Wife looking at 2024 Nautilus a lot of Buy backs

[A Charles 9920]

Here is a link to the youtube clip. The "problems" discussed are identical to those I have experienced plus there are two which he does not mention however they are probably not on the vehicle he has. I somehow feel the shop may not be up to date on this problem which is hard to believe as it seems to be common on all LM and Ford vehicles with lots of "tech" features. It is a lengthy video but most informative.

 

[dadofracer]

Appreciate all the responses. After a month of going back and forth with the dealer we ended up with a 2024 Reserve III buyback with 8000 miles and 100k extended warranty. Ended up saving almost 20k off MSPR. We looked at Kia, Mazda, Cadillac, lexus and others and she wanted the Nautilus. Car we traded was a 2013 Edge with over 130k miles. The wife usually drives cars until they are done or almost done.

The issue according to car fax and the Maintenace history was they couldn't connect to google services and weather wasn't updating on screen. We took the car for a day I was able to connect google, map worked everything seemed to working as it should. It appears we might have got lucky and the prior owner just wanted out of the car.

 

[elsloan1]

Appreciate all the responses. After a month of going back and forth with the dealer we ended up with a 2024 Reserve III buyback with 8000 miles and 100k extended warranty. Ended up saving almost 20k off MSPR. We looked at Kia, Mazda, Cadillac, lexus and others and she wanted the Nautilus. Car we traded was a 2013 Edge with over 130k miles. The wife usually drives cars until they are done or almost done.

The issue according to car fax and the Maintenace history was they couldn't connect to google services and weather wasn't updating on screen. We took the car for a day I was able to connect google, map worked everything seemed to working as it should. It appears we might have got lucky and the prior owner just wanted out of the car.

We have had our 2024 Black Label Hybrid for a year now and wife loves her choice. Wife will enjoy and you got a great warranty on her new ride. For us I get her a new vehicle every 3/4 years.

 

[A Charles 9920]

Just wondering....the 100,000 warranty. Was it paid for by the dealer, baked into the price OR purchased by you as an aftermarket item. Was it a Ford/Lincoln branded product OR an independent company and what level of coverage. A 100,000 mile powertrain plan is of no value since the bulk of the problems do not seem to be powertrain related. What's amazing to me is that with so much negative press on the brand they do still appeal visually and to that buyer desire to have one....all totally against our better judgment.

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[Naughty]

Just wondering....the 100,000 warranty. Was it paid for by the dealer, baked into the price OR purchased by you as an aftermarket item. Was it a Ford/Lincoln branded product OR an independent company and what level of coverage. A 100,000 mile powertrain plan is of no value since the bulk of the problems do not seem to be powertrain related. What's amazing to me is that with so much negative press on the brand they do still appeal visually and to that buyer desire to have one....all totally against our better judgment.

I could be wrong but I believe a used 2024 Lincoln has a CPO warranty from Lincoln for 100K miles or 6 years from the original in service date and it covers everything the original warranty covered, not just the powertrain.

 

[A Charles 9920]

You are probably correct. I was not thinking CPO simply a "used vehicle".

 

[gman62]

This does not appear to be a CPO vehicle? No way Lincoln going to CPO a buyback titled car. I am guessing this was a 3rd party warranty. If so, good luck getting a claim through.

 

[ferneyhough]

We've been thinking about upgrading my wife's 2013 Ford Edge Limited. Initially, she was set on getting a newer Edge, but I convinced her to explore other options, including Ford, Lincoln, Kia, Toyota, Lexus, and a few others. After some searching, she fell in love with the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve.

Our local dealership has quite a few 2024 Nautilus models in stock. When I asked why, they explained that they have contracts with local businesses, resulting in frequent turnovers.

I decided to do some research on the specific model we test-drove. It turns out it's a Ford buyback with only 1,200 miles on it due to battery issues. Digging deeper, I discovered that many of the used 2024 Nautilus models in the area are also Ford buybacks with problems ranging from new engine replacements to battery issues, phone connectivity problems, and more.

Has anyone here ever purchased one of these buybacks? They come at a great price, but you can't file a lemon law claim on a used car.

Has Lincoln resolved the battery issues that seem to affect so many of these vehicles? The Nautilus looks fantastic, the one we drove was a smooth ride, and the tech is impressive. But I'm unsure about taking the risk with a buyback. Thoughts?

