Lincoln's MKZ entry-level sedan returns for 2008 with a host of updates inside its charmingly retro-styled cabin.
Back in 2007, the former Lincoln Zephyr changed its name only a year into its life cycle, and adopted a crisper look and a new V-6 powertrain. The result: a good-looking car, with a modernized, "wide-mouthed" version of the trademark Lincoln waterfall grille up front, crisp styling pleats pressed into the hood and trunk, and chrome accents finishing it all off.
The MKZ's 3.5-liter V-6 carries over into 2008. It's good for 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque, and it's teamed to a six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. The new engine runs on regular 87-octane unleaded, in addition to being one of the most powerful standard engines in this class.
This year, the MKZ adds standard SIRIUS satellite radio; later in the year, the Ford-Microsoft Sync hands-free communications and entertainment system will be standard. A reverse-sensing system is also newly standard, as are premium leather seats with heating and cooling functions, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
Other standard gear includes 10-way power seats, 17-inch tires, side and curtain airbags, an iPod jack and LED taillamps.
The MKZ's navigation system now includes voice activation. The navi is an option, as is the THX II-Certified audio system with its fourteen speakers, a power sunroof, and high-intensity discharge headlamps.
Watching the food network last night (yeah get a life) and Bobby Flay traveled to Buffalo for a Chicken Wing throwdown. He pulled up in a Black Lincoln MKX and it was really sharp!
FWIW he has been driving an MKX for the most recent 4 or 5 Throwdowns now. He used to drive an HD Dodge pickup. The MKX is way nicer than that!
That's fine, you don't want it or need it. But that has nothing to do with the fact that Lincoln does not even offer stability control as an option for those who do want it...not to mention it is basically standard equipment on may competitors.
It will be here in 2009. Another game of catchup that Lincoln should not have to be playing right now.
I was surfing the net and found this Breaking news article on Car and Drivers Web site about the Lincoln MKS. If you look at the interior pictures in the photo gallery. You can see a second groove on the shifter floor panel which looks like to me some kind of Tip tronic tranny !!!!!!!!!!! Has anybody heard anything about Lincoln building a tip tronic or am I just seeing things. Also, if you look at to the left of the steering wheel. I see a large round black button. It looks like a smart key button.
We've been discussing this in the MKS forum for a few weeks now. Yes - selectshift is back. No - that's not the final finishes on the dash or console. It's all pre-production. The big round button on the left side of the steering wheel is the trunk release, not a start/stop button (I made the same mistake).
What a delightful trip I had this weekend. Drove down to the beach with my friend and 7 teenagers (all 17 year olds). She took her Zephyr and I took my MKZ. The teenager loved both cars and immediately hooked into the Ipod connector. They also had I-drive and some sort of small Ninentos that had a wireless capability so they played mufti-player games between the two cars. They also had some sort of device they put on their cell phone that transmitted their conversations over the car radio. They mostly came from foreign car families and all said how much better the ride and sound system was in the Lincoln.
One kid said how he would never sit in his parents Toyota Highlander again!
Anyway, got a bunch of looks and comments about the cars. My MKZ is Vivid Red and her Zephyr is Merlot. We saw plenty of folks pull and slow down to get looks. I averaged 26 mph for the weekend in almost 100 degree weather mostly driving 70+ mph. The cooled seats did their job and were appreciated.
I hadn't ran the MKZ fully loaded with 4 passengers, coolers, luggage etc. Up and down hills there was no strain at all on the engine. The cruise control was perfect with no jerking or shifting. I had very little drivers fatigue either way. I drove about 3 hours straight before each break. The teenagers did not make that much noise as they all busy do their connectivity things most of the trip. A lot better than, 'are we there yet'!
I see Ford (if you include Jaguar) has a veritable lock on the list of luxury rides with the worst resale value: MKZ, Grand Marquis, Expedition, Town Car, Type S and Type X (to be fair, GM/Cadillac has almost as many on the list). Most on the list are understandable...near the end or way past expiration dates, and/or fleet darlings.
But the MKZ is a bit surprising. Though it hasn't burned up the sales charts, supply has been kept much closer to demand than with a lot of other models. Guess for most near luxury shoppers, it is missing a certain je ne ce quoi. Hopefully the MKS can do a better job of distinguishing itself.
Yes I have the AWD version with all the toys cost was around 35k. I do notice the difference driving with the AWD during rain and snow this past winter.
If it is on a list of cars with worst resale value, then it may be a good used car buy since I thought they were supposed to be reliable. Reliable cars with low resale value usually are good to buy used. Infinitis were cars like that in the 1990s.
