Thoughts on Lincoln Continental 2.7 EB FWD and MKZ 2.0 EB FWD?

[northestPM]

Thinking about getting rid of my Taurus Police Interceptor with the 3.5TT EcoBoost + AWD. Too much of a PITA do to maintenance on. There is NO room in that engine bay.

Expensive issues with the water pump replacement, PTU failures, etc. I've got 105k on it now - I had the water pump replaced last year 20k miles ago and it's been one thing after another with the car. PTU leaking, bad wastegate rattle, etc

I want something relatively simple and 2WD that I can fix myself.

I'm considering 2 cars. A 2019+ MKZ with the 2.0 EcoBoost and FWD. The issues with the coolant intrusion into cylinders was fixed on the 2.0s by mid-model year 2019, and it appears the 2.0 EB is a good engine otherwise? The car overall? I looked at some engine bay pics and this car seems like it has plenty of working room around the motor.

Option 2 is a 2018+ Continental with the 2.7EB and FWD. Does the 18+ 2.7 EB have dual port fuel injection on this car? I'd much prefer this car due to it being larger and way faster, but the 2.7EB in a transverse FWD application may be a bit more complicated to deal with.

Opinions and advice on the cars reliability and maintence would be appreciated.

 

[Sierra048]

We owned a 2021 AWD Ford Edge which is basically a Lincoln MKZ. Our Edge had the 2.0L EB turbo putting out 250 HP. For us it was a comfortable ride, and it never went back to the dealer for anything in the three years we owned it. All I did to it was do three oil changes and one spill and fill of the AWD PTU. Just replaced it six months ago because we needed a truck. We deliberately purchased our Edge because it came with a factory towing package so I could mount a folding receiver hitch cargo carrier (this was discussed in a thread just recently). The only thing I didn't like about it was the lack of a spare tire, not even a donut. Due to the factory tow package the car came with a small inflator and a can of tire slime. Without the tow package you get a donut spare which is better than nothing. Good luck in your decision making.

 

[JavierH19]

Afiak the continentals 2.7 also has an internal pump and it's also a wet belt I believe but not 100% sure on that so it's a no for me. The revised 2.0 is decent, the 2.3 is pretty solid.

 

[dnewton3]

I don't believe the 2.7L EBs have internal water pumps; that's only the Cyclone engines (3.5L; 3.7L).
I could be wrong, but that would be quite a feat to get a water pump into that little 2.7L block which was not designed for it.

 

[Rand]

It seems like you are over the hump on your current one.. maybe you are just temporarily sick of it.. You might miss it afterwards

 

[northestPM]

It seems like you are over the hump on your current one.. maybe you are just temporarily sick of it.. You might miss it afterwards

I've been sick of it for a while. Don't like the whole cop car look. Bought the car on an impulse. It's 10 years old now and should get some new shocks and other stuff which I don't want to put the money into the car for.

Used police vehicles are slow sellers too, I've listed for a reasonable price on FB with minimal hits.

 

[northestPM]

Afiak the continentals 2.7 also has an internal pump and it's also a wet belt I believe but not 100% sure on that so it's a no for me. The revised 2.0 is decent, the 2.3 is pretty solid.

Oh yeah, I forgot some of the 2.7 EBs got the rubber belt setup for the oil pump. I do not think the 2.7 has the internal pump even in the transverse configuration

 

[Number_35]

I don't believe the 2.7L EBs have internal water pumps; that's only the Cyclone engines (3.5L; 3.7L).
I could be wrong, but that would be quite a feat to get a water pump into that little 2.7L block which was not designed for it.

And I think the internal water pump is only an issue with the transversely mounted 3.5/3.7. That likely includes the Edge, Flex, and previous-gen Explorer. The F150 has a longitudinal engine and an external WP.

The Mazda CX-9 also used the transverse 3.5 and later 3.7 up to c. MY2016.

 

[Rand]

I've been sick of it for a while. Don't like the whole cop car look. Bought the car on an impulse. It's 10 years old now and should get some new shocks and other stuff which I don't want to put the money into the car for.

Used police vehicles are slow sellers too, I've listed for a reasonable price on FB with minimal hits.

you have to reach the right crowd you could post it here too.

 

[dishdude]

Let me preface this with I have no idea what I'm talking about...I would expect the MKZ would be more reliable the Continental is sweet. If I found a clean one owner Continental I probably wouldn't be able to resist. I do like the MKZ as well.

 

[MVAR]

MKZ is a nicer Fusion. Wife’s ‘13 Fusion 2.0EB just hit 190k. It’s been a great car overall. I go overboard on the transmission service since the 6F35 doesn’t like factory drain intervals.

In 190k miles it’s had:

Upper control arms
Evap sensor
Transmission cooler thermostat
Hood release cable (broke under warranty)
Brakes once
Radio antenna seal to roof replaced

Been fluids, filters & tires besides above unless I’m forgetting something.

Oh yeah, changing the headlight bulbs is a giant pita. If you have to do one just do them all so you don’t have to pull that assembly again.

 

[northestPM]

MKZ is a nicer Fusion. Wife’s ‘13 Fusion 2.0EB just hit 190k. It’s been a great car overall. I go overboard on the transmission service since the 6F35 doesn’t like factory drain intervals.

In 190k miles it’s had:

Upper control arms
Evap sensor
Transmission cooler thermostat
Hood release cable (broke under warranty)
Brakes once
Radio antenna seal to roof replaced

Been fluids, filters & tires besides above unless I’m forgetting something.

Oh yeah, changing the headlight bulbs is a giant pita. If you have to do one just do them all so you don’t have to pull that assembly again.

Good to know. Any issues with coolant intrusion?

Edit: Nvm that was apparently just an issue from 17-19

 

[MVAR]

Good to know. Any issues with coolant intrusion?

No. I believe the 13-14 2.0 doesn’t have that issue. I have a couple UOA’s posted here for that car. Wear is nearly nonexistent.

Edit, here’s the latest UOA:

M

Thread '2013 Fusion 2.0EB HPL PCMO 5W-30 5,000mi(ish) OCI'

Jan 5, 2025

So my sample pump blew a seal when drawing a sample & I decided to just do an oil change instead of waiting for new seals or new pump. Wife short tripped this interval for the entire duration with maybe a single decent highway run so I was curious how it would turn out. Looks like 10k OCI even city driving will not be a problem with this oil/engine combination.

• MVAR
• Replies: 13
• Forum: Used Oil Analysis - Gasoline

• 

 

[northestPM]

Let me preface this with I have no idea what I'm talking about...I would expect the MKZ would be more reliable the Continental is sweet. If I found a clean one owner Continental I probably wouldn't be able to resist. I do like the MKZ as well.

Probably a nicer ride, longer wheelbase, etc. But at what cost? Lol

 

[northestPM]

Afiak the continentals 2.7 also has an internal pump and it's also a wet belt I believe but not 100% sure on that so it's a no for me. The revised 2.0 is decent, the 2.3 is pretty solid.

Continentals use the 2.7 1st gen even in later years which has the chain driven oil pimp and DI only