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Also, I'm fairly sure you'll receive better treatment at a Lincoln dealership (nicer waiting room, less pressure from sales staff, maybe more attentive service personnel, etc.) a la Lexus versus Toyota. That's based on my experience with my local Lincoln dealership and general experience with near-premium brands like Volvo and Lincoln versus more plebeian brands like Honda.
Like magoo99 said, it's ultimately more of an emotional decision.
Lincoln also has a "Customer service hotline" where they are trained to talk sweetly while blowing you off. All just in my own personal experience.
They may not be all that different from Toyota/Lexus, I dunno. I've always given my money to the domestic mfgs. But I think that may change. It's become obvious to me that, once they have your money, even if it's upwards of $100,000 in a few year's time, they couldn't care if the wheels fall off your car. Or that you cant GET the wheels off your car. Or that the original design was defective so now when it breaks, they force you to spend $1000 on the new and improved design. Warrantee? Responsibility? You gotta be kidding me. Or it catches on fire due to defective switch. Whatever. Dont bother them about it. They just conceived, designed and built the thing, what do they know?
My advice would be, get the absolute fewest things on the car that you can. Just the basics, engine, wheels, seats. The fewer things on it, the fewer things to break and therefore the fewer things for them to refuse to fix. So you'll be happier in the long run. Chrome wheels - wouldnt do that cause they make the chrome lugs out of plastic and you have to spend a couple hundred on new lugs when you get a flat and cant get your tire off the car with the supplied tools. Automatic climate control? Wouldnt get that unless you like 1/2 your body freezing, the other 1/2 in an oven and enjoy being told it was designed to do that. Open the window instead. Hopefully it will go back up later. Heated seats? Better to eat a nice plate of beans the night before. I could go on, but my tongue may get stuck in my cheek.
My one last comment is, whether you get an Edge or an X, you WILL be living in Drive (only-hey that's a good thing though, fewer numbers on the shifter, fewer gears and such to break!) and definitely "on the edge."
That I would find annoying. Kind of like when the hotel front desk calls less than 5 minutes after you've checked in to see if everything's okay with your room. If there's a problem, I'll let you know.
- I could sell my 2004 loaded Navigator Ultimate for $29000
- I would buy a MKX (or equiv) with similar eqipment for $43000 - a diff of $14000 plus TTL or appx $16000 more to get into the new wheels.
- The MKX would get appx 1/3 better gas mileage:
- Nav 12 city, 17 hwy; MKX 18 city 24 hwy
- gasoline cost $4.00/gallon (it's practically that right now in California, GRRRRRR.)
when I do the math I find that I would need to drive 168,000 miles or approximately 8 to 10 years
in the MKX before the savings in gas cost would make up for the $16000 difference in the cars cost. And during that time:
- I'd be driving a smaller vehicle
- Would not be able to carry 7 or 8 passengers (I could compare to a CX-9 or MDX or something and this would not be as stacked toward the Nav, but still the Nav is much roomier than any of the CUVs, especially the third seat)
- I would no longer be able to tow my RV trailer
- I would no longer have access to true 4WD, including low range.
- I would be looking at silly throw-back guages instead of the electro-luminescent or whatever they are, modern looking guages in my Nav.
- etc etc.
So all in all, though gas is going to be $4.00 a gallon unless a miracle happens, I think I'm better off in my big, beautiful, smooth RSC-controlled 8 passenger, more capable SUV for quite a while yet.
Just one man's opinion.
gregg - with what I paid for the Navigator, I propped up the economy for a couple years on my own!
Seriously though, I would need to factor in additional costs to make the comparison more honest. Probably the biggest would be maintenance on a 3 yr+ old Navigator beginning next year when the warrantee runs out. A set of tires alone will be over a grand. So a real number might be more like 150,000 miles assuming the Nav will be appx as reliable as the MKX, which might be a bad assumption due to air suspension for one thing. Mine has been near perfect on reliability so far, CR be darned, but it's only been 40,000 miles.
