Continental Reliability and Costs...

[Incoln Own]

So I'm on the fence regarding purchasing an MKZ or Continental. I currently have a Town Car and while it's been great now for over 6 years I would like something with AWD and the 3.0T engine.

My deciding factor will be reliability and repair costs. I plan on owning my next vehicle for at least 10 years. I just don't want to make a mistake in regards to perhaps like one would make when purchasing a used Jaguar (if you can't afford one new then you can't afford one used).

For example, for those of you out of warranty(or under warranty but have seen the cost it would have been) who have had repairs, was there an item you didn't expect to cost as much as it did to replace or repair?

I'm also curious on some of the technological differences between the two models. For example, what does the adaptive suspension do in a Continental? Also is there other tech the Continental has vs the MKZ? Has anyone seen this extra tech compared to an MKZ fail and need repair?

Anyway thank you all for your input.

 

[bbf2530]

So I'm on the fence regarding purchasing an MKZ or Continental. I currently have a Town Car and while it's been great now for over 6 years I would like something with AWD and the 3.0T engine.

My deciding factor will be reliability and repair costs. I plan on owning my next vehicle for at least 10 years. I just don't want to make a mistake in regards to perhaps like one would make when purchasing a used Jaguar (if you can't afford one new then you can't afford one used).

For example, for those of you out of warranty(or under warranty but have seen the cost it would have been) who have had repairs, was there an item you didn't expect to cost as much as it did to replace or repair?

I'm also curious on some of the technological differences between the two models. For example, what does the adaptive suspension do in a Continental? Also is there other tech the Continental has vs the MKZ? Has anyone seen this extra tech compared to an MKZ fail and need repair?

Anyway thank you all for your input.

Hi lncoln Own. Off the top of my head, the two main features available on the Continental but not the MKZ, are the 30-way Perfect Position seats, versus the Multi-Contour seats of the MKZ (maybe 22 or 24 position...I forget). And also the HUD/heads up display, which was not available on the MKZ at all.
Both the Continental and MKZ have the Revel Ultima audio system as an option. Off the top of my head, I believe the Revel Ultima in the Continental has 19 speakers, versus the MKZ's 20 (a negligible difference).
But keep in mind the above features are optional, so if you want them, you will need to do some searching in the used car market.

EDIT- The Continental also has available rear seat audio/climate controls, which the MKZ does not (only adjustable vents).

I'm sure another member will jump in to help if I missed any major features.

A short explanation of the Adaptive Suspension: The Adaptive Suspension system reads the road ahead, in order to allow the vehicle to provide the smoothest ride and best handling. Adaptive Suspension is available on both the Continental and MKZ.

Being a larger, heavier vehicle, the Continental will give a little better ride. Coming from the butter smooth ride of the Town Car, that may be an attractive feature for you. The MKZ will give you a little sportier ride and handling in a slightly smaller package.

With the above mentioned few differences in available features, the overall tech and repair costs etc. would be comparable for both vehicles. The underlying tech is the same in both vehicles, with the basic difference being the Continental is a larger vehicles with more room, intended/designed/styled for a bit more Lincoln traditional "luxury", versus the slightly smaller, bit more "sporty" MKZ. In my opinion, it comes down to what a buyer wants in vehicle size, which they like better as far as ride/handling and exterior/interior styling, and price.
Let's just say that the repair costs for either would be nothing like a Jaguar.

Keep us updated on your search and good luck.

 

[Incoln Own]

Hi lncoln Own. Off the top of my head, the two main features available on the Continental but not the MKZ, are the 30-way Perfect Position seats, versus the Multi-Contour seats of the MKZ (maybe 22 or 24 position...I forget). And also the HUD/heads up display, which was not available on the MKZ at all.
Both the Continental and MKZ have the Revel Ultima audio system as an option. Off the top of my head, I believe the Revel Ultima in the Continental has 19 speakers, versus the MKZ's 20 (a negligible difference).
But keep in mind the above features are optional, so if you want them, you will need to do some searching in the used car market.

