Lincoln LS

ashford1 · February 2004

Just pulled the trigger on an 02 LSV8 Sport. Looked at the foreign competition and couldn't get the features, smooth ride and room for the price. Are there any problem areas to look out for?

desertguy · February 2004

Hertz had a beautiful '04 LS waiting for me at the Phoenix Airport. It was cashmere tri-coat with sunroof and most all the goodies. It did not have navigation but did have a Magellan Never Lost system hanging there off the dash which did nothing for me but rattle the whole time I had the car.

I drove the car over 900 miles from desert to So. Calif. traffic. It performed flawlessly. The car had only 3,100 miles when I picked it up and it was a great overall driving experience. I cruised at 80 MPH most of the time and had a combined mileage shown on the computer of 18.5. For a new V8, not bad.

All the memories of my '00 LS came back to me and I had no problems acclimating myself to the car. Just got in and took off!

One problem was evident for rental customers IMO. I am used to pulling the shift lever straight back from park and being in the final drive. In the LS of course, this puts the car in D4. I just wonder how many customers put it there thinking this is over drive? Dash shows D4 so they think all is well. Since I knew the car had 5 speeds, I caught myself after a few miles but still did it several more times.

The other problem would be the customers filling the car with regular instead of premium. I couldn't bring myself to do it when returning the car. Had to do the right thing.

I love my XType Jaguar too but I can honestly say that I would have traded for this car on the spot. I hated to give it up.

PS The lights on the bottom of the outside mirrors and the compass are great additions.

rayainsw · February 2004

As former owner of a Y2L V8 Sport and current owner of a '03 Sport (and since you had a 00 - was it a Sport?), I am curious about your evaluation of the ride / handling compromise - particularly vs. the 00?
Thanks,
- Ray
Watching it rain - at close to 32 degrees - in Atlanta . . .

desertguy · February 2004

Hi Ray:

My '00 was a non sport V6. I test drove an '00 sport before I bought it and the ride was too bumpy over tar strips etc. for me or my spouse. The '04 had no such problem. Absolutely great ride and the handling was excellent and I did push it. I don't need nor want a "plush" ride. I am willing to compromise but none was needed here.

Today we have had a snow storm all day and the I'm glad I have the XType AWD and not the LS at the moment. The salt and crap they put on the streets is eating my fenders as we speak. :-)

nvbanker · February 2004

But it's 59.7 degrees and partly cloudy in Vegas today.....

desertguy · February 2004

Well on Thurs. we were sitting outside the Cold stone Creamery at sidewalk tables in San Diego eating ice cream. It was 70 degrees! Friday when we landed in Iowa it was -2. My VW GTI which had been sitting in the airport lot for 4 days in such weather had a dead battery. It was 10 PM. We were really happy let me tell ya.

robbie819 · February 2004

My 2000 LS V8 (23,000current miles)has advance track and traction control. This car is only fun to drive if the roads are perfectly clean and dry. If there is the least amount of snow of the slightest incline, this car won't move. The tires just keep spinning and spinning. I don't know what all of the hoopla is about this car. The dealership only wants to fix things after you involve Lincoln/Ford and have photos to back it up...such as: headlamp, droning noise, oil problems, etc. That's why it's not being advertisded. I wish they kept the continental. By-the-way, I've been told that the LS could become a FWD and there will be another new car w/in 3 years. They just can't get it right anymore!!

slunar · February 2004

Get some new tires.

akirby · February 2004

Get a better dealer - some of them just plain suck

Push the little button on the console that turns off the advancetrac and traction control.

dspencer73 · February 2004

I have a 2000 with 17" wheels. I bought 16" wheels off ebay and new Blizak (spelling?) snow tires 3 yrs ago and the car feels like an SUV. It is night and day.
No car is perfect but this car is fun to drive

ANT14 · February 2004

"If the next gen LS will share the Mustang underpinnings, then it means a less sophisticated strut front suspension than what the LS currently has"

BMW Uses MacPhearson strut front suspension. Hasn't hurt them a bit. And it wouldn't be that much harder to offer a different suspension lay-out than what the Mustang will have.

"By-the-way, I've been told that the LS could become a FWD and there will be another new car w/in 3 years. They just can't get it right anymore!!"

This "rumor" you heard, probably is mixed with the Lincoln Futura based offering. They probably got both stories confused, and stated this to you.

"The DOHC version may not fit."

