Could it be that on "koury"'s liftgate that the rag was not "sensed" but rather he shifted the Navi into gear before the gate was completly latched. I know I have done this several times and the gate will lift up immediately when the truck is shifted into gear even if it is closed but no completely latched. It has some kind of 2 second or so delay when the gate closes while it latches.
auburn96 - great point, but that's not what happened. I lowered the liftgate via the FOB and didn't back the Navi out of the garage for about 10 minutes (I went back into the house for something). FYI - I've had your situation happen a couple times where I shift into gear before the gate was fully locked, only to havve it come back up. Gotta be real careful on that one - I started driving with it open once. I'm surprised my wife still lets me drive the damn thing.
For those of you who have the auto liftgate, would you still buy that option if you had the choice again? Sounds like it's very sensitive. I'm surprised that it re-opens up when put the vehicle in gear. What is the purpose of re-opening when you put it in gear? I don't get it.
Seems like it would close if you put it in gear or at least give a warning sound that the gate is open.
Mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
Oh, definitely, I would buy it again. It's not only a cool option, but very very convenient. You approach the car with your golf bag, hit the fob, the door goes up. You don't have to set your stuff down first to open the back. Your friends are way impressed....etc. Mine has started working properly again, so we'll see. But even if it needs repair at some point, I'm covered, and wouldn't want to be without this option. I feel the same about the power folding seats too.
Have the 02 Navigator and it sounds like plastic rattling in the wind at highway speeds in the driver's door. Anyone had this problem? If so what did you do to correct? I also replaced the Continentals with 265 70 17 Michelins and the ride is so much better.
nvbanker: As a survivor of the power liftgate problem, I can tell you that the intermittent problem you're experiencing may get worse as mine did until the motors,liftgate shocks, and liftgate computer module are replaced. A field service engineer had to be called to assess this malfunction since the dealer's diagnostic computer did not pick up the one defective motor and service managers could not duplicate the problem. Keep in mind that one working motor can do double duty and keep the liftgate functioning here and there.
Hope you have a better experience in getting it fixed. It was certainly worth the trouble because now the liftgate works smoothly every time.
Thanks, lani: I remember your experience. Since it's not chronic, (although, I had to force it yesterday), I'm waiting a while to take it in. Figure the dealer may have some experience with it by then.
blackrhino: The fix for the 03 is to remove them, and put some kind of foam behind them. Works great, by the way.
I was looking at used Navigator pricing on cars.com and saw many used 2003's for under 40K. This despite my impression, based in part on the Edmunds TMV data, that new Navigators aren't heavily discounted and don't sell for the "invoice plus $100, less all rebates" deals that we see on various boards.
If the resale is this low, a mint 2003 could be a real steal. I think that you could pick up a used 2003 Nav with a lot more equipment, albeit with 10K miles for maybe 2K more than a new, loaded Eddie Bauer. And, lest anyone is worried about the mileage, you get a free 4th year of factory warranty with the Lincoln.
(Incidentally, do they badge Navigators to differentiate the Ultimate from the others? What is different about the monocromatic package vs. simply a black Nav? Seemingly, everything is black to begin with, except for the chrome which stays. Finally, I hope you Nav owners have picked up on the price differences in the same options on a EB vs. a Nav. Does it really cost that much more to cut the hole for the sunroof in the Nav?)
I will confess, b.i.g., that the main reason I buy the Navigator vs. the EB Expedition (twice now), is the dealer here. The treatment between the Ford store "(you gonna buy it now? ok, then you can test drive the car, but only around the block, and only right turns, and I have to drive it off the lot, sir)" and the Lincoln Store, "(why don't you take it home for the weekend and see how you like it, sir)" is like night & day. I know I pay too much for the wood steering wheel. However, with the 03, you really get a totally different car inside, even though a moonroof is a moonroof. Oh, and the engine on the Lincoln has a much nicer engine.
If you can find a slightly used one for thousands less, you would be a smart man to buy it.
