Used 2018 Lincoln MKZ Consumer Reviews
BE VERY CAREFUL OF LINCOLN
I bought my brand new Lincoln off the showroom floor in March of 2018. I was super excited as I loved the way the way the new Lincolns look and the fact that they were fast and handled great. Once I had an opportunity to drive it and use the features I could not have been happier with my purchase. Around 2500 miles in I noticed a loud grinding noise coming from my right passenger side wheel when making left turns. I immediately called the dealer and they advised me to continue driving (as long as I felt safe) and bring it in during the 5000 mile service interval. I did that, and right before I brought in the air conditioner was making a very loud noise as well when you switch gears and come to an idle. I made both of these known to dealer and they said they would take a look at it. I got the car back a few days later and notice the same two noises were still occurring. Make a long story short from May 2018 to October 2018 I left my car with the dealership to fix 7 times and each time, the service dept would say they've fixed my issue only to drive a week or two and realize the noises were still present. After numerous calls with Ford (corporate) the GM of the dealership, I applied for the buyback program due to the care being a Lemon, and to me, unfixable. Once I completed my case with Ford (corporate) I was approved for a buyback. I loved my car so much that during the buyback process, I told my original salesperson to find me another car exactly like the one I had...Down to the color. Now mind you that everyone at the local dealership had been pretty pleasant, accommodating, and apologetic up to this point. I didn't blame anyone for anything, but just wanted to have the new car feel and most of all just wanted what I paid for. HERE'S WHERE IT TURNS REALLY UGLY.....During the buyback process Ford (Corporate) in Dearborn Michigan sent me a worksheet that shows what they were going to buy the car back for. On this worksheet, they only offered me a refund of $2200. However, I paid over $8k in less than 10 months in an attempt to pay the car off quickly. When I called my caseworker she then transferred to a superior name "Angie" who has to the be the most unprofessional "customer" service person I have ever talked to. As a business owner, she would never get the opportunity to speak to customer in the way she spoke to me. Through all the yelling and screaming at me, she made it seem as if it were my fault I bought a lemon, that lemon buyback amounts are regulated by state laws, and that I should be lucky they are even considering a buyback. State laws regulate lemon buyback criteria but DO NOT create hare-brained formulas to screw people out of money. So after about 5 minutes on the phone with her I said to her "I have a down payment on the exact car" do you not care to keep me as a customer because this is ridiculous. Her response verbatim "I DON'T CARE IF YOU TAKE THE DEAL OR NOT, I DONT CARE IF YOU DONT BUY ANOTHER LINCOLN...TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT." To me, that was a punch in the gut, because through all of this I really wanted another Lincoln, but I will not be talked to like this. I got screwed, took the deal, and cancelled the order of my newer Lincoln. The dealership was upset, but understood. I now have an Infiniti and overall the whole process was the more professional, the car is great, service is great and I will never buy another Lincoln....Buyer Beware!
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My First Lincoln in 62 Years
I've driven many cars during that time including Acuras, BMWs and Mercedes' recently. Their prices have risen too high for what you get, and the styling is nothing to cheer about (2017 MB has an IPAD glued to the dashboard). When I saw the 2017 Lincoln MKZ I was curious because the styling was fresh and the price was right. No undesired extras that were built into my choice, keeping the price reasonable. And the salesman I used was completely knowledgeable about the models and accessories so he could answer every question I raised, and the sales discounts happened to be available during the negotiation. The car is just what I wanted, although with a few negatives. It is spacious front and back with good seating quality (I don't use leather seats). The trunk is large and holds my golf clubs easily, or several large suitcases. The turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine (245 HP) has adequate acceleration and highway comfort, but feels a bit strained somewhat when trying to accelerate at high speeds. The fuel recommended is regular (87), but I use mid-grade (89) for better performance. The car has Ford SYNC for music and other electronic adjustments, which works well. It has several USB and 12-volt ports for the smart phone users, as well as Sirius if desired. One issue with me is the small buttons on the bottom of the steering wheel for answering phones using Bluetooth and setting the cruise control. Hard to select and use when driving. Uses a smart key fob remote for starting, entering and leaving, and pushbutton gear selectors (P,D,N,R). This car is not a sports car, so don't expect that. The 400 HP V6 may satisfy the power, but handling might not be there. I hope this description helps with your decision to buy or not.
