1996 Continental - To buy or not to buy? Newbie here

[87yjFL]

Hi, I'm new to the Lincoln area of cars and I'm looking into buying a 1996 Lincoln Continental with 42K miles, 4.6 v8, Cold A/c and Leather.. Seller says its pretty much mint condition other than some fading on bumpers and minor scratches.

I'm curious if you guys would recommend the 96' Continental or if its one to stay away from.

Any tips on what to look out for when checking it out and test driving it?
Any suggestions...are there any engine or tranny problems with the 96 continental?

Any and all feedback would greatly be appreciated...Also, What would you say the above described 96 continental is worth? or is a fair price?
Thanks in advance for your help.

[weverette1]

I've got a 95 and I like it.
I've just had to change my air suspension to coil conversion kit, but otherwise it's fine.
$4000-6000 is about the going prices.

[vbaker]

I bought a 97 last year. It had 64k on it and I put on 18k more. Everything was great until it just didn't start one day. I took it to the mechanic and he said it broke one of the four timing chains which in turn bent the 32 valves. He says this is common in these engines only it usually happens after 100k or more. He suggests installing a jasper engine that is supposed to have updates eliminating this problem. Only problem know is 5 grand for the new engine. Has anyone heard of this problem before.

[sirmill]

You got about 10k of good miles left after that forget it thier junk nothin but probs exspensive ones at that

[mph89]

oh hell, you've got a chance at one with a V-8...I'd go for it...just got one...just put another 3.8 V-6 to replace the bad one...just found out that I could've got a Tarus SHO motor for it for $400 (whole car included, it had a bad tranny) ...would've made a nice sleeper...if I had a choice, I'd take the V-8

[mph89]

P.S. The air ride just sucks up the bumps (it's like riding on air..(pun intended))...though I'd hate to see it go bad, plus you just don't get that directly-connected feel to the road...if you plan on doing any hard cornering, it takes a bit to get used to. Otherwise, a good daily driver, or family car if you don't want to go the minivan route, and want all the toys!

[88DukeBird]

I just bought a 96 4.6 with 93K for $5570, but I've got a 5-day no-questions-asked return in my hip pocket. My mechanic says it needs struts and that there's a miss in the engine that might just need a tune up (All I notice is a little shudder under light acceleration at the low end of O/D -- ~ 45 mph), and that "if the air bags go, it's $1500 per wheel to fix". weverett1: How much for the conversion kit? Looks like to "No" votes so far... Any other thoughts?

[88DukeBird]

That's "two" no votes...

[y block]

Originally Posted by 88DukeBird

I just bought a 96 4.6 with 93K for $5570, but I've got a 5-day no-questions-asked return in my hip pocket. My mechanic says it needs struts and that there's a miss in the engine that might just need a tune up (All I notice is a little shudder under light acceleration at the low end of O/D -- ~ 45 mph), and that "if the air bags go, it's $1500 per wheel to fix". weverett1: How much for the conversion kit? Looks like to "No" votes so far... Any other thoughts?

88 DukeBird I Have my second Continental Both 95s The first Had 96k. when a NY buck came through the front windshield and colapsed the roof It was totaled.The second one Just today started giving me problems with the right front air strut, but i think it is just the ride height sensor .malfunctioning ? I Hope ! These systems are different from 94 and earlier ,that were known for there air ride problems. These Cars are great I loved both of mine, and often wonder what would ever replace this car. It has all the bells & whistles & lots of power and not bad on gas Low 18mpg high 27mpg. Just remember there are a lot of electronics on this car that could malfunction . If you get it cheap enough it's a good deal . Good luck Gary

[gtsiklis]

I had my 95 Lincoln Continental for 3 months. It is in absolutely prestine condition. I was driving on the highway when all of a sudden the engine and iol light came on. The ENGINE CEASED.

The cause of the engine cease was a result of the paint or compound that FORD put on the oil pan. This chipped of the oil pan and clogged the oil filter.......resulting in a cease. Ford advises this is not possible but I have pictures to prove it. Also, I got a used 4.6 engine from a recker. GUess what I did....yep, sand blasted the oil pan. I will be going to small claims court.

Has anyone ever heard of this?