Are Lincolns Expensive to Maintain?
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There are various reasons why you might be hesitant to purchase a new luxury vehicle. One of these is the cost of repairs that your car will require down the road. Lincoln models are only part of the most affordable options on the market. But are Lincolns expensive to maintain?
According to RepairPal, the average cost of repairs for a Lincoln is around $899. This is slightly above the average luxury vehicle ownership costs.
Now, let’s learn more about the cost of maintaining Lincoln car brands!
Table of Contents
Are Lincolns Reliable?
Lincolns are reliable compared to other luxury brands, such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi. They are also less expensive to maintain than their European competitors.
On the other hand, Lincoln models have higher ownership costs than Cadillacs and Acuras. There's also a comparison between the various luxury brands, such as BMW, Cadillac, and Mercedes-Benz.
Although all of them are close in terms of maintenance costs, the Lincoln model is cheaper than the three. This is because the brand's reliability is one of the factors that contribute to its lower maintenance costs.
We collected the average number of visits to a garage and the likelihood of a car having a severe problem while doing so using data from Repairpal. The following are the results;
For instance, Audi goes to the garage around 0.83 times a year for unexpected maintenance, with a 13% chance of it experiencing a serious issue. For BMWs, this number is around 0.95 times a year, and a 15% chance that the vehicle will experience a serious issue.
For Mercedes-Benz cars, this number is 0.73 times a year with a 13% likelihood that the vehicle will experience a serious issue. Lincolns have to go to the garage around 0.44 times a year for unexpected maintenance, which has a 15% chance of them experiencing a serious issue.
For Cadillacs, this number is around 0.38 times a year, with a 17% chance of the vehicle experiencing a serious issue. It's clear why Cadillac and Lincolns have lower annual maintenance costs than other luxury brands. Both brands are reliable and typically end up in the garage less often.
If you own a car that's only going to have to go to the garage around once every two years, as opposed to almost yearly, as for BMWs and Audis, this will significantly impact your vehicle's maintenance costs.
Are Lincolns Expensive to Maintain?
Lincolns are quite expensive to maintain. Depending on the model and size of the car, you can expect to spend around $750 to $1,200 annually for maintenance on a Lincoln.
The Navigator, however, requires more than $1,000 annually. If you're planning on paying less than $700 for your vehicle's annual maintenance, you're better off with another brand.
Besides the initial cost, you'll also have to pay for other expenses of owning a new car.
Before you decide to purchase a new car, you must take into account various factors.
Depreciation Costs
Depreciation is one of the bigger expenses you'll have to pay when it comes to owning a new car.
After five years, the value of your new Lincoln will drop significantly, and it will only be worth less than 50% of its original value.
If you plan on selling the vehicle within that period, you'll have to lose significant money on depreciation.
Financing
Interest rates will also decrease over the life of the contract. For instance, if you're planning on taking out a loan for a new MKX SUV, you'll only have to pay around $1,900 in the first year and only $250 in the fifth year.
With a 10-year financing agreement, this equates to about 12% of the car's value.
Insurance Fees
The annual insurance rate you pay depends on your Lincoln's safety ratings and features. The older the car gets, the less it is considered safe.
The average premium for a new Lincoln is around $1,200, about 10% of the total cost. This is exceptional, considering the industry generally rates 18-20% as acceptable insurance coverage.
Taxes and Fees
The purchase fees for a new Lincoln range from around $2,000 to $2,500. On the other hand, the Lincoln Navigator will cost you about $4,000.
This means that if you're in the market for a new car, make sure that you consider the various expenses that are associated with buying a new vehicle.
Repairs and Maintenance
Expenses increase as the vehicle ages. By the end of five years, you'll have spent around $3,000 on an MKZ and about $5,500 on an MKT.
Fuel
The vehicle's fuel economy goes down as it ages. A new Lincoln uses about $1,500 worth of gas annually, while the MKZ Hybrid is the most efficient model.
By the end of five years, you'll have spent around $4,000 on a new Lincoln compared to the $10,000 the Navigator costs.
The total cash price of a new Lincoln will vary by around $12,000 compared to the actual cost of ownership.
Are Lincoln Spare Parts and Services Expensive?
Before you start considering a new car, it's important that you thoroughly understand the various expenses that are associated with owning a new vehicle.
This will allow you to make an informed decision regarding the best possible purchase.
Oil Change
The cost of an oil change for a new Lincoln typically ranges from $118 to $140, while regular cars cost $40 to $60.
The reason why this vehicle is more expensive than other cars is due to the usage of synthetic oil, which can be costly compared to conventional oil.
Filters
You'll most likely have to replace the fuel filter regularly. The cost of this process varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
For instance, replacing a fuel filter in a new Lincoln costs around $58 to $130, the air filter $43 to $61, and the cabin air filter $56 to $99.
A fuel filter in a regular car costs around $70 to $130, while a cabin air filter costs around $60 to $80. This means that the Lincoln is a little cheaper.
Timing Belt/Chain
When replacing your car's timing belt or chain, you'll most likely need to replace these components around the 100,000 miles mark. This process can range from around $1,000 to $1,500.
Spark Plugs
The cost of replacing a set of spark plugs in a Lincoln is typically around $165 to $293 depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
On the other hand, it costs between $75 – $250 for regular cars. It's slightly more expensive to replace a set of spark plugs in a luxury vehicle due to the need for more durable components.
Tire Rotation and Replacement
The cost of replacing a set of tires on a Lincoln is typically around $300 to $600 depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
The cost of doing so on the lower end is about $400 for the MKZ and around $500 for the Navigator.
Headlight Bulbs
The average cost of replacing a set of headlights on a new Lincoln is around $58 to $265.
On the other hand, it can cost up to $150 for a set of bulbs in regular cars. The MKZ is the main reason why the average cost of this process is more than $200.
Battery
The average cost of replacing a battery in a new Lincoln is around $157 to $194. On the other hand, the cost of replacing a regular car's battery is around $120 to $240.
Brake Pads
The cost of replacing the brake pads on a new Lincoln is typically around $215 to $340 depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
This process is more expensive for Lincolns as they require larger pads. On the other hand, it costs between $150 and $300 for regular cars.
Common Issues with Lincoln Vehicles
Lincoln cars are known for their quality. However, there are some common problems that car owners encounter when it comes to owning one. They include the following;
Peeling Chrome Wheels
Owners of the MKZ model have reported that their wheels started peeling. This issue is not just a cosmetic issue.
It could also pose a safety hazard. According to reports, the affected wheels can lose air. The cost of replacing the tires is steep.
Power Steering Fluid Leaks
Power steering fluid leaks have been reported in specific MKZ models from 2007 to 2012.
Some owners stated that they heard whining noises from the pump, and puddles of power steering fluid were found under their vehicle.
According to experts, the issue could be caused by an improperly crimped hose.
Body/Paint Issues
Issues with the paint and body of the 2003 Lincoln Navigator were among the complaints received. A manufacturing defect was believed to be causing the rear panel cracks.
