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Acura TL vs Lincoln MKZ

36 messages,  Last post on Mar 16, 2007 at 6:06 PM

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#2 of 36 TL vs. MKZ by calidd Mar 04, 2007 (11:44 am)
I'm trying to choose between a 2007 TL and a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. One big plus for the MKZ is that through employee discount I can get it for $6000-7000 less than the TL. I like the exterior styling of both of them about equally. And on the MKZ, I like the longer warranty, that it uses regular gas, that it has a spacious back seat, and that it evokes retro images. But I don't like its MPG, that is uses a stick rod to hold the hood up, that it has no stability control, and that it has no microfiber pollen filter. On the TL, I like its MPG, its Mustang-like 3/4 rear profile, its Consumer Reports rating and general reputation.   Can anyone tell me whehter the TL (not the S-type) is worth ~$6500 more than the MKZ? A few other questions: (1)the TL seems to sit much lower than the MKZ. What effect does that have on seat comfort? feel of road imperfections? (2) I read in Motor Trend (or Car and Driver) that the dash and door foot panel did not wear well (faded severely). Is that your experience? Has that problem been corrected? (3) is the grill on the 2007 TL (not the Type-S) chrome or plastic?   Help me out folks. Big decision here. Thanks. Replies to this message: benjaminh (Mar 04, 2007 1:34 pm) ggesq (Mar 04, 2007 3:28 pm) jvette (Mar 04, 2007 5:13 pm) habitat1 (Mar 04, 2007 8:11 pm) heyjewel (Mar 05, 2007 10:24 am) bigt (Mar 06, 2007 1:30 pm) pegasus17 (Mar 04, 2007 12:12 pm) cg205 (Mar 04, 2007 5:20 pm) gregg_vw (Mar 04, 2007 6:36 pm) cg205 (Mar 05, 2007 5:21 am) goodegg (Mar 05, 2007 1:05 pm) tiger16 (Mar 08, 2007 5:40 am) goodegg (Mar 08, 2007 7:35 pm) jimmy81 (Mar 09, 2007 6:07 am) and 1 more...
#3 of 36 calidd by benjaminh Mar 04, 2007 (1:34 pm)
Replying to: calidd (Mar 04, 2007 11:44 am) If you can afford it, I think the Acura TL will be worth the extra money. It in part depends on whether you want a car with more of the feel of a sports car. My guess is that the TL wins there. As you know, Lincoln is in big trouble these days--sales have been on a downward slope for a decade. Acura is a successful brand that has grown over the last decade. In terms of reliability, I would put the Acura far ahead of any product by ford. I believe the MKZ is assembled in Mexico, whereas the Acura is made in Ohio. I'd prefer the Acura for that reason as well. I think the workers in Ohio are paid a lot more, and Acura is famous for caring about quality.   The MKZ is no doubt a pretty good car, and you'd probably like it ok if you need to save some money, but I think it's pretty clear that the TL is a better piece of machinery that's likely to last longer and hold its value much better.   Look at ads for 5 year old Lincolns vs 5 year old Acuras (or 10 year old models, for that matter). Even if you save now, I think you'll lose that money later with the Lincoln.
#4 of 36 Re: TL vs. MKZ [calidd] by ggesq Mar 04, 2007 (3:28 pm)
Replying to: calidd (Mar 04, 2007 11:44 am) Assuming you are looking at the "regular" TL and the FWD MKZ, here is my opinion: The TL is the better buy and here's why IMHO:   Better resale More standard options Better reliability "Manumatic" auto transmission Better gas mileage Better looks- interior and exterior Warranty is exactly the same   Is it worth the extra money? To me- yes. If you decide on the TL wait a little bit- the deals will get better.
#5 of 36 tl vs mkz by jvette Mar 04, 2007 (5:13 pm)
Replying to: calidd (Mar 04, 2007 11:44 am) I looked at both before purchasing one for my wife about a week ago. I have to say there were many other cars that were in line ahead of the MKZ. Matter fact the MKZ would have been about our last choice. For our money the TL was a much better buy. I don't like the Premium gas but the gas milage is very good for a sports sedan. The MKZ felt larger inside and was a very nice car but as stated I felt the resale wouldn't have been very good. The salesman I talked to about the MKZ is a customer of mine and he told me they weren't selling very well like most Lincoln products. If you can purchase this car for $26 grand than it may be a good buy but if it is $30 or $32 grand I would buy the TL
