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Comments
Update to all @ 6300 miles.
I had the tracks replaced on the driver's seat, which worked for a while, but the seat is loose again.
Something new is a slow leak in one rear tire since the temperatures have dropped to the 20's. Drops from 32 to 25 psig overnight. Don't see a nail-has anyone had any trouble with the tire pressure monitoring system? Does anyone know how the mechanical connection seals?
Also, still have the other problems
the intermittent slow whoooooop from the back of the vehicle
the rear window, styro-foam squeak
the metal lid, tin-metal hinge sound
grinding noise from the engine compartment
But for nvbanker, the grinding noise is intermittent and happens when I put it in reverse in the driveway, sounds like the engine is going to drop out. It is a loud, loud noise..see #1022
For hapstar1, yes. I once rode in the back and when I PUSHED on the molding that sticks out from the hatch below the window it quits. It seems to be temperature-related. When the weather is cold it doesn't squeak! I was able to get it to stop by slamming, and I mean slamming the window closed-obviously I didn't do it very often, but on a 4-hour trip it worked. Look at #1022 and see if we have any other wonderful problems in common.
I live 100 miles from the dealer, I have only had it to the dealer for the loose driver's seat, which BTW is loose again even after replacing the tracks. When I have time I can address the other issues...let's see, since 8/1/03 I have only had time to visit the dealer once and the thought of sitting in the dealership all day is not a pleasant one.
It's intermittent, I guess I just wish it would go ahead and brake so it can be fixed.
The lower rear air duct is just behind the driver's side 2nd row seat and blows across the vehicle from driver's side to passenger side.
http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0312/19/autos-13786.htm
"This week, Lincoln’s total sales for 2003 exceeded those for all of 2002, said Lincoln-Mercury general sales manager Al Giombetti. Business has been driven by the brand’s two SUVs, the full-size Navigator and mid-size Aviator, sales of which have nearly doubled this year. "
"Navigator volume through November was up 23 percent from a year ago with 33,753 sales. Dealers sold 26,598 Aviators for the same period. The Aviator was introduced late last year.
Giombetti said the luxury SUVs have helped attract customers who in the past have driven import brands, “and we’ve been able to capitalize on it.”
I like to have it because without it, the truck won't be able to climb my driveway if on side of the road has ice. It seems that the regular 4wd only shifts power between front and back. You need AdvanceTrac to shift between left and right. Is that right?
Brianhd1000@comcast.net
Advance trac will only help if the vehicle starts to understeer or oversteer - it will cut engine power and/or apply brakes to one wheel before control is lost. It won't help you getting up your driveway. In fact, AWD with limited slip differential(s) will probably work the best - even better than electronic traction control.
How do I make sure I get it? It is nowhere to be found when you build your own Aviator on Lincoln's website. It is not on any of the window stickers I have seen at dealerships' lots. Lately the website allows an option called Roll Stability Control which pre-req's AdvanceTrac. That got me thinking that AdvanceTrac may be built into the base model. However, the brochure says it's optional. I am confused and the sales persons at the dealership don't have a clue.
Anybody knows? Thanks.
Acceleration while the engine is cold is also very poor, unless you really floor it, and I can just imagine what that means for gas mileage!
Also the rear view mirrors tilt down when backing up but don't quite come back to the original setting and after awhile I'm only looking at the side of the vehicle. Dealership couldn't do anything about it so I disabled that feature in the menu.
Good luck!
To test this (while parked!) rotate your sunglasses while viewing the message center through them. You'll see the intensity of the light vary dramatically if polarization is the culprit.
tidester, host
But Shifty is always right too.
Steve, Host
"Rumors that Lincoln is killing the Aviator sport-utility vehicle, launched in 2002, are half right. The current Aviator, built off the Ford Explorer truck chassis, is giving way by 2006 to an Aviator built off a car platform. The more carlike ride is meant to better compete with Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX 330 and Infiniti FX45, and to distinguish it from Explorer-based Mercury Mountaineer, sold in the same showrooms."
I love my Aviator, but I probably wouldn't mind it handling more like a car. Sometimes it looks too much like a regular ford explorer from the side. In any case, my lease is due up in 2006, so I guess that updated Aviator will be a truck on my list to look at.
http://x.wieck.com/pv/WKA/2004/01/05/WKA2004010533021_pv.jpg
For me, I want the truck based platform, and ground clearance, though I have also grown accustomed to a more refined driving experience (I've had an LS8 Sport for 4 years now). The Aviator delivers both and does a fine job of differentiating itself from the MM and Explorer. The front suspension and steering mechanicals are clearly designed to provide a better ride for the 90+% of it's miles on paved roads, yet haven't gutted the rugged aspect of the utility either. While the newly unveiled 2006 model is rationally aimed at competing brands, it (and the competitors) are not scratching my itch.
X plan is not $1150 over invoice. It's more like $250. The dealer is also not allowed to add dealer markups like documentation fees. That's $400 right there. You can do better than X plan in certain cases but not on a new 04 Aviator. They're selling quite well.
Apparently the Nav system option is in short supply in these parts, and the RSC option is so new that it may also necessitate an order. I could live without the RSC component of AdvanceTrac, but it would be nice. The Nav system has been deemed a "must" by the spouse, as it removes those duties from her.
Go with X plan - it's just too easy. And it's fun telling the salesman he can't add the $400 doc fee. Mine tried - I said he couldn't do it - he said that was only for A plan. I told him he was wrong. He went to check and came back with tail between legs. It's the little victories that count....
We went with the Silver Birch although my first choice was Vivid Red. Wife said it wasn't "red" enough whatever that means. It's her ride so it was her choice. I wouldn't have ordered the nav but since we were looking at leftover 2003s to get the $5K rebate and she did NOT want the parchment interior we had to get the Nav. Now I'm glad we got it. Don't use it often but when you need it it really comes in handy.
And yes - the cooled seats are very handy!
My new "Ultra-modern" and enlightened dealership in North Scottsdale has been very upfront with me. He disclosed the X-Plan pricing before I actually got the PIN, and indicated that there were no $388 doc fees on an X-Plan deal. They are already very familiar with me and the contacts I have at Lincoln . . . I even shared the DVD produced from this past summer's fun in Michigan with the LS gang.
Unfortunately, there are no Vivid Red AWD Ultimates with the Nav system in Phoenix, and so far, they tell me nothing comes up in Las Vegas either. This may actually push us toward a Navigator, though we already know that it would put a strain on the limited garage accommodations. :-(
At this point, I'm enjoying the anticipation of an excellent new vehicle and the knowledge that I'm at least able to get the great X-Plan pricing!