I'll second nvbanker's reason for going with Lincoln vs the EB Expedition because of the night and day treatment by dealers. I had to have my Navi liftgate window replaced and took it in as part of the first routine maintenance visit. When I picked it up, the window broke while opening it, causing a big gash in the paint. There were also tons of other scratch marks in the paint caused by the glass repair company. When I pointed it out to the dealer, they immediately gave me a loaner, sent it to an auto body shop, had the back completely re-painted to the point where it was perfect, all done at no charge and NO HASSLE. Try getting that kind of service from a Ford dealer.
I'll also pint out that I purchased my LS from this dealer 4 years ago, and every time I've gone for service, the rep who sold me both cars makes sure to greet me, ask me how everything is, etc. etc. - even if he's with someone else. It's always the red carpet treatment.
This past weekend, I went up to Chicago to visit a buddy of mine and since we're both car nuts, we headed over to the Lincoln store to check out the Navigator. I told my friend that I might consider an '04 model in a couple of months.
Well, this dealer had four '03 units to look at. One had the "monochrome" paint job on a black one. Have you seen the prices of the "monochrome" paint job? ($1,200) There is so little paint, personally, I couldn't justify paying that much for something that doesn't look all that different.
Two disappointments I found. 1) The sunvisors don't slide out once you position them on the side.
There is a four inch gap where the sun will fry the side of your face. It happened to me on my '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My '96 Jeep Grand had sliding visors and I assumed the '99 would but found out after I bought it that it didn't. When the 2000 Jeep came out with sliding visors, I paid $300 to have mine replaced with the sliding ones. I drive across country during the winter months and the positiong of the sun will fry you if you don't have an adequate visor.
I hope the '04 Navigator will change the visor to be fully functional. If not, I might have to look at another vehicle and I was getting so excited about the Navigator. Darn!
Also, 2) I found that "Big" sliding door covering the radio on the dash a little awkward to close. You have to pull it out then push down to close. Have any of you had the door break?
Other than those couple of things I mentioned, I'm impressed with everything else about the Navigator.
Mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
Nvbanker, your're right. I think that as we get older, at least in my case, we are less tolerant of the shuck'n jive at the domestic stores. That IMHO is one reason why people buy the imports.
In addition to better customer service and more standard features not available on the EB (32 valve engine, longer warranty, much much nicer interior), I also like the monocromatic paint schemes. The two tone EB, with gold as the contrasting tone, is IMHO awful.
So, what do you think is the correct "striking" price for a used 2003 Nav? Lets assume that a used 2003 EB will be 33K. In other words, how much more would you pay for a used Nav?
Mark156, speaking of monocromatic, what is exactly monocromatic about the black monocromatic edition? I thought that a basic black Nav was all black anyway (except for the crome which stays). So what is different for the $1200?
First, I was not aware that the "solid" color was even available. So, what I saw was that the "grey" plastic around the step and on the rear/front bumpers is painted black. It really didn't look all that different than a regular Navigator. In my opinion, I wouldn't pay extra from what I saw. I didn't notice anything else different although there could have been something I didn't catch. For $1,200, I would rather have the normal paint scheme.
The black Navigator that I looked at had the rear DVD player, navigation system, chrome wheels, wood enhancement on the dash/steering/console, electric third seat, auto liftgate and the monochrome paint... listed for just over $61,000.
I'm still disappointed on those sunvisors. (
I will not go to GM! I just might get the new Mercedes E-class wagon.
Mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
And risk owning the "worst deteriorating car in the industry" according to the JD Power long term ratings? I think not!! Personally extendo sunvisors never were a hot button with me. Now, electronic Climate control is way important to me, and kept me out of a GM SUV for a long time, even the Escalade which initially, didn't offer it. As for the "big door" in the Navigator dash. No problems so far. It's kind of useless, but it works fine. I think it should be power assisted, personally. It's just too much effort to manually close it!!
Got a link? The E Class wagon reliability looks pretty good from our JD Power ratings: link. Are they just dumping the sedan in with the wagons and that's bringing the ratings up?
The Navigator ratings look pretty darn good too: link
Ok so let me get this... everything is great about the vehicle, but because it doesn't have extended sunvisors, that's enough to put it out of the shopping list? Ya know, there's always after market one's, and without all those "idiotic warning" labels on them as well. I've always replaced mine because of the stupid Airbag warning labels on them.
