Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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If the cost is the same why would you go aftermarket? You'll be replacing the built-in nav and audio head unit with an aftermarket version of the same thing. I can't imagine the aftermarket units have more features - the software is all pretty much the same (navtech in this case). Plus you lose all the integration with the steering wheel controls, etc.
I don't see the upside except maybe you could transfer it to another vehicle down the road. I think you need to go look at a nav equipped gator before you make that decision, just so you know what you're giving up.
Traded the 02 Gator for the 04 on Monday. Drove 350 miles, met dealer's delivery guy and traded trucks. After spending 350 miles in 02 and then climbing into 04, WHAT a huge difference!!!! Right off the bat the steering change is huge. The truck sits lower(both AWD), drives much nicer and reduced NVH. Interior appointments very nice and upscale, A-pillar coverings and head liner material very nice. Michelin's much better than Continentals on 02, although they were still going strong with 31,000 on them. But not as quiet as Michelin's.
Something very curious though. The truck does not say Ultimate anywhere on it except on the Window sticker. I got the AWD Ultimate package with only 2 options. 18-inch chrome wheels and tires, and the DVD entertainment center. I thought the 2 wheel drive 04's where I ordered this truck had little "Ultimate" emblems somewhere on the side? It isn't a big deal, I don't have the monochromatic package, just black with the grey running boards and front and rear bottom fascia's.
Love the truck, and may keep this one for the long haul, no pun intended!
Sam
I've got an '04 ultimate and it IS. And no, mine doesn't have an ultimate badge anywhere. I plan to keep mine forever too.
And, yeah, the way this vehicle steers, rides, handles, yadda yadda is just superb.
Have fun.
And, I was just thinking this past week, after a year of ownership, that this may be the one I keep for a while too. Although, I kept the 99 for nearly 5 years...just HAD to have the new one as soon as I saw the improvements. Does Detroit have me in their grip, or what?
Thanks!
Sidenote: To think years ago Ford was removing emblems, specially on the sides from vehicles, to save money.
And the Lincoln Coupe concept, also showed a raised hood emblem as well. That might give us some clues.
As for the Navi having it's globe, I wouldn't doubt it. Alhough by their concepts, it looks as if they wish to reinforce the Lincoln emblem, while Ford and Mercury will concentrate on personalizing an emblem for each vehicle differently.
Thanks.
The next was the GX470. This was, with out a doubt, the smoothest and best drive of all the SUV's tested. The interior is beautiful. Off road capabilities are very good. However, this SUV has some serious issues too. First, the 3rd row is very crampt and would only be suitable for children or adults on a very short ride. The 3rd row seats stow off to the sides of the vehicle, therefore, greatly reducing storage capacity in the back. My conclusion is that this SUV is simply too small and is a classic example of the problems with the mid-size SUV market. Mid-size SUVs force you to comprimise greatly. It's like they're in no-man's-land. GX, very nice quality and reputation of Lexus, but in the end, what the heck were they thinking when they designed that 3rd row? Lastly, I was a little worried about the complaints of vibration I read on the Edmunds forum and lack of excitement expressed by those that own it.
The QX56 is a nice design and got my serious attention. To make a long story short, I test drove 2 Armadas and experienced the vibration resonance issues on both cars. We know that the QX56 is the same SUV but with more refinement. These Armada issues basically elimated this SUV from contention. If these problems had not been their, I may have bought this vehicle. The 3rd row, however is lacking in headroom. I am 5'10 and my head was touching the top of the headliner. The interior also suffers from too much plastic. It drove nicely and the exterior looks were acceptable.
I decided, in the end, to buy the Lincoln Navigator. This was my first American vehicle purchase. I have previously owned Mercedes, Lexus, BMW's. This SUV has alot going for it. First, the edmunds townhall area for the Navigator was fairly positive about the quality of the SUV, but most importantly, the owners seem excited by the vehicle and its design. This came across much stronger than with any of these other SUVS. The Navigator has an interior that makes sense and feels solid. Not flimsy like the Infiniti's. This is a big SUV that feels big, looks big, and has a big interior that feels big and solid. The dashboard is up to date. The 3rd row seat is spacious and adults can sit back there on long rides. The 3rd row that folds into the floor is brilliant and makes a huge difference. The Navigation system is nice and the girl doesn't annoy you with her commands. The vehicle at 80mph feels very solid. Turning radious is excellent. Dvd unit is great. AC and heat on the seats is fabulous. Ride is luxurious. If you want room in your SUV and you're looking for quality and excitement, this suv is the one. The smoothness won't wow you on a quick test drive like the GX, but the overall package blows these other SUVS away. Cruising at 80mph on the interstate, navigation keeping you company, kids enjoying a movie in the back, fantastic sound system. Buy the Navigator, it's the only one that has the right combination of quality, size and excitement.
I agree with you though, the Navi is hard to beat when in comes to room, features and value.
Success!!
I just drove the rig 90+ on the highway.. no jiggles and no flapping molding. Sweet! The rims were left filthy and a horrible heavy metal station was playing in my radio when I got my car back but I'm not gonna get picky as long as the problems are fixed.
