Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
If so, that makes it a great buy. I know that until I walk into my particular dealer and give it a shot, I will really not know for sure. But I am curious how close some of you got to invoice.
Thanks
* Tire-pressure monitoring system now standard
* Available AdvanceTrac™ with Roll Stability Control (4x2 only; 4x4 late availability)
* Upgraded DVD-based voice-activated navigation system with touch screen and in-dash six-disc changer
* New exterior colors: Dark Blue Pearl, Light French Silk
* New interior color: Dove Gray
premium awd package 210 A
I paid 47,470 plus tax
with factory moonroof, dvd navigation, advance trac, factory rear entertainment, and factory trailer tow
And zero financing for sixty months.
I was quite pleased with the deal.
ps thanks for all the usefull and intersting info Ant
We have only driven 137 miles with this car and my wife and I literally have to toss a coin to see who drives 3 miles to BlockBluster. We love it.
Pros:
-Great power (always first car out after red light :-) )
-Excellent turning radius
-Car like drive (great balance btw sporty and smooth ride)
-Estimated Operating costs are lower or the same as many other SUV's (internet comparison)
-Interior: setup and white back-lights are perfect.
Cons:
-MPG is average (note that average is a relative term. Dont compare a sedan's MPG to an SUV's MPG. As far as SUV's go, the Aviator's MPG is simply average at 13/18).
-To get to 3rd row you have to folder 1 of the 2nd row seats forward. When folding the seat back down it rubs against the seat belt lock. Not a biggie, just worried that it will damage the seat more quickly.
I would have loved to see
-Auto dimming mirror
-Front passenger window should have all features as driver window ... (like just pressing once to get the window all the way down or up)
-Standard AdvanceTrac (the philosophy to build 2 cars, 1 safer than the other, still blows me away. Why not just make all your cars as safe as possible and leave the "luxury" stuff as options.)
-Sensors for the front of the car (dont laugh). I am not used to an SUV, so when parking, its harder to see just how close I am to the vehicle in front of me. A sensor that works only at less then 10MPH would help :-)
-Fold flat 2nd and 3rd row seats. Not almost flat, but FLAT. And I dont want to have to remove the seat cushion either. Volvo XC90 is a perfect example of this.
FYI:
We also test drove the Volvox XC90 (average interior, not as much power for us) and Acura MDX (too plain and boring in all respects).
Didnt like the shape of the Nissan Murrano and Infiniti FX45/FX35, and the BMW X5 only had 5 seats.
Also, as far as front parking sensors go, I've used the system on the Lexus LS430 Ultra and it DOES help... I hope Lincoln puts 'em on all of their SUV's in the future.. ditto on the auto up/down feature on the window switches.
Awesome deal on an awesome car.
Oh, and the car came with auto dimming rear view mirror. All the aviators at my dealer had this standard....
How much below invoice-incentives was that price? As far as the self dimming mirror, did they all have the navigation package? That is the only way to get the mirror from the factory.
I got financing at 4.09 which made more sense than the 0% for me.In the long run, i actually pay less with a down payment...
Zach
I would say something "Tahoe size" closest would be a Expy or Navi since they are fullsize SUV's like the Tahoe. As for something smaller, it would be Midsize SUV's, Explorer/Mountaineer/Aviator.
Benefit of the Ex/Mt/Avi over the competition, is being able to give you three rows of seating, (and a usable 3rd row seat) in a compact size of 188-190in. length. Where as for example, the Chevy Trailblazer XL can match the seating capacity, but by adding over a foot of length, and then some at @211in. (Last I remember) to be able to fit the same.
And if you prefer the seating attributes and overall package of the Avitor, but prefer car based, I highly recommend the Volvo XC90 as well.
Overall, I do not believe I've heard major complaints about the vehicle in this, or any other forum. If anything I think the most we have discussed has been minor things, or additions/gadgets people would like to see standard in the future, etc.
My major pet peeve was wanting a grey interior (not that I need an Avi), and that I already knew would be taken care of soon enough, with this years addition of Dove Grey.
Zach
I love that SUV and your forum here lets all know that you have a better than average chance of being satisfied with the Aviator.
Mr. zach #715 the kitty hawk has a black seat with parchment panels unlike the regular Av.
The wife just loves it and finds it not to big and easy to drive.
It's just the little things that irk one like the mirror bit and I would still like a digital clock on my radio in addition to the retro one.
On that note, does anyone know if the Mito Corp. Gentex NVS mirror would fit our Aviators.
