I love this car!
Just bought this car, it needs a water pump, exhaust repaired, tune up, right rear window repaired, and the top needs replacing.
I've always wanted a Town Car, ever since my grandpa bought one brand new in 1989.
The car rides like a dream.
Has lots of power.
It has classic great styling.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th September, 2011
Read this, buy one, thank me later
Plug wires every 20k miles. 60k after I started using motor craft. Don't know why Fords don't like Accel wires.
Starter around 270k.
Water pump at 200k, and again at 370k.
Window motor rebuild all around; $15 per motor, overall cost me $60 and a few hours in my garage.
Rust developed at 400k.
Only normal maintenance ie filters, fluids, brakes etc when scheduled.
I bought the car in Wisconsin. 94k on the clock. This car was absolutely loaded. Digital dash, Premium Sound (with the stock CD player! Yes, they had those in 87!) Paid $3,000 at a buy here pay here lot.
I really did not have a chance to appreciate what I had purchased until I got home. This car seemed to be built specifically for me.
The exterior was black. The interior was red with the velour seating appointments. It had the limited slip rear end, and a full trans and oil cooler system (likely after market).
I was not kind to this car throughout its life. I was 20 years old when I bought it. I was the kind of guy that would blow through a decent set of tires in 10k. No matter how hard I dished it out, this car stuck with me like a loyal friend.
Driving down the road, even after 400k miles, the car was absolutely silent. I could set the cruise control, and still get a steady 27mpg on long trips.
The sound system was a bit cheap for my tastes. I actually put good money into this. Some dyno mat, a few sets of Human speakers (hand made), and a Pioneer deck is all you need to make this car!
Overall, nothing... I mean nothing compares to owning a Lincoln Town car. You can't get it out of your system. I've owned Mercedes E Class, driven S Class, Jags, Lexus, BMW... You can't match the ride. Yes, the 80's Townies are a bit dated looking. Toss that aside. Buy a cheap junked out one and drive it for a week... There's something that can't be described... It's safe, it's reliable, it's relaxing...
I used to drive from Detroit to Milwaukee, or Kentucky or wherever else, nearly every weekend. Never had road lag, never felt embarrassed to pull up at the pump.. Never once felt like I wouldn't make it home. These cars are just absolutely solid, beautiful, awesome beasts.
They are soft enough to be executive, rugged enough to be driven like trucks (I did), durable enough to drive coast to coast.
At any price, you can't go wrong. $300 Townies might have problems, but they can still get you there.
If you're looking at this review, it means there's one out there you are thinking of buying... do not pass it up. No part on this car costs more than $300.
Here's a tip, look for a Townie that does not start... No spark? It's the TFI module... Cheap part, roadside fix, makes a great mechanic's special find!...
Do NOT get a base model. Get a Signature or a Cartier. Base models are kind of miserable and boring. Sig and Cartier had different suspension systems, and much better seats. Plus the digital dash is easily hacked to display whatever you want =)
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th October, 2010
I finally got my own Town Car!
My Grandpa bought his brand new is 1989, and he babied it! It was his pride and joy! Me and him were very close, closer than anyone else in my family was to him, so when he died in 1995, I was hoping it would be left to me; boy was I wrong! He didn't have a will, so my grandma left it to my uncle who hated my grandpa, so he destroyed the car! I guess as a payback for what my uncle thought was a bad upbringing. Once my uncle was finished with it, he gave it to my mother, who also had a bone to pick with my grandpa, and not to mention my father who loathed my grandpa, they both finished the car off! Even though it was in bad shape, I still offered to buy the car from my parents. This was not to happen, my parents hated the relationship I had with my grandpa, so they sold the car to someone outside the family.
I now finally found one I could afford! I wanted one so bad I sold my 1924 St. Gaudins gold coin in order to buy it!
And I don't regret it at all.
Sorry to hear that story. Congrats on the Town Car! If I hit the lottery, I would buy a few.
I found an '87 Signature with 107K miles on it. There are a few problems with it, but overall it's in good shape. What do you guys think I should pay for it?
If the frame is rusted badly, avoid buying the car. There are still a lot of the 80's models out there, so don't feel you have to settle for one that is junk. If you're willing to travel, head to the southern US and find a gem!
My 2011 annual Consumer Reports auto issue recommends only about 17 reliable used cars to buy under 4000.00. 3 of them are Ford products. The Ford Crown Victoria 01 and 02, the Lincoln Continental 01, and the Mercury Grand Marquis 01 model. Those are great used car bargains. It also recommends newer models, but for more money... but be on the look out for abused cars, and cars that have been in an accident.
Mine's an 87 model too, and I just got it on Feb. 2, 2014 and it only has 85,000 miles on it. So I guess I'm in pretty good shape!
I've seen plenty in junkyards that were sold at auction after being traded in. Presumably the low demand makes even used car dealers not want to bother with them.
They are under appreciated. The base (Exec.) models are pretty much boring transport boxes. The Sig. and Cartier series really are the only way to go with these.
I have moved on in years and careers, and will eventually be purchasing another 87 to restore as a side project.
This was my review by the way.
28th Oct 2013, 10:11
I own one of the "87 Signature Series". I really enjoy the car.
If planning on doing the work yourself, some major disassembly is required for water pump replacement... mostly time consuming, lots of bolts and brackets to remove and replace. This would also be a great opportunity to replace various related parts (belts, hoses, gaskets etc) and clean-up (checking for any oil or water leaks in area).
Being the engine is a 5.0 litre, many parts are interchangeable from other cars; often parts are priced according to the car name and status, and the parts can be purchased at a great discount by ordering the part by engine, not car... this varies.