ANT14, I know it must sound crazy to "X" off a vehicle just because of the sunvisors. I had to "X" of the Volvo wagon too because of non-moving sunvisors.
When I drive across country in the winter months, the sun is in a very low position. Either me or my front passenger are blinded/burned by the sun coming in that "vacant" spot where the sunvisor stops and the B pillar starts (about four inches). I've never seen an after market sunvisor that would replace a factory visor.. I don't want a "make-do" visor when I'm spending $60K for vehicle. If it's a perfect replacement, then I would consider it. Where do you find them?
While in Chicago, I stopped by the VW dealer to see the new Touareg. I was impressed with the interior styling and layout. They offer rear heated seats on the V8. Only if it had a third seat. (
Have a great day! Mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
For my car, I had a friends mother do them. She's good with the sewing machine, so I always give her the material and make her remove those dreaded airbag/No children on front passenger seat/Vehicle might tip because it's tall... warnings labels found on them.
As for the sun, I can't say I've had an issue with that. Although in Miami, driving to the suburbs requires you driving west in the full afternoon sun. I've learned a trick on programming the seat at a higher level, and not AS reclined, I'm able to work around that issue IF the sun visors do not do their job.
At one time on another vehicle, I replaced the sun visors with one of another model within Ford's range. Many of the parts are interchangable. Or even some other manufacturer's. Just take a look at other's vehicles, and you can always buy them off their parts department.
Ant, homemade sunvisors? I don't think so. What about the vanity mirror? Is it covered up?
If Lincoln/Ford doesn't make a sliding visor I kinda doubt another manufacturer will work/fit properly. A $50K-$60K should have sliding visors. Even the little "extra" visor is OK but doesn't cover all of the way to the "A" Pillar. Do the car designers ever really check these things to see if they work?
When I'm driving across country (2000 miles), at 3:00-5:00 pm the sun starts hanging low and I'm not ready to stop at that time. The sun is pretty intense out West in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and in California. The same scenario happens in the early morning hours too.
I'm glad that you found a way around your "labeled" visor that works for you. I just want mine to slide because I don't care at all about the labels.
Just .02 worth. Mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
No the mirror flap that covered the mirrors and such, are all covered, but they open as well. In other words, it's just the fabric that's removed, and replaced with another one. She did them as if it came from the factory that way, no one is able to tell otherwise (till they see the lack of stupid stickers). It's just ONE of those things I alter on a vehicle that gets under my skin.
But you could find some in other aftermarket places, I have seen other people do this, and it even raised questions about: "What if you resell the vehicle, would the lack of stickers, or your removement of them make you liable if something were to happen". This on an article 2 years ago, pertaining to "Stupid stickers" in vehicles.
To me, the "deal breaker" is vehicles that have red interior instrumentation. And at one time I almost bought a BMW (years ago before current designer Chris Bangle hit them with an ugly stick). But I found out there was NO real way of replacing the red lightining, AND I couldn't replace each and every bulb/wire (which I was very willing in doing because the vehicle had very strong positive traits I liked). If I could alter it on my own, then I would have, being no other vehicle at that time possessed such traits I was looking for. I guess it depends how strong the positives of a vehicle might be.
The survey says: "Mercedes had 318 problems per 100 vehicles. Ivers said Mercedes' troubles were concentrated in its M-Class sport utility vehicle and its E-Class sedans, which accounted for roughly half its sales. The M Class has had a lot of problems since its launch," Ivers said. "The rate of deterioration on the E-Class is greater than on any other vehicle in the industry."
The first generation Expedition (and probably Nav) air bags were problematic (and the Range Rover bags a 4K nightmare). Are the 2003 Nav/Expy bags OK? Does the board think that the air bags are the reason for the good ride?
I looked at the trunk /folded down third seat room in a 2003 Nav tonight in some detail. Looks to me like the lift- in height is higher to get over the folded seat and the overall distance from the folded seat (the "floor") to the roof must be a lot less than on say a Tahoe. This is only of concern to me because very occasionally I'll want to put a piece of equipment on a pallet into the back.
