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Considering Mark VIII

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Posted by: Fla02LS

I noticed that the later years 97-98 for the Mark VII are fairly cheap, well under $10k. Most seem to be well taken care of and in good shape. Every kind of car has their problems and i am sure these are no execption. How reliable are the 4.6 engine and tranny? What are the common issues to be looking for or expect?

Posted by: Dern Humpus

I vote buy something else. Its a waste of my time trying to make this thing fast when I could buy a fox stang and run 12s for 1/2 the cost of getting my car into the 13s.

Posted by: KC96LSC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fla02LS

I noticed that the later years 97-98 for the Mark VII are fairly cheap, well under $10k. Most seem to be well taken care of and in good shape. Every kind of car has their problems and i am sure these are no execption. How reliable are the 4.6 engine and tranny? What are the common issues to be looking for or expect?

Do your research. These are great cars The motor is one of Fords finest. The transmissions are on the weak side. The 98 would have your best trany they upgraded it in 98. One thing to consider. If you like working on cars, you could go with a Gen 1 for very little money and do the upgrades yourself. Doing it that way you know exactly what you have and it will be a very reliable car. If your not a hands on guy/girl. Then just spend some time here reading and apply that info to the car your looking at. Another issue are our air ride systems. They tend to have problems, but its one of the cars unique qualities. Just use the search option and you'll be able to answer most of your question yourself.

Good Luck,

Greg

Posted by: KC96LSC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dern Humpus

I vote buy something else. Its a waste of my time trying to make this thing fast when I could buy a fox stang and run 12s for 1/2 the cost of getting my car into the 13s.

Its not always about going fast, sometimes it's about enjoying the ride. He's right though if your wanting to run in the 12's it's probably not the car for you. But if you want a quick car that has a lot of style, class and luxury. Then this car is a good choice

Posted by: Fla02LS

I dont care about speed with the car, if i wanted fast i'd go back to a f-body(is that a bad word in these forums

) I like the luxury of Lincoln and want a cheap cruiser. I'd keep it stock with maybe a k&n panal. I am just looking for a second car for cruising/work travel. I have read the mileage is on the low end with these though.

Posted by: MonsterMark

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fla02LS

I dont care about speed with the car, if i wanted fast i'd go back to a f-body(is that a bad word in these forums

19 in town, 28 on the highway.

Best car for the money, any car.

On my third MarkVIII. Looking for the 4th.

Posted by: Dern Humpus

It depends on what town you are driving in. Where I am, I get 12-14 in town with being easy on the gas pedal and 25-29 on the highway. But I can see how someone could get almost 20 in town.

For what you describe wanting, it is a good car. I like mine for what you listed.

Posted by: eglade

Very satisfied with my Mark. It's quiet, comfortable, fast, handles decently considering it's size and weight. I've made numerous banzai runs down to Mexico from LA with no problems. Mileage is acceptable if you keep your foot out of it. Power is good and I have no problems passing or beating others off the line in hectic LA traffic. It's very comfortable, loaded with options and been fairly reliable. I'm replacing my air ride with coil springs, lowering at the same time. After owning this one for a few years, I see myself becoming addicted and looking for some mods. This one is a keeper. The price is right for them and even cheaper if you find one with air suspension issues. The suspension is relatively inexpensive to repair or convert. This room has been a big help solving my issues with my mark. I found mine for $8,000 with 94K and in very good condition off a used car lot. Best car I've owned.
Good Luck in your search. Eddie

Posted by: eglade

I bought mine almost 3 years ago. You should be able to find a clean Mark for much less $$$$. I probably could have too, had I known anything about them at the time. I was in desperate need of wheels though, fresh from divorce, ruined credit, bankruptcy, paid off all bills from a failed marriage (wahhhh, I know) and this Mark came into my life in a tiny car lot across the street from the Budweiser brewery in LA. I paid too much, but have no regrets. The more I learn about these cars, the more I like them. I would buy another one in a second if I had the $$$$.

Posted by: 67Continental

If I wanted to be like everyone else, I would buy a Mustang. If I wanted to be myself, I would own a Mark. Oh wait - I DO own a Mark!

Posted by: segxr7

I get 15-17mpg in town because of my lead foot.. It averaged 28.5 on my last highway trip.

The transmission has issues with the shifter position sensor ($30 part, easy to replace) and torque converter shudder (usually remedied with fresh Mercon V). Otherwise its reliability is about average, which means it's one of Ford's more durable transmissions.

The engine is bulletproof. It's rare to see one die from something besides severe overheating or driving through too deep of a puddle. The only glitch is when it's started after sitting overnight, it makes a scary rattling sound for 2-3 seconds. It's from the hydraulic timing chain tensioner losing pressure and needing to pump back up. It's completely harmless, and practically all of them do it.

The most common problems with these cars seem to be little electrical glitches.. Sticking door switches, the alarm going off for no reason, the fan speed controller crapping out, etc. But as far as major things that would leave you stranded on the side of the road, they're quite reliable. I would have no worries about going out right now and driving my '95 Mark for 500 miles. I used to have a '93, and one year I put 30k miles on it without any problems whatsoever.

Posted by: Fla02LS

The reliability is big with me. I just bought a '05 LS and in less than a month i have put 2k miles on it. I want something that rides good, luxury, good power, comfortable, safe. I think the Mark VIII fits that bill. But with most having 70-80k on them i'll be over 100k in about a year. I put 150k on my last Trans Am and i beat the piss out of it, so if i am able to drive like a normal human i'd hope to get 150k+ out of a Lincoln.