It seems to have all we want in a rear view (auto dimming, compass, outside temp and ice indicator and even map lights which we would not need) mitocorp.com .
Also a chrome grille and lower insert by j-jent.com under new products, looks great.
I think they also have running board trim strips.
Any way I am totally satisfied and for a first year production unit, what more can you say?
Geniaho.
Our assessment: Again, the Toyota was total junk. Didn't really like 1 thing about it. The Lincoln was a HUGE surprise. I had never really given them consideration before. Both the wife and I really liked the car. We also drove the Landrover, and both the wife and I were pretty disappointed. Like I said, I always wanted one, but after driving the Lincoln (which my wife thanked me for doing, after we drive the Landrover) we both agreed that the Lincoln was significantly better for the type of driving we'd be doing. We both really like the Lexus, but they seemed to be around $8000 more than the Lincoln we were looking at, and I didn't see that difference. Very nice truck. Really liked the inside, nice and quiet, etc. But not really $8000 difference over the Lincoln.
Noticed a few small things like the manual seat positioning, etc, like you have mentioned, but they aren't deal breakers. I just got out of a $400/month Jeep lease, which I was used to after putting down a substaintial down-payment in the form of a trade-in. Now, not having a trade-in or not wanting to part with thousands and thousands in savings, I am surprised at how much a monthly payment can be, after running some numbers on the ~$42,000 Aviator. We'll probably also check out the Honda Pilot, even though I realize they're not in the same category, but we're already nervous about buying versus leasing, and am feeling the Honda might be a better long term purchase, for reliability and re-sale.
Anyway, enough rambling. Thanks for the info on this board about the Avaitor. We'll make a decision in the next month or two and will definitely be back to drive the Aviator once more before then. Just wanted to say that we were really, pleasantly surprised about the vehicle and really happy that we took the time to stop in and check it out.
Aaron
One more thing I forgot to mention was the rear seat of the Avaitor. Both the wife and I really like the split rear seat, i.e. not the bench seat. Seemed to break it up nicely, and then you still have the 3rd row should you need to carry more people. Just curious people's opinions about this seat.
Also, for those of you who know Lincoln, when do they usually come out with the new models? We really like the Aviator and especially like the 0% financing deal. I would like to wait as long as possible, maybe until early this fall, and get a 2003 Aviator at invoice, plus using the 0% financing deal. Is this a feasible plan? Anyone see any problems with it?
Thanks, Aaron
I have a few questions for you knowledgeable people.
1) I have been told by one dealership that the "high altitude principle use" is a factory-installed item while another dealer (with a very similar Aviator on his lot) says that it is not. What is correct?
2) I am debating on whether to buy a 2003 or 2004. Does anyone know the answer to this scenario...several insurance companies have not been able to tell me...
If Nick buys a 2003 tomorrow and Bob buys a 2004 in October. They both total their Aviators the same day. Nick has 4000 miles on his 2003 and Bob has only 150 miles on his 2004. What would be the difference in the reimbursement by the insurance company?
3) Is the new 2004 dove grey interior lighter or darker than the medium ash?
4) Edmund's has a new 2004 option listed as "roof rail crossbar" for $60. What is this and is it really different for the 2004?
5) What is a reasonable expected price increase for the 2004?
Thanks,
Al
I also just found out that my aviator will be made on the 14th of this month and will be delivered on the 28th. This is pretty disappointing considering the order got to Lincoln on the 20th of May.
Now, the answer to your financing question. I had the same concern and I was told by a salesman in Arizona that at the time of the order, they should have an agreement sheet that states that you will be able to lock in the incentives for the promotional period or, if the incentives get better the next month, get the new promotion. The salesman said it's done to protect the buyer during the wait time b/c you actually have committed to buying it by putting down a deposit (barring a major disaster when it's delivered).
Anyway, you should be guaranteed the best promotion by signing that form.
Another question...my salesman is saying the incentive is $3K/0%, even though the commercials and the llincoln.com site have $4k/0%+$1K. What are you being told?
Al
I'm locked into no less than 3400 in rebates right now. I am eligible for the 400 recent graduate rebate and if I can get the 4000+400 then I'll be pretty content. I'll let you know what I find out as soon as my sales guy calls me.
mike
0% for 60 months** plus $1000 Bonus Cash
OR UP TO
$4000 cash back***
in the fine print it mentions a $500 AARP bonus which also appears under the LS, but not the Av.
Go figure.