Interesting quote in there - are they saying that the E class ratings deteriorated more than any other car? Or the car quality deteriorated badly? Rather means the same thing I guess. Black eye either way.
Buick must be looking over their shoulder at Caddy and Lincoln; nice results for GM.
B.I.G: Part of the "low roof" is the overhead A/C, which is a WONDERFUL feature here in the heat. But it takes a couple of inches out, where I think the Tahoe puts the vents up there too, but on the sides. Haven't noticed the floor being too high either. Either way, the folding seat feature is something I wouldn't trade for anything now that I've had it. Maximum convenience. As for the ride, I don't know about the air bags relative contribution there, but I put 65,000 trouble free miles on my 99 Navigator, and had 0 trouble with the air bags.
STEVE: I took it from that quote, that the car deteriorated, but you may have a point> it says, "The rate of deterioration on the E-Class is greater"....so it could mean either, but it bodes badly either way, as you said. But to be fair, which I am loathe to do, I have 3 friends with 2000 E-Classes, and other than frequent brake relines, they haven't been that bad.
Does anyone know or has anyone had their CD based Navigation system changed to the DVD system. I saw the DVD system and it is much better IMHO than the CD based in my 03 Navigator...
will be expensive -- if it is even possible. I inquired with my dealer a few months back about doing that and they estimated around $2500 for the swap. I am very doubtful of that quote -- I was surprised they could even do it at all. I'm happy enough with the CD system, it does its job and has separate radio preset buttons (unlike the touchscreen system). I'd love to have the voice activation feature though.
I was purusing BlueOvalNews.com and came across a report of seat frames in 2003 Expeditions and Navigators that are rematurely rusting because Ford chose to save $1.11 per vehicle by just applying a rust inhibitor rather than painting them. I'd like to believe that Ford modified their procedures at some point during the model year, but the article doesn't indicate that.
my backlight sure doesn't. I managed to break it into a million pieces with the garage door yesterday. This should be fun to replace, with the hinges, struts, defroster contacts and wiper all integrated into the window. So, for the moment, there's a large bandage duct taped onto the back of my car. How humiliating!
I've been looking at 2000 Navigators, they seem to be a pretty good price. After reading through 100 of the comments, I really couldn't find much in the way of complaints on these SUV's. It seems I can get my hands on a 35k-45k mile 4x4 with AC seats, moonroof, 4x4, 32v Intech and the tow package at or under $25,000. I'm in, I'm sure I'll have one in the garage shortly.
I think you'll like it very much. I've had 2 now, and am very satisfied. Especially now that I can see out the back window again. BTW, that's a very easy glass to replace. It's engineered really smart. The glass guy was highly impressed.
2000 Black on tan, loads of options, heated and AC seats, Moonroof, turn signals in the mirrors, lighted running boards, tow pack, back up alarm, alpine stereo with a CD changer, split seats, new tires and brakes, chrome wheels, it seems the only things missing are the nav system and a DVD player! Immaculate car with 44,000 miles for $24,800. It's still under warranty so I can drive it for a few months and decide if I want to extend the factory warranty.
Well, I extended the warranty on my 99, and never used the factory warranty, and never used the extended warranty either! Fortunately, they rebated me back most of the cost of the extended warranty when I bought my 03. Congratulations! BTW, my 99 was Black on Tan too.
I love Black and Tan, but that Navigator is a lot of Black and Tan to keep clean! It looks cool though.
I have a few miles to decide if I need the extended warranty, I'm really not incline to purchase due to the high reliability of Ford Trucks (or any rwd V8 Ford). I'll pull the warranty history on the car and review it, if it's bad I'll buy the warranty if not I won't.
I checked a little bit and found you couldn't get the factory NAV or DVD system with the factory Moonroof at the time this one was produced. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't find all of the above but at least I know why. I guess I'd rather have the moonroof than know where I'm going.