Not without some major modifications, ANYTHING can be possible, but it's all about HOW much effort Ford is willing to place. Who knows... maybe a 5.0L version of the 4.6L might overcome such concerns :-)

"I cruised at 80 MPH most of the time and had a combined mileage shown on the computer of 18.5"

I borrowed a friends Mazda6i for a 200 mile trek THINKING that being her's was 4 cylinder's I would have done better milage than my V8. I averaged 95-105MPH thru light rain conditions and my estimate came out to 14.3MPG. Mainly because it requires the car THAT much extra power (crusing at 4500RPM the whole time) to combat wind resistance at the speed. Whereas my LS V8 could have done it using much less power.

chartrand · February 2004

I borrowed a friends Mazda6i for a 200 mile trek I averaged 95-105MPH thru light rain conditions -
Remind me not to lend you my car.

ANT14 · February 2004

Oh she drives JUST like I do. Ironically she won't let her husband drive her car (because of his bad history, accidents, etc.) Yet, when we go out as a group, she'll have me drive her car.

And this of me taking her car was mainly her idea...and she took mine which I'm sure she didn't treat it any better than I do myself.

carjim · February 2004

A recent auto mag asked Henrik Fisker, who heads up Ford's "advanced product creation" about Lincoln. He says, "Our thinking for Lincoln is to make it more distinctly upmarket from Ford." Well, DUH. If I had an opportunity, I would say, "Then stop talking about rebadging everything Ford produces."
I want to hold out for the new body in hopes it will have the slab/edge design from the sixties. But I will pass if the LS becomes another Ford.
That goes for engines, too. If the LS gets the 4.6 (shared by the Crown Vic?) does that mean Ford will replace the Jaguar version of the 3.9 as well? Now there's a scary thought.

heyjewel · February 2004

WOW! Brilliant. And we were worried about the future of the LS!! How much does this guy get paid for his insight? And how long has he even known what a Lincoln is?

(BTW, how does he see Lincoln in relation to Mazda?)

vhkat1 · February 2004

Thanks to this board, knew what to tell my dealer I thought my burnt oil odor was being caused by & that it had been going on for a year or so intermittently. Also told them I knew this was an ongoing '00 LS issue. Even though out of warranty, 52K, they covered it as extended warranty at $100 versus $350 or so total cost. Thought that was reasonable. Again, thanks.

atlantasteve1 · February 2004

After 2 unsuccessful tries with the LS, I am leaving Lincoln for good. I first purchased a 2000. I was so excited. V8, rear wheel drive and American. It looked great and had advanced features. Unfortunately, it was mechanically a POS. So bad, that Ford gave me a free 25,000 extended warranty.

So, after 80,000 miles, I decided it was time to buy another car. I looked and looked and decided that LS was still the sharpest of the entry luxury sedan class. I purchased a 2003 with 900 miles. Navigation, too. 3 days after taking possession, the brakes went out, nearly causing an accident. Service could not diagnose the problem.

After strongly expressing my position, Lincoln permitted me to return the car for a full refund. (Less the commission to the sales advisor b/c it wasn't his fault).

Today I purchased a 2004 Acura TL. I figured out that the LS cost $10,000 more MSRP but cost me almost the same to buy. I don't care. I have a reliable car from a reliable company.

So, I bid you all adieu. I just hope that I someday I can wear my charter member LLCOS hat with pride.

lobsenza · February 2004

I am sorry you had a bad experience. My 2002 LS is the most trouble free car I have ever owned....

koury · February 2004

I too will say that I've never owned a more reliable car. I purchased a '00 V8, over 65,000 miles, and I can't remember having a problem. As much as I like buying cars every four years or so, I may just keep this till it can't run no more.

desertguy · February 2004

Check the below link to AutoWeek:

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat- _code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=07067311

brooster54 · February 2004

I'm looking for other folks thoughts... It's time to order the replacement for my '01 LSV8 Premium (medium cypress green) for May 1 delivery. Loved every moment with the car, and there's nothing out there that interests me more than an '04 LS. Reasons are many, but just two are as follows:
1) 80K later I still love driving it. And I drive it hard. Best looking, best performing, most comfortable car I've ever owned. I'd go on and on, but you guys already know what I'm talking about!
2) Best dealer service I've ever had. They stand behind their product in my town. Quickly found and solved the drivers seat wiring harness issue. Supplied loaner. At 40k brakes were pulsating, shuddering on high speed application. They machined all four rotors and serviced brakes. Supplied loaner. Last summer they replaced all four super silver mags because the chrome had started to lift around the center emblem inserts. Supplied loaner. All routine maintenance done by them, including the big ones (tranny flush, coolant flush, etc.). Supplied loaner. Just got it back from them again - went in because of high speed brake shudder. Got new rotors all round, new pads all round, assorted caliper kits, etc. Car would not start in wash-bay after all the work was done and car was cleaned - doors left open for extended period . Original battery had a bad cell, and was replaced with fresh one. Supplied loaner. Total out of pocket maintenance costs were for 4 Pilot Sport A/S tires, plus mount and balance. Everything else was covered without an excuse, whimper, but, or surprise. How can I not go back!

