Thoughts on buying a Lincoln with no local dealer?

[tjharris]

I am looking into getting a new MKX/Nautilus or MKC to replace my 2008 MKX. But, there is no longer a Lincoln dealer near me - the Lincoln/Ford dealer dropped Lincoln not long after I bought my MKX. Surprisingly, there is no Lincoln dealership in San Francisco or San Jose areas. The closest Lincoln dealership is in Livermore, a ~75min drive in traffic for me, and I am not crazy about being that far away from service.

I do have a Ford dealership ~5 minutes away, and I know they can do some work -- I am scheduling the airbag recall work on my MKX with them. I've been fortunate with my 2008 MKX, and never had to do any significant work on it. But, I don't want to count on that being the case with a new car.

So, I am hoping to get input from others who have done this. Was your local Ford dealer sufficient? Could they do everything you needed, or did they send you back to Lincoln on various service or recall issues?

 

[bbf2530]

I am looking into getting a new MKX/Nautilus or MKC to replace my 2008 MKX. But, there is no longer a Lincoln dealer near me - the Lincoln/Ford dealer dropped Lincoln not long after I bought my MKX. Surprisingly, there is no Lincoln dealership in San Francisco or San Jose areas. The closest Lincoln dealership is in Livermore, a ~75min drive in traffic for me, and I am not crazy about being that far away from service.

I do have a Ford dealership ~5 minutes away, and I know they can do some work -- I am scheduling the airbag recall work on my MKX with them. I've been fortunate with my 2008 MKX, and never had to do any significant work on it. But, I don't want to count on that being the case with a new car.

So, I am hoping to get input from others who have done this. Was your local Ford dealer sufficient? Could they do everything you needed, or did they send you back to Lincoln on various service or recall issues?

Hi tjharris. A Ford Dealer can perform any of your service and warranty work. However, a Ford Dealer will not be required to provide the complementary Lincoln Free Pick-up and Drop off service or free loaner car. You may be able to arrange something with Lincoln Concierge and the Ford Dealer, but no promises on that. Call Lincoln Concierge to inquire.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

[tjharris]

Thanks, bbf2530. That helps to know the Ford dealer can handle the work. It would be better to have the full Lincoln service, but at least I have options.

 

[ronsec]

I would check with the Ford dealer about doing warranty work as they may not be allowed to do it. I know that if you buy a Lexus (for instance) that a Toyota dealer will work on them but cannot do warranty work. Personally, I would not buy any car if I didn't have a local dealer, too much crap to deal with.

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[bbf2530]

I would check with the Ford dealer about doing warranty work as they may not be allowed to do it. I know that if you buy a Lexus (for instance) that a Toyota dealer will work on them but cannot do warranty work. Personally, I would not buy any car if I didn't have a local dealer, too much crap to deal with.

Thanks, bbf2530. That helps to know the Ford dealer can handle the work. It would be better to have the full Lincoln service, but at least I have options.

Hi ronsec. I checked with my local Ford Dealers. They are allowed to perform warranty work on Lincoln vehicles.

However, some will perform Lincoln warranty work, while others choose not to. When asked why, this was usually due to the fact that Lincoln owners expect loaner vehicles, but Ford Motor Company will not reimburse Ford Dealers for loaner vehicles (it is not a Ford owner perk). Only Lincoln Dealers are reimbursed for loaner vehicles to Lincoln Owners, since it is an owner perk.

Therefore, tjharris should definitely check with his local Ford Dealers as to their individual policies.

 

[ronsec]

Hi ronsec. I checked with my local Ford Dealers. They are allowed to perform warranty work on Lincoln vehicles.

However, some will perform Lincoln warranty work, while others choose not to. When asked why, this was usually due to the fact that Lincoln owners expect loaner vehicles, but Ford Motor Company will not reimburse Ford Dealers for loaner vehicles (it is not a Ford owner perk). Only Lincoln Dealers are reimbursed for loaner vehicles to Lincoln Owners, since it is an owner perk.

Therefore, tjharris should definitely check with his local Ford Dealers as to their individual policies.

 

[ronsec]

Good to know, thanks for the info! I agree the OP should definitely call his Ford dealer to be sure.

 

[jkeaton]

They will perform warranty work....as it is manufactured by Ford Motor Company. You just might not get the "perks" for owning a Lincoln.

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[Al L]

I am looking into getting a new MKX/Nautilus or MKC to replace my 2008 MKX. But, there is no longer a Lincoln dealer near me - the Lincoln/Ford dealer dropped Lincoln not long after I bought my MKX. Surprisingly, there is no Lincoln dealership in San Francisco or San Jose areas. The closest Lincoln dealership is in Livermore, a ~75min drive in traffic for me, and I am not crazy about being that far away from service.

I do have a Ford dealership ~5 minutes away, and I know they can do some work -- I am scheduling the airbag recall work on my MKX with them. I've been fortunate with my 2008 MKX, and never had to do any significant work on it. But, I don't want to count on that being the case with a new car.

So, I am hoping to get input from others who have done this. Was your local Ford dealer sufficient? Could they do everything you needed, or did they send you back to Lincoln on various service or recall issues?

Ford dealership will do as well. If you get a Nautilus for example, it is based on the Ford Edge. Of course you get more with the Lincoln itself. If you trust the mechanics at the Ford dealership than have them handle your service needs.