Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ

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Comments

  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Fair is in the eyes of the buyer. The fact that all the dealers are offering the same price (more or less) is a good indication that you're getting the lowest available price for your area at this time. So the only question is whether you want to buy now or wait to see if you can get a slightly better price later (and by slightly better I'm thinking $100-$500 cheaper, not thousands). If you really want the car now I say go for it and spend the next few months enjoying it rather than watching and waiting for the price to drop.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Since they're both 6 speeds and I don't remember any complaints about the Aisin unit, I don't see the problem. In fact, some might prefer the tried and true Aisin as opposed to the brand new never used in production 6F.

    Go drive the MKZ, then drive the Edge. That should give you an idea of any differences. Unless there are noticeable differences I don't see a problem.

    And yes - it is frustrating that Ford can't get their powertrains updated more quickly and in higher volumes. I hope that's something Fields is already addressing.
  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    I agree. The mistake I made was getting my buddies into the discussion. They are all over the map. The latest friend wants me to get the Infinity GS35 sport saying I should wait until spring to get the 08. It never ends! :confuse:
  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    Three quotes all same price.
  • pnewbypnewby Member Posts: 277
    Anyone know what the '06/'07 Explorer uses?
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    It definitely doesn't use either the Aisin or the 6F - those are FWD trannies. The V6 uses the 5 speed 5R55 automatic and the V8 appears to use the same 6 speed automatic as the Expedition and Navigator which I believe is a ZF or ZF derived unit.
  • buckwheatbuckwheat Member Posts: 396
    The V-6 engine comes with a five-speed automatic transmission. The wide-ratio five-speed 5R55W provides good acceleration and fuel economy. In addition, the 5R55W has a single aluminum transmission casting that greatly reduces NVH and powertrain bending at higher speeds. To reduce noise, it utilizes a quieter oil pump and planetary gear designs.

    The new 6R - "R" stands for rear-wheel-drive - automatic transmission, built at the Livonia Transmission Plant, debuts in the 2006 Ford Explorer. Craig Renneker, executive engineer, Ford Automatic Transmission Engineering Operations, says "We received a lot of very positive feedback on the 6R, particularly about its smooth shifting. "The transmission is mated to the new 3-valve
    4.6-liter V-8 engine to deliver excellent fuel economy and performance."

    The 6R is the beneficiary of lessons learned from Ford's first North American six-speed automatic front-wheel-drive transmission, supplied by Aisin. It was introduced last year in the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego.

    ZF 6-Speed RWD is in Lincoln Navigator

    Returning now to Zephyr/MKZ!!
  • vic10vic10 Member Posts: 188
    I've been monitoring this site to see if Lincoln should be put on the "should consider" list for future cars. But almost all the posts seem to be "I'm gonna get one" or "just saw a cool one in black", etc. Not "after 12,000 miles mine is...." Since they've been out for awhile now, what's the impression on the car after the novelty has worn off? I had a Park Ave. that I test drove numerous times and loved before buying, but was disappointed with it by time I pulled into my driveway on the drive home from the dealer; a Riviera that made me smile every year of the 6 years I drove it. So far, after 2 years, my 300C is following the Riviera experience. So how is the Zephyr experience faring with time??
  • ne1butune1butu Member Posts: 6
    I love the looks. Much better looking than the gaudy Es.
  • displacedtexandisplacedtexan Member Posts: 364
    I'll second that, and say it for the DC 300, too. The MKZ isn't as standoutish as the other two, but I think it will wear better over time.
  • Subdued doesn't necessarily wear better with time. Everything ages, and the cars that didn't stand out when new, Won't stand out when they are old. The 300's looks are controversial and will fade soon enough...but in 30 years, it will still be the old car that gets oggled when compared to the Ford 500, the Chevy Impala and others such as the MKZ.

    Now, if the Continental concept had been introduced for sale in 2005 (it was a concept in 2002), the 300 would not have done nearly as well as it did.
  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    I own the Zephyr and now have 14k miles on it. No problems or issues. I love the ride. I wish that when I purchased that I opted for the THX stereo/navigation. This is the only reason I am looking to upgrade. I drove the MKz yesterday that had the THX and did not realize both the Nav and Stereo were all touch-screen with it. I really like it and the sound is incredible.

