac 4 wd can.

If anyone thinks the aviator can perform on the beach..let us know.

I ll give up driving the five miles a year I drive on the beach.

I went to the dealer today ..they said Navigation will be able to be ordered mid march with delivery around six to eight weeks later..he guessed the same for advance trac..

I didnt get the impression of them knowing anything for sure.

navigator3740

would be right! But they'll always tell you something.....

utl3

I just got a call from the Lincoln dealer and he told me that the Aviator now has 1.9/2.9% (location specific) for 72 months and your first payment up to $700.00 paid. Anyone else find this anywhere? I asked about a lower rate and less time, but he said that was it. I would love 0% for less time, I really do not want a 6 yr loan.

Seems they are going after the "only the payment matters", not the true cost to own crowd, which usually doesn't fit the luxury market. This type of incentive seems more appropriate for the Ford crowd not Lincoln.

Oh, they also mentioned if you own a competitors SUV there was an additional $1000.00 rebate. Sorry, Ford Explorers/Expeditions don't count.

Can anyone confirm all this?

Thanks.

pakagan

Has anyone had any problems with their aviator message center where it keeps chiming when driving. I took my aviator in to the dealership and they thought it might be the alternator maybe a loose connection but on the test drive it was still chiming. The message center will blink and try to say charging the system. The dealership is waiting on Lincoln for an answer. I bought the aviator in Dec and only have 800 miles on it.

jack7742

3500 miles and no problem what so ever, except a heavy right foot reeks havoc with the gas mileage

dc661

According to Edmunds Incentive and Rebates Page for the Aviator, Lincoln is offering 1.9/36 months, 2.9/48 months and 3.9/60 months for my zip code in the Northeast. I'd be curious to see if your dealer wasn't just trying to hook you into a longer finance period as dealers are loosing thousands of dollars with these low rates. What does your zip code show?

e350v10

4500 miles and no problems - although I have found I have an addiction to blowing away Escalades, Navigators and Hummers!

geniaho

Some reviews claim that a moon roof can create a noticeable wind noise. Has anyone noticed that in their units? My salesman talked me into one saying it is such a nice option that creates an openness to the interior.
Also keep hearing about SUV haters. Conservationists and such that actually make some owners uncomfortable. The Av has a very low emission rating and I bet some of the 4 bangers trying to keep up in traffic pollute more than an efficient V8.
Ms. pakagan, back some time you said you got your Aviator in white with a pinstripe. I am thinking of putting one on my black one when I finally get it. Just where is it put. Is it a straight line from front to back about centre of the side panel. How thick and how many, also any where else (hood, Rear)?
I also would like to put raised whitewalls like the Continental Contitrac SUV's (shown in Truckin April Vol 29/4 page 184 on a Ford Expedition) to break up the side look.
 Any suggestions. Geniaho.

akirby

I HOPE you meant raised white letters, NOT raised whitewalls!

As for pollution I remember one of the big leaders of the SUV opposition telling people to get rid of their SUVs. Then someone pointed out that his several year old BMW was spewing forth much more pollution than the new SUVs he was complaining about. Did he get rid of it? Of course not!

geniaho

Yes at that point I did mean raised white letters but I still would like a nice thin whitewall but my chance of getting that is slim. It would set the side off real nice along with the pin stripe. Thanks for straightening me out, it shows that this is an active forum. Geniaho

pakagan

I have the white ceramic aviator with 2 pinstripes from front to the rear of aviator. It is about 1 1/2 inches above the handle. He also put my initials above the handle. It really looks cool. Another place he did a swirl on the back door. The pinstripes were made of paint. The pinstripes were thin lines about 1/16". Also the color used was a light brown - darker than the parchment. Here is an update on my driving with the liberty bell - we are still chiming away. The dealership had the aviator for 2 days and went thru the system and thus far lincoln is looking into it. They thought it was a loose wire and said they thought it was ok - drove home no problems. Took the car out this morning and again we are chiming. The message center blinks charging the system. I am wondering if it is a bad message center. Also what are you all geting in the city for milage? My message center is showing 10.8 miles. If anyone has any ideas on my problem, or heard of this problem, let me know.

utl3

As far as checking my Zip, all the Lincoln page shows is the $400.00 new grad incentive, they removed any financing. Edmunds still shows 2.9% for 36 months. My dealer claims that they just got a fax from Lincoln that day with the 2.9%/72 months. Looks like Lincoln, Edmunds, KBB etc have not been updated. This is very competitive market and I believe Lincoln will have to do more to stay up with the competition, let alone do more to convince younger people to get into a Lincoln.

Anyone talk to their dealer about this new plan yet?

Thanks

geniaho

Thank you Ms. Pakagan for that info on the pins.
I have a personalized licence plate that reads "SIZZLE" that I had on a IROC and later a Mustang which I will put on the Aviator.
I think I will get the pinstriper to do a nice scroll for the words "KITTY HAWK" just below the pinstripe line on each side of the vehicle probably at the rear.
I believe I'll be the first to get a Kitty Hawk version of the Aviator here in the Vancouver Canada area.
Once we get the beautys the way we want them I would like to exchange pictures.
Maybe a whole lot of other Aviatorists would join in as well. The chime-ing will be fixed in time I am certain, maybe the baby Navigator is trying to talk to you. Thanks again. Geniaho

chucky8

I'm glad to hear that there are other people on these boards that like to customize their Lincoln like me. This past week I had a specialty shop lower my Lincoln, add low profile rims/tires, and replace the standard steering wheel with a chain link one. I also added neon lights to the running board. But perhaps the best improvement was putting the fuzzy carpet on the dashboard.

