Thinking about a used, 95, Mark VIII, but...

[wmatthe2]

I was not looking for, but found a 95 Mark VIII w/94k miles. Haven't had it to my mechanic yet, but was thumbing through a ConsumerReport guide that said "cars not to buy"... A mechanical friend of mine said the "air suspensions" are a big problem if something goes wrong, thousands to fix... Is that true? I saw on this site an add for air suspension conversion kits - do they work? Any advice out there? The car I saw is < $4k... I'm tempted...

[ONEBADMK8]

Originally Posted by wmatthe2

I was not looking for, but found a 95 Mark VIII w/94k miles. Haven't had it to my mechanic yet, but was thumbing through a ConsumerReport guide that said "cars not to buy"... A mechanical friend of mine said the "air suspensions" are a big problem if something goes wrong, thousands to fix... Is that true? I saw on this site an add for air suspension conversion kits - do they work? Any advice out there? The car I saw is < $4k... I'm tempted...

The entire a/r system on a Mark VIII is around $1300.00?

[fitzycent]

I had the kit put on to my car and all its like a Mecury Cougar suspension. I bought mine on ebay for 425.00 and paid someone 100.00 to put on. I haven't had any problems with it. It doesn't ride as smooth as most cars would but it rides the same as it would with the air ride. I recomend getting the kit if you do get it because them air ride are pieces of crap. I Love my Mark VIII

[ONEBADMK8]

I own Lincolnmotorsport and I have owned 9 Mark VIII's so far and I absolutely Love the air ride system, when you have the rest of the suspension correct with the proper air ride height settings and poly urethane bushings you wouldn't believe you were driving the same car.

Plus you have the ability to slam the car, ride at full height or in the middle, having versatility like that is priceless.

The air ride in this car is actually very relieable and works very well.

[MercCougarXR7]

The Mark 8 system is a good one, but that doesn't mean it can't fail.

But because it is on the same platform as the Cougar/Tbird - you can easily and cheaply switch over to those suspension pieces if repair becomes cost prohibitive.

Don't let something silly like a potential repair keep you out of a great car like the Mark 8. I'd have one if they weren't too much money when I was looking - and I settled on the cheap version of it .

[Auror_AH]

I really wouldn't let the air suspension on the car scare you away. They are wonderful cars, I've got a 94 and it's a real trooper. These cars can handle a serious amount of beating. I now look for cars with an air suspension. Like with most things if you really poke around searching you can find good deals.

Amanda H
95 Aurora White On Black
94 Mark VIII Black on Black

[tupacglock]

I picked the Mark VIII as my favorite car for two reasons.
1) Air Ride (Of course I will mod my solenoid so that I control it)
2) 4.6 DOHC with 280HP/285TQ @TC

2.1) I am young and want a "pimp car" that can go fast to put me 1 over on the other "pimp cars" in my school.

[Simonyadig]

Buy it.

[car_man58]

Don't let the air ride stop you...BadMk is right..these cars are awesome !and they are not so bad to repair "when needed" Go to Arnott Industries.com I just replaced both front air strutts and both rear shocks for $525 in parts,including shipping,and did it myself in 1 afternoon with simple tools.all the other parts like air bags and sensors etc..are very reasonable too.Then take it to the alignment shop to be safe on your alignment. My 94' is just one of many testimonys to how good these cars really are.!!! (at $43,000 new sticker,they should be good)180,000 miles on mine..and I drive it 600 miles a week in my line of work...it is just an awesome.dependable car that gets 26 average M.P.G. on the highway with only a K&N and "no" mufflers(sounds great too) I wish they were not getting so popular!!! cuz the prices are starting to go up! You buy a Mark...and you'll "wrap your ass in a lot of class"
Keep it low...Car_man58

[tupacglock]

We can all stop posting in this now. I bought a 1985 Mustang LX with no engine or tranny and bought a JY Long Block 351W. It is being hot tanked and rebored soon.

[lincoln_mark_8]

If it cannot beat 15.1 in the quarter then you made the wrong choice. My 97 pulls that stock and it is not a LSC.