1997 Lincoln Continental for $400 . . . For my winterbeater??

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93Z28

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Hey!

I have been looking around here every now and then, but long story short, my winterbeater died on me and I came across a 1997 Lincoln Continental and I was hoping you could help me out a little bit.


For starters its has black exterior and tan with leather interior.

The exterior paint is very oxidized on the hood, roof, and trunk lid. (luckily im almost done with my auto body repair degree)

Interior is dirty but fortunately I detail cars all day long lol.

Left rear tire is flat, looks like they are all pretty new tires so I think it might just be a leak.

Driverside window is just kinda chillin there lol, something is messed up with the regulator.

I think, it has around 100,000 on it. Lady driven

Now for the questions:
What are some common problems?
Good winter car?
Typical gas mileage I should expect?
Trans/Engine?
How does it sound with a nice set of mufflers on it?



Any advise or opinions would be helpful

Thanks!


Michael
 
If maintained properly then you shouldn't see many problems. I keep up on all my maintenance and the only real issues I've had are sensors to replace and a transmission that crapped out just recently. Engine is the 4.6L V8 similar engine (great engine sounds good). Mileage well that depends on how you drive it when I stomp on it at every light I'd get 17, driving casually I get about 20, and on the highway you'll typically get mid to high 20s sometimes even higher :p (These cars were made for highway cruising). If you go on youtube you can find some videos of people that have contis with an exhaust set up.

So basically to sum it up, I'm 22 and have had this car for many years and LOVE IT goodluck!
 
Great winter cars, front wheel drive, ABS, all speed traction control (turn this off and step on the gas when in deep snow to plow thru). I run michelin hydro edge tires all year round here in Saskatoon. Today is -30 Celcius, a little chilly. My wife drives my car to work and says 'its a tank' and can plow snow.

Expect to change belt tensioner, inner tie rod ends, alternator(regulator is internal but is easy to change out and way cheaper).

Brad.
 
Ended up getting it. Here are some pics... Interior detailed up pretty good!

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Now for some questions, my interior lights stay on (just the doors) and a door ajar message comes up.. how come?

And also my anti theft light blinks when i get out of the car.

Brights dont work, the fuse is fine... Im sure there is more. It has 156,xxx

Something is up with the window track too. idk...

What do you think?
 
Dor Ajar - spray door latches with WD40 and drive out the moisture.

Anti Theft -that is how it works.

Brights - red wire will be pulled out of plug in the switch stalk.

Window tracks -break off after some time.
 
bradyelich said:
Dor Ajar - spray door latches with WD40 and drive out the moisture.

Anti Theft -that is how it works.

Brights - red wire will be pulled out of plug in the switch stalk.

Window tracks -break off after some time.
Click to expand...



WD40 ended up working.

Can you elaborate on the brights?

What breaks on the window track, im prolly going to pull the door panel off friday to see what exactly it is.



New problem- my low washer fluid message keeps coming on but its totally full? I think I have most of the little issues worked out. Wow is this thing different than my probe. I have yet to see how she preforms in the snow.
 
The switch stalk - you can buy a replacement part and install it - about 30 minutes. I took my old stalk apart and saw the red wire was pulled out of the connector plug. Lots of little pieces in the stalk, though.

The window guides on the end of the glass are only induction welded to its bracket in two spots and this is not enough weld and metal is too thin.
 
Switch stalk as in the lever you push for the brights? Or as in where the bulb plugs into behind the headlight?

didn't get a chance to get the door panel off today. Im planning on blacking this thing out. tinting the taillights next weekend, doing some headlight restoration on monday or tuesday, then tinting them, (a very light coat).

Rims will have to be sandblasted first, they have some bad corrosion on them. Then im going to fix the paint in the spring/summer. No point of doing it now. tinting the windows prolly next weekend.
 
Wow, nice looking car for just $400.

First money I would spend would be on a complete flush and change of all the fluids, and all the filters.
 
Common problems? Make sure electronics are ok. These cars are computers on wheels, and I think if they are good at get-go, they will be good for years.Others have said the suspension can be tricky but I have had no major problems with mine.

Good winter car?Awesome winter car. The best. It's weight plus ABS and stability. I've driven mine through big snow and ice. No problemo. Stable as a rock.
Typical gas mileage I should expect? Mine is in the 24 area depending city/hwy.
Trans/Engine? Good and good. Before I bought mine, I saw one with 370,000 miles and it purred. Didnt buy that one BUT it sold me on Continentals.
How does it sound with a nice set of mufflers on it? Not sure but the stock mufflers are pretty good.

.. if it passes your test drive and there is nothing major, I would jump at that deal. Maybe put some coins into that window, maybe a few tires and whatever else it needs. If all else checks out, you will absolutely love that car.
 
I am randomly updating this.... I decided to blackout the tails.

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The tinted tails look SWEEEEEET! It really is a dramatic change :p If mine was black I'd def do it
 
Probably not, im going to work on fixing the rust first (luckly I have an auto body degree) so it will cost me next to nothing.
 
I actually just cut them off and I HATED the sound. Sorry im bias to my 99 Z28 with no muffler. lol
 
I clamped them back on. they dont line up in the valence as good as they did but its my beater so w.e
 
its a spray called NIGHT SHADES then i clear coated mine got mine fron jegs i have a extra can if you cant find it
 
I would like to take a second and thank you guys for the replys on this.

I still have the car, actually just started driving it for the winter 2 fridays ago. I love this car!

I got the brights fixed, ended up hardwiring into the fuse. Pretty sure its the stalk but don't really want to get into it.

Window- the 2 little "channel" things the window sets in didn't clamp on tight enough. I think I am going to try some 2 part panel bond (auto body stuff). They claim its stronger than welds. And obviously I can't weld glass to metal ;)


Car now has 173,xxx. So far I have installed new rotors and pads in the front and rear. A new caliper in the rear (should of done both) New wheel bearings in the front.

Soon to come is a nice set of winter tires! Oh, and I average 26mpg on the highway :)
 
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