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- Hybrid Reserve SedanMSRP: $23,98828 mi away
- Reserve SedanMSRP: $18,998In-stock online
- Select SedanMSRP: $20,990In-stock online
Leasing now but will buy
I leased the 2017 Lincoln MKZ hybrid Reserve 2 1/2 years ago. I love the car so much I've decided to buy it. I've had a few minor issues with the car that the dealer addressed immediately. The MKZ has had absolutely no major mechanical, electrical, or peripheral issues since I've had it. I love the exterior of the car - and I get a lot of compliments especially on the dramatic new grill. I was considering buying a certified Lexus 300h when my lease was up but the cost of the MKZ is lower, and furthermore, I have been driving the car since it was new. I love the concierge service that is included with this car. I have never once stepped foot in the dealer's service department! The only complaint is that the back seat has little head and leg room. If you have a tall or big passenger, make sure they sit in the front! All in all, it's a great car!
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Cool sophistication
I have the hybrid reserve model. The Revel audio system, leather seats, and technology features at a price that’s thousands less than the German competitors makes me love this car even more. The hybrid model is not fast; but it’s not supposed to be. I live in a metropolitan area and had a sports car previously. How fast can you really go? I’m loving the air conditioned luxury seats, advanced safety features, and 42mpg (in a car that doesn’t look like a Prius). If you want a sports sedan, this may not be for you. If you want an “eco” friendly car that doesn’t scream “eco”, and provides you with all the modern creature comforts one could want, this may be the car for you.
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Should help the Lincoln brand
I test drove many vehicles. When it came down to it I liked the interior, ride and comfort better in the MKZ. And for $55k it is hard to find a creamy smooth 400HP engine. The other midsized luxury vehicles felt inferior. As if the Lincoln had a higher-end quality interior. Multicontour seats well thought out, leather and padded surfaces felt soft and supple. It feels like the Lincoln brand is trying harder since they have to thwart off the sport of American brand bashing that is constantly read in publications such as Consumer Reports. Furthermore, I test drove and ordered a MKZ with the Drivers Package that has dynamic torque vectoring which intelligently applies power to the rear wheels when driving aggressively. With the package on a test ride (not pushing to limits) I did not feel any torque steer or that much understeer typically associated with FWD and some AWD vehicles. And to boot in my opinion the road isolation & ride felt better in the Lincoln than a Caddy, Mercedes or BMW. Looking for true compromise, I passed on the summer only tires this time around. So if there is some impact from having AWD vs RWD it will most likely only be noticed at the track or by very aggressive drivers. That said 99.999999% of the audience buying these vehicles today are not going to the race track. They are looking for stable good grip on a variety of road conditions along with easy control and sure footed steering feel. That’s what the average Joe wants behind the wheel and Lincoln delivers. The AWD with torque vectoring does its job and keeps torque steer under control and steering feel is precise; easy to thread the car through a needle. BTW, I am not an ignorant just looking to be the expert and to hear myself speak. I know the difference between the Lincoln and a true sport sedan and opted for the Lincoln. My other vehicles are; a Corvette, Pontiac G8 GT (RWD 6 liter), F150 and Road Glide. The only cons besides the Lincoln name: scant rear head room, smaller rear seat than some, and weight distribution with AWD (not 50-50% front and rear like a RWD sedan). One more comment. Consumer Reports issue with the push button gear selector is really a joke. Anyone that is off the baby bottle will not mind the change. I actually think it makes a lot of sense to free up the console. Hope other brands do the same. A common solution amongst brands through committee would be best
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