Bunnspecial, your 2004 Lincoln LS is a rocket ship compared to the MGB And waay more reliable.
Lincoln LS ?
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Originally Posted By: SatinSilver
Originally Posted By: bunnspecial
Funny thing, the actual owners of the cars don't seem to report the rampant break-downs that you allege happen.
He works at a dealership in the parts dept so he should know. Get off your high horse.
Working at a parts counter does represent spending real time with the car.
I hear folks trash these cars all the time but no one can provide concrete failure points. I listed a few in my initial post in this thread, and also the suggested remedy to them.
Everyone I've talked to who claims that they are "junked" has never had any hands on experience with them.
Quote:
The root problem was the wacky hydraulic cooling fan (yes, a second PS pump drives a fan on a hydraulic motor with a bypass valve to kick it on and off like an electric fan) - that bypass valve had gone out, keeping the fan from running.
The hydraulic fan was a problem. Ford recognized it and fitted a conventional electric fan in the 2003 and later models.
Originally Posted By: bunnspecial
Funny thing, the actual owners of the cars don't seem to report the rampant break-downs that you allege happen.
He works at a dealership in the parts dept so he should know. Get off your high horse.
Working at a parts counter does represent spending real time with the car.
I hear folks trash these cars all the time but no one can provide concrete failure points. I listed a few in my initial post in this thread, and also the suggested remedy to them.
Everyone I've talked to who claims that they are "junked" has never had any hands on experience with them.
Quote:
The root problem was the wacky hydraulic cooling fan (yes, a second PS pump drives a fan on a hydraulic motor with a bypass valve to kick it on and off like an electric fan) - that bypass valve had gone out, keeping the fan from running.
The hydraulic fan was a problem. Ford recognized it and fitted a conventional electric fan in the 2003 and later models.
Originally Posted By: andyd
Bunnspecial, your 2004 Lincoln LS is a rocket ship compared to the MGB And waay more reliable.
No arguments, but the MG is a lot more fun to drive
.
I have had the MG a year and a half now and the more work on it, the more confidence I get in it. I've done a lot of neglected maintenance on the car, and for the most part have the common issues ironed out. Most electric problems(which inspire many of the jokes about British cars) can be dealt with by cleaning grounds and figuring out what the previous owner did to wiring
.
My major looming repair is to deal with a leaky exhaust valve. It's not terrible(compression is about 20psi lower than the other cylinders) but is getting worse. I have the parts on hand-it's just a matter of taking the time to pull the head and running it by the machine shop. I'm doing four new exhaust valves and hardened seats on all of them.
Bunnspecial, your 2004 Lincoln LS is a rocket ship compared to the MGB And waay more reliable.
No arguments, but the MG is a lot more fun to drive
I have had the MG a year and a half now and the more work on it, the more confidence I get in it. I've done a lot of neglected maintenance on the car, and for the most part have the common issues ironed out. Most electric problems(which inspire many of the jokes about British cars) can be dealt with by cleaning grounds and figuring out what the previous owner did to wiring
My major looming repair is to deal with a leaky exhaust valve. It's not terrible(compression is about 20psi lower than the other cylinders) but is getting worse. I have the parts on hand-it's just a matter of taking the time to pull the head and running it by the machine shop. I'm doing four new exhaust valves and hardened seats on all of them.
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Originally Posted By: bunnspecial
T-Bird
Those are very fun cars to drive!!
T-Bird
Those are very fun cars to drive!!
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I didn't realize the LS came in V8. Those cars are gorgeous!! I think Lincolns are probably the most beautiful cars on the road.
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
I didn't realize the LS came in V8. Those cars are gorgeous!! I think Lincolns are probably the most beautiful cars on the road.
I don't know production figures off the top of my head, but the V8s outsold the V6s by a significant margin. Truthfully, the V6 was a hard sale because the EPA mileage was only 1-2 mpg higher. It came with a significant performance hit and also was only available in the lowest trim level. The V6s, for example, didn't have an electronic message center(gas mileage, DTE, etc) and don't have the heated/cooled seat option(present on nearly all V8s).
