Lincoln Navigator

akirby · October 2003

Lincoln's policy changed a couple of years ago. Now they guarantee only "transportation" - which could be a loaner or could be a shuttle bus. It's totally up to the dealer but I think most will provide one. I think Lincoln pays the dealer $35 per day to cover it.

ANT14 · October 2003

Gteach, have you looked at the one's advertised on some automotive magazines? Not sure of the name, but it advertising in there... That lip raise is maybe an inch or 2, to prevent water from seaping into the carpet around/under it. I'm not sure if there's one that can be removed for the 3rd row seats, I believe you would have to remove the whole liner itself. Although maybe an optional (smaller when the 3rd seat is in place) might be available from the same company.

I can't say I have had this issue, I'm tall myself so the majority of the time I'll just use the rear glass hatch to gather my things.

nvbanker · October 2003

Hmmmm....you're right my 00 Gator had the net too! I had forgotten that! It was very handy, and with this large bay when the seats are down, stuff does really does roll around!

jim52 · October 2003

How long before I can expect to replace the tires on the Navigator?

nvbanker · October 2003

My original tires were the Contitracs on my 99, and the tread lasted fine, but they started bleeding through the sidewall, one at a time about 40,000 miles.

My 03 has Michelin Pilots on it, and I'll probably puncture them out long before the tread wears out on them, I'm off road so much lately....:)

steve00gator · October 2003

I leased a 2000 Gator and returned it with about43000 miles and never replaced the tires.

jim52 · October 2003

I just leased an 04 yesterday for 39 months. I didn't opt for the Wearcare protection hoping that I would not have to replace the tires when I turned the car in. Based on our driving habbits, my guess is that we'll have around 35K miles on the car at that point.

nvbanker · October 2003

Congratulations, Jim. Which model did you get? I see there are new colors, inside and out for 04, and I like some of them. Kind of wish I had waited for the 04, not that I'm unhappy with my 03 at all. Just have 10,000 miles on it, going in for service Friday, and I've been very happy with it.

jim52 · October 2003

I got an 04 Ultimate 4x4 with Chrome wheels and DVD. I got one of the new colors - Light French Silk (car is for my wife and she loved the color).

ANT14 · October 2003

I'm just getting hungry from reading that...Light French Silk, sounds like marble white cholocate cheesecake

waxdonuts · October 2003

Has anyone with an 03/04 Nav noticed an almost continual noise from the air suspension? Mine seems to always be adjusting itself. I had the dealer look at it. He told me "no leaks and no error codes so everything looks fine."

I am wondering if the noise is something that I need to grow accustomed to or if mine is making more noise than others are experiencing.

nvbanker · October 2003

The pump is noticeable, and gets noisier with age. It isn't constant, but will adjust frequently, and every time you start up. Sometimes, even in the garage, it will turn on. ONce, when I was sleeping in my 99 in the woods, in the middle of the night the air pump came on. Scared the hell out of everybody around me! I turn it off now before retiring in the woods

gteach26 · October 2003

While I'm doing stuff in my garage (which is rare) I will often hear some clicking and popping sounds coming from the innards of my 03 Navi. This is especially true if the truck has just been recently driven. I've noticed this in most cars/trucks I've owned though, not just the Navi.

I've also seen it when the truck lowers itself a few inches after I turn the ignition off and it makes a slight shhhh sound -- almost like a tire deflating. So yes, this baby's full of smacks, crackles, pops, and shushes...but since I usually shut the engine off and head into the house I rarely ever hear this symphony. While I'm driving this beast though I just hear utter silence most of the time.. and that's just the way I like it!

steve00gator · October 2003

I had mine at the dealer last week for the same reason and received the same story. I had a 2000 for three years and never noticed it running after the initial startup. My present vehicle (2003) runs after startup and every so often during use.

steve00gator · October 2003

Does anyone know where I can buy the Kleenex boxes that fir the holders in the Gator. I believe it is called the travel size. I use to be able to buy them at Walgreen and Publix but neither carries them now. Thanks

gteach26 · October 2003

I get mine at Publix too... they don't always have them in stock though, so when I see them I get extras.. in any case, ask the manager and he'll get them for you.. otherwise Eckerds is my only other suggestion.

ANT14 · October 2003

Yes, Publix has them, I too buy mine there. But I also use thw pop-p wipes that dispense from a big round canister, and they are pre-moisten, just incase there's a larger mess. That gets stuffed in the glove compartment.

