What’s in a (Black Label) Name?

[KevinT]

I just learned the Aviator were in the middle of buying is a Grand Touring I and not a Black Label as was claimed in their Cars.com ad.

The car is well spaced, with almost all of the options I’d include if building the car on Lincoln’s sorts.

I’m concerned the car doesn’t represent as good of a “deal” as I expected, and that its value will always be less than if it had been a similarly equipped BL.

Obviously, as a used car bought at a non-Lincoln dealer we won’t be getting BL perks like pick up/delivery for service appointments, but I don’t know what I don’t know about trim level differences other than the actual equipment packages and options that are on the car.

Any thoughts?

Thank you!

 

[bbf2530]

I just learned the Aviator were in the middle of buying is a Grand Touring I and not a Black Label as was claimed in their Cars.com ad.

The car is well spaced, with almost all of the options I’d include if building the car on Lincoln’s sorts.

I’m concerned the car doesn’t represent as good of a “deal” as I expected, and that its value will always be less than if it had been a similarly equipped BL.

Obviously, as a used car bought at a non-Lincoln dealer we won’t be getting BL perks like pick up/delivery for service appointments, but I don’t know what I don’t know about trim level differences other than the actual equipment packages and options that are on the car.

Any thoughts?

Thank you!

Hi KevinT. The resale value of a Black Label versus non-Black Label due to the name alone is negligible. Value would simply be based on equipment content, just like any other used vehicle sale.

Keeping in mind that value is always in the eye of the beholder: Most people have no idea what a Black Label Lincoln is, so the name alone adds minimal value at resale time, at least to an educated/wise buyer.

The physical differences are basically cosmetic. The interior headliner is Alcantara/faux suede, versus a more fabric type of headliner in lower trim levels. The leather quality is slightly nicer. There are Black Label interior themes (and I believe exterior paint colors) which are not available in lower trim levels. The exterior badging and wheels are Black Label exclusive. Those are the major additions.

You don’t mention what model year it is, but most Black Label-only perks disappear after the 4 year/50,000 mile New Vehicle Warranty and 6 year/70,000 mile warranty anyway, even for the original owner.

You can find more detailed information on the Lincoln Owner website.

I’m sure others will also jump in to fill in the blanks I missed, so keep us updated and good luck.

 

[KevinT]

Thank you.

After considering how far we’d have to go for a CPO Black Label Grand Touring car, and how big a hassle it would be to buy long distance, we decided to proceed with the used car purchase. The car has everything we were looking for. I can live without the Alcantara headliner. The leather is nice enough, FWIW.

Their PDR attempt was more successful than I expected, but while they did get the dent out, there’s now what looks like a crack in the top or color coat. The sales guy insists there’s no break in the undercoat, but they promised to fix it to our satisfaction, up to replacing the panel if necessary. (It won’t be)

We checked the local Lincoln dealership, of course, but the closest they have is a CPO Reserve with luxury pkg and not much more. It’s about the same price as the used one we’re getting, and COO, but it’s definitely not exactly what we’re looking for.

We’ll be taking delivery this evening.