    Now for Mkz here are my thoughts/opinions:

    1. Hard to spot the differences between Big Z and
    little Z. All I could really see was the chrome fog light tip. Color selection is key as some of the colors really look sharp on the car.

    2. The MKz AWD feels heavy to me and it is because of AWD. I felt that during acceleration I had to step on the pedal harder than in the FWD Z.

    3. The AWD is intelligent AWD so you do not see of feel any difference. Still you will get a decrease in mileage the sticker said 18/26 mpg. I am not sure if I want the AWD because here in DC it only snows about 1-2 time a year and when it does the city shuts down and you stay inside anyway plus I live in a condo and just look down at all the folks in traffic! :)

    4. Hard to find FWD versions of the MKZ, almost all of them are AWD.

    5. The interior look and feel continues to be outstanding.

    6. The ride continues to be quite and comfortable.

    7. The car is not a sports sedan but it still attracts looks.

    8. Ticked me off when the used car man only wanted to give me 20k for my Zephyr. Not sure what he was smoking.

    Other thoughts:

    The dealership experience was ok, the folks sorta know the product as they asked me if my Zephyr was an 05 or 06. :confuse: Not many shoppers out on a Sunday. Looked pretty dead to me. Noticed that on the Navigator they took the MPG info off the sticker.

    The Infiniti guys just offered me 5k off the sticker of any GS35 sedan. I was at another Infiniti dealer where he said the 07's were all MSRP and that is it. Interesting is the best word for my auto purchasing experience. Heck I am going to check out a Toyoto Camry Hybrid now because gas is about to go back up soon! :cry:
  • 06zephyr06zephyr Member Posts: 32
    I now have 20K on my 06 and absolutely love the car. No issues at all (so far). The ride is wonderful,THX system is top notch and even the 221 HP is fine for this car. I have no hesitation telling others to buy this car.

    :)
  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    Say where is the forum to discuss this vehicle? It is funny that here in DC on the smooth jazz station they are running commercials about the MkX however no one here has any product! Plus there is some sort of production hold up on the Vista roof for but the MKx and Ford Edge.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    It's under Future Vehicles.
  • heyjewelheyjewel Member Posts: 1,046
    It's right under you nose.
    On the smooth jazz station in DC? Wonder who they're targeting with the MKX?
    No product available and $$$s being spent on commercials? Ah, the brilliance of a Lincoln marketing campaign.
    A hold up on the vista roof? Shocking.
    BTW, one of the pictures in MT today appeared to show a huge rectangle sitting just atop the roof structure of the MKX. I infer from this that the vista roof opens up on top of the roof like a cheap subcompact instead of inside it like the moonroof in my Navigator. Can anyone confirm this?
  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    Sorry guys about the site. I will go over there. Yes I was shocked to hear the MKX commercial because I have talked to all of the local dealers and only two MKX's have been in town and they were designated for Ford Execs.

    I found a neat site that documents current order to delivery timeframes along with delay info on most American cars: http://www.arifleet.com/production.html
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Your Navigator doesn't have a glass panel behind the moonroof like the MKX and Edge Vista roof. There's no place for it to go but over the top.
  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    That confused me also I had trouble understanding if you want the DVD monitor that you had to give up the Visa roof. If you do that will you still get the glass panel?

    BTW: I still like the MKz but will wait until I see and drive the MKX before making my final decision.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    If you want the Vista roof you can get dealer installed (or aftermarket) monitors in the headrests. And they can operate independently (watch DVD on one, play videogame on the other). That's a better setup and the monitor doesn't block your rear view.
  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    Saw a bunch of nice Lincoln commericials during the Colts game last night on NBC. I drove this weekend the new Camry Hybird in Barcellona red. Fully loaded it is around 30k. The car had heads turning everywhere I drove it. The 40 mph city and 38 highway is something that I find appealing because I do not trust the current low gas prices will stick much past the election. Of course it is no Lincoln inside but it also was not that bad either.
  • heyjewelheyjewel Member Posts: 1,046
    I *think* if you wait a few months, you'll be able to get a Lexus ES hybrid. Prolly will cost $40K though.
  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    I do not see any information on the Lexus site about ES Hybird even as a future vehicle.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Don't buy a hybrid to save money unless you think gas will hit $5/gallon. And don't believe the EPA figures unless you drive very slow without A/C all the time.