Edmunds' Editors Review of the 2004 states that the tire-pressure monitor is a standard feature for the 2004, evidently in all models, yet Edmunds does not list it among the standard features. (The moonroof is newly a standard feature for 2004 by the way.) My local dealer cannot confirm whether it is standard or not, or doesn't want to bother. His on-line inventory of standard features does not list the tire-pressure monitor.
Can anyone confirm with certainty whether or not it is standard? Thanks.
Well, took a short trip to another state today, headwind was very strong, and I'm glad to say the Nav performed admirably. However, I lost my hitch cover in the back bumper. Have to assume it blew off in the excessive breeze (120 miles gross velocity between car speed and headwind speed). Or else, someone stole it, which I doubt - at least at that speed. I was very impressed with the power of the truck - the wind seemed to take little toll on the performance of the truck, other than to take the mileage down a notch or two.
nvbanker, thanks for your suggestion. The Premium is no more however. I checked the Luxury, and the tire-pressure monitor is not shown on Edmunds a either an option or standard feature for it either.
Does anyone here have an 04 who could settle this and/or do our hosts have access to info that could resolve this minor conundrum?
I would also like to know the type used on the Nav --- assuming it is there as an option or standard feature --- since there are at least two systems used for monitoring the tire pressure. One system is said to have a device within the tire, mounted on the rim I think, and the other is said to operate from the valve or valve stem. The latter, I have read, is not as reliable as the former. Also, as for the display, there are said to be at least two types, one showing only the fact that there is a tire which has abnormal pressure, not showing which tire it is however, and the other system showing which tire as well as more specific info, such as low/high or perhaps a pressure reading. I am not clear on these specifics and look forward to someone here correcting me or adding to this. Thanks.
The 4x4 models, according to Ford, "May exhibit a front axle groan of hum, and/or a slight vibration, when operated in 2 High mode." Ford noted that the condition is most prevalent on deceleration at speeds between 45 and 15 mph, but not in 4 High. The noise may be due to the front halfshafts rotating at different speeds from each other.
To eliminate the axle noise, Ford will install an S-spring into the front axle which would then allow the front half shafts to rotate at the same speed. The service is free under the provisions of the bumper to bumper warranty coverage and should take 1.7 hrs. to complete.
This is PART of the "Dont ask, we won't tell" secret warranty service, so you MUST bring it up to them, and if anything ask for Program: T-30604
Thanks for that link to the Editor's Review of the 2004 Navigator. That was the report I referred to in my original post, wherein I mentioned that it contradicts Edmunds' Standard Features page so to speak, in that the SF page doesn't mention the TPM, but neither is it shown as an option on those Edmunds pages for both the Ultimate and the Premium models. Furthermore, the Editors Review does not mention the now-standard moonroof, whereas the SF page does, which is not a problem since other sources also confirm that the moonroof is indeed a standard feature in 2004. The tire-pressure monitor still remains a mystery however. Thanks again.
Comments
Seems like it would close if you put it in gear or at least give a warning sound that the gate is open.
Mark156
Hope you have a better experience in getting it fixed. It was certainly worth the trouble because now the liftgate works smoothly every time.
blackrhino: The fix for the 03 is to remove them, and put some kind of foam behind them. Works great, by the way.
If the resale is this low, a mint 2003 could be a real steal. I think that you could pick up a used 2003 Nav with a lot more equipment, albeit with 10K miles for maybe 2K more than a new, loaded Eddie Bauer. And, lest anyone is worried about the mileage, you get a free 4th year of factory warranty with the Lincoln.
(Incidentally, do they badge Navigators to differentiate the Ultimate from the others? What is different about the monocromatic package vs. simply a black Nav? Seemingly, everything is black to begin with, except for the chrome which stays. Finally, I hope you Nav owners have picked up on the price differences in the same options on a EB vs. a Nav. Does it really cost that much more to cut the hole for the sunroof in the Nav?)
Any thoughts?
If you can find a slightly used one for thousands less, you would be a smart man to buy it.
I'll also pint out that I purchased my LS from this dealer 4 years ago, and every time I've gone for service, the rep who sold me both cars makes sure to greet me, ask me how everything is, etc. etc. - even if he's with someone else. It's always the red carpet treatment.
