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

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

Hi qgodfrey. As DomDoobie stated, it drives like a car/sedan. It is a CUV, based off a car platform. So it is essentially a high riding car, like most other CUV's.

Good luck.
 
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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?

Hi qgodfrey. If that mountain area of N.C. sees snow when he will be attending, I would try to find an AWD model you like. But this is just my opinion.

Also, I believe the 2.3L was only available in AWD. While the 2.0L was available in FWD and AWD. So keep that in mind when looking for 2016-2017 examples.
EDIT- I just checked the 2016 Corsair Dealer Order Guide, and the above engine/drivetrain information is correct, at least for 2016.

Good luck.
 
I have a 2017 Lincoln MKC with 75,000 miles on it. Love this car & have never had one single problem with it. I keep the oil & filters changed when due, keep it clean & in garage. If I could buy another brand new one, I would. If the college kid was responsible, it would be a great car for them to ride in class.
 
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?
AWD always better. You have it if you need it !
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I would have no complaints about reliability of the MKC. I have owned Ford and Lincoln vehicles for the past 30 years and had zero problems with any of the vehicles. They were all super reliable, held up real well with miles, and the rides were fantastic. I have full confidence in buying a Ford or Lincoln. Yes, there have been a few minor recalls, like the tires on the Ford Explorer, but Ford always took care of the issues under warranty. Ford and Lincoln have not given me any reason to switch.

I have owned Toyota, Honda, and Nissan cars and also found them flawless. I just believe in buying American. So Hondas are mostly made in Ohio, Toyota has plants here and so does Nissan. So, any of those brands are fine in my book.

Hope you enjoy the vehicle and your son gets a nice car.
 
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.
May/June 2023 issue of Consumer Reports has Lincoln 10 year total Maintenance and Repair second only to Toyota.
 
Also, do not forget the Lincoln MKZ. In hybrid form, it was BEYOND amazing. Good gas, looks great, AND has features the MKC doesnt get.
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I'd get the MKC AWD assuming its was maintained and serviced regularly. WE had a 2017 ford Escape which is a tad smaller platform and drove it 6 years with abosolutely no issues getting 29 MPG freeway on the 2.0 motor on regular 87 octane gas.. AWD is a great option that the toyota and honda wont have for the same year. We drove over the cascade mountain pass at least five times a year and the car was fantastic and very confident in handling. Again, prior and continued maintenence is the key.
 
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?
Get a small Honda or Toyota, I would stay away from direct injected turbo charged engines. They are going to end up with problems when they get older and have a lot of miles on them. Not saying anything bad about Lincoln, I have a 22 Corsair GT and a 20 Ford Ranger but it is what it is.
 
As I see it, there are several issues with getting a Corsair, MKC, or any Lincoln really, for a new college student.

First, let’s face it, Lincoln’s are perceived to be cars for, shall we say, more mature people. Any 18-19 year old kid driving one will be shamed and humiliated about it incessantly. I can see it now, “Hey, is that your grandma’s car?” And while the Lincoln may hold a lot for beer runs, it’s not the kind of car you want to pull up in when attending a fraternity or sorority party. It’s not hard to imagine the long term emotional damage this kid will face as he moves through young adulthood by driving a Lincoln in his formative college years.

Second, a Lincoln is not what you would call a Chick Magnet. Everyone knows the hot babes go for guys driving Mustangs, Challengers, Camaros, etc. A Lincoln will assure this kid never gets a date and will be mocked by the hotties of the opposite sex.
 
Personally I was happy to get a car while I was in college. If it came down to walking or driving a Lincoln, I'd happily drive a Lincoln. And while Mustangs, Challengers, Camaros, etc. are nice there will always be the rich kids that are driving Mercedes, BMW's and even the occasional supercar. If that's what hotties of the opposite sex are looking for better off being ignored by them.
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Kids these days don't have the same affection or interest in cars as we did when I was 16 - 18 (1970's). None of the 20 year olds in my neighborhood here drive at all...they still live with the parents, and use Uber a lot. I would have gone nuts not having a car. Times have changed a lot.
 
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