Keep up with the great improvements!

navigator3740

My friend's new Aviator actually did this on the way home from the Dealership - same message, and it was the Alternator. He took it back immediately, and the dealer replaced it on the spot. No problems after that.

pakagan

Navigator3740 thanks for the information. I forward that information to the dealer. Unfortunatley the svc manager said he could not just put in an alternator, that Ford make them go thru all kinds of testing first. I was hoping to get my car back today, but it looks like they will have it there for the weekend and therefore it will be over a week at the service center. I am now driving an Expedition for the rental car and is there ever a difference. The expedition has no power in comparison to the aviator. The aviator certainly did spoil me. Happy Valentine to everyone.

navigator3740

It just amazes me how different they can be. Now, why do you suppose MY dealer can test it, and throw an Alternator on, solving the problem in about 2 hours while we wait, and yours can't do it in a week. I'd be calling the Ford hotline and burning up the wires. I'd be demanding to see the GM. May do you no good, but it does where I buy my Lincolns. They stand on their head for me when I'm unhappy. That Aviator is a lot of car, a lot of money, and this ain't no Dodge store. Now, sometimes the dealer reminds me that he doesn't build the car, just sells it, but he takes care of me nonetheless. Good Luck.

div2

Did you get shag or cut-pile carpet for the dashboard? Another nice touch is the LED valve stem caps that light up once your wheels start rolling. BTW, do you know if anyone makes a racing spoiler or wood grain bodyside trim for the Aviator? That combination with 22" chrome rims would be da BOMB!!!

saharagal

Can anyone give me a rough idea of what the discount for an X-plan purchase is? I'm wondering what percentage of the invoice price the discount is.

Thanks!

Laura

mkovalsk

X plan is about 12% off MSRP.

Mark

akirby

is typically within a couple hundred of dealer invoice price depending on the vehicle. Dealer invoice (plus destination) plus $200 will get you close. Once you have a pin you can get the actual price from the website I believe.

aviatorman

I have just discovered that Lincoln is coming out with a "Kitty Hawk" limited edition Aviator. It has Light Parchment Exterior Color with black leather seats, black floor shiftier, embordred "Kitty Hawk" floor mats.

peaches5

Is this a different one than the Kitty Hawk mentioned in #501 that has a black exterior?

geniaho

I think johnnylinc in #502 has it down quite well.
 I believe aviatorman meant light parchment interior with black premium leather seats and black stitching with a Kitty Hawk logo embossed on the seat back.
The mats are parchment with the KH logo on them.
When I ordered the kitty Hawk I had only the choice of a black exterior with MIC (molded in color lower panels.
The front grille is also different, they call it "unique argent grille with chrome surround".
I am taking this from the option code 47K and can only say what I read and what I saw for pictures. The wheels look great on paper but will they be as nice as some of the wheels I've seen around town.
Keep this forum up. I check back every day just to see if anything new is developing.
BTW I came across an article at www.theautochannel.com that Lincoln is to be the first to install the Lucasfilm THX Ultra Premium car audio in some of their models. Did not mention the Aviator but we might be able to get it separately and have it installed.
Does anyone know what kind of sound system is in the Av? Premium audiophile does not say much.
Bye for now. Geniaho

akirby

It won't be easy to retrofit the THX audio system that's currently in the LS. It's integrated with the DVD Navigation and uses the display screen for the audio controls. I'm sure they'll offer it with the Aviator - it's just a question of when.

aviatorman

Well, I am just typing what I read. I did read that it has a Light Parchment Exterior.

gteach26

I just saw an ad in the local paper.. a South Florida dealer is offering the Aviator for $599 per month sign and drive. 10.5K miles per year, 48 months. Loyalty incentive is included. Good/bad deal -- I don't know.. just passing it along.

stever

but they get you on the mileage.... beware of the penalty for going over.

Steve, Host

navigator3740

I can put 10.5M miles per year on a car backing out of my driveway........ Hardly worth buying a new car if that's all I'm going to drive......

gteach26

I think 48 months is a bit long for a lease. Even though you are covered under warranty for the whole term, a 4 year rental is a bit much IMO. As far as mileage goes, it's 20 cents per mile if you go over, so if you drive the average 12K per year your talking about $1200 more when you turn the truck in. However, I wouldn't think a dealer would mind bumping the mileage to 12K per year while keeping the other parameters of the deal intact. Still, 48 months though....

navigator3740

I leased my last Navigator for 48 months, and was still happy enough with it at the end, I bought it out of the lease, then sold it a few months later for $3500 more than the residual had been, so I made out ok. That cured my over mileage problem, and there was a BIG one. This new one, I leased for 36 months, but only because the math was more favorable on this one at 3 years than at 3.5 or 4. It wasn't on the 99. These factors change from year to year, depending on the rates and residuals, but I'll never go over the warranty term on a lease.

bennb

I pretty much know the reaction I'll get on here, but most of my friends who know a lot about cars said it's not a big deal if you don't put 91 octane in even if it calls for it. As long as you aren't really getting after the accelerator too much at least. Otherwise if you notice it pinging, you should use 91 for sure. They said it may result in a little lower gas mileage was the only thing.

My mom just got an Aviator and the station she ALWAYS goes to doesn't carry 91. She goes to one of those old fashioned stations--if you can call them that.

Just wondering if anyone has been running lower octane gas and if they've noticed anything?

akirby

Yes, you can get by with lower octane but the PCM will retard the timing to compensate which will reduce power but more importantly will also reduce fuel economy. So while you're saving a few pennies at the pump you'll be giving it right back with lower mileage. In the long run you won't save much, if anything. I would recommend finding a new gas station. I can't believe they don't carry premium.