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Comments
I am new to this forum (as of today) and am currently in the market for a new Aviator (Kitty Hawk Edition).
One of things that I was wondering is if Lincoln offers a turbocharged/supercharged special order option for this vehicle.
I know that Ford/Lincoln has several supercharged engine options on many of their other vehicles. Although the 302 HP engine in the base Aviator is robust enough as it is, I thought that a supercharged/turbocharged version would put this vehicle in a class with other quick SUVs (BMW 4.6, Infiniti FX45, etc.).
I am meeting with the dealer tomorrow to discuss specs and options.
Has anybody even thought of/heard of doing this?
Thanks.
Aviator (premium package) Advantages over GX470:
1. Third row seats fold down (almost flat) instead of up along the sides wasting cargo space.
2. Rear hatch opens up instead of sideways.
3. Xenon lights standard
4. Rear parking assitance
5. Much more powerful engine and extremely smooth transmission.
6. Six-way power passenger seat--up + down.
7. Routine maintenance included in the price--a la Mercedes.
8. Front seats are heated AND cooled.
9. 3-zone climate control as opposed to 2-zone.
Disadvantages of Aviator:
1. No power seat-recliner in the front seats.
2. No power stearing-wheel adjustment.
3. Feels more 'crowded' in the front.
4. No 'Lexus Link' service--believe it or not I use the concierge features of the Mercedes Tele-Aid A LOT--extremely helpful.
5. No 'true' offroading capability, but I really don't need this.
6. Quality - Probably my biggest concern of the Lincoln. I never had either a Lexus or a Lincoln before--both my previous cars have been Mercedes--except for my very first car--a Toyota Corolla.
While I do love the Mercedes 'driving feel', I have gotten sick and tired of having to almost constantly take my car to the dealership to repair mostly minor annoyances. Everything I have read tells me that hopefully I won't have that problem with the Lexus GX. I am not sure about Lincoln.
The way I want the Aviator equipped (with DVD Navigation and AdvanceTrac) makes the price of the 2 cars just about the same--so price is not a big factor.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
BJ
1. The dealer where you will having the vehicle serviced.
In most cases this would favor Lexus but not always - you might want to ask some current customers of each dealership to see how pleased they are with the customer service.
2. How long you plan to keep the vehicle and the depreciation factor.
Generally a Lexus will hold its value extremely well, but I don't know about the GX 470. Even if you don't plan to lease you could check the residuals for an indication.
3. If you do plan to keep it for an extended period, past the regular warranty, depreciation won't matter as much as the reliabilty factor.
Again, there is no better make than Lexus, but you could purchase an extended warranty on either.
4. Looks factor and sex appeal.
This is purely subjective, but which one will make you heart beat faster when you get in it each day? As you said the performance on the Aviator is better, and perhaps more fun to drive(?)
5. Interior comfort and liveability.
Do you like lots of wood or do you prefer the brushed aluminum look? Which one feels more at home for the type of driving you do?
Hope these ideas help you tilt the balance towards one of them - they are both good choices from all that I've read.
I got Ceramic white with parchment interior, premium 2wd. My previous car was a 2002 BMW 745i.
I like the Aviator much more, also better than my MBZ S Class! The reason? The interior is more luxurious, the room is far better and practical, and the ride is almost as smooth! I took the new 7 series BMW to the mountains last year and we got stuck in the snow and could not put on chains due to the factory 19" wheels. That won't happen again!
Anyway, My comment about the Aviator interior is that ours came with a significant amount of aftermarket wood, which matches the factory wood exactley( I'm very picky and a car nut!) It makes the allready good looking interior fabulous, far better looking than the Lexus or any other SUV or car, save the RR and Bentley. Ask your dealer or search on line for kits, it is very worth it. I also think that the Lexus 470 SUV only has advatages for those who want an SUV for serious off road use.
I can say this:
Driving an Aviator is unlike any other SUV that I have ever driven, and that includes most, but not all of them. Its power and handling are head and shoulders above anything else; maybe with the exception of the BMW X5. When capacity, both towing and cargo, is considered, there is no comparison. Its fit and finish are excellent.
By the way mine is Vivid Red and I just love it.
As big a fan as I am of Lincoln, which is mostly because I just like the design and performance, I have had mostly very very good ones, a couple that were not. They were Continentals. 90 & 92. My Town Cars have been perfect to very good, and my last Navigator was in the perfect category for 4+ years. Most Lincolns are built like a bank vault IMHO. Not sure about my new one yet.
Why don't I buy Lexus? Just don't love the "toyota" style of them as much. They don't rev my engine I guess. No question, they're awesome machines. Certainly, they're wonderful to drive, I have tested them. They just don't excite me. It's a subjective thing.
There was an article in the January Motor Trend where they compared the Aviator, the Land Rover Discovery, and the GX470.
The result was they recommended them all, depending on taste and use. The Disco won for off-road, the Aviator won for on-road (acceleration, braking, slalom, and towing), and the GX470 was a happy medium.
The quote that stands out to me from the article (and it is true!) is:
"The Lincoln has the power and style Americans love, but what happens when you throw it into a curve? In a word: magic."
The wonderful Mustang Cobra motor, ZF servotronic II rack-and-pinion steering, transmission (even if it is French!), and fully independent rear suspension make this one amazing SUV.
I spent endless hours checking out all the SUV's and only the Lincoln Aviator stole my heart. Mind you I have heard the Aviator called a SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle).