    That said, expect to see a MkZ hybrid soon. Fusion/Milan hybrids are due out for the 2008 model year. I expect we'll see an ES350 hybrid around the same time.
  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    Ok, makes sense. Just received a media kit from Lincoln for the MKx. What a crock, 1-2 pictures of the car and a bunch of cutesy index pullouts about dreaming, showing someone making a bed and how the interior is like a hotel room or something. Well someone in the New York media business just made some money. But for me, I want to see the vehicle!
  • heyjewelheyjewel Member Posts: 1,046
    hee hee.

    Yeah, Lincoln product brochures just plain suck.

    I have an LS brochure from 2001 (signed by many of the engineers and product planners who worked on the car BTW, I wonder how much that'll bring on ebay? :>) and you'd think it was a brochure for a gas cooktop or beach house furniture or something. Car? what car?

    And I have read somewhere (Motor Trend maybe) that Lexus will be bringing out an ES hybrid. I wouldn't look for it on their website until it is announced due to company's wanting to spread FUD.
  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    Thanks, I am seeing lots of dissatisfied Camary MPG discussions. I will stick with my plan. Drive the MKX just to see and get that or the MKZ.
  • heyjewelheyjewel Member Posts: 1,046
    Yeah, you pretty much have to feather-foot it to get EPA numbers out of the hybrids.

    However, the same applies to a gas engine. Once there are some X and Zs out there, you'll probably see similar complaints. THough the %age of hybrid buyers whose major concern is mpg is much higher than Z or X-type buyers so the complaints will pile higher for the hybrids.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    The problem with the hybrid testing is that the tests are done with the A/C off and with a hybrid if you run the A/C while idling you force the engine to run continuously. Hybrids get their big city mpg by shutting off the engine. This is different from traditional vehicles where the engine never shuts off anyway.
  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    Well from the quotes I got back they are also 5-8k more than the regular Camary and the quotes are MSRP. I could fill up and give a bunch of fuel away at that price. Heck, I would be the most popular guy in town. I might use that line this weekend! :)
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,354
    I find it hard to believe that a Camry in any color would turn heads, to be honest. They are so commonplace that they blend into the scenery.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    I was also surprised. It was a bright sunny day and the car was a polished bright red with the big hybrid sticker on it. The back looks different than last year. Maybe the fact that it was a hybrid sedan is what got noticed. Folks were pointing and looking up and down and giving me the thumbs up signal, I will say that. It also had the new stickers on the window that could also be it. I betting it was the red color and the hybird sticker.
    There are a lot of folks into Green here these days.
  • The 2007 Camry really is so much better styled/designed than the 2002-2006 version. That one was a bit "stiff." The 2007 was drawn with some finesse, and it is hardly a household look yet. The 2006 could hardly claim to be less plain than the Ford 500.
  • savethelandsavetheland Member Posts: 671
    Front of Camry looks uglier than ever. Best looking Camry was 1992 (as well as best looking Taurus).
  • I like the front of the 2007, but I give you that it is polarizing. If you hate the front, you hate it, but the overall profile of the car is so much better drawn than the previous iteration. BTW, I agree on the 1992 Camry...for the time, it was one of the best styled sedans available in aything close to that price range.

    Wait a darn second...isn't this the MKZ discussion?? My bad.
  • bigtbigt Member Posts: 412
    My bad on this. I started this, tough to make a final decission on this. I think that I need to go see more of the MKz colors, so far nothing has turned me on that much. Has anyone seen it in Vivid Red?

    I wonder if they are going to make a Gold lettering package for it like Lincoln use to have for the Navigator?
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Haven't seen the MKZ in Vivid Red but I've seen plenty of others and it's a stunning color.