So far so good with reliability. Not a single issue on either the Zephyr with 22k or the MKZ with 8k.
I once owned a new Mercedes C-class and by 8k it had been in the shop 5 times for several issues such as brakes, alignments, engine lights, etc.). It was so bad the dealer gave me a new one and the same issues started repeating!
I am in the Lincoln camp until they kick me out. I have a reliable, comfortable, car, could not be happier.
Important to keep in mind that most knowledgeable buyers don't pay MSRP, especially on these cars. We purchase at invoice or less so the true residual value % would be higher. Also after 5 years we are only talking about a few thousand at most vs. those cars with a higher residual value,
One problem is cars like the MKZ may seem reliable for the first few years, but the second owner may start having lots of problems with all the electronic and motorized gadgets like ventilated seats when the car is older.
"Another question would be how they can predict 5 year residual value on a car that's only been out for 1 year. "
Good point!
My LS fares a little better I think. As an 01 it is now 6, almost 7 yrs old and according to KBB, it is worth appx 24% of new retail. However, I didnt pay new retail and considering that, my particular LS is still worth 28% of what I paid after more than 6.5 years. Not exactly an investment, but since the car still basically looks and runs like new, I'll take it to the bank.
Has anyone recently purchased an MKZ, or know someone who did? I thinking I might be getting one soon, and I'm wondering what kind of deal I can get. Considering the factory is already starting to make the 2008s, I'm hoping to get a 2007 well under invoice.
I really like the light wood interior in the MKZ, but several with the sand leather that comes with that wood color seemed to have scuff or grease marks. Are those seats harder to keep clean that the light stone leather?
I also noticed on that interior color that the defrost vent on the back of the dashboard casts a reflection onto the bottom of the windshield. Is that a distraction?
I have 9K and 8 months on my sand interior, haven't had to clean it yet, and it still looks very good. My son has black leather and the dark wood on his MKZ, and now he prefers the color in mine, having spent a lot of time in both. I have never noticed that reflection on the windshield, so it definitely hasn't been a distraction.
I've been in D.C. for four days, walking several times a day between hotels. During this time I've seen several 2007 and earlier models of Lexus ES 350s, a few new Audi A4s, a few late model VW Passats, and lots of Acura TLs 2007 and prior...BUT NOT ONE LINCOLN MKZ!!!
Wassup wid dat? Is it that D.C. is made of many foreigners who prefer foreign cars? Are there just too few Lincoln dealerships? Given that the data I've read about monthly sales of the MKZ, it seems odd not to see one single MKZ.
As for why mostly foreign cars in D.C? I'll just point out that, since DC is a haven for democrats and even more so this year, this adds credence to my theory that lefties dont buy American. Just one man's observational theory, bolstered now by another man's observation.
Well, this visitor to DC for the last few weeks has seen at least 3 MKZs (black, white, champaign). I will say, my hotel window overlooks a grocery store parking lot, and other than SUVs and pickups, I see depressingly few domestic cars.
Congress, like the country, is just about 50-50 party-wise, and the administration is Republican as well. It's mostly foreign cars in DC because the domestic pickings among mid-size and large luxury cars is relatively slim. Get product out there that can compete with no compromise against BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Lexus, and it will be bought--in DC and most everywhere else.
And as for the MKZ, it is near luxury, and not that appealing to anyone wanting either state of the art or just to make a statement. Though many people who buy it like its looks, it is relatively anonymous looking. It it selling OK by Lincoln's projections, but it does not even sell as many units as the LS did. It will take several model years to get enough of them on the streets so that they are not so scarce.
Well, I drove all around DC this weekend with my college reunion buddies. I had a Red MKZ with extra chrome so it would have been easy to spot. I ran into a White one. Interestingly I have never seen a Black one.
My friends from Minnesota are going to go back and purchase one as the ladies really liked the cool seats and the car in general. Of course the price was very appealing to them.
I plan on buying a black MKZ in metro Washington this week or next. And I too almost never see one around, but I sort of like that. I'd love driving a car that almost no one else does.
As for metro Washington's car buying habits, I read somewhere that it has the highest ratio of foreign cars of any area in the country. That probably has something to do with the fact that there aren't a lot of trucks, and tons of luxury cars. The amount of money flowing though Washington is mind boggling.
Most people have no clue about the pricing of the MKZ. The assume a Lincoln is expensive. I do not understand the advertising. Instead of focus on the price and what you get they run around pulling a scarecrow off a tree! Everytime I tell some about the price and options they are amazed.
This car really stands out under the city lights starting at dusk. I catch many people looking. I wonder if they are ever going to up the standard rim on this. A larger rim makes almost any car look more exotic.
