$$$$ To Make It Faster!

[mespock]

Case in point... the wife was all gaga over the new Chrysler 300, and after hearing about it long enough, I agreed to go for a test ride. Convinced the V8-RWD would win me over she graciously allowed me to drive(LOL!). I forewarned the salesman it would be a tough sell and I was not all that crazy about the exterior but I liked the interior however the test ride would tell the tale. I think he too was convinced it would win me over, as he instructed me to take a route that included some highway driving as well as city.

Long before I returned I had reached the conclusion. It was 'OK', politely it was 'nice'. But in actuality there simply was no "Wow! I got to have this car!". Zip. Nada. Zilch. No emotion.

I don't know about you, but for $36K, I'd like a little 'wow', please! I'm not necessarily saying it has to be luxury, heck nearly everyone would expect a Jaguar to be step up from a Lincoln. I'm not absolutely sure it's performance, after all there's a lot of 'faster' cars compared to a Mark VIII. But I think RRocket would agree, the Mark VIII has a certain combination of qualities rare in the automotive market today, import or domestic, mid-price or near-luxury. Almost 'exotic' without the exotic price, the Mark VIII leaves its' owners with a heightened stimulation of the senses that very few followers can match, let alone surpass. :L

Something that may have been left out, Fuel Economy? I don't know about the rest of you but with gas prices over $2 per gal, and being able to get 30 mpgs on the HYW. This adds to the value Mark VIII. (Yes I get 30 mpg HWY a little less 27 to 28 if I decide to have some fun on my Mark VIII and my total average is around 25 to 26 mpg total)

I don't have the Luxury of a bottomless pocket bank account. When I bought my Mark I was looking for something to save me money on gas price. I was looking for an Escort or something in that class.

I have a Chevy 3/4 Conversion Van that has the 350 engine. When I purchased the van gas prices were $0.89 per gallon. It was a beautiful vehicle $20 filled the tank, but only 15 mpgs on a good day. I have put 130k on this van and it still runs as good as it did when I purchased it with 30k on it. I can't get rid of it as its gas consumption has basically dropped its value to $0. But it sure runs great and can haul a great number of people or kids in comfort. Plus I've had DVD and video games in my van for years. I've even rigged it for 5.1 Surround Sound with power sub.

So anyway I was looking for a car with economy. I didn't think I would be buying another car with a big V8 with 32 values that could bury the spedometer and still not hit top end.

I drive proud down the road in this Lincoln. I have style, power, dependablity, and economy. Plus I bought this for less than the escort I was looking at. I have said this many time, I didn't know what I was buying, just that I knew it was a Lincoln. WOW.

It may not be a Lexus or a Jag, but when all parked together and people looking at the style of the cars the Mark VIII is right there with them. Plus I can sit back and think I paid a lot less.

I'd rathe bost about how much I saved than how much I paid. Getting quality at a bargin price. :L

Now one more thing that the Lincoln has over the Lexus and Jag. If you live in an area like I do, a small rural town with no import dealers only Ford, Chevy, and Dodge. Getting service on an import takes a lot longer. I know if I can't do it, there is someone here that can work on my Lincoln, and I would have to pay an arm and a leg for a nut or bolt. (Ok the Lexus won't break down) LOL

 

[Sifrino3]

MPG is very inportant in these times. I get my 91 octane with booster. Only 15 gallons each fill up! Reason, I drive the car as if it was a monthly car. But when I drive it. I drive it very hard. Every time I checked it was at 20.2. Never lower then that. But now, after some of the newer mods. Headers, pulleys, adj fuel reg, manifold spacer. I get 18.4. I don't like the drop. But I am hoping its just coz of the header leak. I pray! hahaha

 

[mespock]

MPG is very inportant in these times. I get my 91 octane with booster. Only 15 gallons each fill up! Reason, I drive the car as if it was a monthly car. But when I drive it. I drive it very hard. Every time I checked it was at 20.2. Never lower then that. But now, after some of the newer mods. Headers, pulleys, adj fuel reg, manifold spacer. I get 18.4. I don't like the drop. But I am hoping its just coz of the header leak. I pray! hahaha

MPG is only a factor depending upon how you want to use your car. My Van is getting great mileage now as it is not traveling the extra 640 miles per month that it use to make. (Taking my kids to spend a weekend with their mother every other weekend). Son only has to go now when he wants or on holidays, and mother is buying daughter a car when she turns 16 in about 4 months). Soon to save more money on the MPG factor.

Sifrino your Mark VII is a nice ride :Beer and part of your hobby not so much your daily ride. So MPG is not a factor. Really like your Mark VII. I was thinking about looking into one. (Now that I have fallen in Love with Lincoln Marks) Just don't like the MPGs but if I use it as a toy and not my car, I can justify having one, don't know my wife will. I don't think she will feel $2K to $10K or more is a toy.

One problem I have found with my Mark VIII is not driving it hard. Too much fun It's hard not to pass slow moving traffic without stepping it down.

 

[Sifrino3]

Sifrino may have to be a daily driver very soon. Reason, we sold my girls 2-door 2001 Cavalier. Which was riced out. Intake, muffler, Msd, and some very nice 17" rims I got her for her birthday. Another reason. Still have to get the money up for my 84' LSC. Tranny rebuild with a 2400 TC. Just for a lil more go and it needs a front clip. Inwhich Sifrino will be giving it up. Bcoz I want to fiberglass the whole front end of Sifrino. So, old parts will go to the 84' LSC.

Thanks for the comments on my ride! But I care alot about my gas miledge. Reason, its another thing to brag about! You won but you V8 gets such and such miledge. You know what im saying. . .

 

[mespock]

Sifrino may have to be a daily driver very soon. Reason, we sold my girls 2-door 2001 Cavalier. Which was riced out. Intake, muffler, Msd, and some very nice 17" rims I got her for her birthday. Another reason. Still have to get the money up for my 84' LSC. Tranny rebuild with a 2400 TC. Just for a lil more go and it needs a front clip. Inwhich Sifrino will be giving it up. Bcoz I want to fiberglass the whole front end of Sifrino. So, old parts will go to the 84' LSC.

Thanks for the comments on my ride! But I care alot about my gas miledge. Reason, its another thing to brag about! You won but you V8 gets such and such miledge. You know what im saying. . .

Nothing was meant about you not watching MPGs with fuel prices wow. I just wish I wouldn't have Discovered what I Discovered when I bought my Mark. It was this and a few other owner groups forums. This is by far the best! and everyone in hear has been very helpful and fun. Plus how much fun the Mark is to drive.

I have my step-daughters Cavalier I need to get working to help deplete the # of drivers on my Mark. The Cav was given to her by her Dad and runs ok but needs a little work. If I get that running good then I can give that to her sister (my other step-daughter) and she'll have her own ride and not be using the Mark. Our house looks like a car lot right now. LOL. 4 teens 3 with temps ages 15 to 17 and one 20 yr old. 3 girls one boy. Ahhhh!!! My son thinks the Van is cool, but I am worried 17 yr old boy and the van is a mobile bedroom. Ahhhh!!! :give

 

[Sifrino3]

She will want you to drive the Cavalier! Hahahahaha Im telling you. Once you drive a Mark. You just don't want to go back!