I'm awaiting a post from someone who gets a Kitty Hawk, but then it may be me and I hope the Kitty has all kinds of welcome surprises.
I note there are no pictures posted in any of the posts. Just how would I enclose a picture if I had one to post.
I think there must be a gallery that we all could show of our Av's
Please respect the owner's copyright wishes re stuff you wish to post.
Steve, Host
I'm guessing it doesn't have them?
Also, I havent seen any SUVs this size that have a third row and hatchback situation that I like better than the Aviator
from invoice. For discussion have the current
gas prices had an effect on the price of this fine
SUV with dealerships?
Have any of you driven the Lexus GX? The lack of road noise and the quality of the navigation system alone put it in a class of its own. While anyone can prefer the style of one of these cars over the other as a matter of personal preference-- the quality of the Lexus is far superior.
Fortuanately there is a way to determine the best car. They are approximately the same price. Lets look at the selling price of a used similar mileage one in a year. There is no doubt which will depreciate the most and the fastest-- the Aviator.
Side air bags, daytime running lights,
Standard vs. optional traction control and stability control
Also like full time four wheel drive, limited slip differential, descent control and self-leveling suspension. The Aviator does have the advantage in the operation of the third row seat-- but for me that was not a major priority
2003 Lincoln Aviator vs. 2003 Acura MDX vs. 2003 Lexus GX470!
See you there :-)
Steve, Host
I have never seen a bigger group of buyers interested in the nameplate than the Aviator shoppers we have been seeing....I have worked with alot of fancy brands over the years, Porsche, Audi, Lotus, BMW, etc...but the Aviator is attracting the most label consious buyers I have ever seen. It's really sad so many people are so concerned with impressing their neightbors and friends and not buying the vehicle that is the best for them.
Now, scoff if you want to, but the DNA Ford is trying to build into the Lincoln brand works for me. I like the exhaust note they've put into the LS, Navigator & Aviator. I like the identical interior and exterior design for the 2 -ators. Same with the 24 valve engines and the air conditioned seats. It gives you some value for the Lincoln brand that's above the Ford. You'll either like 'em, or you won't, and it's a gamble for Ford, but it seems to be working just fine so far, as acknowledged here. You are all on the board, aren't you? So there's some interest.
I'll be the next guy to defect if Cadillac or Lexus or anyone else gets my attention more. I'm not married to Ford, don't own their stock, and don't work for them. Just like their products more than most others. Whatever they're doing, works for me at this time. But, so does the Volvo S-80. Never liked a Volvo before, and in fact, hated them. My partner bought an S-80, and left it with me for 2 weeks while out of town. I really liked it, and would definitely consider one for my next Sedan. They've been doing the DNA thing for years. So has BMW and Mercedes. I don't think it's all that dumb....
The BMW was problematic and way to over engineered. I have'nt owned a Lincoln since 1985, mostly MBZ, but when I decided to get an Luxury SUV and get rid of my new BMW with 5,000 miles on it, I thought the SUV I would be getting would be a Lexus, or MBZ, or BMW, or even the new Porsche SUV.I drove the MBZ, the BMW, and the Aviator back to back all within one hour and I was shocked at what I found. The ride was very noticably superior in the Aviator. The interior was certainly the most luxurious, and the features were exactly what I was looking for. I also like the smooth strong lines of the exterior.The Lexus GX was not very good looking on the outside and the interior is always taupe or charcoal and I don't like the looks of the several levers for shifting, reminds me of a 4x4 truck. Also the Toyota touches turn me off.
Since Ford really founded the modern SUV, they got the first crack at the design and it was a winner, so everyone else tries to look different and none has come close except the BMW in my opinion, and some are just downright homely. ie: GM, Lexus GX, Infiniti, Acura, etc. I was also suprised at the quality in the new Aviator. It is a pleasant suprize that everything works and works without complexity. The reason that I have never had an SUV in the past was they were always trucky and I like comfortable luxury cars, now I have the luxury that I've always liked in My MBZ with the commanding seating postion and versatility of an SUV. PS for the above posts, a Lexus GX is a Toyota 4Runner with wood and better leather.
The third row on the aviator is leagues ahead of the GX.
But most of all its the hatchback situation in the GX is what really turns me off.
The only plus i see on the GX is its low gear which is not available on the aviator.
The uphill/downhill jazz doesnt impress me
the active suspension scares me long term as far as break down and major cost.
The GX has some more wood...but not American walnut.
The GX was a disappointment, the 3rd row is almost impossible to get into and the way they fold against the wall is very awkward. I think Lincoln really out-engineered Lexus on this. Of the 3, only the Lexus doesn't have an independent rear suspension, which seems to be a safer design for emergency handling. I also thought the Lexus looked too tall and narrow, sort of tippy looking. I didn't care for the off road controls on the floor, looks a little down-market and too trucky.
I've owned mainly Toyotas in the past, but my Sienna has been a disappointment (should have gone with the Odyssey) and am disappointed with the GX.
Anyway sorry for rambling on.
If you prefer the Lexus interior design or ride quality just say that - nobody can argue with personal preference. But when you try to state personal preferences as facts then you'll get disagreements every time.
Incidentally, the window sticker says that they're 5-spoke wheels--somebody can't count. I also noticed that the valve stem is a really hefty-looking metal number. Must be part of the monitoring system.
bapples@aol.com
Steve, Host