My right hand side mirror on my 2006 Lincoln Zephyr collided with an immobile object albeit at a very low speed.
The plastic mirror assembly has sheared off - the motor, glass and chrome pieces are intact.
I wonder if I can replace as a DIY project - how easy it it to remove the door panel? I only see 2 screws, does it slide out after these are removed?
Also, is there an internet parts supplier for Ford/Mercury/Lincoln parts like www.gmpartsdirect.com (I've been buying parts from there for my GMC Envoy at 50-60% of the dealer prices).
Don't know the answer to your question, but reading it I have one of my own. Are these mirrors fixed, or are they foldable? Your's obviously was breakaway! :sick:
The 2008 Lincoln MKZ went into production the second half of July 2007. You should be seeing them at dealerships soon, if you haven't seen them already. The four exterior colors are: Dark Blue Ink, Moss Green, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic and White Suede Clearcoat. The three interior color packages remain the same as the 2007 MKZ.
They are fixed, not foldable. At the very low speed that I was it is amazing that nothing happened to glass or the plastic "chrome" backing, but the entire assembly sheared off.
No black or red exterior for the 08? I find that hard to believe.
In any case, I'm considering a purchase of an MKZ. My wife and I have been debating between Lexus ES, Infiniti G35, and an Acura TL. On a whim we pulled into the Lincoln dealership. It had not been on our list--never even discussed. But after looking it over and a subsequent test drive, I'm quite impressed with the MKZ. Is there something I'm missing?
I've noticed some comments here about the better luxury of the other cars. To me the Lexus is little more than a gussied-up Camry. A moving steering wheel doesn't impress me. And rear air bags as an option--an option?--is absurd. Besides it's a bore to drive. The base BMW 3 comes with vinyl seats. The leather is an upgrade. The Infiniti G is a great car and so is the TL, (though I wish they had ventilated seats). But they do cost more than the Lincoln so I would expect them to be better.
So, MKZ owners, what should I be concerned about with an MKZ?
The MKZ is the best car I ever owned. I have not experienced any issues. I have the fully loaded Vivid Red with black and satin nickel accents AWD with all options for 35k.
"No black or red exterior for the 08? I find that hard to believe. "
I'm pretty sure he was just listing the new colors. The vivid red is a gorgeous red. THat's the only regret I have with my LS - vivid red was not available.
U know, if u read any of my posts (scary thought) you may not believe what I'm about to say, but - dependng on what you want in a car, the mkz just might wind up near or at the top of your list.
It's got a good strong engine, on Ward's top 10 list this year. A well-respected 6speed tranny (codesigned with GM and that's good cause GM makes probably the best auto-trannies in the world) can be AWD if u want, FWD if u dont. Personally I think it's a beautiful car. On of the prettiest out there. I'm not a huge fan of the interior, but it's still better than many others and has won an award.
The car is not 'sporting' enough for my tastes, but's that's just me. If u like the car, it's as least as good a deal over the long term as anything else you mentioned.
I love my 2007 Vivid Red but the other day I saw a Black one with the Black Interior with Nickel Satin and wow was it impressive. The red lights and the chrome really stand out on it. I might go for one in 2008.
If you think the Lexus comes off as merely a gussied up Camry, then I think you owe it to yourself to drive a well-equipped Mercury Milan and compare it to the MKZ. Both the Milan and Camry are great bases to begin with, so the luxury siblings started from good ground.
The MKZ has a certain panache about its interior, but look at those gaps awhile and then sit in a Lexus again. It's all a matter of taste of course. The MKZ's Achilles' heel in this market is the lack of stability control, and the little niceties of feel and convenience that were left out. I think they will be added quickly, now that cars like the 08 Malibu will be able to out-equip it for less money.
But good points. No stability control is a bold move allright. There are so many great cars in this category nowadays. The Malibu is finally gonna be a contenda. The Saturn Aura is also a heluva nice car. And the '08 Accord is the first one to ever interest me. The Milan? Eh, I'd go straight to the Lincoln and deal hard.
Lincoln has a special lease now for $329 a month. With the high depreciation that Lincoln usually has, it has to be a better idea to get a great lease then to risk buying and absorbing the depreciation. Thoughts?
Depreciation on the MKZ should be better than usual due to limited incentives so that shouldn't be as much of a concern as it would have been in the past. But it sounds like they're subsidizing leases more than the cash incentives so if you're planning to get something new in 2-4 years leasing would be the best bet.
You still risk paying huge mileage penalties if something happens that requires you to drive much more yearly than you planned for when you signed the lease.
Comments
June Sales: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=26284
Lincoln's MKZ entry-level sedan returns for 2008 with a host of updates inside its charmingly retro-styled cabin.