If instead I had leased the Nav, the equation would look a lot different of course.
With newer vehicles, it almost never makes financial sense to trade, in order to get better mileage. Most hybrid owners will probably never drive enough miles to justify the trade from that standpoint. Even first time buyers are usually better off buying the gas version.
However, there can be a certain satisfaction, hard to quantify monetarily, from using less gas to get from point A to point B. It is also more ecological, though that may more questionable, given that in all likelihood your gas hog trade-in will be bought by someone else, and continue to suck gas at the same rate for about as long as if you had kept it for its moslty trouble-free lifespan.
Over time, it all works in everyone's favor (if not your own wallet) to buy a ride with better mileage, because eventually by doing so, the overall fleet will get more mpg and use less of the finite resource oil--allowing everyone to drive a bit longer before we have to use an even more expensive source of propulsion.
The following are my initial impressions:
- The vehicle is a real head-turner. I've had numerous positive comments already.
- I am most impressed by the ride and quietness. The engine noise is very similar to my 2004 V6 Honda Accord when it was new (i.e., when idling it is so quiet you think the engine has died). Road quality in Chicago is terrible at this time of year. You couldn't ask for better handling of potholes.
- The seats are very comfortable.
- I did not order the THX stereo, but the base unit seems quite good. The Sirius radio controls are much easier to use than my previous XM radio.
- Visibility and seating position are good. I don't yet have a good sense for length of the hood/front bumper. In some ways it feels like driving a mini-van, but fortunately, does not feel as long, particularly when parking or cornering. The dash is also not as deep as on a minivan.
- Fit and finish is good. I haven't spotted any out of spec gaps. I do think the interior would be improved with a bit more true metal chrome rather than the the satin metallic finish plastic. However, at least there is no plastic wood.
- Though I have not tested it hard, acceleration and braking seem very good.
- The vista roof really makes the vehicle.
- Insurance costs are relatively low.
- I love the grille and taillights. This plus the ride is sufficient justification for the price difference from the Ford Edge.
I will post again in a few weeks as I get more mileage data.
After one month of ownership, I can agree with about everything you said. Specifically:
- it is certainly a head-turner.
- the vehicle is very quiet.
- I also find that I had a hard time judging where the hood ends. But it will come to you.
- the vista roof is a very fine feature.
- the light tube tailights and the LED backup lights look cool.
We made a 1200 mile trip last weekend. The vehicle performs very well as a long distance cruiser. I am 6'4" and spent time both driving and in the back seat. I did not feel cramped or get tired. Specifically there is a surprising amount of room in the back. I'm sure that is because the vehicle was designed as a five seater, not a seven seater. The back seat passengers had a good time playing cards, using the fold down cup holder as a small table.
They are still selling well but it will take a year or two to get enough of them out there to see them regularly everywhere.
I am leasing the MKX with only the ultimate package showing MSRP of $38440 for $444 a month.
Here are the details
- May incentives of $1250 cash rebate
- $1000 MFG to customer rebate sent to me from FORD
(no other money put down),
- 39 months with 12000 miles,
- money factor based on 1.5% top tier credit
_ Monthly lease including taxes $444 a month.
- Only other expense will be my "out the door" which I will pay separately for a total of $1567
Hoping I am getting a good lease deal.
The rear Cargo Management for $65 is a must. It gives more space and organization around the spare tire. Even our salesman said the dealership should order all of the MKX's with this cheap option.
We love the Trailer Tow Package ($295) because of the upgraded battery and larger radiator, even though we will never tow anything.
Love the easy to use Nav, Sirius, THX (sound is amazing) cooled seats, chrome wheels, interior quietness, etc.
We ordered nice looking carpet floor mats with MKX logo (4 for $69)from the dealership and also ordered a custom fit cargo mat from Weathertech.
We plan to have pinstipes put on next week and will have the graphics place order Lincoln color-matched bumper guards for the sides.