Well, this dealer had four '03 units to look at. One had the "monochrome" paint job on a black one. Have you seen the prices of the "monochrome" paint job? ($1,200) There is so little paint, personally, I couldn't justify paying that much for something that doesn't look all that different.
Two disappointments I found.
1) The sunvisors don't slide out once you position them on the side.
There is a four inch gap where the sun will fry the side of your face. It happened to me on my '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My '96 Jeep Grand had sliding visors and I assumed the '99 would but found out after I bought it that it didn't. When the 2000 Jeep came out with sliding visors, I paid $300 to have mine replaced with the sliding ones. I drive across country during the winter months and the positiong of the sun will fry you if you don't have an adequate visor.
I hope the '04 Navigator will change the visor to be fully functional. If not, I might have to look at another vehicle and I was getting so excited about the Navigator. Darn!
Also,
2) I found that "Big" sliding door covering the radio on the dash a little awkward to close. You have to pull it out then push down to close. Have any of you had the door break?
Other than those couple of things I mentioned, I'm impressed with everything else about the Navigator.
Mark156
In addition to better customer service and more standard features not available on the EB (32 valve engine, longer warranty, much much nicer interior), I also like the monocromatic paint schemes. The two tone EB, with gold as the contrasting tone, is IMHO awful.
So, what do you think is the correct "striking" price for a used 2003 Nav? Lets assume that a used 2003 EB will be 33K. In other words, how much more would you pay for a used Nav?
Mark156, speaking of monocromatic, what is exactly monocromatic about the black monocromatic edition? I thought that a basic black Nav was all black anyway (except for the crome which stays). So what is different for the $1200?
First, I was not aware that the "solid" color was even available. So, what I saw was that the "grey" plastic around the step and on the rear/front bumpers is painted black. It really didn't look all that different than a regular Navigator. In my opinion, I wouldn't pay extra from what I saw. I didn't notice anything else different although there could have been something I didn't catch. For $1,200, I would rather have the normal paint scheme.
The black Navigator that I looked at had the rear DVD player, navigation system, chrome wheels, wood enhancement on the dash/steering/console, electric third seat, auto liftgate and the monochrome paint... listed for just over $61,000.
I'm still disappointed on those sunvisors.
I will not go to GM! I just might get the new Mercedes E-class wagon.
Mark156
The Navigator ratings look pretty darn good too: link
Steve, Host
I know it must sound crazy to "X" off a vehicle just because of the sunvisors. I had to "X" of the Volvo wagon too because of non-moving sunvisors.
When I drive across country in the winter months, the sun is in a very low position. Either me or my front passenger are blinded/burned by the sun coming in that "vacant" spot where the sunvisor stops and the B pillar starts (about four inches). I've never seen an after market sunvisor that would replace a factory visor.. I don't want a "make-do" visor when I'm spending $60K for vehicle. If it's a perfect replacement, then I would consider it. Where do you find them?
While in Chicago, I stopped by the VW dealer to see the new Touareg. I was impressed with the interior styling and layout. They offer rear heated seats on the V8. Only if it had a third seat.
Have a great day! Mark156
As for the sun, I can't say I've had an issue with that. Although in Miami, driving to the suburbs requires you driving west in the full afternoon sun. I've learned a trick on programming the seat at a higher level, and not AS reclined, I'm able to work around that issue IF the sun visors do not do their job.
At one time on another vehicle, I replaced the sun visors with one of another model within Ford's range. Many of the parts are interchangable. Or even some other manufacturer's. Just take a look at other's vehicles, and you can always buy them off their parts department.
If Lincoln/Ford doesn't make a sliding visor I kinda doubt another manufacturer will work/fit properly. A $50K-$60K should have sliding visors. Even the little "extra" visor is OK but doesn't cover all of the way to the "A" Pillar. Do the car designers ever really check these things to see if they work?
When I'm driving across country (2000 miles), at 3:00-5:00 pm the sun starts hanging low and I'm not ready to stop at that time. The sun is pretty intense out West in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and in California. The same scenario happens in the early morning hours too.