#6 of 36 Re: TL vs. MKZ [calidd] by habitat1 Mar 04, 2007 (8:11 pm)
Replying to: calidd (Mar 04, 2007 11:44 am) benjaminh has it exactly right - How long fo you plan on keeping the car?   Lincolns depreciate like crazy. As do basically all American brands, compared to Acura. If you plan on keeping the car 8-10+ years, then depreciation isn't as much of an issue, since both will be worth a fraction of a new car price. If you plan on keeping the car 5-6 years or less, I'd be willing ot bet the Acura would be worth MORE than the up front difference in price over the Lincoln.   Also, even if resale is not a factor when you keep the car a long time, maintenance and repairs are. I have a 1995 Nissan Maxima that has 155k miles on that I refuse to sell because it has been so reliable and virtually repair free. A friend with a 1995 Ford Taurus spen over $8k in repairs before dumping it 5 years ago with only 80k miles. That's just one anecdotal example, but I would bet that the long term durability of the TL would be far superior to the Lincoln - not to mention it's fit and finish would hold up better.   The Tl is a value leader. The Lincoln may be cheaper in price, but it's also cheaper in quality and resale. Replies to this message: heyjewel (Mar 05, 2007 10:24 am) bigt (Mar 06, 2007 1:30 pm)
#8 of 36 Re: Lincoln MKZ vs. Acura TL [calidd] by pegasus17 Mar 04, 2007 (12:12 pm)
Replying to: calidd (Mar 04, 2007 11:44 am) Sounds like you need to look at a few other cars. How about a loaded Camry or Accord (V-6) or you might be surprised by the Hyundai Azera. Check out their board on here and you will find many happy Azera owners with very few problems. just my .02
#9 of 36 Re: Lincoln MKZ vs. Acura TL [calidd] by cg205 Mar 04, 2007 (5:20 pm)
Replying to: calidd (Mar 04, 2007 11:44 am) You mention MPG. I will admit that I'm not getting quite as good mpg on my MKZ as I had expected, but there might be several reasons for that. Mine is AWD, and I've not had it in for the first service yet. I'll ask that the computer be reflashed and see what that does. My mileage isn't horrible, though, I'm averaging about 19 in rural driving, very mountainous, and virtually no true highway driving. Also, remember that if you choose a car that requires premium fuel, you will need to get about 4 more mpg on average to compensate for the extra fuel price.   One big consideration of mine, which helped eliminate Acura, Lexus, or Infinity, was the availability of service. MKZ owners can get warranty work or any service done at any Ford, Mercury, or Lincoln dealership. In my case, any foreign make would mean at least a 50 mile trip for service, and finding service when traveling would also be much more dicey. I once had the experience of having to have a Toyota put on a car carrier and taken 100 miles for a simple electrical repair.   You mentioned Consumers Reports ratings. Just got my automotive issue the other day, and was surprisingly pleased to see that the MKZ/Milan/Fusion overall reliability rating of very good (the best rating possible) beats many models of Toyotas and other makes with great reliability reputations.   Also, I was glad to find an American car which was both smaller and yet luxury oriented. We absolutely love the interior of our Z, and the optional sound system is the best I've ever experienced in an automobile. We often find ourselves taking the long way home, just to enjoy the music and quiet ride. Replies to this message: gregg_vw (Mar 04, 2007 6:36 pm) cg205 (Mar 05, 2007 5:21 am)
#10 of 36 Re: Lincoln MKZ vs. Acura TL [cg205] by gregg_vw Mar 04, 2007 (6:36 pm)
Replying to: cg205 (Mar 04, 2007 5:20 pm) The Japanese cars I have owned since 1989 have needed no special service. The regular maintenance stuff can be done at any tire or oil change outlet. Anything more (which hasn't happened to me), would be covered by warranty. I don't go to the dealer for anything other than recalls. And those aren't common occurrences. I would expect the MKZ to be more or less about as reliable.   The MKZ is a decent, reliable ride, but nondescript. If you want some attention for the dollars you spend (admittedly a totally nonrational want), you won't get that much with the relatively anonymous MKZ. Replies to this message: cg205 (Mar 05, 2007 5:21 am)

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