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tidester, host
PLASTIC CLADDING: I doubt very much you can delete it, it's pretty indemic to the design, as it has been since inception. You could, of course, modify it yourself at a body shop unless you're leasing. You may impact resale however. I have a friend like you. He had a Blazer, took it to the body shop, had every badge and piece of trim removed, and repainted the truck. Looks very plain to me. Personally, I like the look of the cladding - it's tastefully done IMO. If it didn't flutter in the wind. whole different subject.
* Tire pressure monitoring system now standard
* Optional AdvanceTrac™ now features Roll Stability Control
* Front tweeter speakers
* New exterior colors: Merlot, True Blue, Light French Silk
* New interior colors: Light Parchment with Dark Stone accents, Dove Gray with Granite accents
In any case, it sounds like the Navi is getting better each year.
Mazda's group effort, is 4-cylinder engineering.
Land Rover's, truck-like, SUV-like technology (not yet phased in, in any form)
Aston Martin's The extreme parts/ideas that will trickle many years later to other Ford brands.
Jaguar's, sophisticated techonology/engineer, that will later trickle down. Etc.
Anybody heard of updates on the brake dust problem that Ford is addressing, free of charge for us?
Ford led for top Make Loyalty at 57.6%.
Fullsize SUV Lincoln Navigator at 31.9%.
Other notes pertaining to Ford vehicles....
Fullsize Pickup Truck Ford F-Series 38.0%
Compact Pickup Truck Ford Ranger 24.0%
Luxury Car Lincoln Town Car 42.9%
Midsize Car Mercury Sable 31.5%
Small Car Ford Focus 26.9%
Out of those, the Navi and Sable are the 2 "new" one's which topped their segments this year over last year, where as the other's listed were already winners in their segments last year.
If the features keep coming and the reliability of the gee-whiz gadgets holds up then Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, etc had better start worrying. C'mon Lincoln, let's make those other car company sweat a little!!
I wouldn't risk it though. If your a bit worried about the fuel milage, but like the size of the vehicle and it fits your needs, you could always get a loaded Expedition Eddie Bauer. Just a thought ;-)
You need a 6 cylinder Mountaineer....
For those of you who have the sliding running boards, what are the pro's and con's with that? And, would you highly recommend the auto liftgate?
Also, do Navigators have the option of a bench seat for the second row or are they all bucket seats with the console?
Thanks, Mark156
You can get a 2nd row bench seat, which is what I got. The other configuration with the console is nice, but seems to really cut down the utility of the seating in the truck. I know, you only lose one seat, but I also took one home with a console, and opted against that.
It's a lot bigger than the XC-90. Did you consider an Aviator as well?
On the liftgate: I find this option to be indespensible. You'll never have to lug open and close a heavy trunk again. If you are going to keep your Navigator in the garage (like me) you'll have to be careful that the liftgate does not hit the garage door top.
Power fold seats are a nice touch but open and close a bit too slowly for my tastes. The fact that they fold completely FLAT and disappear when not needed makes this THE best 3rd row design ever -period.
In case you are worried about the gadgets breaking remember Lincoln has a 4year/48,000 bumper to bumper warranty AND you get complimentary maintenance for the first three years.
Lincoln has some awesome deals out there right now- check their website for details.
If you want to save some $$ try out a loaded Expedition -- same size, similar features, but MUCH less cushy inside. Aviator is nice too, but lots smaller.
Good Luck!
I'm am leaning towards the Lincoln Nav. the more I read about it. I wanted to get one when they first came out in '98 but went with the second Jeep Grand Cherokee and then with the 2002 ML500 with the third seat option, bi-xenons, parktronic, etc.
I really want the comfort of the Lincoln and all of the "American" toys that come with it.
Does the Navigation system work well? My Mercedes is excellent and has 9 disks to cover the US. Also I have the front and rear parktronic that I'm addicted to. Do they have front parktronic on the Lincoln?
On the automatic side rail, does it seem like dirt, grime and sand could damage the unit? Do you have to be really careful to keep it clean?
It's nice to chat with you guys who really know your vehicles.
Mark
My impression was that the running boards could handle about anything. They seemed tough and reliable, not subject to problems. That wasn't why I didn't get them.
I'm not aware of parktronic in the front being available until 2004. It has it in the back.
Parktronic -- Mark, I LOVE the rear sensors on my Gator, and whenever I drive a vehicle without it I miss the beep-beep security blanket tremendously. Ditto with NVbanker that 03's do not have it in front -- but he states that they are adding them to the front for '04 --that would be fantastic if they did!
Navigation system: I have the CD based navigation system and when compared to my wife's lexus DVD-based system, the DVD Nav has better graphics, and inputting data is easier on the touchscreen. The accuracy of the data and the voice prompts are both the same quality (they'll both drive you into a canal sometimes if you are not careful, this technology is NOT perfect by any means). In the CD system, I like the fact that it has radio preset buttons separate form the navigation controls. On the DVD system you have to switch between audio and navigation to change stations (of course, you can just change stations from the steering wheel too). BUT, the new system is voice activated AND you have the CD changer behind the navigation screen, not on the passenger side foot well. If I had the choice now I would get the DVD system. They've only been making the DVD system as of March so unless you are buying a gator that has sat in the lot a looong time, you won't even find it anymore.