I'm glad that you found a way around your "labeled" visor that works for you. I just want mine to slide because I don't care at all about the labels.
Just .02 worth. Mark156
But you could find some in other aftermarket places, I have seen other people do this, and it even raised questions about: "What if you resell the vehicle, would the lack of stickers, or your removement of them make you liable if something were to happen". This on an article 2 years ago, pertaining to "Stupid stickers" in vehicles.
To me, the "deal breaker" is vehicles that have red interior instrumentation. And at one time I almost bought a BMW (years ago before current designer Chris Bangle hit them with an ugly stick). But I found out there was NO real way of replacing the red lightining, AND I couldn't replace each and every bulb/wire (which I was very willing in doing because the vehicle had very strong positive traits I liked). If I could alter it on my own, then I would have, being no other vehicle at that time possessed such traits I was looking for. I guess it depends how strong the positives of a vehicle might be.
www.freep.com/money/autonews/power9_20030709.htm
I looked at the trunk /folded down third seat room in a 2003 Nav tonight in some detail. Looks to me like the lift- in height is higher to get over the folded seat and the overall distance from the folded seat (the "floor") to the roof must be a lot less than on say a Tahoe. This is only of concern to me because very occasionally I'll want to put a piece of equipment on a pallet into the back.
Interesting quote in there - are they saying that the E class ratings deteriorated more than any other car? Or the car quality deteriorated badly? Rather means the same thing I guess. Black eye either way.
Buick must be looking over their shoulder at Caddy and Lincoln; nice results for GM.
Steve, Host
STEVE: I took it from that quote, that the car deteriorated, but you may have a point> it says, "The rate of deterioration on the E-Class is greater"....so it could mean either, but it bodes badly either way, as you said. But to be fair, which I am loathe to do, I have 3 friends with 2000 E-Classes, and other than frequent brake relines, they haven't been that bad.
Check out the article, then take a look at your seat frames.
http://www.blueovalnews.com/2003/trucks/expy.rustedseats080403.ht- m
I have a few miles to decide if I need the extended warranty, I'm really not incline to purchase due to the high reliability of Ford Trucks (or any rwd V8 Ford). I'll pull the warranty history on the car and review it, if it's bad I'll buy the warranty if not I won't.
I checked a little bit and found you couldn't get the factory NAV or DVD system with the factory Moonroof at the time this one was produced. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't find all of the above but at least I know why. I guess I'd rather have the moonroof than know where I'm going.
Late 2000 model, nearly 45,000 miles.
Can anyone confirm with certainty whether or not it is standard? Thanks.
Does anyone here have an 04 who could settle this and/or do our hosts have access to info that could resolve this minor conundrum?
I would also like to know the type used on the Nav --- assuming it is there as an option or standard feature --- since there are at least two systems used for monitoring the tire pressure. One system is said to have a device within the tire, mounted on the rim I think, and the other is said to operate from the valve or valve stem. The latter, I have read, is not as reliable as the former. Also, as for the display, there are said to be at least two types, one showing only the fact that there is a tire which has abnormal pressure, not showing which tire it is however, and the other system showing which tire as well as more specific info, such as low/high or perhaps a pressure reading. I am not clear on these specifics and look forward to someone here correcting me or adding to this. Thanks.
The 4x4 models, according to Ford, "May exhibit a front axle groan of hum, and/or a slight vibration, when operated in 2 High mode." Ford noted that the condition is most prevalent on deceleration at speeds between 45 and 15 mph, but not in 4 High. The noise may be due to the front halfshafts rotating at different speeds from each other.
To eliminate the axle noise, Ford will install an S-spring into the front axle which would then allow the front half shafts to rotate at the same speed. The service is free under the provisions of the bumper to bumper warranty coverage and should take 1.7 hrs. to complete.
This is PART of the "Dont ask, we won't tell" secret warranty service, so you MUST bring it up to them, and if anything ask for Program: T-30604
The '04 page says it's standard for both trim levels. ("New safety features include a tire-pressure monitoring system as standard equipment").
I'm not sure you should quote me on this, lol.
Steve, Host