I too had considered the Lincoln LS for the past several years but could not find one with really low mileage until last year.
A neighbor of mine owns two of them (V8 Sports) because his wife wanted her own, they liked them that much. They reported to me no problems one is a 2001 with around 100k and his wifes is an 04 with around 80K. He had the COPS (coil over plug) replaced on both at around 80K just as a maintenance item as they are known to go out also did the VCG (valve cover gaskets) and the plugs all at the same time. Never heard of any problems with them in the rain, nor read anything on the forums about that.
I also checked with two other co-workers who own them and they report only routine maintenance other than the COPS replaced once at around 120K , an engine sensor, and a fuel pump, water pump, and then normal oil changes and tires, brakes, and such.
It seems many owners have two of these cars so they must be fairly likeable or friendly.
Last year I found a 2000 LS v8 sport one owner with under 30K in super condition and it came with a 9,000 mile warranty. Had it all checked out first anyway and so far its been great, took it on a 6,000 mile summer trip used no oil, no problems, no rattles or squeaks either. Car ran thru the twisties great, better than most cars and we were able to make great time and came away with a combined mpg of 26.2.. now my LS has 37K on it and I have had several offers for it for more than I paid for it. But will probably keep it for at least a few years.
We like it because it has a great ride with superb handling, good power and in a compact package.
You can get parts at a good price at Rock Auto and other on-line auto parts, cheaper than the Lincoln dealer.
If you are worried about maintenance try to find a low mileage LS that has been well cared for.
A forum is a good place to check out but generally people only post when they have a problem so the problems tend to get over-amplified, as not that many post just to say their car is running good.
