Some issues with my 96 TC. Advice?

[Stinkin' Lincoln]

So here I am, owner of a 96 Town Car Signature Series. I purchased the car with 170k miles September 2011. Today the mileage is 186.400 miles. Meanwhile, the car survived two road trips to Chicago (1200 miles roundtrip) and is used on a daily basis, on average driving 30 miles per day. Also, I invested a couple of thousand in the car (the previous owner was not taking care of the car apparently). Since the list of repairs is endless, I will only say that I put over $3000 in fixing it. Now I have another suggestion list that I got from dealership since I started noticing some malfunctions with the car (I am starting getting tired of this already!) SO here is the Noler's suggestion list:

- (2) Front upper ball joints $98 ea, labor 2.0
- (2) Outer tie rods $56 ea, labor 1.0
- (1) RF inner tie rod $59, labor .5
- (1) Pitman Arm, $69, labor .8
- (2) Frnt wheel brg hubs, $109 ea, labor 2.0
- (2) Frnt ABS sensors $75 ea

Total estimate is $1695 + tax.

I purchased the car for $2200 at local dealership. Also, my power roof is not working, and rear axle is leaking. My question is: do you guys think it is worth it putting another $2000 in this car with this mileage and give it a new life or not? I am considering getting another vehicle.

I appreciate your time.

 

[no0c]

All I know is that you know the vehicle better than anyone, and how much you like or dislike it. Unfortunately, none of us has a crystal ball.

You can get all the advice, which is worth just as much as you pay for it, but at the end of the day, only you can make that financial decision.

If I couldn't do the work myself, I would run away. At the same time, what is the cost of replacement. It's a tough decision for sure.

Good luck and hope you make the right choice.

 

[slowmkviii]

If the body is near mint i say fix it but find someone you know to fix it dealership cost just so dam much.
Also if your rebuilding the front suspension you may as well replace everything so you know that six months from now something like the idler arm doesn't fail

 

[no0c]

Also if your rebuilding the front suspension you may as well replace everything so you know that six months from now something like the idler arm doesn't fail

Good advice and might as well replace the entire control arms with new bushings installed. I sure wouldn't replace the upper ball joints and not the lowers if they have the same birth certificate.

Those parts prices seem pretty high to me too, but not surprising if they are genuine FoMoCo.

Not sure why it would need new front hubs if the bearings aren't noisy or why ABS sensors either.

 

[Stinkin' Lincoln]

Not sure why it would need new front hubs if the bearings aren't noisy or why ABS sensors either.

I feel some kind of rubbing and light scratching when I make turn with the steering wheel

 

[no0c]

Are you talking a noise when the wheel is turned full right or full left (to the stops) ?

If so, grease the stops on the knuckles and lower control arms.

 

[svt98t]

I replaced my innner and outer ball joints, with new sleeves, for $36 total.
Now, that's from RockAuto.com and I did buy the cheap ones, but the job is done and it fixed the problem I had with minimum cost and down time. These were the biggest factors in me choosing the cheaper parts.
If you do buy the more pricier, name brand, high quality parts, they usually tend to hold up longer.
I do agree with trying to find some one to fix it, if the body is in good condition.
These cars tend to last a while if you maintain them.

-ryan s.

 

[Stinkin' Lincoln]

Are you talking a noise when the wheel is turned full right or full left (to the stops) ?

If so, grease the stops on the knuckles and lower control arms.

Thanks for the advice, worth trying!

 

[FroZone]

With that mileage I would invest in it. I would not let the dealer do it though. Not sure where you're located but there are plenty of smaller shops around who have much better prices and warranty their work. I use the dealer for diagnostics (check engine light) only. Would rare to never let them do the work.

 

[svt98t]

+1 to that. I have a code reader as well.
It's too bad you're not closer!

-ryan s.

 

[V-Tally]

If you are interested:
Upper balljoint- 45 each
Outer tie rod OB -20 each
Inner tie rod OB -20 each
Front wheel hub - 65 each
Pitman ARM delco- 35 each.

 

[Stinkin' Lincoln]

With that mileage I would invest in it. I would not let the dealer do it though. Not sure where you're located but there are plenty of smaller shops around who have much better prices and warranty their work. I use the dealer for diagnostics (check engine light) only. Would rare to never let them do the work.

Thanks guys for your useful tips and outgoing attitude. I made my final decision and exchanged my TC for an 04 Nissan Maxima with 110k (highway miles only) on it. Great car!

Take it easy, fellas!