Looking to buy my first LS...

Hey folks. I need some help here. I have been lookiing for a car for a while now. With each car I look at, I do as much on line research as possible before I buy. Well I happen to stumble upon one of these dudes! I need as much input as possible! It seems to have quite the following. Anyway, here it is.... 2003 Lincoln LS, the bigger V8 (3.9 I believe). Seems perfect inside and out, shifts smooth etc. It has 97,000 miles on it but you wouldnt know it by the looks of it. I have not driven this car yet and so I need to know what to look for or to listen for. A few things that might help.... I am 'mechanically inclined' as I work on my own vehicles... the dealer is asking 7900. for it. I think I can get him down a bit but not much. So, please, any thoughts, ideas, information on what to look for....
Oh yeah... and do I have to run premium fuel in it?

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the forum!

You do need to run premium (91+) fuel in it. Many of the common issues were remedied for the 2003 model year. Basic things to inspect would be the transmission and how it shifts. Including going from park to reverse. Also, inspect the front end and rear end for looseness and dust seal integrity. Many of the parts on this car are aluminum and nearly one-offs, so they are not easy to locate or inexpensive. For the most part, working on the car is not all that difficult compared to many other cars of similar vintage.

Also make sure the climate control system works well. If it has heated and cooled seats, make sure both work. The battery is in the trunk with the spare tire. Check the spare tire well for water and the date on the battery. If the battery is near 4 years old or older, expect to start experiencing some driveability issues until the battery is replaced.

Also, with that mileage, you should expect to perform some of pricey maintenance as outlined in the maintenance manual. I don't recall if the transmission fluid interval is listed as 100k or 150k miles, but that is not likely to be service you can perform at home.

-Rod

You will also want to test all the windows. The regulator is a common problem. I just replaced mine 2000 LS still under 52,000 miles

Great, thanks for the info. How are the 2004's. Were there more bugs or not?
Thanks

Many issues were fixed for the 2003 model year. You'll have a pretty reliable car if you get a 2003 or newer.

-Rod

Why would the transfluid change be difficult if I did it? Did the earlier ones have issues with water getting into the trunk? I thought I read that somewhere. Where there any issues with the sterio?
Thank again for all of the information. I really like what I am finding out about this vehicle.. and it looks absoloutley awesome! I have found a few more in my area, at local dealers, and the wileage is allot lower. I think the pricing is a bit high on them but then thats a dealership for you! I can handle them......:wink:

Was the trans thing figured out? I was reading other posts about the trans isues! That concerns me allot!

Why would the transfluid change be difficult if I did it? Did the earlier ones have issues with water getting into the trunk? I thought I read that somewhere. Where there any issues with the stereo?
Thank again for all of the information. I really like what I am finding out about this vehicle.. and it looks absoloutley awesome! I have found a few more in my area, at local dealers, and the wileage is allot lower. I think the pricing is a bit high on them but then thats a dealership for you! I can handle them......:wink:

Was the trans thing figured out? I was reading other posts about the trans isues! That concerns me allot!

The Lincoln LS transmission flush requires a special tool and is done under presser, IMHO bite the bullet and pay the dealership approximately $150 and be done with it.

No common stereo problems.

Ford has issued an extended warranty on the COP (coils on plugs) of 10 years or 100K miles due to oil leak into the plug well due to gasket leak that was corrected in 2003 and after.

I have a 2004 with low mileage and have not experience any major problems; love this car.

Thanks!
Do you drive yours in the snow? How does it handle? Is the V8 pretty torquey? How is it for long trips, comfort wise.

A recall was issued for the transmissions, to have an additive added if the transmission was not exhibiting symptoms or to have the solenoids replaced if it was. I would hope all were addressed by now. I don't recall what year they 'fixed' the real issue.

I'm not aware of an issues with the stereo for the 2003 and newer models.

-Rod

shorod is correct about the additive, was added to both power steering and transmission under a TSB early on in 2005.

Yes I live in mountain Snow County, yes the LS is torquey but the traction control helps. I run Ultra High Performance all season, Michelin Pilot Sport plus A/S, and I use Spike-Spider when needed, pricey but work well for me because they go on and off easily, and our snow comes and goes quickly.

shorod is correct about the additive, was added to both power steering and transmission under a TSB early on in 2005.

Yes I live in mountain Snow County, yes the LS is torquey but the traction control helps. I run Ultra High Performance all season, Michelin Pilot Sport plus A/S, and I use Spikes-Spiders when needed, pricey but work well for me because they go on and off easily, and our snow comes and goes quickly.

http://www.spikes-spiders.com/catalog/view/category/?spikeSession=9e8279a5ba7e78f972005a66eef9f4b6&id=624

Thanks again all! I really appreciate hearing form the owners directly!
Unfortunately here in Illinois, we cant use anything on the wheels. :grinno:
But thats ok, I love driving in the snow. In fact I had a 97 Cougar that I drove in the snow and it did fine for me.

Thanks again!!:):)

I have a second set of wheels with Blizzaks that I put on the wife's LS in the winter. She has traction control, but not the better AdvancTrac. She gets around fine in the winter with the Blizzaks. The near 50-50 weight balance really helps in the winter.

-Rod

Yeah, gonna have to invest in a tire solution.

Might check out the listings here if you have a membership..
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