For "field spotting" look at the LS badge on the right rear of the deck lid. The V6 models simply say LS while the V8s say "LS V8." Of course, because this is just self adhesive chrome lettering, all bets are off if the car has been wrecked or someone has messed with the badges.
The one V6 variant I'd probably buy if I saw one is the manual, which I think was only made in 2000 and maybe '01. These are legitimately rare.
BTW, I've hinted at this, but for the prospective buyer I would suggest limiting the search to 03-06 models.
Under the hood, the '03 model got rid of the problematic hydraulic fan and replaced it with a conventional electric fan. The V8 picked up VVT, which added a fair few ponies and a decent amount of torque.
Externally, they are not that different but the '03 models replaced the "fluted" rear tail lights with flat faced ones-a change that I think complements the lines of the car very well.
Internally, the car got perforated leather all around. The front seats picked up heating and cooling on V8s(the 2000-02 only had heated seats). The seats actually have a really nice feature that I've not seen on any other cars-pushing both buttons at the same time locks the heater/cooler in "auto" mode-it heats and cools the seat based on what the climate control system is doing. All models pick up an electric parking break. The V8 picked up a select-shift shifter that actually works really nicely(its only limits are not starting higher than 3rd gear and it won't allow a downshift that would over-rev the engine-otherwise it does what you tell it to do).
There are a few trim packages to be aware of also. My car has the "Sport" package. In addition to slightly stiffer shocks(yes, they have a different p/n) all the bumper trim is body colored, the interior trim is brushed aluminum, and they have a special 17" split 7-spoke wheel. The LSE package makes all the trim body colored and has bold, chrome 7 spoke wheels(all 2006 LSs were finished in the LSE package).
BTW, '03s and very early '04 m/ys had rain sensing wipers. My January '04 car does not have them. They are a bit devisive-I've known of folks who swear by them and others who disable them.
I didn't realize the LS came in V8. Those cars are gorgeous!! I think Lincolns are probably the most beautiful cars on the road.
I don't know production figures off the top of my head, but the V8s outsold the V6s by a significant margin. Truthfully, the V6 was a hard sale because the EPA mileage was only 1-2 mpg higher. It came with a significant performance hit and also was only available in the lowest trim level. The V6s, for example, didn't have an electronic message center(gas mileage, DTE, etc) and don't have the heated/cooled seat option(present on nearly all V8s).
For "field spotting" look at the LS badge on the right rear of the deck lid. The V6 models simply say LS while the V8s say "LS V8." Of course, because this is just self adhesive chrome lettering, all bets are off if the car has been wrecked or someone has messed with the badges.
The one V6 variant I'd probably buy if I saw one is the manual, which I think was only made in 2000 and maybe '01. These are legitimately rare.
BTW, I've hinted at this, but for the prospective buyer I would suggest limiting the search to 03-06 models.
Under the hood, the '03 model got rid of the problematic hydraulic fan and replaced it with a conventional electric fan. The V8 picked up VVT, which added a fair few ponies and a decent amount of torque.
Externally, they are not that different but the '03 models replaced the "fluted" rear tail lights with flat faced ones-a change that I think complements the lines of the car very well.
Internally, the car got perforated leather all around. The front seats picked up heating and cooling on V8s(the 2000-02 only had heated seats). The seats actually have a really nice feature that I've not seen on any other cars-pushing both buttons at the same time locks the heater/cooler in "auto" mode-it heats and cools the seat based on what the climate control system is doing. All models pick up an electric parking break. The V8 picked up a select-shift shifter that actually works really nicely(its only limits are not starting higher than 3rd gear and it won't allow a downshift that would over-rev the engine-otherwise it does what you tell it to do).
There are a few trim packages to be aware of also. My car has the "Sport" package. In addition to slightly stiffer shocks(yes, they have a different p/n) all the bumper trim is body colored, the interior trim is brushed aluminum, and they have a special 17" split 7-spoke wheel. The LSE package makes all the trim body colored and has bold, chrome 7 spoke wheels(all 2006 LSs were finished in the LSE package).
