General Comments:
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 =)
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.