I had a 2011 edge sel that I loved that my ex still drives to this day. Over 300k & no issues. I bought a 2020 explorer st & loved it up until last year. My edge seating & driving was way better then my explorer. I'm currently waiting to see what & when the 2026 nautilus will be available. My advice is keep your edge. My biggest regret in over 30 years over multiple ownership was not keeping it.

We've been thinking about upgrading my wife's 2013 Ford Edge Limited. Initially, she was set on getting a newer Edge, but I convinced her to explore other options, including Ford, Lincoln, Kia, Toyota, Lexus, and a few others. After some searching, she fell in love with the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve.

Our local dealership has quite a few 2024 Nautilus models in stock. When I asked why, they explained that they have contracts with local businesses, resulting in frequent turnovers.

I decided to do some research on the specific model we test-drove. It turns out it's a Ford buyback with only 1,200 miles on it due to battery issues. Digging deeper, I discovered that many of the used 2024 Nautilus models in the area are also Ford buybacks with problems ranging from new engine replacements to battery issues, phone connectivity problems, and more.

Has anyone here ever purchased one of these buybacks? They come at a great price, but you can't file a lemon law claim on a used car.

Has Lincoln resolved the battery issues that seem to affect so many of these vehicles? The Nautilus looks fantastic, the one we drove was a smooth ride, and the tech is impressive. But I'm unsure about taking the risk with a buyback. Thoughts?

Thanks!

I had a 2011 edge sel that I loved that my ex still drives to this day. Over 300k & no issues. I bought a 2020 explorer st & loved it up until last year. My edge seating & driving was way better then my explorer. I'm currently waiting to see what & when the 2026 nautilus will be available. My advice is keep your edge. My biggest regret in over 30 years over multiple ownership was not keeping it.

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[demark1]

@dadofracer, "Car we traded was a 2013 Edge with over 130k miles. The wife usually drives cars until they are done or almost done." I am not comparing a 2024 Nautilus to a 2013 Edge, but 12 years old with 130k miles should not be almost done. Some flaws with suspension, yes, or other repairs along the way (alternator, say, or a cat). I have gotten rid of cars around that age, so I know what you mean. But on the other hand my 2005 Lexus LS430 is going strong at 20 years old with 170k. Not free to keep it that long, there have been some non-critical repairs but worth it so far. I hope your new Lincoln makes it similarly to your Edge.

"We looked at Kia, Mazda, Cadillac, lexus and others and she wanted the Nautilus." Similar with me. I will not by another Cadillac (I have an XTS sedan) until they get good headlights. XT5 was not as nice. Mazda was very nice, but I wanted more cargo space than the CX5/50 and did not want 3 rows. I had a RX350 as a loaner for a week, and it was gorgeous inside on the newest generation, but I absolutely hated the safety locks (electronic) that make exiting a weird motion and often latches the doors on the inside if not done just right, plus I wanted more cargo space. Plus the 4 cylinder was really out of character / gruff for the overall car, even worse than my Nautilus 4 cylinder. I will not yet buy a Kia/Hyundai for durability reasons even though I know people very happy with recent ones. Too many engine problems even now, and personal experiences of owners I know on 5-8 year old vehicles.

The thing I really would have liked is more storage space. It is the main reason I got the Nautilus as my first SUV, and I keep wondering how a smaller Honda CRV holds more cargo, with rear seats folded or not. (Maybe I should have gotten an Odyssey. Minivans are underrated). But I buy CPO or low mileage used, and the CRV interior did not hold up. The Nautilus (used) was a better value. The 2021 Nautilus on my CPO in contrast looked truly new inside: no seat wear, etc. on a 3 year old vehicle. Plus decent reliability ratings, the improved coolant passages in the ecoboost/2.0, no wet belt driving the oil pump like in the 2.7v6, etc. Time will tell how the turbo/GDI issues holds up.

I like tech, but I am not a cutting-edge tech person. I would wait before getting a '24+ personally, to see how it shakes out, and not just for cost, but it is a nice vehicle.

 

[Jacyte]

@dadofracer, "Car we traded was a 2013 Edge with over 130k miles. The wife usually drives cars until they are done or almost done." I am not comparing a 2024 Nautilus to a 2013 Edge, but 12 years old with 130k miles should not be almost done. Some flaws with suspension, yes, or other repairs along the way (alternator, say, or a cat). I have gotten rid of cars around that age, so I know what you mean. But on the other hand my 2005 Lexus LS430 is going strong at 20 years old with 170k. Not free to keep it that long, there have been some non-critical repairs but worth it so far. I hope your new Lincoln makes it similarly to your Edge.