EDIT- The Continental also has available rear seat audio/climate controls, which the MKZ does not (only adjustable vents).

I'm sure another member will jump in to help if I missed any major features.

A short explanation of the Adaptive Suspension: The Adaptive Suspension system reads the road ahead, in order to allow the vehicle to provide the smoothest ride and best handling. Adaptive Suspension is available on both the Continental and MKZ.

Being a larger, heavier vehicle, the Continental will give a little better ride. Coming from the butter smooth ride of the Town Car, that may be an attractive feature for you. The MKZ will give you a little sportier ride and handling in a slightly smaller package.

With the above mentioned few differences in available features, the overall tech and repair costs etc. would be comparable for both vehicles. The underlying tech is the same in both vehicles, with the basic difference being the Continental is a larger vehicles with more room, intended/designed/styled for a bit more Lincoln traditional "luxury", versus the slightly smaller, bit more "sporty" MKZ. In my opinion, it comes down to what a buyer wants in vehicle size, which they like better as far as ride/handling and exterior/interior styling, and price.
Let's just say that the repair costs for either would be nothing like a Jaguar.

Keep us updated on your search and good luck.

Thank you for the insight. I must say I am definitely leaning toward the Continental mainly due to the increased cabin room. My wife and I like to snowboard and between changing into the snow gear and carrying it back and forth from the lodge I don't want to be any more cramped than I already was in the Town Car.

I suppose I'm just a bit scared some of these more advanced systems, safety features, or tech compared to a town car might fail. I'm trying to avoid coughing up a first born to afford repairs.

 

[bbf2530]

Thank you for the insight. I must say I am definitely leaning toward the Continental mainly due to the increased cabin room. My wife and I like to snowboard and between changing into the snow gear and carrying it back and forth from the lodge I don't want to be any more cramped than I already was in the Town Car.

I suppose I'm just a bit scared some of these more advanced systems, safety features, or tech compared to a town car might fail. I'm trying to avoid coughing up a first born to afford repairs.

Hi lncln Own. You are very welcome. It is certainly understandable to worry about repair costs with all the electronics/computer tech. Therefore, I would make one recommendation...and this would go for any make/model modern vehicle: Purchase a Lincoln that is still within the 4 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty.
In that way, since you are leaning towards a Lincoln, you can purchase a new vehicle Lincoln Extended Service Plan/Warranty. And purchase the factory LincolnProtect ESP, not a third party contract.
You can get new vehicle Lincoln ESP's for up to 8 years duration. This will give some peace of mind, at least up to 8 year mark, if you feel you will own the vehicle that long.

If you have any questions about that, we can direct you towards multiple threads giving recommendations for the lowest price online sellers.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

______________________________

 

[Incoln Own]

Hi lncln Own. You are very welcome. It is certainly understandable to worry about repair costs with all the electronics/computer tech. Therefore, I would make one recommendation...and this would go for any make/model modern vehicle: Purchase a Lincoln that is still within the 4 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty.
In that way, since you are leaning towards a Lincoln, you can purchase a new vehicle Lincoln Extended Service Plan/Warranty. And purchase the factory LincolnProtect ESP, not a third party contract.
You can get new vehicle Lincoln ESP's for up to 8 years duration. This will give some peace of mind, at least up to 8 year mark, if you feel you will own the vehicle that long.

If you have any questions about that, we can direct you towards multiple threads giving recommendations for the lowest price online sellers.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

I might just do that. Trying to figure out an even rough cost-benefit analysis. If the Continental is as reliable as I hope or cheap enough to repair (outside of a dealership) it might make more sense to forgo the extended warranty. I already have the trims and features that I'm looking for nailed down. It's these last finite details that are always the toughest though.

 

[bbf2530]

I might just do that. Trying to figure out an even rough cost-benefit analysis. If the Continental is as reliable as I hope or cheap enough to repair (outside of a dealership) it might make more sense to forgo the extended warranty. I already have the trims and features that I'm looking for nailed down. It's these last finite details that are always the toughest though.

