I posted this on the Continental side of the site, but they don't respond as much as you guys so I'm reposting over here. Here goes:
I currently am driving a 01 LS8. I have had it for a year and absolutely love it and all the Lincoln perks. I am getting married next month and my fiance needs a vehicle. Between paying for the wedding and honeymoon, I am a little strapped for cash. I didn't think I was going to be able to buy her a car until a few months after we got married. However, an old family friend is selling her late husband's 1990 Continental. She kept it for a few years for sentimental reasons but now just wants to get rid of it, so she only wants $500 for it. They bought it new and it has 130,000 miles (all driven by older people), and she said it's in great condition except the a/c has a few probs. Not a big deal, i've fixed a/c probs b/f. When I go look at it, what do I need to look for and ask about? What are some problem spots for that model? And what are your overall reactions/opinions to that particular Continental and the price she is asking? Any info or advice would be great. I know it's not going to be an LS, but she just needs something to drive back and forth to school. I think especially for the $, it should be a decent car for her. I just want to know what the chances of it being reliable are. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

I've owned older Conti's AIR RIDE.... See if the bags were ever replaced. There not cheap. All though you can get them through Arnot... Also I believe 1990 had the 3.8..very under powered. But it is a good engine. Otherwise if it's like you said driven by older people. And hopefully maintained, it should be a good car. $500.00 even if you get a year out of it, you got your money's worth. Good luck.