a question about the engines...

[Lincolns Own]

so im really wanting to buy a Mark. i hear people say all the time, "these engines are strong as an ox.". honestly, when i buy a lincoln, im going to use it as a DD and take it to the track every other week, ATLEAST. in general, i have a heavy foot. i like to street light race, and i love 30-rolls. i'd also like to buy upgrades, (chips, etc) and kill all the kids with there little mustangs. if i bought a Mark with 150k+ on the odometer, do you think it could handle the stress i would put on it with out braking down the first 3k miles i have it? now i'll admit im not Mr. Wilson, but i do like to have a little fun. what milage should i aim at when i buy my lincoln (or does it really matter?). im a student and work 3 days a week so if something broke, it might take me a couple weeks to recover, and im not really a patient guy.

thanks for any imput

 

[Anthony77]

I own a 95 Mark VIII. But I would love for you to roll up on me when I'm in my Stang. I'd smoke ya. 575HP at the rear wheels without the spray!

 

[Lugi20]

I'm a student too, 23 years old right now I've had my 94' since I was 17, started with 88k on the Ode, now I'm at 145k.

Believe me, unless the 150+k Mark has DOCUMENTED work done to it, get ready for a good old fix-a-thon. Making a list of the parts I've replaced as a REPAIR and not a modification would be rediculous, in fact, the only reason my Mark isn't crazy fast is because all of my money has going to repairs rather than something more fun. I saved most of my money buy doing nearly everything myself, and I would still consider it expensive.

If you buy the Mark, get ready for some repair bills. If you do not have money to make lots of $100-300 repairs, DO NOT BUY A MARK VIII PERIOD.

That being said, I love my Mark, its the first car that I could call MINE. I will never abondone that thing, regardless of how much money it costs me, but like I said, I have an emotional investment. If you don't have this emotional tie holding you down, get the hell away from the Mark until you have a steady job and lots of money to put into it.

 

[67Continental]

I'm a student too, 23 years old right now I've had my 94' since I was 17, started with 88k on the Ode, now I'm at 145k.

Believe me, unless the 150+k Mark has DOCUMENTED work done to it, get ready for a good old fix-a-thon. Making a list of the parts I've replaced as a REPAIR and not a modification would be rediculous, in fact, the only reason my Mark isn't crazy fast is because all of my money has going to repairs rather than something more fun. I saved most of my money buy doing nearly everything myself, and I would still consider it expensive.

If you buy the Mark, get ready for some repair bills. If you do not have money to make lots of $100-300 repairs, DO NOT BUY A MARK VIII PERIOD.

That being said, I love my Mark, its the first car that I could call MINE. I will never abondone that thing, regardless of how much money it costs me, but like I said, I have an emotional investment. If you don't have this emotional tie holding you down, get the hell away from the Mark until you have a steady job and lots of money to put into it.

I actually haven't had to replace a major component on my mark in 20 000 miles of driving. Bought the car at 97 000 miles, still runs like a dream. Only wear parts and general maintenance done. So I have to disagree with you - it's a car per car basis, not "all mark viii's need expensive repairs".

 

[GMAN]

I as well, haven't put a ton of money into my Mark. I've had to replace a few sensors, such as Throttle position sensor, Idle sensor, other than that, just wear and tear parts like the air bags, upper and lower control arms. That's about it. Each Mark will be different. Depending on the previous driver before.

 

[torquemonkey]

I love my VIII, I picked it up 3rd owner, california car w/ 97K on the dial. I have replaced both front struts, in and outside tierods, fuel pump, six of eight c.o.p's, O2s, AIC, Super Chips Micro Tuner "tune" and have played with cold air induction kits. So far, its been routine maintenance for a hundred thousand mile domestic auto. Keep in mind that it is a rather limited production vehicle esp. GenII's compared to a car like the Taurus. As well as it being a luxury car. Again, it's a top shelf item that costs.

Your looking at a "Crown Royal" auto of choice as opposed to a "Jack Daniels" ride.

I take mine out to the track on occasion for giggles, though it is not a Drag car at any length. Perhaps in its own class of '97 cars but not to a dedicated machine. After all, I want the nice ride characteristics it was originally designed to have.

Buy it!

 

[Lincolns Own]

I own a 95 Mark VIII. But I would love for you to roll up on me when I'm in my Stang. I'd smoke ya. 575HP at the rear wheels without the spray!

guess you forgot to read my part about me being a student = no money... plus my mom has a camaro so phewy on you

we're (family) is on our second Mark VIII, owned a '94, now have a '98, and i know how much attention and money these cars take. thats why i was wanting to know if i should buy:

A: a lower milage mark for more money
B: a higher milage mark for less money

we have a friend who builds race engines and im sure he could rebuild the engine for alittle cheaper if need be. but i was just wanting to get a general idea of what you guys would do if you were in my situation.

 

[torquemonkey]

Lower mileage is usually better. Low city mileage is not preferable to long highway mileage. Should you be taking this car to campus, you may want to consider something "disposable". From experience, large campuses tend to take a toll on the sheetmetal, wheels, tires, headlights, glass. At least that has been my experince.

Since you have Mark VIIIs in the family, should you need to arrive in style, you have the option to borrow a ride.

That and isnsurance on that car on campus should be a consideration.

Assuming that you will be living on a large campus. *( GO BUCKS!!)

 

[turborich]

I really love my mark VIII! So far it's been a great car and if something does break I'll fix it myself and just keep driving her. She is low, sleek and just looks bad a$$. It is a really great looking unique car.

I would look for a lower to mid mileage,75k - 100k, 110k even 120k. These engines do seem to be reliable. Good luck! I have seen then with 200k and still running strong.

 

[Jerrwayne]

I agree with Lugi20

got my 97 from my sister inlaw after my brother bought her a new Navigator.The car was a gulf coast car (as in hurricanes) that sit outside.The garage was a mess and my brothers old XKE Jag was in it too.Anyway it was 91,000 miles of town driving and if I or they had of known it was so worn out I wouldn't have it now.It's almost a total rebuild except the engine.$$$.Now that I'm over the shock and have ran out of curse words I'm in for the long haul. It's a cool ride.