We test drove the Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX350 and Infinity FX35 competition before ordering our MKX. And we think we definitely made the right choice with the MKX!
More after we judge the mileage and driving.
The Lincoln MKX website (halfway down the home page) now includes a link to all of their accessories. They now have a rear bumper protector and a cargo cover, which some have mentioned wanting in earlier posts. We just picked up the MKX logo car mats we ordered. They are in medium camel (the darker of the two tone Camel interior) and are much more practical than the stock lighter car mats.
Mororweek is reviewing the MKX this week on tv. You can also read the review online.
So, does ANYONE here or at Ford wonder why Hyundai can build a better Lexus but Lincoln can barely build a better Mazda? Hello? Ford? Have you driven a Hyundai .. lately?
What about Veracruz?
MKX just is not competitive. Sad but true. Wonder when the lawsuits over the subpar braking performance will begin.
Seems all you do is look for Fords to bash.
I think it's very important that auto writers test brakes for at least two load distributions: Driver-only, and full vacation load.
Maybe Ford designs a brake distribution for the whole family, and others design for magazine tests.
At the very least, they should report the frt/rr test weight distribution.
I’d like to comment about some of the negatives I had read in magazine reviews back when I was doing my research before deciding which car to purchase.
Windshield glare: Yes, in bright sunshine there is definitely plenty of dashboard reflection on the windshield. I have a light camel colored interior, and the black center defrost vent is definitely noticeable on the windshield. A pair of polarized sunglasses all but removes the reflection completely. I can’t remember any car I’ve been in on a sunny day that didn’t have some reflection.
The satan nickel center console: There were reviews written chastising Lincoln for using plastic vs real metal. Anyone who has ridden in my MKX has remarked at how aesthetically pleasing they thought the interior was. In my opinion, while the console might very well be plastic, it does not look it or even feel like plastic to the touch. By the way, the Japanese autos that reviewers tend to highly rate have plenty of plastic on there dashboards and consoles but for some reason these go un-noticed and un-mentioned.
Brakes: I have not noticed any difference in stopping distances between my MKX and any cars I’ve driven the past. Granted I have not had to make any panic stops where I’ve needed to lock up the wheels, but in normal driving the brakes seem more than adequate.
As you read the pros and cons of new car reviews, all have at least some cons. That means that at least in the opinions of the reviewers there is no car that is perfect. So the choice of which car to purchase becomes subjective as it should be. Anyone who purchases a Lincoln product knows up front that they are not getting a finely tuned sports car with above average acceleration and cornering capabilities. What I expect from a Lincoln product is a roomy, quiet, comfortable ride which includes the latest technological safety features. So far I am quite pleased with my purchase.
Where did you buy your MKX and what price was piad?...how difficult negotiations?....
Thanks..and enjoy that CUV!!
In addition to what I discussed in that post, three days after I took possession of my MKX, I received in the mail a private $500 incentive certificate from Lincoln. The certificate stated that this rebate was in addition to all publicly announced rebates and it could be applied to a purchase or lease from April to July. I have no idea as to why I received this offer. Perhaps because I was coming off a Ford Credit lease and they didn't want to lose me, or perhaps because I had requested an MKX brochure from Lincoln on their website. My first reaction was that I had missed out on this rebate since I had already taken possession of my MKX. I called the finance guy at the dealership and explained what I had just received in the mail. His first reaction was to say that I had already received all rebates I was eligible for but I explained that the certificate stated that it was in addition to all publicly announced rebates. He agreed to submit the rebate. I dropped off the certificate at the dealership and about two weeks later I received a check for $500 from Lincoln. I guess I must be living right!!
Seems all you do is look for Fords to bash."
My intent is not to be a Ford basher, though it probably looks that way. Few people want Ford to succeed more than I do. However, I will not be a sychophant for inferior products. IMHO it is both inane and insane that Ford brings to market an important vehicle like the Edge/X with brakes that underperform the competition by, what, 15-20% or so? For the buyer of a new $35000+ vehicle to say "well, I'll just get some aftermarket brake pads so I can stop as good as the other guys" strikes me as just a little bit CRAZY. Especially since there is no proof that this will improve the braking substantially. All the tests I've seen mark these cars down for their brakes. That is NOT an area Ford should be scrimping on, yet they obviously did.