Back in 2007, the former Lincoln Zephyr changed its name only a year into its life cycle, and adopted a crisper look and a new V-6 powertrain. The result: a good-looking car, with a modernized, "wide-mouthed" version of the trademark Lincoln waterfall grille up front, crisp styling pleats pressed into the hood and trunk, and chrome accents finishing it all off.
The MKZ's 3.5-liter V-6 carries over into 2008. It's good for 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque, and it's teamed to a six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. The new engine runs on regular 87-octane unleaded, in addition to being one of the most powerful standard engines in this class.
This year, the MKZ adds standard SIRIUS satellite radio; later in the year, the Ford-Microsoft Sync hands-free communications and entertainment system will be standard. A reverse-sensing system is also newly standard, as are premium leather seats with heating and cooling functions, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
Other standard gear includes 10-way power seats, 17-inch tires, side and curtain airbags, an iPod jack and LED taillamps.
The MKZ's navigation system now includes voice activation. The navi is an option, as is the THX II-Certified audio system with its fourteen speakers, a power sunroof, and high-intensity discharge headlamps.
http://www.zercustoms.com/photos/2008-Lincoln-MKX.html
http://www.zercustoms.com/news/2008-Lincoln-MKX.html
FWIW he has been driving an MKX for the most recent 4 or 5 Throwdowns now. He used to drive an HD Dodge pickup. The MKX is way nicer than that!
It will be here in 2009. Another game of catchup that Lincoln should not have to be playing right now.
Can and Driver Lincoln MKS article
Lincoln MKS Photo gallery
OK tell me what you think.
PS
Keep it tactful
One kid said how he would never sit in his parents Toyota Highlander again!
Anyway, got a bunch of looks and comments about the cars. My MKZ is Vivid Red and her Zephyr is Merlot. We saw plenty of folks pull and slow down to get looks. I averaged 26 mph for the weekend in almost 100 degree weather mostly driving 70+ mph. The cooled seats did their job and were appreciated.
I hadn't ran the MKZ fully loaded with 4 passengers, coolers, luggage etc. Up and down hills there was no strain at all on the engine. The cruise control was perfect with no jerking or shifting. I had very little
drivers fatigue either way. I drove about 3 hours straight before each break. The teenagers did not make that much noise as they all busy do their connectivity things most of the trip. A lot better than, 'are we there yet'!
Do you have the AWD?
Thanks, Jerry
But the MKZ is a bit surprising. Though it hasn't burned up the sales charts, supply has been kept much closer to demand than with a lot of other models. Guess for most near luxury shoppers, it is missing a certain je ne ce quoi. Hopefully the MKS can do a better job of distinguishing itself.
Reliable cars with low resale value usually are good to buy used.
Infinitis were cars like that in the 1990s.
I once owned a new Mercedes C-class and by 8k it had been in the shop 5 times for several issues such as brakes, alignments, engine lights, etc.). It was so bad the dealer gave me a new one and the same issues started repeating!
I am in the Lincoln camp until they kick me out. I have a reliable, comfortable, car, could not be happier.
BTW, here's the list:
Forbes List Of 10 Worst Residual Valued Luxury Cars - Kelley Blue Book Values
10. Cadillac SRX V8
MSRP: $43,870
Residual Value After Five Years: 27 percent
9. Ford Expedition V8 4WD
MSRP: $32,895
Residual Value After Five Years: 27 percent
8. Cadillac DTS V8
MSRP: $41,990
Residual Value After Five Years: 26 percent
7. Cadillac STS V6
MSRP: $42,765
Residual Value After Five Years: 26 percent
6. Lincoln MKZ AWD
MSRP: $31,765
Residual Value After Five Years: 26 percent
5. Mercedes-Benz E550
MSRP: $59,775
Residual Value After Five Years: 26 percent
4. Jaguar S-Type V6
MSRP: $49,000
Residual Value After Five Years: 25 percent
3. Jaguar X-Type Sedan and Wagon
MSRP: 34,995
Residual Value After Five Years: 25 percent
2. Mercury Grand Marquis LS
MSRP: $30,320
Residual Value After Five Years: 23 percent
1. Lincoln Town Car
MSRP: $42,985
Residual Value After Five Years: 17 percent
My LS fares a little better I think. As an 01 it is now 6, almost 7 yrs old and according to KBB, it is worth appx 24% of new retail. However, I didnt pay new retail and considering that, my particular LS is still worth 28% of what I paid after more than 6.5 years. Not exactly an investment, but since the car still basically looks and runs like new, I'll take it to the bank.
Does anyone have any input?