My friend opted for a better solution (although a bit hardcore)... Once I was driving her car, I made a sharp turn and the entire contents of her regular soft drink spilled into her footwell. She quickly pulled out a Tampon (of all things) from her glovebox and proceded to throw it on the floor which quickly absorbed the spilled Coke on the carpet. I do not think there was much time for the spill to settle on the carpet of how quickly that tampon soaked it up.

Imagine my shock when I see such a small little item, soak up the amount of liquid that soft drink had spilled. Had trouble driving from the my laughing as I see her method of dealing with spills. But, it can be used as an alternative....

jrc346 · October 2003

LOL! Thanks I needed that :-)

nvbanker · November 2003

do you recommend we buy our Tampons????

ANT14 · November 2003

Well.... Personally, I don't see myself buying tampons at the market...can't even use the "it's for the wife" excuse since I don't believe in marriage. But also having them on my glovebox might worry some friends.

I think the message is "an alternative" use for soaking up spills.

Since I traded into a newer LS, the same "towel like slip-on car mat covers" that a friends mother did for me, slipped right onto the new one's.

nvbanker · November 2003

Good plan, ANT.

tidester · November 2003

Repeat after me: "The topic is Lincoln Navigator!"

Some of these diversions scare off newbies and lurkers.

tidester, host

akirby · November 2003

"Does anyone know where I can buy the Kleenex boxes that fit the holders in the Gator. I believe it is called the travel size. I use to be able to buy them at Walgreen and Publix but neither carries them now. Thanks "

If you are unable to find these in local stores to fit your NAVIGATOR you may order them directly from the manufacturer (Kimberly Clark) by the case or possibly half case.

jrc346 · November 2003

I get my travel size boxes from the dealer for $1.29 a piece.

nvbanker · November 2003

So do I, don't remember how much, but it's reasonable.

Sorry tides - I knew we were on the edge, but couldn't resist

Need me to write on the board?

(I will not get off topic.
I will not get off topic.
I will not get off topic.
I will not get off topic.)

david188 · November 2003

Never owned a large SUV or minivan. Just had twins. Makes 3 kids in car seats, wife, nanny, strollers suitcases - your basic travelling circus. My wife is from Texas. Likes the SUV. I'm concerned about safety, comfort, ride, DVD to keep my 2.5 year old from driving me crazy.

Many of the options out there don't seem to have the storage I need behing the third seat. I'm also concerned about being able to have my wife/nanny tend to the kid since I figure two car seats in the second seat area, one in the third or visa versa with an adult having to shift back and forth (you get the picture).

I'm hearing I should look at:

-An extended version of the Lincoln Navigator
- Cadillac Escalade
-Yukon Denali XL
- Expedition
- Chevy Suburban (can't stand the look)
- Sienna (don't even know what that is!)
- Is the Lexus LX 470 too small?
- Any I should take off/add to the list to test drive and why?

Please pile on - all unbiased thoughts/personal experience welcome!

nvbanker · November 2003

An extended version of the Navigator would be great - if they made one yet. They don't.

The Sienna is a pickup truck, so whoever recommended that to you, give them the hand.

david188 · November 2003

nvbanker - Just had someone drop off an 04 Sienna (Toyota) brochure. Can assure you its a minivan (at least it sure looks like one!)

nvbanker · November 2003

I was confusing it with the Sierra, since we were talking trucks. Didn't know a Minivan was in the offing. It's actually the most practical family hauler, and in an extended version, it's the bomb.

gteach26 · November 2003

over in the LX 470 board I had brought up the Sienna option... I had no idea this van existed, but now I come to find out that it has power liftgate, power side doors, fold-flat third row, HID lights, DVD/voice activated navigation system, rear entertainment system, parking assist -front and back- and the Lexus interior "look and feel" all for 40K .. wow! If you forget about towing and off-roading, this puppy even gives my much-loved '03 Ultimate Navi a run for the money!

This might be my wife's favorite option to replace her RX300 later this year -- we were thinking the LX 470 but we don't need it's towing and rock climbing ability, and it has less features while costing much more...

tidester · November 2003

WTG! :-)

tidester, host

purpleeater · November 2003

When I hear things like:

"Need a DVD to keep my 2.5 year old from driving me crazy"

"Tend to the kid"

"Travelling Nanny"

I want to throw up. The "kid" happens to be your child. And "kids" are supposed to drive you crazy because that's what they do. Buying a TV to shut them up isn't parenting, it's shirking responsibility.