Ordered the replacement on Saturday; an '04 LSV8 Sport. Got the colour more or less pared down to two - the medium steel blue / dove grey or the light tundra / stone. Options are the power moonroof and HID headlights for sure. Apparently I've got about 8 days to pin it all down. Any comments about colours and/or other options that I should consider?

lateralg · February 2004

I urge you to get the navigation system. I consider it a significant safety feature as well as a major convenience.

rayainsw · February 2004

In Canada I would include the front heated / cooled seats (Unless those are still standard on Canada delivery LS-s) - and even the heated rear seats . . .
- Ray
Cold weather whimp . . .

nvbanker · February 2004

And I would recommend the tundra color. I think it's really sharp! But, I like green a lot.

cwz · February 2004

Another 00 V8Sport diagnosed with leaky valve covers. Now waiting the 1?? week delivery of parts. Oh well, get to enjoy a lumbering Mountaineer as a loaner!!!

cwz · February 2004

Has anyone replaced their fuel filter? Where is it located and is it hard to do and anything to watch out for?

mrgdr · February 2004

I currently have an '03 Premium Sport in Light Tundra and my '00 was Graphite Blue (nearly identical to Medium Steel Blue). Both colors are very easy to maintain, are similar in tone and reflect the car's lines nicely. Personally, I think the blue stands out from the crowd but I get more compliments from strangers on the Tundra. Tough call but if there's an '06 LS in my future and there's a similar blue color available I would lean heavily toward that unless there's some new outstanding color available that catches my eye.

ezaircon4jc · February 2004

The fuel filter is located behind the left wheel well, rear splash shield. Once you remove the left front wheel and the rear plastic splash shield, you will see the filter mounted to the wheel well. I did mine a while ago (note to self: it's time to change fuel filter) and it wasn't too bad. A little time consumming (loosen lug nuts, get jack, jack up left front corner, remove wheel, remove rear splash shield, change filter [the easiest part of the job!], install splash shield, put wheel back on, install lug nuts, lower car, find torque wrench, re-torque lug nuts to 100ftlb, put away jack) but no more than an hour.

slunar · February 2004

Brooster54, glad to heard that your 01 LS has been a great car for you. I'm also jealous that you have such a great dealer.

I would agree with Gary, get the DVD NAV system. I'm really glad I got one. I would lean towards the Steel blue with the dove gray.

cwz · February 2004

Thanks Ezaircon4jc for the fuel filter info. Is the fuel filter syste pressurized as some systems are?

leadfoot4 · February 2004

..Yes, the line is under pressure. You can relieve the pressure by bleding the Schrader valve that's part of the fuel rail. On the V-8s, it's located on the left(drivers)side of the engine,under the plastic cover.

It's not really necessary to remove the tire, but it does allow you a little more work room, especially if you've never changed it before.

bob550k · February 2004

So I went to SVC and test drove their supercharged V8 LS! Yahoo, that thing is fast! I ordered 19" wheels & Tires, Eibach springs, drilled rotors, racing brake pads and I'm getting a price on a new exhaust! I will be putting in a supercharger very quickley, I just need to figure out who is going to do it...I'm waiting for pricing from two shops.

ezaircon4jc · February 2004

Sorry to deflate your balloon, but they've had that blower on that car for 3 years, that I'm aware. I saw that car first in October 2001, and it wasn't new then. It still doesn't work. Did the car ping? Was their excuse that the last guy that filled it used the wrong octane gas? That's their usual excuse. The problm is that NO tuner has taken the time or money to crack the PCM code. Even the blower on now defunct McLaren LS didn't work. The car was sold with the blower in the trunk! The blower discussion has gone on ad- nauseam here, and other venues.