"We looked at Kia, Mazda, Cadillac, lexus and others and she wanted the Nautilus." Similar with me. I will not by another Cadillac (I have an XTS sedan) until they get good headlights. XT5 was not as nice. Mazda was very nice, but I wanted more cargo space than the CX5/50 and did not want 3 rows. I had a RX350 as a loaner for a week, and it was gorgeous inside on the newest generation, but I absolutely hated the safety locks (electronic) that make exiting a weird motion and often latches the doors on the inside if not done just right, plus I wanted more cargo space. Plus the 4 cylinder was really out of character / gruff for the overall car, even worse than my Nautilus 4 cylinder. I will not yet buy a Kia/Hyundai for durability reasons even though I know people very happy with recent ones. Too many engine problems even now, and personal experiences of owners I know on 5-8 year old vehicles.

The thing I really would have liked is more storage space. It is the main reason I got the Nautilus as my first SUV, and I keep wondering how a smaller Honda CRV holds more cargo, with rear seats folded or not. (Maybe I should have gotten an Odyssey. Minivans are underrated). But I buy CPO or low mileage used, and the CRV interior did not hold up. The Nautilus (used) was a better value. The 2021 Nautilus on my CPO in contrast looked truly new inside: no seat wear, etc. on a 3 year old vehicle. Plus decent reliability ratings, the improved coolant passages in the ecoboost/2.0, no wet belt driving the oil pump like in the 2.7v6, etc. Time will tell how the turbo/GDI issues holds up.

I like tech, but I am not a cutting-edge tech person. I would wait before getting a '24+ personally, to see how it shakes out, and not just for cost, but it is a nice vehicle.

Only the 2nd gen 2.7L got the wet belt. the edge and nautilus never got the 2nd gen and used chains. The F150 and bronco got the 2nd gen with direct and port injection.

 

[dadofracer]

This does not appear to be a CPO vehicle? No way Lincoln going to CPO a buyback titled car. I am guessing this was a 3rd party warranty. If so, good luck getting a claim through.

Clear in the contact prior issues will not be covered and discussed on the phone. The have the title info and are aware Only issue that won't be covered will be the connection issue with Google as that is the only service issue ever reported. But because Ford/lincoln must fix the buy back issue before reselling and it's clearly fixed I'm not worried about the connection issue.

Everything else is covered per the contract.

 

[demark1]

Only the 2nd gen 2.7L got the wet belt. the edge and nautilus never got the 2nd gen and used chains. The F150 and bronco got the 2nd gen with direct and port injection.

I wish we had the direct + port even on my 2.0, but didn't know the wet belt did not apply!

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[Jacyte]

I wish we had the direct + port even on my 2.0, but didn't know the wet belt did not apply!

Yeah I wash shocked the 2.0L didn't have it till now. No catch can and no port injectors means dirty valves in a boosted engine.

 

[gman62]

Clear in the contact prior issues will not be covered and discussed on the phone. The have the title info and are aware Only issue that won't be covered will be the connection issue with Google as that is the only service issue ever reported. But because Ford/lincoln must fix the buy back issue before reselling and it's clearly fixed I'm not worried about the connection issue.

Everything else is covered per the contract.

Who was the contract with?

 

[Hugo Drivenow]

The issue is with Lincoln products so what about "others" is of no concern to me. They all have their issues. And I'll readily agree the style and looks of the lines are outstanding if you want to look at it. But if you want to drive it then it's another matter. I'll also lean to feeling that older models of all manufacturers are not plagued with the extensive "tech" issues. This is like a beautiful woman....looks good but is hell on wheels. You don't find out about that part of her until it's too late.

Right now I'm looking through various threads on this forum and pasting the common complaints into a single document. Have only been at it about 15 minutes and already have over 3 pages of specific "tech" malfunctioning problems. I have never been a great believer in Consumer Reports but it's noteworthy. I have always questioned how they do the reviews. Other surveys are also worth looking at. But what matters to me is that my vehicle performs as it is supposed to. And I think buying a reacquired vehicle is a very bad move no matter what the reason for it's being reacquired. "Lemon" has specific meanings in various states and from past experience I can say that Ford would not repurchase any vehicle if it could be "fixed". Being reacquired is evidence that there were significant issues and the owner could not be made whole via warranty. OR potentially that they elected to buy it back as it was less costly that defending their position in court.