And please tell me the Nanny is just a short term thing, not permanent - I know families that would rather have permanent nannies even when it's not necessary, and believe me, their kids are brats, which isnt any surprise considering they replace real parenting with nannies, TVs, Gameboys, etc. I read the other day that over 50% of kids 4 and under now have TVs in their rooms. How sick is that?

stever · November 2003

In the old days everyone had an extended family to mind the kids. Lots of kids turn out fine after consuming hours and hours of TV too. Like me :-)

Now if you want to talk cars, fine, but right now this thread is off-topic, and we don't need to take it any further.

Steve, Host

ANT14 · November 2003

Ironically I have a friend that also wanted a DVD system when she bought her last vehicle, but considering the great deal I was able to get for her, it was without a DVD system, so she got over it real quick.

She resorts to playing some kid-CD...personally, I refuse to drive with "london bridge is falling down" playing. YET remove the CD, and the kid as a tantrum. Then when she CAN'T supply the CD (as if she's in someone elses car) the child has grown accustomed to having a fit, it's this ONE factor that has spoiled the child into having the canniption.

HOW I work around it when I drive her car? IN the highway, open up the rear windows and let the air drown out the kid's crying. On city streets, blast any music on the great stereo system till she quiets down. I'm not Dr.Spock, but it's what works best for me.

Can you just imagine back in "our times" my mother playing some child music Cassette (8 track for some of you) just to shut me up? I would even attempt to change the radio dial (at those times remember we didn't have airbags, so I was usually the front passenger) and have my hand whacked... had to listen to her music which was usually oldies or late 70's contemporary.

So I totally agree with the assessment...if you introduce the item (DVD or CD) they will grow accustomed to it, then expect it when not possible, they will thru a canniption. Conclusion: Keep it simple !

Anyhow getting to my question....
Has anyone had an experience fitting an aftermarket DVD system into their new Navigator ? If so, what brand, or was it a Ford dealer installed system?

nvbanker · November 2003

Have investigated putting the DVD system in - have looked at 2 aftermarket systems, and while they are nifty, I can't cope with the surgery required on my beautifully designed dash in the Gator - therefore, I have stalled out.

Asked the dealer about a Ford system - they just scratch their heads and recommend I go to an aftermarket dealer. They really don't want to be bothered with it. And this dealer likes me!

Same story with Navigation. Therefore, I still have neither, and have just accepted it. Actually, with the grandkids in Florida now, I don't need the DVD system anyway - at least not in this car.

blockislandguy · November 2003

Ant14, great post. Although in my day we only had AM radios (vacuum tube style). No kid would touch it without checking with adults. And it was usually turned off as the family talked about what was going on in our worlds. Not bad discussions as I recall. We talked about Sen. Joe McCarthy, Cuba, what happened to the stock market (the DJ Index was around 700 in l963), why the steel manufacturers backed down to Kennedy and why a DeSoto V8 was a great engine.

ANT14 · November 2003

BLOCK, Hehehe, No I wouldn't be Dr.Laura's replacement, while I do have a degree in psychology, I find her personal belief's to be rather crude and archaic and rather unprofessional of trying to influence other's with her self-righteous ways. But this was a nice stroll through memory lane, although mine is a bit short, therefore I can't share as much :-(

NVBANKER, I would rather have the dealership take care of it, incase there's any warranty issues, it can be taken care of....BUT when the dealership itself doesn't wish to do it, you KNOW it's complex. Not sure how the system will integrate with the rest of the finishings in the cabin though....

nvbanker · November 2003

Exactly, ANT, and, I got some terrible news tonight. My Lincoln dealership was sold today to the Pontiac/GMC dealer up the street, the GM was dismissed, and after 13 years doing a lot of business with them, my juice is GONE! AHHHHHHHHGGG

stever · November 2003

Dough Nuts.

ok, one word, but it's amazing how a little brib.., er gesture, will pay big dividends down the road.

(I'm partial to KK's myself, LOL)

Steve, Host

ANT14 · November 2003

NVbanker, yikes, that was a good connection you had as well. WELL I guess it's back to making friends from scratch.

smwls8 · November 2003

Am trading in our 2002 AWD Gator for 2004 during Thanksgiving Holidays, and was informed today by my hook(dealer) that charcoal(dark gray) is not available after 03. Almost makes me want to take a leftover 03. Our 02 has the beige/tan and with 3 small kids light carpet has been a bear to keep clean. Dealer says for 04 it is beige/tan or a light gray. Anyone know how light?

