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Lincoln Aviator

1943 messages,  Last post on Apr 05, 2013 at 7:36 PM

You are in the Lincoln Aviator Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lincoln Aviator, SUV

Messages Page 182 of 195

#1807 of 1943 Thinking of buying an Aviator by aviatorbuyer

Jan 30, 2007 (10:35 pm)

Hey all,
 
We're thinking of purchasing a 2003 Aviator from a private seller. It only has 25K miles on it and they are asking $8K under NADA. It looks great and has tons of amenities. My problem, I have a '95 Eagle Vision TSI that I love - have had it for 10 years, therefore no car payments for 6 years and it gets 22 miles/gallon in town and 30 on the hwy. The Aviator gets what...13/15. So the money I'm saving up front, I'll be paying at the pump. Yeah, it would be great to own a "Lincoln," a luxury SUV. Any thoughts, opinions, suggestions would be appreciated from previous owners. Thanks so much!

#1808 of 1943 Re: Thinking of buying an Aviator [aviatorbuyer] by akirby

Jan 31, 2007 (10:27 am)

Replying to: aviatorbuyer (Jan 30, 2007 10:35 pm)
Unfortunately these were not trouble free vehicles. A few owners (including me) have had to replace one of the heads on the engine (under warranty). It's a design defect that causes the head to overheat in some engines. We've also had problems with the rear hatch latch, rear axle whine and a few other smaller problems. If it was purchased later in 2003 you'll still have some factory warranty left (4 yrs/50K miles).
 
If you really like the looks and the way it drives then go for it but don't expect it to be trouble free. Check the compression in all the cylinders to rule out the head problem (for now).

#1809 of 1943 Re: Thinking of buying an Aviator [akirby] by aviatorbuyer

Jan 31, 2007 (10:38 am)

Replying to: akirby (Jan 31, 2007 10:27 am)
Thanks for your input; however, my husband called about it today and it sold on Monday. It was being sold by a private owner, so there was no warranty. It's probably for the best anyway...payment free for awhile longer. Thanks again...Kim

#1810 of 1943 Re: Thinking of buying an Aviator [aviatorbuyer] by akirby

Jan 31, 2007 (11:55 am)

Replying to: aviatorbuyer (Jan 31, 2007 10:38 am)
Probably for the better anyway. The warranty I was referring to is the factory warranty and it doesn't matter how it's sold - the factory warranty is good for 4 yrs/50K miles from the original purchase - period.

#1811 of 1943 Get a newer one... by nvbanker

Feb 11, 2007 (2:44 pm)

If you're going to buy the Aviator, which by the way, I absolutely LOVE, get an 04 or newer. The 03s, as akirby states, were pretty awful. My buddy had an 03, had most of the problems akirby had, except the head issue. He traded it on an 05, and has had zero issues with this one....

#1812 of 1943 Re: Thinking of buying an Aviator [akirby] by pre4420

Feb 12, 2007 (10:14 am)

Replying to: akirby (Jan 31, 2007 10:27 am)
Just wondering what year yours was. I'm new here. Looking at a '04 Avaitor. Looks sharp! But I don't want a sharp looking lemon sitting in my drive. Currently have a '93 V6 Camry XLE with less than 85,000. Had it since new. Did have to replace motor. Overheated and cracked the head. Before, I had a '86 Chevy Nova for 7 years. So, you see, I tend to keep mine long term. Is this a long-term vehicle?
 
Appreciate any comments.

#1813 of 1943 Re: Thinking of buying an Aviator [pre4420] by akirby

Feb 12, 2007 (11:05 am)

Replying to: pre4420 (Feb 12, 2007 10:14 am)
Mine was an 03. As nvbanker said, the 04 and 05 models may be a lot better.

#1814 of 1943 Re: Thinking of buying an Aviator [akirby] by pre4420

Feb 12, 2007 (12:25 pm)

Replying to: akirby (Feb 12, 2007 11:05 am)
So, do you still have your '03? If so, what other problems, if any did/do you have since replacing the head? ">

#1815 of 1943 Re: Thinking of buying an Aviator [pre4420] by akirby

Feb 12, 2007 (12:39 pm)

Replying to: pre4420 (Feb 12, 2007 12:25 pm)
Yep, still have it. Considering trading it next year. Warranty will be good through November. Just got the rear hatch release fixed a few months ago. No problems right now except the reverse sensor which has always been finicky. I'm ready for a crossover with better fuel mileage and better ride. The aviator seat also hurts my right leg after about 2 hours no matter what I do (yes, I take out my wallet).

#1816 of 1943 Re: Thinking of buying an Aviator [akirby] by pre4420

Feb 12, 2007 (7:58 pm)

Replying to: akirby (Feb 12, 2007 12:39 pm)
Pretty much made up my mind to pass on it. Everything that I have read does not indicate that this would be a good vehicle to have long-term. CarFinder shows about 20 (03's-05's) within a hundred mile radius of me. I have not pulled any CarFax records, but with the VIN it does show a record number for each vehicle. Seems most have a 5, 7, or 9. One even shows a 14! That just has to be a lemon, it says it has 10,000 miles. Seems to be a grove! Think that I will find something with a few less whistles and a little more reliablity. I am a hundred miles from the one I found, and can't see having to make a 200 mile round trip on a regular bases.

Messages Page 182 of 195

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