2002 Continental - What to look for

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MindyMark

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Found what seems to be a pretty good deal on a 2002 Continental, 59k miles, $7800. Looking for a car to replace my mother's 96 Grand Marquis that just got wrecked. I want to ensure this can be a car that she can keep until she can't drive anymore.

How would in rank compared to an LS or a Town Car? She needs plenty of room for the driver as well as a car that shouldn't require a lot of upkeep over the years.

I saw some tips about the 98, but was curious how much of it applied to the 2002 as well.

Any help before I go look it is greatly appreciated.
 
MindyMark said:
How would in rank compared to an LS or a Town Car? She needs plenty of room for the driver as well as a car that shouldn't require a lot of upkeep over the years.
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I may be biased since the wife and I have a Town car, but if you really want room and reliability, the Town Car is the way to go IMHO.

I would think with today's gas prices, you could find a comparable '02 Town Car at a good price. Drive one, you'll be pleasantly suprised. :)
 
driller said:
I may be biased since the wife and I have a Town car, but if you really want room and reliability, the Town Car is the way to go IMHO.

I would think with today's gas prices, you could find a comparable '02 Town Car at a good price. Drive one, you'll be pleasantly suprised. :)
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Isnt the Continental the top of the line model and the town car is a level below? My continental is massive on the inside and its reliability is great also...over 130k miles and no real problems to speak of!
 
I meant nothing against the Continental, I was just relaying my experience with the Town Car. After all, the Grand Marquis and Town car share the same platform.

My only complaint with the Conti would be it is FWD.
 
It's a personal preference. ;)

But I do believe in old school RWD for longevity. Apparently so do a lot of fleet services such as limos, taxis, police, etc...
 
Well my mom took home a 2003 Town car today. The purchase isn't final but they gave it to us for the weekend. My only beef with it is that it has 74k on it already. I know these cars are good for a long time, but I'd still rather find something with fewer miles.

They are asking $12,900 for it which I know is just a tad on the high side, I can get other ones here local for $11,900 with about 50k.

So to save money I'm going to ask to get it for $10,9, include some sort of decent warranty and flush the tranny and a new fuel filter unless it has been done already. How does that sound?
 
The price is average for an '03 depending upon location. Get a FLM warranty if you get one, not a 3rd party. Barter the warranty last, don't expect to get a break on the total package - get your best price first and then inquire on available warranties. Otherwise, the water gets muddy as they can make the numbers look good regardless if they are.

Be aware the '03 models were substantially changed from the '02, some say not for the better. The drivetrain basically remains the same but frame, suspension and steering changes gave it a different handling flavor. I think dual exhaust was standard starting in '03. Most other changes were cosmetic. The submodel types were Executive, Signature, Cartier and Cartier-L in ascending order.

While you may be able to find others, if it's hers for the weekend, you'll be hard pressed to pry it away now. ;)
 
I personally like the looks of 03 better then the 98 to 02; other then the plain, no Lincoln Logo taillights on the 03 and newer.

As far as the suspension, I was pleased with the ride and drive. Where there problems with the changes or just some personal preferences got lost in the change?

I think your right about her having it for the weekend. She already said she felt like a princess on the way home. I'm starting to become more content on the mileage considering I should be able to get it for cheaper then most of the other similar Town Cars around here.

Did I mention I'm buying this car for my mother? I've always wanted to buy her a Lincoln because my dad wouldn't, but now that I can, I will do it for her. :)
 
The ride difference is ancedotal as I've not driven an '03+ to compare personally. I was pleasantly suprised with the handling of the '02 after having driven mid-nineties models.

The only issue the mileage would bring up is whether or not maintenance has been up to par and maybe the tires. If well maintained, it's unlikely to matter much difference between one with 50K or one with 75K.

If the deal goes through, your mother is a very lucky lady. ;)
 
The 02 does not use air bags in the front. Hence, the wife complains that the Mark handles highway bumps with more grace. The Continental tends to bottom out.

FWD is OK, but the motor is twisted to the left 90 degrees. This makes changing the belt a royal PITA. Changing the water pump ain't too bad. You have to lift the motor to change the main belt pulley or oil filter adapter. The idler pulley is easy to get to, after uncovering it.

We've had a major tranny issue (needing a rebuild at about 80K miles.) The car had a history of being owned by a rental company. When purchased the dealer had to R&R the front wheel bearings.
 
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