In all honesty, if Ford had a vehicle at the head of it's class, I'd be one of the first to be touting it. As it is, I defy anyone to name a Ford vehicle sold in America that is #1 or even #2 in comparison to others in it's segment. And Lincoln is in far worse shape against it's competition. And what is a Mercury anymore but Jill Wagoner's path to stardom?
To the MKX I say - why would anyone buy this vehicle when the Veracruz is so much better for a few bucks less, seats more people and has a 100,000 mile warrantee? To say nothing of other competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica, Enclave, Acadia etc etc. Though subjectively the side and rear view of the MKX are very very nice. But the front and the Instrument panel, IMHO, are horrible.
Finally it would seem that the buying public agrees with me as Ford sales are down AGAIN, this time the ONLY manufacturer to be down.
MKX sales were up 20% in May from April's numbers. This article in the Charlotte Business Journal says that consumers bought fewer Fords overall, but it's not clear to me if some of that is due to declining fleet sales. (Reuters)
Of the MKX’s mileage, they say “fuel economy of 16 mpg is unimpressive for a five-passenger SUV.” No mention that this is regular fuel. Now, of the Acura MDX they simply say “it returns 17 mpg overall on premium fuel,” of the BMW X5 “it returned 17 mpg overall on premium fuel,” and of the Cadillac SRX “expect 16 mpg on regular fuel.” No negative comments on the fuel efficiency of the Acura, BMW or the Cadillac.
As to ride, of the Lexus RX350 they say “the RX isn’t agile or particularly fun to drive. So drivers who prefer a cushy ride might prefer the RX.” Of the MDX they generally give it good marks and say it has a firmer ride which is “agile and composed.” The MKX’s ride is criticized for having neither the Lexus RX’s excellent isolation from the road nor the quick cornering reflexes of the Acura. This compromise between the two extremes of the RX and the MDX could be considered a good thing. It's one of the things I like about my LS: neither as soft as the Lexus ES or as harsh as the TL I test drove.
The MKX’s controls are criticized for lack of contrast. However, I’ve driven the MKZ, which has a similar control layout and theme, and in my opinion the controls are pretty straightforward, easy to find and use. CR says "the eight rocker switches on the steering wheel were difficult to tell apart." Well, the rocker controls on the steering wheel won’t be a problem to an owner accustomed to driving the vehicle. The plethora of buttons on the MDX are glossed over in this review, with the conclusion that “the controls can be daunting at first but are easy enough to operate once you become familiar with them.” But, in some other magazine, either “Road and Track” or “Car and Driver” the MDX’s dash was criticized as being something rejected by NASA. I guess CR is staffed by rocket scientists. Of other subjective findings, no details are provided regarding the MKX’s “hard plastics on some key touch points detracted from the opulent feeling.” What surfaces? It would be nice to expand if they're going to criticize.
To me, the telling page of this report is the comparison chart at the end of the review. The MKX sure seems to hold its own, with as many full or half-full red circles as the rest, and no black or half-black circles, including holding its own on "Controls and Displays" and bettering most in the crash test data. The interesting bit of information is the “Annual cost, 15K mi. at $2.80/gal” line. The MKX is adjusted to $2.60/gal since it uses regular fuel. Look at the total cost of the MKX, lower than all but the Lexus.
For a contrasting viewpoint, today’s Motor Week review of the MKX had a tone almost the complete opposite of the CR review. Like CR, they did justifiably criticize the longish braking distance, but that's about it.
Sorry, I get the paper magazine, and it was in this month's issue.
I guess to use their website you have to subscribe to that, even if you've already subscribed to the paper magazine? At least, I've never been able to find much on the web without subscribing being told I need to subscribe.