1984Poke

I think Assimilator is on to something here. Lincoln is having a lot of success with the Navigator, and I cannot help but think that the Navigator is succeeding almost in spite of the Lincoln brand name and not because of it (although I cannot reference any empirical studies to prove that). I really hope the same (strong sales numbers) will happen with the new Aviator. That is, I hope people will love its looks and capabilities and features and that it will sell really well. If Lincoln will fix the shortcomings of the current MKC (not enough back seat room, give it a better/more composed ride, and fix the maddening and inexplicable side mirror issues), I want to think that it, too, could sell well with a new name like Corsair and a good marketing campaign behind it.

What is meant by the term white space vehicle in this context?

Interesting. If so, I hope it will have more back seat leg room and be at least as good (or even better) than the current MKZ, which is a very good vehicle in my opinion. For those of you who know about these things: What, exactly, are the benefits of moving it to the new CD6 platform? I know very little about the design and mechanics of automobiles. I am an aviation enthusiast and can talk until sundown about airplanes but, cars?, not so much. With cars, I just know what I want...comfortable, quiet, reliable, decent gas mileage, safe, nice-looking, and with enough bells and whistles to keep my inner little boy satisfied, but I do not know much about cars, which is why I appreciate the bits of knowledge I pick up here.

Thank you, fordmantpw and silvrsvt, for replying to my request.

I would like to get input from people herewho know the auto industry much better than I do on the topic of buying a vehicle in its last years of production (a vehicle that is being phased out of production). Is that going to cause problems for me in terms of service and support in later years? I was thinking of buying a 2019 MKZ Hybrid next spring and keeping it for several years (5 to 7 years). What do you think? Bad idea? OK as long as I keep it only 5 to 7 years? I am honestly interested in getting thoughtful input from others here. Thanks.

I had a 2013 MKZ Hybrid for 3 years (lease) and I really liked it. I was considering buying a 2019 MKZ-H next spring (maybe even the Black Label version), but I am uncertain now what I will do if Lincoln decides to quit making them (I realize it is unclear whether Ford/Lincoln will quit making Fusions and MKZs in the next year or so).

I think it would be a shame to discontinue the MKZ as, other than the somewhat snug back seat leg room issue, it is a really fine vehicle and the hybrid model gets really good gas mileage for a mid-size luxury car.

Thank you, ice-capades. I am not sure that I had heard that.

In March of this year, I finished my research to prepare for ordering a 2019 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid next year after the lease on my current vehicle expires in March 19, even to the extent that I had gone (twice) to a Lincoln dealer and checked out 18 models (color, interior, features) and brought Darling Wife into the picture to get her input and seal of approval. That was going to be my next car. However, all that came to a screeching halt when we learned that Ford was going to stop making sedans. It seems unclear to me whether Lincoln will or can continue to make the MKZ (under that name or another moniker) by itself. It seems unlikely the math adds up to make it possible for Lincoln (only) to continue making a vehicle of that basic type/design without the greater number of Ford Fusions also being produced. Does anyone here really think Lincoln would continue making the MKZ (by that name or another name) by itself? I am interested in knowing what the people on here think about that. Another question for the people on this board with far more in-depth knowledge of the auto industry than I have: Is it ever a good idea to buy a car that is being totally discontinued (presuming that Lincoln does NOT keep making MKZs after Ford quits making Fusions)? Will I have service/support problems in the out years under this scenario?

What do terms like balanced out and balanced out scheduling mean in this context?

Well, at least the Cyrus name that came from the aquatic-themed Matthew McConaughey ad featuring the new Lincoln Navigator driving off a ferry boat named Cyrus is not being used, at least not yet. You may recall there was some speculation that that name was being slyly put out there in a hiding in plain sight scheme.

Ah, yes, you are correct in that it was Senator Mike Monroney, not Robert S. Kerr (thanks for pointing that out). My Oklahoma History professor would dock some points from my grade for that. Ten lashes with a wet noodle for me....

Im writing (perhaps I should say I am writing) from a cell phone. I think fuzzymoomoo has hit the nail in the head.

(wouldnt and cant and vehicles ... I dont know why this board is not showing my apostrophes or accepting my attempts to edit my posting, above.)

When seatbelts were mandated by the federal government in the 1960s, car manufacturers said it was an unnecessary intrusion in the marketplace and would drive up the cost of cars to the point that most people wouldnt be able to afford new cars. Now we cant imagine cars without them and only idiots would want to go back to the days (remember metal dashboards?) without those and other safety features (safety glass, air bags, etc.). When car manufacturers were required by federal law (sponsored by U.S. Senator Robert S. Kerr) in the 1960s to put window stickers with a vehicles contents and list prices on new cars, Ford Motor Company in particular declared it would bring about the end of the auto business and probably result in bankruptcy. Waa, waa, we have to have safe vehicles. Get over it.

I think three months early to three months late (extra lease time) is the time period permissible with your lease without some special exception approval.

I turned in my last lease (2013 MKZ) three months early (March 2016 vs. June 2016), which I understand is the normal limit on the amount of time you can turn in your vehicle early. I inquired just recently (earlier this month) about terminating my current lease (2016 MKC) earlyas much as a year earlybecause I was contemplating buying another Lincoln (maybe BL MKZ) but was told I could not. I dont know if my experience is typical. My current vehicle is only the second time I have leased.

Ah, Ford Thunderbird . . . that is a vehicle I would like to see make a comeback (as long as it is a superbly executed design that fully lives up to the best expectations for a return of that iconic car).

I would really like to see the Ford Thunderbird make a comeback!

There is no indication from these reports of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid version of the MKC for the 2019 model but there is lots of speculation online about that. Anyone have any idea what, if anything, is likely to happen on that topic?

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That's good to know. Thanks, exploder48. I use Travel Link in my '13 MKZ-Hybrid all the time. Of course, this deal doesn't help me but it's good to know for the future.

jasonj80, I don't mean to challenge you but are you sure about the 6 years on the SIRIUS Traffic and Travel Link? Not 6 months but 6 years, now? If it's 6 years now, that's quite a change from before. Just checking . . . .

I'd really like to read an in-depth interview with the new President of Lincoln in which he outlines his vision for Lincoln, how he plans to deal with its challenges, and his plans for Lincoln's future.

I'd definitely take the new one but, as another person has suggested, test it out first. If it tests out OK, take it.