Hi lncln Own. My opinion only: Having routine maintenance and wear and tear issues (i.e. hard point suspension, brakes etc.) performed at an independent shop should not be an issue.
I would hesitate to have repairs performed on the more tech oriented vehicle systems by an outside shop.

Again, just my opinion.

Good luck.

 

[jhartz]

Go with the Continental Reserve with the 3.0L engine. But start the search early and wide: not many made. Current car has been 100% reliable (much like one of my Jags!); only repair has been for a tire with a nail! Been to the dealer only once in two years, easier to go down the street to the neighborhood Valvoline service! The 2017 was equally reliable, just the door handle recall and a nail . . . and drove 200 miles home after suffering nearly $16,000 in damage after a dear strike. Both, great room due to long wheelbase. Handling not quite as good as a couple of 300Cs I have rented . . .

 

[Incoln Own]

Hi lncln Own. My opinion only: Having routine maintenance and wear and tear issues (i.e. hard point suspension, brakes etc.) performed at an independent shop should not be an issue.
I would hesitate to have repairs performed on the more tech oriented vehicle systems by an outside shop.

Again, just my opinion.

Good luck.

Good advice. Thank you very much for the input.

______________________________

 

[Incoln Own]

Go with the Continental Reserve with the 3.0L engine. But start the search early and wide: not many made. Current car has been 100% reliable (much like one of my Jags!); only repair has been for a tire with a nail! Been to the dealer only once in two years, easier to go down the street to the neighborhood Valvoline service! The 2017 was equally reliable, just the door handle recall and a nail . . . and drove 200 miles home after suffering nearly $16,000 in damage after a dear strike. Both, great room due to long wheelbase. Handling not quite as good as a couple of 300Cs I have rented . . .

I will in all likelihood be willing to go out west for the car as I don't want a car that's been eaten up by the salted roads here. So no problem searching far and wide for the car. I'm going to exercise patience, may take me some months to find the perfect car but I'm willing to wait for the right one (for the right price).

In your opinion why choose the Reserve trim vs Black Label or ect? All I know is I want the upgraded Revel Audio/Technology Package, want AWD, 3.0T engine, and would like to avoid the rear seat tech package as I will rarely have anyone back there and don't want to worry about something else failing in the car that I don't need.

 

[bbf2530]

I will in all likelihood be willing to go out west for the car as I don't want a car that's been eaten up by the salted roads here. So no problem searching far and wide for the car. I'm going to exercise patience, may take me some months to find the perfect car but I'm willing to wait for the right one (for the right price).

In your opinion why choose the Reserve trim vs Black Label or ect? All I know is I want the upgraded Revel Audio/Technology Package, want AWD, 3.0T engine, and would like to avoid the rear seat tech package as I will rarely have anyone back there and don't want to worry about something else failing in the car that I don't need.

Hi lncln Own. Just a few general thoughts and opinions: First, as explained in this thread... Black Label Upgrade Worth It? ...the main differences between the Black Label and Reserve versions is the interior trim. Nicer Leather and Alcantara headliner/windshield pillars in the Black Label. Exterior differences are mostly the wheels and some badging.

Since you would be buying used, many of the Black Label perks will not transfer to you.
However, an advantage to buying used (besides price in general) is that while the seller will probably try to ask a premium for the Black Label edition, you can be an informed buyer and let them know that since it is a used vehicle, you know you will not qualify for many of the perks. So you may be able to get a Black Label vehicle for close to a Reserve price. There certainly should not be the same price differential as with a new Black Label versus Reserve sale. So use that information to negotiate them down.

Concerning the "upgraded Revel audio": Just be sure you are getting the "Revel Ultima" upgraded version. Not the regular "Revel" version.

Keep us updated and good luck.

 

[Incoln Own]

Hi lncln Own. Just a few general thoughts and opinions: First, as explained in this thread... Black Label Upgrade Worth It? ...the main differences between the Black Label and Reserve versions is the interior trim. Nicer Leather and Alcantara headliner/windshield pillars in the Black Label. Exterior differences are mostly the wheels and some badging.