    As to the Gold package - I hope not (but that's just me).
  • tollivertolliver Member Posts: 3
    I received my ordered AWD MKZ with all options - Amethyst with sand interior - Made a freeway trip @ 80mph with some in town driving and averaged 26.5mpg
  • so...could someone please ask Ford to discontinue the 2006 "all-new" Zephyr ads here??
  • displacedtexandisplacedtexan Member Posts: 364
    I don't know if it's "vivid red" but it was pretty red, and it looked very nice. It's the color I would choose, anyway. I thought it fit the car well.
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    bigt, I appreciate the links. I couldn't bring up the Canadian website for whatever reason but enjoyed the first links many pictures. I guess I will have to go test drive one and wait for a bit more power, or pony up for the bigger MKS. Perhaps the MKZ will get the rumored Twin-Turbo 3.7 V-6 in a performance model in a few years ????

    Thanx again for the pics, since this car interests me. ;)

    Rocky
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    I'd be willing to bet some savy people will pay under invoice for their new MKZ. I know for a fact I'd at least try. The 4-5% hold-back money can be tapped into with a high volume dealer. ;) On a $37K and change MKZ, one should be able to pay no more than $500 over invoice plus get a extended 100K bumper to bumper warranty for no extra cost.

    That's the way I'd personally buy one. ;)

    Rocky
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    How good is this system, really ????? Will it blow your ear drums out of your head with crystal clear sound and deep bass ?

    Just would like to salivate over the latest and greatest on paper of audio technology in cars. :)

    Rocky
  • Just would like to salivate over the latest and greatest on paper of audio technology in cars.

    OK...and by that you mean to say, uh, what??
  • scootertrashscootertrash Member Posts: 698
    "the latest and greatest on paper of audio "

    That, and the best of braille paintings too.
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Well 600 watts of power makes the new Lincoln audio system the most powerful DVD-Audio unit on the market. ;) I would assume it is among the best for clarity and delivering a superb overall surround sound experience because it is
    THX-II certified which like DTS is a benchmark.

    I hope that clears up the "on paper" problem you were having. ;)

    Rocky
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    We don't need any smart butts. :P :D

    Rocky
  • luvmbootyluvmbooty Member Posts: 271
    Vehicle-MSRP-invoice

    2007 Ford Fusion V6 SEL-$28,235-$25,772-rebate $1,000

    2007 Mercury Milan V6 Premier-$27,970-$25,611

    2006 Lincoln Zephyr-$36,510-$33,269-rebate $1,000

    Above figures includes all options available.

    They all have the same underpinnings, frame, AND ENGINE!

    Equipment included with Zephyr (not with Fusion or Milan): PREMIUM leather, 10 Driver and 10 Passenger seat adj, Passenger lumbar support, digital keypad door locks, 2 one touch power mirrors, driver auto dimming outside mirror, universal transmitter, dual front air condition zones, wood and leather dash and door trim, 2 memorized driver seat settings, optional Xenon headlights, optional 600 watt audio system, and element antenna. Is this worth $8,497 (if Fusion bought at invoice - rebate and subtract that from invoice - rebate of Zephyr)? I think not!

    Buy a fully loaded Fusion V6 SEL and save yourself a lot of money!

    If you really want to spend your money buy a fully loaded 2007 Honda Accord EX-L V6 with Navigation for MSRP-$29,995 and invoice-$27,075 or a fully loaded 2007 Hyundai Azera MSRP-$30,735 and invoice-$27,897. Azera doesn't have Navigation available but it does have more horsepower, torque, a larger interior and lager trunk than all mentioned sedans above! You could buy a portable Navigation. But really, stop being lazy and use a MAP!

    Spending over $30,000 for a sedan is a waste of money in my opinion! If you must, buy Acura, Lexus, or Infinity!
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    You can buy a Zephyr with no options or you can pay more to get the all the additional options you can't get on the Fusion. The rest is for extra warranty and dealer service, higher quality interior, and extra margins to Ford for you to have the prestige of saying you drive a Lincoln instead of a Ford.
    Not much different than upgrading from a loaded Camry to an ES350.
    Of course it is not fully worth all the extra money since the manufacturer has factored in extra profit margins beyond the extra cost it costs to build the luxury variant.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Rocky - unless you have compromising pictures of a sales manager you're not going to buy a car like the MKZ where supply is low and demand is high. They're only sitting on the lots for 19 days - the industry average is 2 months. $1500 over invoice is about the best you can do right now. If demand weakens then you can start dealing. Until then it will be take it or leave it.
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