2016-2017 Lincoln MKC 2.3/2.0 for a college student?

[qgodfrey05]

I am curious to know if you all would recommend a 2016 or 2017 Lincoln MKC 2.0 or 2.3 for a college kid.
The reason I am asking is that they have decent power, and tech, and run on regular fuel... but do you recommend it? Are they expensive to maintain and or fix? or am I better off with a Honda or Toyota?

 

[NJRonbo]

If it were me, I would go with a Honda or Toyota over a Lincoln. Both more dependable. Both will run on regular gas. I would guess Lincoln would be cheaper to fix but I just don't have faith in Ford/Lincoln reliability.

 

[qgodfrey05]

If it were me, I would go with a Honda or Toyota over a Lincoln. Both more dependable. Both will run on regular gas. I would guess Lincoln would be cheaper to fix but I just don't have faith in Ford/Lincoln reliability.

Thank you! And yes I am a little weary about Lincoln’s…do you think a suv or sedan would be better?

 

[NJRonbo]

Thank you! And yes I am a little weary about Lincoln’s…do you think a suv or sedan would be better?

It's difficult to give that answer as I don't know the preferences of your child going to college.

I think, gas-wise, a sedan would be cheaper to operate for commuting purposes as it would get better mileage.

It also depends on the best deal you can find. A Honda Civic is very popular. I owned one for a short period of time. I would also check with your insurance agent on what vehicle will cost less for a policy. For example, back in 2008, a Honda Civic was more expensive to insure than a Lincoln MKZ. My agent told me that kids like to race with the Civic and it had become an expensive vehicle to insure.

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[DomDoobie]

I got my son a 2018 MKC for his first car. It was trouble free until he crashed it lol. I wanted to get something nice but that didn’t promote speeding and would be good in the snow. His was the 2.3. Just my opinion

 

[bbf2530]

I am curious to know if you all would recommend a 2016 or 2017 Lincoln MKC 2.0 or 2.3 for a college kid.
The reason I am asking is that they have decent power, and tech, and run on regular fuel... but do you recommend it? Are they expensive to maintain and or fix? or am I better off with a Honda or Toyota?

Hi qgodfrey05. I would certainly recommend a Lincoln MKC. And if I was a college kid, I would be happy to get one.

On a related note...According to how lead footed the particular college kid is (or may be), you may want to stick with the 2.0L engine. It will have more than enough power, and will save money both on upfront purchase costs, and fuel savings over the long run.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

[qgodfrey05]

Hi ggodfrey05. I would certainly recommend a Lincoln MKC. And if I was a college kid, I would be happy to get one.

On a related note...According to how lead footed the particular college kid is (or may be), you may want to stick with the 2.0L engine. It will have more than enough power, and will save money both on upfront purchase costs, and fuel savings over the long run.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Okay thank you! Is there anything I need to look out for? I was looking at the maintence schedule of the mkc and I didn’t see anything too bad when it comes to service

 

[JB IN AZ]

It is really hard to beat a Toyota Corolla for reliability, fuel economy, and safety for a college kid. Not too powerful. Mazda 3 would also be a consideration.

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[qgodfrey05]

It is really hard to beat a Toyota Corolla for reliability, fuel economy, and safety for a college kid. Not too powerful. Mazda 3 would also be a consideration.

That part!

 

[qgodfrey05]

B

It is really hard to beat a Toyota Corolla for reliability, fuel economy, and safety for a college kid. Not too powerful. Mazda 3 would also be a consideration.

But if I were to get the mkc are the year 2016-2017 okay? And which engine is better?

 

[JB IN AZ]

B

But if I were to get the mkc are the year 2016-2017 okay? And which engine is better?

Sorry, I don't have any personal experience with the MKCs. Our kids had Toyotas and Mazdas when they went to college.

You seem like you have a particular Lincoln MKC in mind.

 

[bbf2530]

B

But if I were to get the mkc are the year 2016-2017 okay? And which engine is better?

Hi qgodfrey05. Neither engine is "better"...quality wise. The engine choice depends on what your priorities are. If you want better overall fuel mileage and slightly lower purchase costs, get the 2.0. If you would like more power, get the 2.3L engine. If it were for me, I would get the 2.3L engine, just for the power. But I am not a college student anymore.

My opinion: If I were purchasing a 2016-2017 for a college student, I would concentrate more on the condition of the vehicle, features, options etc., as opposed to the engine size. In other words, take the best vehicle available as far as overall price, miles, condition, features/options etc., whichever engine it has.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

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[bbf2530]

Okay thank you! Is there anything I need to look out for? I was looking at the maintence schedule of the mkc and I didn’t see anything too bad when it comes to service

Hi qgodfrey. Sorry, should have combined both posts.

