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Why shouldn't I buy a 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII? - READ ONLY

20 messages,  Last post on Oct 06, 2002 at 4:47 PM

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What is this discussion about? Lincoln Mark VIII, Engine, Coupe

Messages Page 3 of 3

#12 of 20 Loved Lincoln for years ... by julus

Sep 07, 2002 (1:57 pm)

There are lower costs ways to get around but there in no better way than in the Lincoln Mark VIII, especially the 1998 LSC. If you want sporty driving, lots of power ... 290 hp ... and good comfort, go for the Lincoln. I have driven Lincolns for several years and the only problems I have had over the years have been brakes. A heavy car and high horse power equals high braking loads. Otherwise, no real problems. I like the way the 98 LSC squats lower ... an inch ... when over 60 mph. It will pass in heavy traffic like a motorcycle. Sounds like a stock car when it goes into passing gear. I like the voice activated phone which will talk to me, when no one else will. Actually, it is too much fun for an old man like me.

#13 of 20 julus: How would you describe the Mark's cornering by kinley

Sep 08, 2002 (4:35 pm)

on the OR coast highway? With over 100,000 on our Towncar the Mark is still attractive to me.

#14 of 20 Speaking of attractive: by fleetwoodsimca

Sep 09, 2002 (7:38 am)

Yesterday while out and about on my 99 Valkyrie motorcycle, I pulled along side a beautiful old Lincoln, being operated by a guy of my vintage. I asked the year, and he replied "1957." It was absolutely a gorgeous restoration.

#15 of 20 Air suspension bladders cost $1k each by bburton1

Sep 09, 2002 (8:06 am)

A guy I know has one of these things and loves it but says be careful about the air suspension-the bladders are available - according to him - only from ford and cost $1K each plus installation.
 
Also i would not say ford has a great reliability record but some people love them.

#16 of 20 c-mon Butch........ by navigator3740

Sep 09, 2002 (3:15 pm)

Sounds like you haven't had a Mark, or even a Lincoln..... and you have an opinion on Ford's build quality? I know a gal who will never own another Honda too, but I have one with >150,000 miles on it, and it's still going strong.
 
Anybody who doesn't like Ford's build quality has never owned a Town Car or Ranger. There are turkeys in their line, and they get what they deserve from that. Explorers, Crown Vics, Grand Marquis, you can't find much better on the road, especially for the money, overall.
 
I wonder why you're on this board? Well, welcome anyway. Maybe we can win you over! (Hint, don't buy an old Continental, ok?)

#17 of 20 Mark VIII cornering ... by julus

Sep 10, 2002 (11:04 am)

My 98 Mark VIII LSC has what is called the handling package ... a much firmer suspension ... and it squats an inch above 60 MPH, so it handles better than most. It will not corner with a lighter car ... I suspect the tires would let go with horrible consequences ... but it sure feels good and is fun. It will not lean in a turn. I think you would need a fork lift to tip it over. Actually, it feels a lot like a Mercedes 250 which I once owned but the Lincoln is a much nicer car. Can not imagine what I could move up to.

#18 of 20 Julius by navigator3740

Sep 15, 2002 (5:19 pm)

I agree 100% with the handling of the Mark VIII. The only thing close is probably the LS, in an admittedly smaller package. It is a real driver's car though. I rented one for 4 days last month....was sorry to get my wife's car out of the body shop and let it go!

#19 of 20 Had 7, needed 8 ... by julus

Oct 05, 2002 (12:03 pm)

I had an interesting mechanical failure with my 98 Mark VIII LSC recently. At 52,000 miles it developed a hard miss which would not go away. I suspected a serious mechanical situation and was relieved to find that it was, as is usually the case, an electrical failure. This shows my ignorance of modern engines but I was surprised to learn that the engine in the Lincoln has a coil on each spark plug. The part which failed was the rubber boot which connects the coil to the plug. One of them had developed an electrical leak. It could have been worse, I suppose, but it seems to have been a premature failure. Is this a common problem with the Ford line or was I just lucky?

#20 of 20 Julius..... by navigator3740

Oct 06, 2002 (4:47 pm)

You were very "unlucky", as I have never heard of this failure before. The coil on plug technology is vastly superior to plug wires & distributor, because it eliminates the myriad ways and places to lose voltage with the old system. But, you found one anyway! I wouldn't worry. These are great engines.

Messages Page 3 of 3

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