Since you would be buying used, many of the Black Label perks will not transfer to you.
However, an advantage to buying used (besides price in general) is that while the seller will probably try to ask a premium for the Black Label edition, you can be an informed buyer and let them know that since it is a used vehicle, you know you will not qualify for many of the perks. So you may be able to get a Black Label vehicle for close to a Reserve price. There certainly should not be the same price differential as with a new Black Label versus Reserve sale. So use that information to negotiate them down.

Concerning the "upgraded Revel audio": Just be sure you are getting the "Revel Ultima" upgraded version. Not the regular "Revel" version.

Keep us updated and good luck.

Honestly depending on the deal I feel like I could be happy with either a well equipped Reserve or the Black Label. Thanks for the info and warning regarding getting roped into paying too much for a Black Label. I will definitely be looking for the Revel Ultima audio package.

Any other advice you think might be helpful? I'm all ears for anything you might have.

 

[silverydragon72]

So I'm on the fence regarding purchasing an MKZ or Continental. I currently have a Town Car and while it's been great now for over 6 years I would like something with AWD and the 3.0T engine.

My deciding factor will be reliability and repair costs. I plan on owning my next vehicle for at least 10 years. I just don't want to make a mistake in regards to perhaps like one would make when purchasing a used Jaguar (if you can't afford one new then you can't afford one used).

For example, for those of you out of warranty(or under warranty but have seen the cost it would have been) who have had repairs, was there an item you didn't expect to cost as much as it did to replace or repair?

I'm also curious on some of the technological differences between the two models. For example, what does the adaptive suspension do in a Continental? Also is there other tech the Continental has vs the MKZ? Has anyone seen this extra tech compared to an MKZ fail and need repair?

Anyway thank you all for your input.

revel ultima is definitely amazing so id highly recommend it and the 30 way seats are amazing. In terms of the rear seat package if you never use it technically you don't need to get it fixed if it goes wrong lol. Biggest issue on the conti's id say is the door handle can be expensive to be fixed. Also make sure you get it from someone who maintained it well as an example the fuel filter is supposed to be replaced periodically on the 3.0 which not everyone is aware of (I had to tell my dealer to do it on mine vs them asking me to). Overall mine has been good besides for replacing the rear handle. Also if you want the app to work try to get one that has had the modem upgraded already. One of the big reasons I went Conti is to me its more comfortable than the mkz, the interior is nicer, and I went BL as I loved the chalet theme. also in regards to adptive suspension it gives you 3 options. 1 comfort, 2 normal, 3 sport and adjusts the suspension based on what mode you are in. In sport it firms everything up for better corning and in comfort it basically makes everything soft. I'm in comfort 90% of the time.

______________________________

 

[Incoln Own]

revel ultima is definitely amazing so id highly recommend it and the 30 way seats are amazing. In terms of the rear seat package if you never use it technically you don't need to get it fixed if it goes wrong lol. Biggest issue on the conti's id say is the door handle can be expensive to be fixed. Also make sure you get it from someone who maintained it well as an example the fuel filter is supposed to be replaced periodically on the 3.0 which not everyone is aware of (I had to tell my dealer to do it on mine vs them asking me to). Overall mine has been good besides for replacing the rear handle. Also if you want the app to work try to get one that has had the modem upgraded already. One of the big reasons I went Conti is to me its more comfortable than the mkz, the interior is nicer, and I went BL as I loved the chalet theme. also in regards to adptive suspension it gives you 3 options. 1 comfort, 2 normal, 3 sport and adjusts the suspension based on what mode you are in. In sport it firms everything up for better corning and in comfort it basically makes everything soft. I'm in comfort 90% of the time.

Thanks for the advice regarding the audio and seat package. I'm going to be looking for both of those options.

From the research I've done I thought the door handles were only a 2017 issue? I was specifically going to avoid the 2017 year for the door handle issues and also due to wanting the HUD tech upgrade. Is there a certain year you know for sure has the upgraded modem or are all years requiring the upgrade?

