Lincoln Towncar...
Thread Starter
|
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Lincoln Towncar...
I am thinking about buying a friend's lincoln towncar. it's an '89 towncar, with about 80,000 miles. It's been well taken care of for the most part, and I can get it for $1,000. What do you guys think? Are there any definite problem areas that could cause a lot of money in the future?
This would be a second car for me, something to haul friends around in, and help keep the miles off my new mustang. Would it be worth it? Dirt cheap to insure, nearly 0 depreciation, and it runs great.
Thanks!
This would be a second car for me, something to haul friends around in, and help keep the miles off my new mustang. Would it be worth it? Dirt cheap to insure, nearly 0 depreciation, and it runs great.
Thanks!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 1
The problem areas will be the electrical system. If it has no elecrtrical problems now, that is a good sign. They have a problem with the grounding system. The car should also have the air bag suspension. These bags are around $400. each and the pump is around $600.. The couplings are a compression type and are generally the problem when the suspension sags after the car has been sitting for a while. It will also have a hydraboost brake system. Very expensive to replace and reliable parts are hard to find. Otherwise, for a thousand bucks they're hard to beat. Good ride and decent fuel mileage-hiway. I'd say go for it.
Thread Starter
|
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
yeah, I've known my friend for the entire time he's owned the thing, and I've done most of the necessary work myself on it. There are a few electrical quirks, problems with the power seats and the air conditioner - the clutch isn't getting voltage. This particular town car does not have the air suspension, it's conventional.
The thing I'm concerned about is the tranny. Is the AOD a reliable tranny that'll last with regular maintenence? It seems to drive and shift fine, but that's the one unit that I cannot do anything to diagnose or repair if it blows up. Thoughts?
The thing I'm concerned about is the tranny. Is the AOD a reliable tranny that'll last with regular maintenence? It seems to drive and shift fine, but that's the one unit that I cannot do anything to diagnose or repair if it blows up. Thoughts?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 0
From: Keweenaw Bay, MI
I have had two Lincoln Town Cars and have been very happy with both of them. I had a 1986 and now have a 1997. They are probably the most reliable cars I have ever had and you can not beat the ride. My 97 gives me 26.5-27 MPG on the highway and over 18 in city traffic. I would difinetly buy another one!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 1
From: Alvin, Texas.
Easy way around the bag suspension issues.
My former boss (well, it was his mom's) Vic had issues with the bags doing all sorts of funky things. The coil springs are a straight swap in, as they should be. End of problems. Quite a cheap fix, dollarwise, too, if memory serves me correct.
My former boss (well, it was his mom's) Vic had issues with the bags doing all sorts of funky things. The coil springs are a straight swap in, as they should be. End of problems. Quite a cheap fix, dollarwise, too, if memory serves me correct.
Trending Topics
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 54,086
Likes: 2,440
From: NY and VA
As far as trans goes you might want to replace the "kickdown" cable linkage bushing that is on the throttle body linkage. That bushing might break allowing the cable to drop down and there-by frying your OD or worse... they make a brass bushing but most dealers stock the plastic ones, then adjust according to specs.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Originally Posted by Red Star
Very expensive car for taking care of.
I'm amazed how little mine costs me to run; I average 23.5 mpg back and forth to work, and repairs are minimal. Took it to Cape Cod this summer, and put about 350 miles on it this weekend doing winery tours, and it ran perfectly. If that '89 is in nice shape, then $1000 is a steal.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 728
From: Calgary Canada
I had an 87 Town Car and loved it. what a great car. Plus, unlike most newer cars, it was actually built to take a beating. I got sideswiped by a minivan and all it did was wreck the van. The Town car came out without a scratch.
That transmission should be fine, they seem to be pretty much bulletproof.
That transmission should be fine, they seem to be pretty much bulletproof.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 1956MarkII
I couldn't disagree more. I have a '96 Signature Touring Edition and it's been the best car I've ever owned. Like Mil1ion said, he has over 300,000 miles on his and still going! You'll find them on eBay all the time with that kind of mileage. These cars seem to run forever.
I'm amazed how little mine costs me to run; I average 23.5 mpg back and forth to work, and repairs are minimal. Took it to Cape Cod this summer, and put about 350 miles on it this weekend doing winery tours, and it ran perfectly. If that '89 is in nice shape, then $1000 is a steal.
I'm amazed how little mine costs me to run; I average 23.5 mpg back and forth to work, and repairs are minimal. Took it to Cape Cod this summer, and put about 350 miles on it this weekend doing winery tours, and it ran perfectly. If that '89 is in nice shape, then $1000 is a steal.
Thread Starter
|
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Right, but a Lincoln Navigator is nothing like a Towncar... A navigator is a dressed up expedition, while a towncar is a dressed up crown vic.
I appreciate all of your input, it seems like buying it would be a good move. I like the car, it's pleasant to drive, it only has a couple known problems, and it's a good cheap car to run.
Thanks for the help!
I appreciate all of your input, it seems like buying it would be a good move. I like the car, it's pleasant to drive, it only has a couple known problems, and it's a good cheap car to run.
Thanks for the help!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Originally Posted by Red Star
I heard a lot of people complaining about Lincolns. Few months ago I was looking to buy 1998-2002 Navigator, but a lot of people said they're not reliable and that they have rust problems(???). I bought brand new F-150 instead.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
Likes: 1
From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Originally Posted by 1956MarkII
I couldn't disagree more. I have a '96 Signature Touring Edition and it's been the best car I've ever owned. Like Mil1ion said, he has over 300,000 miles on his and still going! You'll find them on eBay all the time with that kind of mileage. These cars seem to run forever.
I'm amazed how little mine costs me to run; I average 23.5 mpg back and forth to work, and repairs are minimal. Took it to Cape Cod this summer, and put about 350 miles on it this weekend doing winery tours, and it ran perfectly. If that '89 is in nice shape, then $1000 is a steal.
I'm amazed how little mine costs me to run; I average 23.5 mpg back and forth to work, and repairs are minimal. Took it to Cape Cod this summer, and put about 350 miles on it this weekend doing winery tours, and it ran perfectly. If that '89 is in nice shape, then $1000 is a steal.