Faults:

Front driver seat is worn pretty good, armrests have cracked some.

General Comments:

Super nice car, rides like a cloud, haven't owned it for long, the limo part is so fun for the kids.

The car runs fine, everything works, the previous owner took care of it, rebuilt transmission I was told at an unknown mileage. New radiator also.

The car still turns heads, steering little loose compared to my 92 Marquis, but it is an 89. Wish I bought this car years ago.

Faults:

Intake gaskets blew 1,000 miles after I bought it.

Tune up maintenance.

Windows off track and both rear doors not opening from the outside.

Thermostat replaced.

Valve cover gaskets replaced.

Hood props don't work.

Head gasket may be going slowly.

General Comments:

I owned this car for a couple months, and I'm very happy with it with the exception of the repairs it needed and may need at the 150,000-160,000 mile point.

The transmission shifts smoothly to the point where I can barely feel it.

The engine starts instantly like the other 302 I had in my F150.

It has always smelled hot and like burnt oil.

I'm just getting the valve cover gaskets changed, and my mechanic found a leak somewhere between the valve covers and the heater core. It's extremely small and he found antifreeze on the underside of the manifold. I asked my local parts store and they said it could very well be the head gaskets starting to go out. I don't mind it because my mechanic works extremely cheap, but if it weren't for that, I would've hated the car right when the intake gaskets blew.

The ride is very smooth and quiet.

My gas mileage is unknown for city driving at the time, but the highway is 24.5 with a lot of steep hills and stop and go curves, and the freeway is 28 with the MSD ignition parts.

I plan on keeping this car for a long time, and when the engine does give out I'll buy another 302 and get it right back on the road. (If you buy this type of car and think the steering is too loose, it's probably because it's so big and you aren't used to driving it. You'll be driving it with one finger after a few hours.)

Faults:

Normal replacement of brakes, shocks, tires, battery.

Transmission rebuilt/replaced twice due to TVR cable plastic connector breaking (now has a brass fitting).

One recall. Ignition switch replacement.

Air shocks wear out at 50,000 miles.

Car sat, not used for two years, at which time the fuel level indicator quit.

All Lincolns have A/C selector switch failures.

Glove box doors on all will warp under heat and sun.

Radio sound goes out when car is warm.

High beam switch works occasionally.

General Comments:

This is the fifth Lincoln I've owned and the best yet. I used to trade every 4 years, but when Lincoln went to air suspension, I stayed with "old Reliable". Had a MK7 with air suspension and it was a real pain to fix.

Gas mileage has always been great for this V-8. Twenty in the city and 25 hi-way at 70 with a/c on. Wife has gotten as good as 27 at 60mph on a trip from Texas. Still good, remember, this car now has 215,000 on it. No oil leaks.

Ride is like sitting home on your living room couch. Interior is crushed velour, burgundy, holds up well under mostly Texas sun its entire life. Glove box door will warp early on these cars.

Never had to get into the engine or drive line, except for the transmission repairs. Air conditioning still running on original R-12.

I wish every car I've owned were as good as this one. My sister always had Cadillacs that fell apart. I test drove one, and went back to Lincoln.

Read a story, back in early 90's of a livery service in NYC having 98 T.C.s and only 2 Cadillacs. Owner used the Lincolns as they stood up to 24hr a day running, NYC streets, and picky customers. He did change all the shocks out to KYB's as they don't break. Wouldn't consider getting rid of one until it was well over 250K in mileage. I agree with him 100%.