Which is more reliable, Lincoln or Volkswagen?
Nearly a tie: Lincoln averages 61/100 vs Volkswagen at 59/100 across 167 real pre-purchase inspections (36 Lincoln / 131 Volkswagen). 56% of Lincolns and 51% of Volkswagens scored 60/100 or higher.
Nearly a tie: Lincoln averages 61/100 vs Volkswagen at 59/100 across 167 real pre-purchase inspections (36 Lincoln / 131 Volkswagen). 56% of Lincolns and 51% of Volkswagens scored 60/100 or higher. The average car we check scores 61/100.
Head to head
| Lincoln | Volkswagen | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars inspected | 36 | 131 |
| Average condition | 61/100 | 59/100 |
| In good shape (60+/100) | 56% | 51% |
| Repainted or replaced panel | 78% | 76% |
| Structural repair found | 3% | 3% |
| Fault codes recently cleared | 19% | 24% |
Green = the better number of the pair. Condition reflects the mix of cars that came to us — age, price, model — so treat small gaps as a tie.
How they score
Excellent 28%
Good 28%
Mediocre 22%
Poor 22%
Excellent 17%
Good 34%
Mediocre 32%
Poor 18%
How long do they stay good?
Good cars by mileage
▬ Lincoln▬ Volkswagen▬ all cars
Good cars by age
▬ Lincoln▬ Volkswagen▬ all cars
Share in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; a band under 20 cars follows the nearby bands, so a run above the all-cars line stays above it, and a band of 20 or more uses the rate we measured; where a band has too few cars, the line follows the trend between the bands on either side; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). Dashed grey = all cars we check.
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
64%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
33%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
33%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
28%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
22%
Oil leaks · Engine
76%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
50%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
41%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
27%
Electronic components issues · Engine
18%
Trajectory by generation
Lincoln
Not enough Lincolns at the 5–10 year checkpoint yet to draw a generation trend.
Volkswagen
▲ Newer Volkswagens are holding up better
Share in good shape when inspected at the same age (5–10 years, age-adjusted), by model-year generation; dashed = all-brand average. All brands →
FAQ
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What are the most common problems with used Lincolns and Volkswagens?
On Lincolns we flag oil leaks (64%), fuel trim out of range (33%), active error codes (33%). On Volkswagens: oil leaks (76%), active error codes (50%), tires condition & wear (41%).
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How many Lincoln and Volkswagen vehicles have you inspected?
36 Lincolns and 131 Volkswagens — 167 real pre-purchase inspections. Updated Oct 27, 2026.
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Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection?
Yes. Badge averages don't sort the good car from the tired one. We still find repainted panels on 78% of Lincolns and 76% of Volkswagens, and recently cleared fault codes on 19% / 24%.
Buying a used Lincoln or Volkswagen? Get a pre-purchase inspection before you pay.
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Based on 167 inspections · updated Oct 27, 2026