If you want to take a look at the '03 owners manual for details on all the gadgets click on the link below. If you have high speed internet it will come up instantly as an ADOBE file, otherwise it may take a few minutes.
https://web.msslib2.dealerconnection.com/RightSite/getcontent/myf- ile.pdf?DMW_OBJECTID=09000c588037e84c
For pricing, I have used carsdirect.com. You can input the features you want, your zip code and it will spit out a deal instantly, INCLUDING all available rebates, incentives, etc. If you hate haggling just take this number to the dealership and they'll match it. Or better yet, buy it through carsdirect and they do all the work for you.
Happy driving (sorry about the long post)!
I want a luxury vehicle that is reliable, quiet, reliable, powerful, reliable and roomy... is that too much to ask?
Ford, are you listening? M.
Mark 156: Even though I LOVE the size and features of my gator I also wish they had less issues associated with them. At least I take comfort knowing that my dealer takes care of any problems that creep up. I do not think any car can be perfect but so far I've had the following issues in 6 months: suspension issues, body cladding noise, side mirrors act crazy at times, brake dust on front rims (YUCK), excessive steering wheel vibration.
Please note that ALL of these items have been fixed by my dealership to my satisfaction (except brake dust -- still waiting on a free Ford fix for that one).
If you are looking for a bullet-proof lux SUV I recommend the Lexus LX 470. IMO it has the most luxurious interior, it drives like pure silk, and its reliability seems to be top-notch. I've been sooo close to getting one on several occasions, but the Navigator has extra features that the LX does not have such as fold flat and roomy third row seats, a power liftgate, HID lights, power running boards, and parking assist. These features, combined with the larger size, and smaller $$$$ made me go for the gator instead. Overall I am happy with my choice. What will my next truck be?? The jury is still out on that one.
What changes for the good or bad will I find going from the 02 to an 03. I had a 99 as well and loved both the 99/02, excpet for the times it was in shop.
Also anyone experience a buyback. What exactly will happen, can I get options on it that were not on my 02. Emails welcomed as well
risp73@aol.com
thanks
jenerallee: You are owed a sub-woofer, unless your Gator was a rental previously, and doesn't have the Alpine system. The Alpine said so on the Cassette door. Some rentals were sent out sans the CD jockey - perhaps some were made without the Alpine too?
gatorgirl: I've not noticed much wind noise at high speed - this truck is quieter than my 99 was.
dad: I think you'll love the Ford buyback. I've never encountered a car company that handles these issues better. They will likely give you a new 03 off the lot that you pick out, or build you one if they don't have what you want. If you choose one comparably equipped, and you're leased or financed with Ford Credit, the loan or lease will continue likely as it is. If you want to upgrade, or would like to refinance due to more favorable rates now, they'll work with you. My experience is, they will make you very happy.
They they'll take your old truck and send it somewhere to be autopsied to find out why it has failed. It will become an engineer's cadaver.
I just finished a week in the mountains with my Navigator, and I couldn't be more pleased. It exceeded my expectations, and I expected a lot after 4 flawless years with my old 99. This one is even tighter and much more agile rock climbing than the old one. The Independent Rear Suspension is delightful in stepping over rocks and holes. Never even came close to scraping, and I used to in the old one on this road once in a while. It never got stuck. Ran like a champ, and seemed to stay at high ground clearance most of the time on the mountain, even when at rest, unless it was pretty level. Nice feature. After bumping it around on the worst imaginable roads, and some non-roads for a week, putting it back on the highway and feeling zero ill effects gave me a lot of confidence in the new body & suspension. One real difference, the new rack & pinion steering gives you a ton of feedback on the road, or non-road surface. More than I need, but it's ok. You can really "feel" the twists & turns of the road. Car & Driver think that's a good thing. I am amazed at how tight and substantial the new body is. If there was going to be a rattle develop, this week should have done it. It's as solid as ever.
After 6000 miles, and a very hard week off road, I'm extremely pleased. It's a great truck for the money.
I don't think this is a good idea - do you?
If they do drop it it would be a shame -- what do thirty six months of free maintenance come to $$-wise for your typical Navigator -- five hundred bucks, a thousand?? I'm not sure. It would however, be one less incentive to buy a gator that unfortunately some feel are not as reliable as import lux suv's. BUT.. if they keep improving the quality, features and styling of the Navigator they won't need any incentives at all and people will buy them anyway.
Lincoln, drop the free maintenance -fine, but you better keep improving the quality of your craftsmanship!
Things are tight all over. Volkswagen is cutting 4,000 jobs in Brazil.
tidester, host