looking at '05 Town Car...are they okay in winter?

[fabchef]

Hello everyone, Well i sold my car a few months back and im in the midst of looking at another car. I came across a 2005 Town Car. Looks reallly nice. I've driven RWD cars before (miss my '96 caprice police car), and currently driving (temporarily) a 2001 e150 van. With blizzaks on the caprice (with a limited slip diff) , it was a tank in the snow! The van, with studded nokian hakka tires, is doing quite well.
I wanted to know how the town car does in snow? we get quite a bit of snow in the winter here, winter tires are also mandatory.
Do the Town Car's come with limited slip diff? how do they run with dedicated winter tires. If you run winters on your cars, which brand do you use and how does it drive?

in terms of mechanical issues...is there something to look out for in this year? I think by then, they had the better intake manafolds on, right?
thanks
fab

 

[Town]

I had Toyo Observe G02 Plus and then the Toyo Observe GSI-5 on my 2007 Town Car with open differential. All 4 tires with alloy wheels for winter. Traction was very good and I felt very safe driving the car in all weather conditions. A limited slip clutch pack differential (called traction lok) may be fitted to some cars and is available as an update. There is standard electronic traction control using engine de-powering and selective rear brake application, and the traction control can be turned off quickly if needed and sometimes you need to turn it off to get some wheel spin and full power.

My Continental has the same GSI-5 tires on alloy winter wheels.

I like the Toyo tires because the straight open channels get rid of the slush and water quickly compared to Michelin X ICE tires that I have also used. Ice traction is good but RWD has its limits. I think slush is the most common winter condition and the Toyo tires excell, you move from lane to lane as required with no impact on the car, the deep ridges have no effect. They are a little noisier that other tires but the Town Car hides most of the noise. The tires are long wearing for winter tires.

Beside normal checks for any used car you may want to run the EATC self test here: https://lincolnforums.com/forums/threads/10459-Town-Car-EATC-Self-test where post #13 gives the info for 2003 and up models. All models from about 1992 are covered. The other area is the air suspension which is not problematic but issues can arise. You may be able to find some help in our Tech forum here: https://lincolnforums.com/forums/forums/44-Lincoln-Town-Car-Tech-Articles on info related to the Town Car.

Good luck

 

[fabchef]

Update...
Well it's been a few years since my original post. Shortly after i ended up purchasing another car (lexus rx350). It's an alright car but find myself yearning for a more comfortable, larger vehicle and still considering a Town Car. Unfortunately, when covid hit, car prices went up quite a bit, especially in used car market...including the Town Car market!
I've seen a 2003, 2007 for sale (didn't see them in person).
Where there better year models? I've heard 2003 and up are good as the intake manifolds don't suffer leaks...is this true?
I did, also, come across a 1990 Town Car. I know it's quite old, but where these year models good as well? I know it came with the windsor 5.0 engine. I don't know how it would hold up in terms of harsh winters with salty roads (it would be an all-year long car).
And advice would be great.
Thanks
Fab

 

[bbf2530]

Update...
Well it's been a few years since my original post. Shortly after i ended up purchasing another car (lexus rx350). It's an alright car but find myself yearning for a more comfortable, larger vehicle and still considering a Town Car. Unfortunately, when covid hit, car prices went up quite a bit, especially in used car market...including the Town Car market!
I've seen a 2003, 2007 for sale (didn't see them in person).
Where there better year models? I've heard 2003 and up are good as the intake manifolds don't suffer leaks...is this true?
I did, also, come across a 1990 Town Car. I know it's quite old, but where these year models good as well? I know it came with the windsor 5.0 engine. I don't know how it would hold up in terms of harsh winters with salty roads (it would be an all-year long car).
And advice would be great.
Thanks
Fab

Hi Fab and welcome back!

From experience, I can tell you that the 1990 models were great, reliable cars. And relatively speaking, were my favorite of all the Town Cars. I inherited one from my father in 1991, and the only repair I ever needed to make on it in 17+ years (before I reluctantly sold it), was to replace the air springs and factory audio unit.

