1995 Lincoln Town Car V8 from North America
Summary:
Poor mechanical quality
Faults:
Transmission rumbles badly at under 100,000 miles.
Engine burns oil.
Air ride suspension totally shot.
Power windows either broke or won't work.
General Comments:
To anyone that knows me, knows I am one to take very good care of my cars. I use only quality oils and fluids, and change them perfectly on time.
I bought this 1995 Lincoln Town Car with only 85,000 miles from the original owner. It was always garaged and in mint condition. Soon after taking an 800 mile trip, I began to notice the transmission rumbling (almost shuddering) at times climbing hills or inclines. This was cured for a short time by totally replacing all fluids and filter. That worked for about 6 months, then came back worse than ever. At about 100,000 miles the engine starting using oil... no leaks... burning oil...
The air ride suspension now is totally failing. It's not sagging to the ground yet like a lot of them you see, but if nothing is done about it -- it will be. VERY high dollar cost to fix unless you convert it over to regular springs and shocks. The car now handles like a boat on rough waters when hitting bumps.
I have had issues with every single power window in the car... either the switches were bad, or I had to have the total power window motor replaced... again, very costly.
The car runs and drives, but is nowhere near the quality for prior years of Lincolns I have owned. Although in excellent condition still... I don't see the point in fixing all the crazy problems with burning oil, shuddering transmission and suspension issues.
I have had 70's and 80's Lincolns that have went well into the 200,000 mile range with no issues. This seems common of the 90 - 97 Town Cars. Something to be aware of before buying one.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 1st July, 2013
2nd Jul 2013, 17:22
It's really luck of the draw. 90% of the time you can purchase one of these with over 100,000 miles on it and be good to go.
I know everyone has a different experience, but I bought a '96 TC 6 years ago and I'm now approaching 180,000 miles, and the car still looks and runs new. It doesn't owe me a dime.
I did have the shudder in the torque converter and replaced it, but while the tranny was out I bought an overhaul kit and rebuilt it.
Yes, they do tend to burn oil, but I don't have that problem because it was corrected by 1996.
As far as the air-ride, this can be a headache. I don't have a problem, but if I ever do, I will replace it with regular coil springs. It costs around $250.00 and takes about an hour to do the job, and believe it or not, the ride is no different.