I get it, but take into account many come here to find answers to problems with their car. Many more buy their Lincoln, have no issues, and have no need to come here, or even think of it.

If you compile 100 complaints from this forum, it may seem like a lot, but you have to roll that into how many were sold and how many more had little or no issues. The vocal few is a good indicator of potential issues for sure, but we can’t let that discourage. The Nautilus did make Motor Trend’s SUV of the year.

We had some growing pains after purchase….My wife’s Nautilus had a dead battery twice (early on AKA low voltage protection), and recent software updates have seemed to fix it. Since then, It’s been trouble free, and reliable. My wife still loves her car and is happy with the purchase.

We also are lucky to have a great dealership and a trustworthy service dept.

All that said, I would also agree with you and be wary of a buyback car. Any savings is not worth the dice roll. Never buy someone else’s problems!

 

[swindler]

I get it, but take into account many come here to find answers to problems with their car. Many more buy their Lincoln, have no issues, and have no need to come here, or even think of it.

If you compile 100 complaints from this forum, it may seem like a lot, but you have to roll that into how many were sold and how many more had little or no issues. The vocal few is a good indicator of potential issues for sure, but we can’t let that discourage. The Nautilus did make Motor Trend’s SUV of the year.

We had some growing pains after purchase….My wife’s Nautilus had a dead battery twice (early on AKA low voltage protection), and recent software updates have seemed to fix it. Since then, It’s been trouble free, and reliable. My wife still loves her car and is happy with the purchase.

We also are lucky to have a great dealership and a trustworthy service dept.

All that said, I would also agree with you and be wary of a buyback car. Any savings is not worth the dice roll. Never buy someone else’s problems!

I agree with this. I'd like to add that we all agree the Nautilus was prematurely released. And because of that, many of the complaints that you'll see on this forum were early issues that have since been fixed or at least taken to an acceptable state.

More important that a magazine's award, the fact that the Nautilus has the highest customer satisfaction in it's segment tells you what you need to know.

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[elsloan1]

Wife and I were early adopters to the redesign of the Nautilus in the hybrid and the only issue we had were the radio not working a few times, I learned how to do a hard reset. We had the injectors replaced under the customer satisfaction service bulletin. We do not use this vehicle for long trips (my Sierra Denali), it is for around town and wife loves her upgrade over her very nice 22 Nautilus. At 8k on the odometer we home for 3 more years of happy motoring before next vehicle. We usually keep 4 years to keep the Lincoln bumper to bumper warranty on a Black Label.

 

[enigma-2]

Buy it and get a three to five year premium extended warranty.

 

[Gkemp]

Now that's odd. A Consumer Reports article I just read for 2024 models said there was not one Lincoln product recommended and in fact it strongly urged caution before purchasing any of the named vehicles. I'll look for the article.

Here is one: Lincoln Cars, SUVs, & Trucks - Consumer Reports

But that's not the one I found earlier.

A few friends that are car enthusiasts say consumer reports should stick to anything but vehicles, as they do a lousy job of reviewing them. The 2025 review of the Nautilus is given a low grade ONLY based on the 2024 maintenance issues: We expect the 2025 Nautilus Hybrid to be less reliable than other new cars. This prediction is based on limited data from the 2024 Nautilus and the Lincoln brand score. As mentioned above, many of those issues have been addressed, and the 2025 was reworked without the first year gotchas (first year cars tend to have the biggest issues, although my 1997 Expedition and 2010 Taurus were champs that we finally donated both over 280k miles). Nautilus gets 81/100 for road test, and 5/5 of predicted owner satisfaction. Any vehicle over 80 is a recommended car, so if you throw out the arbitrary reliability rating it would be a recommended vehicle, and higher than an 81. Even with that one low score CR rates Nautilus #8 of 16 in its class, and Lincoln is rated #2 in maintenance and repair (wait above it say Lincoln brand is low scorer) and #7 in Owner Satisfaction in luxury vehicles.

 

[A Charles 9920]

Some solid comments in this thread which I just re-read. This one should be a clear warning...

they explained that they have contracts with local businesses, resulting in frequent turnovers

So they tell you a lie right out of the box. That would be a deal breaker for me.