However, that great/reliable 1990 car would now be ~33 years old. And the chances of finding one in good condition would be iffy. And even if you did find one, who knows what soon-to-be minor and/or major issues might be just lurking around the corner.

As far as how they hold up to harsh winter roads, they hold up just as well if not better than most other vehicles. But again, a 33 year old car has a 33 year head start on rust and corrosion, so check any possible choices over very well. In fact, I would recommend having a trusted shop/tech do a full inspection on any used car you are thinking of purchasing.
And I want to make it clear I am not trying to talk you out of it, only offering the usual cautions.

If you can find one in good condition worth purchasing, you will never find a smoother/silkier riding car.

I am sure others will jump in to help with more advice and recommendations.

Let us know who you make out and good luck.

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[G-50510]

Bbf...thanks for your reply. This one in particular, said it didn't ride in winter time and is solid condition. Pricing is okay for it.
Have you owned/riden in post 2000 model Town Car's? How do they differ?
There is a 2003 and a 2007 as well for sale and are more expensive.
Between 5.0 and 4.6... which is better bet? How are they tranny wise?
Fab

 

[TCowner1607]

I've had '87, '89, '97, 2004 and now a 2007 Town Car as daily drivers over the past 20 years. The older ones sure ride softer, but I really like the improvements made on the 2003 and newer models. They handle much better and have newer tech and the latest 4.6 V-8 improvements.

 

[Action]

With the age of the Town Car you are considering. (or any vehicle for that matter) The condition may be a bigger factor. Any given year may have quirks, however the vehicle was not well maintained, the quirks may be minor compared to the condition.

Town Car and many original Town Car owners did not drive a lot of miles. That is OK as to wear based on use. However if the vehicle was not maintain while it sat for a decade, you may be looking at new tires, rodent damage and general vehicle decline because the car was neglected.

Or find a higher milage unit that was well maintained. Including the repair of issues that are known in any given year or generation.

When I look for a used car, I figure out what I want. Don't let the market show you random TCs. Find the year (or window of years) that YOU want and then look for the best copy of that year.

I own a 2006 Navigator Limited because I wanted a second generation Navigator (2003 to 2006) in a Limited Edition trim. Plus the ride had to have other options too. The one I am driving has all of that. And to get the best copy, I had to fly from Phoenix to Florida and drive back. A bit extreme and I am well pleased because I did. Took my 6 months, several test drives at some hours distance and locally. Plus I looked at hundreds of Navigators on the net.

Action

 

[Towncarlimoguy]

Mine is fine with snow tires on and sensible driving when it snows.

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[fabchef]

Thanks for all the great replies guys, much appreciated. As mentioned, a vehicle inspection is always a wise decision.
It's such a shame most auto companies have stopped msking large, rwd cars.
I have also come across, whst seens to be, used livery or limo cars, but weary of the conditions and milage they are in.
I'm at the point now that, that with some aches and pains, I don't want yo be Jostled around in a car...i want smooth transport, especially with our garbage roads!!

 

[wolf_walker]

A 2wd suburban or such likely rides better on bad roads, if you can get in and out of it.
Thick tires and sheer mass.

 

[Towncarlimoguy]

Thanks for all the great replies guys, much appreciated. As mentioned, a vehicle inspection is always a wise decision.
It's such a shame most auto companies have stopped msking large, rwd cars.
I have also come across, whst seens to be, used livery or limo cars, but weary of the conditions and milage they are in.
I'm at the point now that, that with some aches and pains, I don't want yo be Jostled around in a car...i want smooth transport, especially with our garbage roads!!

One thing I'll tell you about Limo companies since I was in that field for a long time is when something breaks ,they fix it. Oil changes every couple of weeks or month depending on how busy it is. Car has to be taken care of since it's their bread and butter.

 

[Hound Dog]

I have to say a 4.6 is much better than the old 5.0. But you still have the intake issue. It is plastic. It will leak. Have it replaced with a new Ford Racing one and you will be good. They are still plastic but redesigned with aluminum reinforcement.

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[Norms1stTC]

Yes they are good in snow, depending on your tires obviously