My local dealer called me yesterday and offered a lease for 2% above invoice plus the $3000 rebate (which now may be $4000) and the $1000 Ford Credit. I did not know if this was in line with what you guys are experiencing..........Bill
My wife wants to wait a few months and then look for a used 2002-2003 truck with maybe 5-10K miles. At the rate they are selling these Avaitors now, I'm thinking that it will be cheaper to buy new now, than getting a used one later. What do you guys think?
Aaron
mike
so far after 3 weeks there have been no major issues. We missed a scratch on the rear bumper while inspecting the car so we took the car in, got another Avi as a loaner, and got our Avi back the next day.
We are still barely getting 11 mpg. This is probably bcuz we only drive 18 miles to AND from work daily. Not much highway use yet.
Nonetheless, the truck is excellent.
I have 2 regrets though: First is not getting the AdvanceTrac option. For only $800 more it seemed worth it. Second, is not getting a 2004 model. Edmunds (last I checked) only showed a $300 price difference. I guess we could have waited 3 more months. I mean, in 5 years the price difference btw. a 2003 and 2004 will be much more than $300.
This got me to looking back on our car buying journey. After deciding on what SUV to buy, I called dozens of dealers and picked the cheapest one. However, we sort of lost some bargaining power since he knew they were the cheapest. In addition, we were just tired of going back and forth with different dealers. So my advice to anyone buying a car is first decide on what you want (down to every last option). You generally know what you can afford and have a rough estimate of what cars cost. Then in a relatively short period of time, start your attack. :-) I say this bcuz if the negotiating process is drawn out too long, you tend to get frustrated and this could cost you $$$. Anyway, good luck.
On a final note, TEST DRIVE THE AVIATOR. We did just by chance. The ride and feeling you get really makes this a top contender.
1) Better to get the low priced aviator or the higher end mountaineer;
2) is awd actually necessary, I live in northeast ohio and the winters are moderate, is it worth the extra cost as well as the slightly reduced gas milage considering the weight of the vehicle seems to be enough;
3) I know the rebate of 3k and the cash back of 1k are there but is there dealer incentive available and if so can I also have that applied under the x-plan.
I am not sure if I plan on leasing or buying.
Your thoughtful insights would be deeply appreciated. TXS.
Al
2) As to the Aviator/Mountaineer choice, I own a 2002 Mountaineer. My friend has a new Aviator. There is no comparison, even with the shared basic platform. The engine is a HUGH difference, the feel and steering is way better in the Aviator, and everything about how it drives feels different. I would opt for the Aviator if I could afford it every time. The high end Mountaineer is a nice car, no complaints. But the Aviator is really in a class by itself.
It's a set price by Ford for friends and family. The other plan is called the A-plan which is only for immediate family of Ford employees. The X-plan is good b/c you sometimes get close to dealer invoice or below.
For example, The A-plan gives about 15% discount while the X-plan is about half of that. This is where you will start when you tell the dealer you want to purchase on the X-plan. There is no negotiation because Ford sets the price.
For example, when you ordered your vehicle, there should have been three prices: dealer invoice, A-plan price, and X-plan price. Like I said before the X-plan gives you a price close to invoice to start with and you still get all of the incentives whether you take the cash, finance, or lease.
This is where the real benefit comes in. I'm sure that you could negotiate a better deal on an Aviator that has been on the lot for a while but highly unlikely on one that is ordered. According to my cousin at Ford, the Ford plans are designed to give you the best deal with no hassle. If someone does get a lower price, it's because the dealers are losing money and need to push inventory. This makes sense right now b/c Aviator sales are slow. Lincoln expects to sell 30,000 of these this year yet they are only at about 9,000. From what I understand, most dealers won't come down on the price if it's ordered. Also, where I am (OKC), the Aviators were either fully loaded or stripped. There were really none in-between. So our salesman looked for about 2 weeks and couldn't find what we wanted. He basically gave up and we ended up ordering it. Hope this helps.
The Aviator has more power than our 2000 Expedition with the 5.4 V8
On a grade, the Aviator will slow to about 48 MPH before downshifting and accelerating back up to 60 MPH. The Expedition slowed to 42.
We towed on the straightaways (Wyoming) at 75 MPH 3200 RPM and averaged 7.5 MPG.
The air conditioning shuts off at 4000 RPMs (to prevent overheating?) Very annoying on a hot day.
The cruise control shuts off when the Aviator loses 10 MPH and WILL NOT DOWNSHIFT (to 3rd gear) on its own. This is a major flaw.
A 22 gallon fuel tank is too small! We had to refuel every 150 miles (premium fuel, 7.5 MPG, Ouch!)
Overall, it towed quite well, despite its short wheelbase.