It is notably better than average for this Lincoln.
45%+19 pts
It is well above average for cars at this price.
41%+23 pts
Summary
This Lincoln Town Car is mechanically sound in its core systems. The engine runs smoothly with clean oil, no leaks, no misfires, and healthy charging voltage. The transmission shifts well with no slipping or leaks, and the brakes, steering, HVAC, and air suspension all check out with no fault codes. The diagnostic codes were last cleared over 10,000 miles ago, so the current 'no error' readings are reliable and not hiding anything recent. The fuel trims are essentially normal (right at -5% on cylinders 1-4), which is borderline but within acceptable range — worth keeping an eye on but not a concern today.
The most notable mechanical item is a slight noise from the rear differential at speeds above 40 mph. This is not urgent and the car drives fine, but it can indicate gear or bearing wear; in a worst case it could progress to a differential rebuild, so have the fluid checked and the noise monitored. Both front upper ball joints have torn protective boots — not dangerous immediately, but with the boots open, dirt and moisture will accelerate wear and eventually the ball joints themselves will need replacing, which is a suspension and steering safety item. The park-assist system has an active fault (radar sensor) and currently does not work; this is a convenience feature only. The audio module shows a stored data-link fault that did not return after clearing, so the system works now but could act up intermittently in the future.
On the body, the paint readings and findings show the right rear door and right quarter panel have been repainted (the quarter panel reading is very high at 420 microns), with clear coat already peeling on the rear door. There is also general cosmetic wear: scratches on the front fender and bumper, a cracked front air deflector, peeling chrome and torn weatherstrip on the trunk lid. Inside, the leather shows age-related cracking on the driver and passenger seats, worn door handles, and worn steering-wheel buttons. None of this affects how the car drives — it reflects the age and mileage of the vehicle.
Overall this is a usable, honest older sedan with no major powertrain or safety faults, but it carries a repainted quarter panel and a few maintenance items to budget for.Signs of an odometer rollback
no sign
Mechanical inspection
|
Abnormal noise
|
no |
|
Smoothness
|
ok |
|
Smoke, excessive vapor in exhaust
|
no |
|
Crankcase gases pressure
|
normal |
|
Cooling system
|
ok |
|
Exhaust system leaks
|
no |
|
Belts
|
tension ok, no cracks |
|
Oil leaks
|
no |
|
Oil condition
|
clean, level ok |
|
Oil sludge
|
no |
|
Signs of recent repair
|
not found |
Computer diagnostic
|
Electronic components
|
no error codes |
|
Voltage
|
14.2 |
|
Engine misfire
|
not detected |
|
Fuel trim
|
-5.0% (cyl. 1-4)/ -1.5% (cyl. 5-8) |
|
Mileage since last code erase
|
10,804 |
Mechanical inspection
|
Abnormal Noise
|
no |
|
Smoothness
|
ok |
|
Slipping
|
no |
|
Oil leaks
|
no |
|
Oil condition
|
clean, level ok |
|
Signs of recent repair
|
not found |
Computer diagnostic
|
Electronic components
|
no errors |
Mechanical inspection
|
Rear differential
|
Slight noise at speed above 40mph |
|
Driveshaft
|
ok |
|
Boots
|
ok |
|
Wheel bearings
|
ok |
| Active and passive safety | ok |
Computer diagnostic
|
ESC (Electronic stability control)
|
no error codes |
|
SRS (Air bags)
|
no error codes |
Mechanical inspection
|
Excessive rotors wear
|
no |
|
Excessive pads wear
|
no |
|
Braking force
|
even |
|
Fluid leaks
|
no |
|
Brake fluid
|
clean, level ok |
|
Excessive tire wear
|
no |
|
Parking brake
|
ok |
Computer diagnostic
|
ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)
|
no error codes |
Mechanical inspection
|
Shock absorbers
|
no oil leaks |
|
Springs
|
ok |
|
Anti-roll bars
|
ok |
|
Joints (visual control)
|
Torn boots on left and right front upper ball joints. |
|
Rubber bushing
|
no cracks |
|
Knocking during test drive
|
no |
|
Steering pull
|
no |
Computer diagnostic
|
RASM (rear air suspension)
|
no error code |
Mechanical inspection
|
Fan bearing
|
quiet, no vibration |
|
Cooling
|
ok |
|
Heating
|
ok |
|
Flow distribution
|
ok |
|
A/C Compressor noises
|
normal |
Computer diagnostic
|
Electronic components
|
no error codes |
| Steering (hydraulic power) | ok |
Mechanical inspection
|
Steering backlash
|
no |
|
Abnormal pump noise
|
no |
|
Steering wheel force
|
normal |
|
Fluid condition
|
clean, level ok |
|
Fluid leaks
|
no |
Mechanical inspection
|
Power windows
|
ok |
|
Lights
|
ok |
|
Windshield wiper
|
ok |
|
Windshield washer
|
ok |
|
Door locks
|
ok |
|
Dashboard
|
ok |
|
Seats
|
ok |
Computer diagnostic
|
HEC (dashboard)
|
no error code |
|
DDM (doors module)
|
no error code |
|
NGSC (cruise-control)
|
no error code |
|
PAM (park aid)
|
Active error code C1983 (radar sensor error). System doesn't work. |
|
ACM (audio control module)
|
Saved error code U1262 (data link fault). Doesn't appear after erasing. Audio system works good. |
|
LCM (lightning control)
|
no error code |
Extra photos
| Structural damage |
no
|
| Flood damage |
no
|
| Significant corrosion |
no
|
| Entire car repainted |
no
|
| Minor body damages | 6 issues |
Left side
Right side
repainted, clear coat peeling
Top
Front side
many scratches, cracked air deflector in front of the left wheel
Rear side
torn weatherstrip, chrome trim peeling
Coating thickness
Normal coating thickness - between 80-160μm. Too thick layer indicates overpainting; too thin - nonfactory painting job or excessive wear after abrasive polishing. Coating thickness can be measured only on metal (steel or aluminum) body panels.
| Body part |
Left side (μm) |
Right side (μm) |
| Front fender |
140 |
140 |
| Front door |
150 |
150 |
| Rear door |
150 |
200 |
| Quarter panel |
140 |
420 |
| Rocker panel |
90 |
90 |
| Body part |
Top/Rear (μm) |
| Hood |
100 |
| Roof |
120 |
| Trunk lid |
120 |
Extra photos
| Noticeable dirt |
no
|
| Worn out parts |
Cracked leather on driver seat cushion, slight cracks on front passenger seat, worn left rear door handle, folded leather on a rear right door handle.
|
| Unusual odor |
no
|
| Damaged parts |
steering wheel buttons deterioration
|
| Water leaks |
no
|
Extra photos
| Last oil change: |
Sep 4 2021 |
| Warranty due: |
no warranty |
Kenda tires 225/60R17
adjustable pedals
auto dimming mirrors
climate-control
cruise-control
leather seats
leather steering wheel
light alloy wheels
multifunction steering wheel
power lumbar support
power seats
rear air suspension
auto low beam
This list only contains the most important options. This is not the entire list of car options.
Inspection date: Mar 30 2019
Oleg Karelov