Two Day Managers Special
Saturday and Sunday
7/28 and 7/29
$500 Below Invoice
2007 Lincoln MKZ
2007 Lincoln MKX
2007 Lincoln Mark LT
2007 Lincoln Navigator
This is not including available Rebates!!
No gimmicks here!
We will show you the invoice, take $500 off, and then give you the rebates.
This includes freight!!
http://lm.malloyautomall.com/
They also state that you keep the rebates.
I also noticed on that interior color that the defrost vent on the back of the dashboard casts a reflection onto the bottom of the windshield. Is that a distraction?
Of course 7/28 and 7/29 have come and gone already, but I'm sure they might be willing to extend that.
Wassup wid dat? Is it that D.C. is made of many foreigners who prefer foreign cars? Are there just too few Lincoln dealerships? Given that the data I've read about monthly sales of the MKZ, it seems odd not to see one single MKZ.
As for why mostly foreign cars in D.C? I'll just point out that, since DC is a haven for democrats and even more so this year, this adds credence to my theory that lefties dont buy American. Just one man's observational theory, bolstered now by another man's observation.
And as for the MKZ, it is near luxury, and not that appealing to anyone wanting either state of the art or just to make a statement. Though many people who buy it like its looks, it is relatively anonymous looking. It it selling OK by Lincoln's projections, but it does not even sell as many units as the LS did. It will take several model years to get enough of them on the streets so that they are not so scarce.
My friends from Minnesota are going to go back and purchase one as the ladies really liked the cool seats and the car in general. Of course the price was very appealing to them.
As for metro Washington's car buying habits, I read somewhere that it has the highest ratio of foreign cars of any area in the country. That probably has something to do with the fact that there aren't a lot of trucks, and tons of luxury cars. The amount of money flowing though Washington is mind boggling.
This car really stands out under the city lights starting at dusk. I catch many people looking. I wonder if they are ever going to up the standard rim on this. A larger rim makes almost any car look more exotic.
I also agree that it is fun having a unique car.
The plastic mirror assembly has sheared off - the motor, glass and chrome pieces are intact.
I wonder if I can replace as a DIY project - how easy it it to remove the door panel? I only see 2 screws, does it slide out after these are removed?
Also, is there an internet parts supplier for Ford/Mercury/Lincoln parts like www.gmpartsdirect.com (I've been buying parts from there for my GMC Envoy at 50-60% of the dealer prices).
In any case, I'm considering a purchase of an MKZ. My wife and I have been debating between Lexus ES, Infiniti G35, and an Acura TL. On a whim we pulled into the Lincoln dealership. It had not been on our list--never even discussed. But after looking it over and a subsequent test drive, I'm quite impressed with the MKZ. Is there something I'm missing?
I've noticed some comments here about the better luxury of the other cars. To me the Lexus is little more than a gussied-up Camry. A moving steering wheel doesn't impress me. And rear air bags as an option--an option?--is absurd. Besides it's a bore to drive. The base BMW 3 comes with vinyl seats. The leather is an upgrade. The Infiniti G is a great car and so is the TL, (though I wish they had ventilated seats). But they do cost more than the Lincoln so I would expect them to be better.
So, MKZ owners, what should I be concerned about with an MKZ?
I'm pretty sure he was just listing the new colors. The vivid red is a gorgeous red. THat's the only regret I have with my LS - vivid red was not available.
U know, if u read any of my posts (scary thought) you may not believe what I'm about to say, but - dependng on what you want in a car, the mkz just might wind up near or at the top of your list.
It's got a good strong engine, on Ward's top 10 list this year. A well-respected 6speed tranny (codesigned with GM and that's good cause GM makes probably the best auto-trannies in the world) can be AWD if u want, FWD if u dont. Personally I think it's a beautiful car. On of the prettiest out there. I'm not a huge fan of the interior, but it's still better than many others and has won an award.
The car is not 'sporting' enough for my tastes, but's that's just me. If u like the car, it's as least as good a deal over the long term as anything else you mentioned.
Good luck.
The MKZ has a certain panache about its interior, but look at those gaps awhile and then sit in a Lexus again. It's all a matter of taste of course. The MKZ's Achilles' heel in this market is the lack of stability control, and the little niceties of feel and convenience that were left out. I think they will be added quickly, now that cars like the 08 Malibu will be able to out-equip it for less money.
But good points. No stability control is a bold move allright. There are so many great cars in this category nowadays. The Malibu is finally gonna be a contenda. The Saturn Aura is also a heluva nice car. And the '08 Accord is the first one to ever interest me. The Milan? Eh, I'd go straight to the Lincoln and deal hard.