No, there are no unusual maintenance requirements. It is all pretty straightforward, as you saw in the Maintenance Schedule.

You can also download all the PDF versions of the Owners Manual etc. here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/parts-service/resources/owner-manuals/

And the 2016-2017 MKC's were equipped with the newer SYNC 3 infotainment system, so you can avoid the previous and somewhat problematic Lincoln MyTouch system.

Good luck.

 

[DomDoobie]

I think I would stay away from the 2.0. Earlier versions developed micro cracks in the cylinder head gaskets requiring to have the engine replaced. Mostly under warranty. My son had the 2.3 and it was flawless. The 2.0 didn’t get rectified until I think 2019.

 

[qgodfrey05]

Hi qgodfrey05. Neither engine is "better"...quality wise. The engine choice depends on what your priorities are. If you want better overall fuel mileage and slightly lower purchase costs, get the 2.0. If you would like more power, get the 2.3L engine. If it were for me, I would get the 2.3L engine, just for the power. But I am not a college student anymore.

My opinion: If I were purchasing a 2016-2017 for a college student, I would concentrate more on the condition of the vehicle, features, options etc., as opposed to the engine size. In other words, take the best vehicle available as far as overall price, miles, condition, features/options etc., whichever engine it has.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Okay, thank you! I was looking at one it had 116k miles, (which I know is a lot for 2016) but looking at the carfax it was all serviced at the Ford dealer. No accidents or anything on it either.

 

[qgodfrey05]

I think I would stay away from the 2.0. Earlier versions developed micro cracks in the cylinder head gaskets requiring to have the engine replaced. Mostly under warranty. My son had the 2.3 and it was flawless. The 2.0 didn’t get rectified until I think 2019.

My thoughts exactly! If I get the 2.3 should i do any preventive maintenance?

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[bbf2530]

My thoughts exactly! If I get the 2.3 should i do any preventive maintenance?

Hi qgodfrey. As far as preventative maintenance: Look at the Maintenance Schedule in the Owners Manual and perform any and all required/necessary maintenance up to and including the current vehicle mileage (e.g. 116,000 miles) as per the Maintenance Schedule. Unless you have 100% prof it was already performed on time and not needed.

So in addition to oil changes etc, that may include:
- Spark plugs (called for at 100,000 miles).
- Transmission fluid (called for at 150,000 miles, but better to do every ~50,000 miles or so).
- PTU fluid (rated "lifetime" but also better to do every ~50,000 miles or so).
- Brake fluid, etc. etc. etc.

Also, check all 4 tires for tread wear and production date. Needing to immediately replace a set of tires will add $1,000+ to your purchase costs.

Those are just some of the maintenance items to look for and take care of. I am sure other members will jump in to help and make recommendations.

Keep us updated and good luck.

 

[qgodfrey05]

Hi qgodfrey. As far as preventative maintenance: Look at the Maintenance Schedule in the Owners Manual and perform any and all required/necessary maintenance up to and including the current vehicle mileage (e.g. 116,000 miles) as per the Maintenance Schedule. Unless you have 100% prof it was already performed on time and not needed.

So in addition to oil changes etc, that may include:
- Spark plugs (called for at 100,000 miles).
- Transmission fluid (called for at 150,000 miles, but better to do every ~50,000 miles or so).
- PTU fluid (rated "lifetime" but also better to do every ~50,000 miles or so).
- Brake fluid, etc. etc. etc.

Also, check all 4 tires for tread wear and production date. Needing to immediately replace a set of tires will add $1,000+ to your purchase costs.

Those are just some of the maintenance items to look for and take care of. I am sure other members will jump in to help and make recommendations.

Keep us updated and good luck.

Thank you so much! Also would you say the mkc is hard to maneuver? Or does it drive like a sedan?

 

[DomDoobie]

It drives like a car. And it should have adaptive suspension. That means it can be in regular, comfort and sport modes. Depending on the mileage and service history I would change all the fluids and filters, have the brakes checked and throw some continental extreme contact DWS (dry wet and snow) tires on it if it needs tires. You should try to find a certified used. They give a great warranty on it. Good luck

 

[qgodfrey05]

It drives like a car. And it should have adaptive suspension. That means it can be in regular, comfort and sport modes. Depending on the mileage and service history I would change all the fluids and filters, have the brakes checked and throw some continental extreme contact DWS (dry wet and snow) tires on it if it needs tires. You should try to find a certified used. They give a great warranty on it. Good luck

One more thing! The college my son is going to is located in the mountains in NC. So it’s all hilly and winding roads… Should I consider AWD? Or is FWD okay?