FWIW, our 02 with 22K miles has been absolutely troublefree, driving right through last years snow in Northern Virginia (extremely heavy for this region) without skipping a beat. I have literally put nothing but gas in this truck, not a SINGLE problem. We were in Miami for first 6 months of ownership, then moved to N. VA during winter. Handled both climates with ease. When I read some of the problems on Edmunds for MBZ and Range Rover, I don't regret choosing this truck in the least.

purpleeater · November 2003

Timing is everything. Check this out:

http://www.boston.com/yourlife/home/articles/2003/11/06/with_tv_s- o_loud_no_ones_listening/

Enough said about the dangers of TV and young children.

akirby · November 2003

I had a Ford OEM VHS system installed in our expedition back in 2000. It was the overhead console type and looked like it came from the factory. The dealer sent me to the place that does their factory radio repairs. I also saw an Aviator with an aftermarket DVD player added and it looked fine.

If you look on Ebay you can find LCD monitors that mount to the headrest supports (one on each side - easily removable) with a DVD player you can mount in the rear console for < $500. That's what I would do - that way it isn't tied down to the vehicle, it's easier to see the screen and it doesn't interfere with the rear view mirror. And you can easily remove it with no damage to the vehicle.

akirby · November 2003

I assume you mean the interior color - it sounds like the 2003 aviator choices. They're both extremely light. They may have a limited edition with a charcoal interior - Aviator had the Kitty Hawk.

david188 · November 2003

Well, well. Went off to tend to some family matters (friend of the family in the hospital after a fall - he has Parkinson's disease) and discover that a twist of phrase has relegated me to the abusive father category. DVDs can play Discovery, Sesame Street and other educational fare. The fact is, we're in a technology based World and being a Luddite isn't going to help your kids. Its how you manage/encourage their interaction with technology. Long drives are great opportunities for discussions with children, but my 2.5 year old, while very advanced for his age, isn't up to the Bay of Pigs/Cuban Missile Crisis or the 21st Century version of 1960's current events. As for the nanny, my wife is at home, the kids have continuity, but she is also in school... so... much better than parking them in day care or with a succession of babysitters.

Back to the issue at hand. Which SUV and Minivan is best for 3 kids in car seats, 3 or 4 adults and baggage (physical...not emotional!). Thx.

akirby · November 2003

If you really need seating for that many AND additional interior cargo space then the Yukon or Denali XL is your only real choice. Navigators and Expeditions just don't have the extra cargo room. You'll probably want the 2nd row bench seat as well. The expedition (and navigator presumably) will get an extended version in the future but I think that's at least a year away or more.

bob550k · November 2003

Later Gator, I just sold my 2000 Navigator. I purchased it in September, after a week I decided it just wasn't the car for me at put it in the paper for sale! It was very nice, good quality, great power. Just not for me.

nvbanker · November 2003

Yes, the charcoal interior for 03 was replaced with the Dove Grey for 04, which is a medium grey. Probably your best choice if dirt is an issue.

smwls8 · November 2003

Looked at Lincoln website which shows interior/exterior colors well. 2 issues I am concerned about. The CD Navigation system, and more specifically how does it work (GPS based?). I have never owned a Navigation system before, was told it is a $3,000 option. Is there a better aftermarket choice?

Secondly, on the Lincoln website, the pictures of the interior clearly show a stereo speaker beside the 3rd row seat. This has been an area of dissapointment with our 02 Gator, as there are no stereo speakers past the 2nd door. Is the photo of the interior on the Lincoln Website accurate?

Thanks for all the info.......

akirby · November 2003

It's a DVD nav system and it does use GPS. I would not have bought one given a choice (we took a leftover 2003) but now that we have it I love it. There are no aftermarket integrated units - you'd have to get some type of handheld unit or mount another monitor somewhere. If you want one - get it. It's not $3K - MSRP is $2500 but actual cost should be $2200. It also includes the audiophile stereo w/6 disc changer - it's all integrated into the display screen.

The speaker in the back is the subwoofer, not a regular speaker. I don't think there are any speakers in the 3rd row but the Lincoln website says there are 7 (subwoofer counts as 1) so there are 6 others. Lincoln likes to count 2-way speakers as 2 speakers so it's hard to tell. I'll look at lunch and let you know for sure.

Lincoln Navigator

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