BTW, '03s and very early '04 m/ys had rain sensing wipers. My January '04 car does not have them. They are a bit devisive-I've known of folks who swear by them and others who disable them.
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
Thanks for all the replies. Got the idea because 10+ years after these were made they still look good on the road. Not looking for a new hobby so more research is needed.
Just looked at your sig - I'll trade you my LS for your Sami.
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
Originally Posted By: Alex_V
Just looked at your sig - I'll trade you my LS for your Sami.
You may have to sweeten the pot a little, it's a tintop with 129k. Just got it out of a 2 year hibernation.
Just looked at your sig - I'll trade you my LS for your Sami.
You may have to sweeten the pot a little, it's a tintop with 129k. Just got it out of a 2 year hibernation.
Originally Posted By: AZjeff
Thanks for all the replies. Got the idea because 10+ years after these were made they still look good on the road. Not looking for a new hobby so more research is needed.
Just as a side note-mine isn't exactly a hobby. It's the car that I count on to start when I turn the key and go to work in the morning.
It has failed to do that exactly one time in 8 years of ownership(bought the car September '08)-that was when the factory battery gave out on the coldest day of the year in 2012. I blame myself for not keeping a closer eye on what was then probably a battery that was almost 8 years old to the day(again 1/04 production).
Granted I am big on preventative maintenance, but there's not that much really to do. Brakes and tires wear out about as often as they will on any other car. With the exception of the transmission, the fluid change intervals are pretty typical for a modern car. Popping on a new serpentine belt every 50-75K miles and changing your plugs and coils every 100K won't exactly consume a lot of time in the grand scheme of things. The engine has a timing chain, and I've only seen reported failures on very high mileage engines(400K+)-with routine oil changes it's a lifetime part.
I probably should change my rear end oil. I don't recall seeing a service interval on it(I think it's technically considered a "lifetime fill"), but I figure 150K is probably a decent time to do it. That's just not exactly a job I enjoy doing since I hate handling stinky gear oil.
Thanks for all the replies. Got the idea because 10+ years after these were made they still look good on the road. Not looking for a new hobby so more research is needed.
Just as a side note-mine isn't exactly a hobby. It's the car that I count on to start when I turn the key and go to work in the morning.
It has failed to do that exactly one time in 8 years of ownership(bought the car September '08)-that was when the factory battery gave out on the coldest day of the year in 2012. I blame myself for not keeping a closer eye on what was then probably a battery that was almost 8 years old to the day(again 1/04 production).
Granted I am big on preventative maintenance, but there's not that much really to do. Brakes and tires wear out about as often as they will on any other car. With the exception of the transmission, the fluid change intervals are pretty typical for a modern car. Popping on a new serpentine belt every 50-75K miles and changing your plugs and coils every 100K won't exactly consume a lot of time in the grand scheme of things. The engine has a timing chain, and I've only seen reported failures on very high mileage engines(400K+)-with routine oil changes it's a lifetime part.
I probably should change my rear end oil. I don't recall seeing a service interval on it(I think it's technically considered a "lifetime fill"), but I figure 150K is probably a decent time to do it. That's just not exactly a job I enjoy doing since I hate handling stinky gear oil.
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
Your fondness for the LS is duly noted! You may be a fanboy (no offense intended
) so you're at the far right of the bell curve and the hearsay haters are at the far left. Buying a 10+ year old low production car I'm interested in the average owner experience. There are low mile cars available and of course here they're rust free.
Originally Posted By: AZjeff
Your fondness for the LS is duly noted! You may be a fanboy (no offense intended
) so you're at the far right of the bell curve and the hearsay haters are at the far left. Buying a 10+ year old low production car I'm interested in the average owner experience. There are low mile cars available and of course here they're rust free.
I was looking hard at a V8 LS for myself back in 05. There was a ton of anecdotal stuff that dissed them, and it was backed up by some big name used car brokers so I moved on.
Still a great looking car...