I'm looking-forward to many more jiggle free miles -- thanks for your previous input folks!
Let me know what you think.
Since my son works at my favorite LIncoln store now, and I know him, I can see how these things can happen, and the service director should know about it. Anyway, that's how I feel.
Got mine back this morning from having the 15,000 mile service. All was well, and it had been washed, though the wheels were done poorly. That brake dust is a bear to get off I guess. I checked though - radio station was intact, even on talk radio! Unbelievable! No, my son was off today. You think I'd let him drive my car?
The nasty little steering wheel jiggle... has returned. It is especially noticeable going 70mph++ on long stretches of straight-away roads.
WHY WON"T THIS GO AWAY FOR GOOD?! I guess it is back to the shop to see if it's a bad tire.. even though they SHOULD have diagnosed this on my last visit.
and...
now the body paneling on the DRIVER'S door is rattling (the previous problem maker - the rear passenger door is quiet as can be). WHY CAN'T THEY STOP MY CLADDING FROM FLAPPING?!
On top of that, the air suspension is now getting locked in the "high" position at times when I turn the car off (it is supposed to lower itself a few inches when you shut the ignition off).
This is SUCH a comfortable, good looking, useful SUV.. I just can't seem to iron out these little annoying tendencies -- and I don't have the time or desire to be visiting my "always friendly but not always useful" service reps so often.
On little around-town type drives this truck is A+++... it is on the freeway that my issues crop up. Anyhow, my lease is up on this baby in December and I'm leaning towards leaving the SUV category (and Ford) after 7+ years driving one (97 Explorer, '00 Navi, and now an '03 gator).
... then again who knows, I'm just a little grumpy about my ride right now. I hate to be a whiner but I needed to vent a bit.
On the air suspension - if you have a rear window, or door open, it won't settle. And when I've had it out in the "wilderness", I've noticed sometimes it stays up when off. I figured it was because it had been on rough roads, and it had raised itself for clearance, and was just staying up anticipating. I may be giving it too much credit, I don't know.
I may leave "SUVville" myself next go around. Been looking into a Q45..... Like the Lincoln LS very much, but it's a tad small for my needs.
For my next go 'round I'm either doing another gator (if I stick with a truck) but more likely I'll let my wife have SUV duty with an '04/'05 LX470.
Meanwhile I'm looking at the Lexus LS430, the new '05 caddy STS, the new '05 Acura RL, and maybe the Q45... The car with the most cushy interior that I fit in best will get my $$. I wish lincoln would get off its you know what and make a towncar with a sporty side (inside and out). The new Mercury Montego is a step in the right direction but it is not there yet IMO. The LS is TINY for me, but looks great.
As it stands now (in my grumpy state of mind) my Lincoln sales guy is going to have to do ONE heck of a sales pitch and offer me a very nice deal to keep me in a Navi for a couple more years though...
I'm also all about what "fits" me best.... That's one reason I kind of like the Infiniti. The Q has always felt like a Ford to me when I get in and put it on. The wheel feels right in the place it's in, the seats feel comfy and supportive, and the beltline and cowl seem right too. I think the Q is underrated, and therefore, a bargain oftimes, leasing new, or buying 2 years old. We'll see. I'm really happy with my Nav. But in a couple of years, I may be done with the big SUV thing, and my wife has one too....
Anyone have any additional information?
The 5.4L 4V won't go away, it's being used in the GT for example, and Australian Falcon's as well.
A V-10 might not interest most (specially with current fuel pricees) BUT being the first to do so, might be bragging rights. Although this isn't something I would confirm at this point.
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=13620
From Ford Media
That's a good thing....
I myself would love the 5.4L DOHC 4V from Australia. But the ultimate need is torque, and the V-10 would be great for that....
Has anyone else noticed this? Is there a fix? I am dropping it off at the dealer next week for its 15,000 mile service and I want to "help" the dealer with a solution.
If it is happening under the "automatic" mode I know there's a sensor somewhere that detects ambient light.. perhaps that's what's gone goofy on your truck?
NVBANKER - I bought the vehicle in CALI and not at this dealer.
I checked on carsdirect.com and in my zip code they have the price for an ultimate 4x2 navi with thx,navigation, chrome wheels at $46,500 (inc. destination).
I'm sure Edmunds reflects these savings as well.
It seems the navi has a $3500 customer rebate right now and a special pricing deal until June.
If you live in an area with several Lincoln dealerships within driving distance, I'd offer $46,500 and I'll bet they'll take it. It seems like they're trying to get rid of inventory right now.
You've picked a GREAT time to buy! Congrats! Let us know what happens...
Yes, body on frame vehicles usually require that setup to replace an engine, than having to shoe-horn it out through the engine bay. It's really not that labor intense as it sounds, they just remove a few screws/bolts from the side structure members, and VOILA!
Here's a link with a few pictures on how it's done.
http://www.flatratetech.com/images/nav_how_to.htm