Thanks for the fuel filter advice. Would you recommend replacement with oil changes? I also know the 3.0 requires periodic walnut blasting on the intake manifold but is there an established time or mileage that's been agreed on to get this done?

I honestly might be keeping this car for even longer than 10 years if vehicles-as-a-service becomes the standard. I'll be d***** if I ever have to pay $15 a month for a remote start or seat warmers. So long story short I would love to establish the perfect maintenance schedule to make sure it lasts for as long as I want to own it.

 

[silverydragon72]

Thanks for the advice regarding the audio and seat package. I'm going to be looking for both of those options.

From the research I've done I thought the door handles were only a 2017 issue? I was specifically going to avoid the 2017 year for the door handle issues and also due to wanting the HUD tech upgrade. Is there a certain year you know for sure has the upgraded modem or are all years requiring the upgrade?

Thanks for the fuel filter advice. Would you recommend replacement with oil changes? I also know the 3.0 requires periodic walnut blasting on the intake manifold but is there an established time or mileage that's been agreed on to get this done?

I honestly might be keeping this car for even longer than 10 years if vehicles-as-a-service becomes the standard. I'll be d***** if I ever have to pay $15 a month for a remote start or seat warmers. So long story short I would love to establish the perfect maintenance schedule to make sure it lasts for as long as I want to own it.

Its every 30k miles for the fuel filter. I am also doing transmission fluid change every 50k miles and ill probably do spark plugs at 60k. I haven't done the walnut blasting. Im figuring ill probably need to around 100k but haven't heard an exact timeline. Probably depends on driving style. i have a 17 and I can't say if it was ever resolved in later years for the handles. Same goes for the modem. Either way good luck finding one there isn't many that are well speced in certain colors/interior, and a 3.0. Mine has about everything but the hud as it was right before the midyear refresh when that occurred.

 

[Incoln Own]

Its every 30k miles for the fuel filter. I am also doing transmission fluid change every 50k miles and ill probably do spark plugs at 60k. I haven't done the walnut blasting. Im figuring ill probably need to around 100k but haven't heard an exact timeline. Probably depends on driving style. i have a 17 and I can't say if it was ever resolved in later years for the handles. Same goes for the modem. Either way good luck finding one there isn't many that are well speced and a 3.0. Mine has about everything but the hud as it was right before the midyear refresh when that occurred.

Good to know for the schedules.

Honestly the only options that are must have is AWD, 3.0 engine, and Revel Ultima. Can live without everything else. Hopefully it won't be too bad trying to find what I'm looking for.

 

[silverydragon72]

Good to know for the schedules.

Honestly the only options that are must have is AWD, 3.0 engine, and Revel Ultima. Can live without everything else. Hopefully it won't be too bad trying to find what I'm looking for.

If you are flexible on location and dont care about the interior/external color you can probably find something. Just make sure its a 3.0 and not a 2.7 when shopping if that is what you want. My schedule is more just what I want to do. its alot sooner than recommended for some of the items but its what I think is correct.

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[Incoln Own]

If you are flexible on location and dont care about the interior/external color you can probably find something. Just make sure its a 3.0 and not a 2.7 when shopping if that is what you want. My schedule is more just what I want to do. its alot sooner than recommended for some of the items but its what I think is correct.

Color and interior aren't all that important and I will definitely be going at least a 1000 miles to get out of the rust belt for the car. I like the schedule and will likely be implementing the exact schedule so thank you very much.

 

[silverydragon72]

Also here is some pictures of mine to show you one of the interior/exterior options. Good luck in your search.

 

[Incoln Own]

Also here is some pictures of mine to show you one of the interior/exterior options. Good luck in your search.

That color combination in the interior is amazing. So that is the Chalet theme then?

 

[silverydragon72]

That color combination in the interior is amazing. So that is the Chalet theme then?

Chalet interior with Rhapsody blue exterior