Your fondness for the LS is duly noted! You may be a fanboy (no offense intended
I was looking hard at a V8 LS for myself back in 05. There was a ton of anecdotal stuff that dissed them, and it was backed up by some big name used car brokers so I moved on.
Still a great looking car...
Originally Posted By: AZjeff
Originally Posted By: Alex_V
Just looked at your sig - I'll trade you my LS for your Sami.
You may have to sweeten the pot a little, it's a tintop with 129k. Just got it out of a 2 year hibernation.
Heh, I should say I would - nice Sami!
Originally Posted By: Alex_V
Just looked at your sig - I'll trade you my LS for your Sami.
You may have to sweeten the pot a little, it's a tintop with 129k. Just got it out of a 2 year hibernation.
Heh, I should say I would - nice Sami!
Originally Posted By: bunnspecial
Originally Posted By: AZjeff
Thanks for all the replies. Got the idea because 10+ years after these were made they still look good on the road. Not looking for a new hobby so more research is needed.
Just as a side note-mine isn't exactly a hobby. It's the car that I count on to start when I turn the key and go to work in the morning.
It has failed to do that exactly one time in 8 years of ownership(bought the car September '08)-that was when the factory battery gave out on the coldest day of the year in 2012. I blame myself for not keeping a closer eye on what was then probably a battery that was almost 8 years old to the day(again 1/04 production).
Granted I am big on preventative maintenance, but there's not that much really to do. Brakes and tires wear out about as often as they will on any other car. With the exception of the transmission, the fluid change intervals are pretty typical for a modern car. Popping on a new serpentine belt every 50-75K miles and changing your plugs and coils every 100K won't exactly consume a lot of time in the grand scheme of things. The engine has a timing chain, and I've only seen reported failures on very high mileage engines(400K+)-with routine oil changes it's a lifetime part.
I probably should change my rear end oil. I don't recall seeing a service interval on it(I think it's technically considered a "lifetime fill"), but I figure 150K is probably a decent time to do it. That's just not exactly a job I enjoy doing since I hate handling stinky gear oil.
Bear up under it once, refill with Amsoil, and you'll never have to worry about it again.
Originally Posted By: AZjeff
Thanks for all the replies. Got the idea because 10+ years after these were made they still look good on the road. Not looking for a new hobby so more research is needed.
Just as a side note-mine isn't exactly a hobby. It's the car that I count on to start when I turn the key and go to work in the morning.
It has failed to do that exactly one time in 8 years of ownership(bought the car September '08)-that was when the factory battery gave out on the coldest day of the year in 2012. I blame myself for not keeping a closer eye on what was then probably a battery that was almost 8 years old to the day(again 1/04 production).
Granted I am big on preventative maintenance, but there's not that much really to do. Brakes and tires wear out about as often as they will on any other car. With the exception of the transmission, the fluid change intervals are pretty typical for a modern car. Popping on a new serpentine belt every 50-75K miles and changing your plugs and coils every 100K won't exactly consume a lot of time in the grand scheme of things. The engine has a timing chain, and I've only seen reported failures on very high mileage engines(400K+)-with routine oil changes it's a lifetime part.
I probably should change my rear end oil. I don't recall seeing a service interval on it(I think it's technically considered a "lifetime fill"), but I figure 150K is probably a decent time to do it. That's just not exactly a job I enjoy doing since I hate handling stinky gear oil.
Bear up under it once, refill with Amsoil, and you'll never have to worry about it again.
This was my LS
I took this picture and did a spoof on one of my customers
( super rich bloke)
He called me when his LS broke down ( He didn't own one- was a joke)
His grandkids played around the car the day before and the engine rattle issue was solved,,,,,,,, lol.
I took this picture and did a spoof on one of my customers
( super rich bloke)
He called me when his LS broke down ( He didn't own one- was a joke)
His grandkids played around the car the day before and the engine rattle issue was solved,,,,,,,, lol.
My father had a V8; nice car for long trips; it got somewhat flakey after 50K miles, including coughing out a cloud of white smoke and having traction control issues; Not a car i would use as a backup or primary vehicle if an easy time is what you desire.
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