There is NO supercharger/chip/turbo or any other such device available for the LS. There IS hope that the blower from the S-Type will work, but even that appears to be a stretch.

rgnmstr · February 2004

Group, I've been smelling burning oil for the last month or so in my 2002 LS V8 Sport which has 53,000 miles. It's noticable after being stopped at a light or some other sitting at idle situation. I went with my son who nees a car to test drive a 2000 LS V8 Sport. It had the same smell when we returnd from the test drive. We told the dealer (Ford) about it and he said he would check it out. Next day he said it was a leaking valve cover gasket. I read a couple of other posts on the topic. Is this a known problem with all years (I wonder if this is also the problem with my 2002) and is there a TSB out on the issue stating that Lincoln will take care of the problem? I don't remember ever reading about this problem before. Thanks.

cwz · February 2004

I just got my 00 V8 Sport back yesterday from valve cover gasket replacement. Certainly the Lincoln dealer is aware of the problem as they knew the likely cause of the burning smell and they said they have replace a couple of them already. It appears the out of stock position has been cleared up as I took it in on Monday and they had it back to me on Wednesday. Also lucky to have Jim Rodgers and his group (Lincoln) give me extended warranty back when I was having extensive tranny problems in that it covered the gasket replacement with a $50 deductible. Not sure if Lincoln is covering this or TSB'g it for out of warranty situations?

nvbanker · February 2004

I've only heard of the 00 having the leaky valve cover problem.

v8lincolnguy · February 2004

My 01 LS V8 does that and I too suspect the valve covers as it fits the symptoms exactly. I haven't had the chance to take the care in yet, but I plan to very soon. Mine is still under warranty so it should be covered. From what I've read here and in another LS owners discussion board is that is a common problem on 00s and 01s and has surfaced on the 02s as well.

nvbanker · February 2004

Well, Jags have always leaked....

I guess it's in the genes.

carjim · February 2004

Readers might enjoy seeing some of Lincoln's early trademarks (badges) on the Blue Oval News site. They had a leaping greyhound as a hood ornament. Interesting.

alphanstein · February 2004

I found this a nice and interesting read, even hilarious in a couple of spots. I like Edmunds approach on this and recommend it to others:
http://www.edmunds.com/dcm/editorial/articles/confession.pdf

dwp22 · February 2004

This board has been quiet recently so I decided to add my two cents.

I bought my 2003 LS V8 Sport last July (medium steel blue). I found this board afterwards and have enjoyed eaves-dropping for a few minutes after lunch each day. I appreciate the expertise that can be found here.

desertguy · February 2004

Does Lincoln still promote and offer a limited membership to the LS Owner's Club when you buy a new LS? I hope they still do.

lobsenza · February 2004

Yes. See the 04 brochure.

kelleyo · March 2004

Where's everyone?

leadfoot4 · March 2004

We've been shoveling the snow out of the driveway for the previous 4-5 weeks, and that's tiring. But now that we've had a few warm days, we're washing the winter grime off the cars. (there's so much grime, this gets tiring too!!)

captaindisco · March 2004

Is it just me or should I find a new service center?

My transmission felt like it was slipping. As advised by the owners manual, I took it to the dealer to have level checked.

The dealer said they couldn't check it because they couldn't get the plug out because it was stripped. I asked them if they could use an easy-out/vice gripps/drill but they said it was so bad that I needed a new trans pan. I asked to make sure that when they pull the pan, they still check the fluid level to see if that's what my problem was.

I get the car back after a week. The plug that was "stuck" in the pan is out and missing and they didn't check the level. I also think it was the drain plug that they fixed which doesn't seem like the proper one to access to check the level.

Should I be upset?

akirby · March 2004

Yes, you should.

v8lincolnguy · March 2004

Lets see, last Thursday we had about 5 inches of wet snow and by Saturday it was sunny and warm enough to wash the LS in a short sleeve shirt. While the snows have been minimal here this winter, my LS had it's share of grime. Basically from not being washed other than an occasional autonmatic car wash if I happen to stop for gas at a station that has the touchless units. The car sure looked good with it's clearcoat sparkling and the alloys shinning once again. Can't wait for more warmer weather so I can give her a fresh coat of Zaino.

cdnpinhead · March 2004

those Lincoln dealers/service departments?

Having the kind of experience captaindisco had helps explain (yet again) why the LS has quite a ways to go to inspire loyalty in more than 50 or so zealots.

nvbanker · March 2004

I've not seen a car with more owner loyalty than the LS. What are you talking about?

Lincoln LS

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