The 2011 Lincoln Town Car is often lauded for its comfort and spaciousness, making it a popular choice for those seeking a classic American sedan, especially for long journeys. If you’re considering a 2011 Lincoln Town Car, particularly one with higher mileage, understanding its reliability and potential maintenance is crucial. This article delves into the key aspects of owning a 2011 Lincoln Town Car, focusing on mileage concerns, common maintenance points, and its suitability for road trips.
When evaluating a used 2011 Lincoln Town Car, mileage is a significant factor. While high mileage shouldn’t automatically disqualify a vehicle, it’s wise to be more cautious with cars exceeding 150,000 miles. However, the Town Car, known for its robust build, can often handle higher mileage if properly maintained. Personal experiences indicate that even models with around 100,000 miles at the time of purchase can provide years of reliable service before major issues arise.
For potential owners, understanding common maintenance points is essential. One relatively minor issue is the ignition coils. Fortunately, replacing a faulty ignition coil is generally an inexpensive repair. Spark plug issues, often stemming from improper installation, are another point to be aware of, though not universally problematic. A more significant concern for some owners is the air suspension system. Air suspension problems tend to surface around the 130,000-mile mark. While converting to coil springs is a viable and less costly alternative to air suspension repair, it’s a modification some purists might consider a deviation from the original design.
Beyond suspension, other common issues include problems with AC blend door actuators, water leaks into the interior, and intake manifold failures. Intake manifold issues, while reportedly addressed in updated versions, can still occur. Both blend door actuator replacements and intake manifold repairs can be costly, potentially reaching around $1000 at a reputable mechanic. Water leaks, however, are often manageable as DIY fixes.
Regarding the transmission, it’s crucial to check the transmission fluid before purchasing a high-mileage 2011 Lincoln Town Car. The fluid should be a light red color, not brown, which indicates potential transmission problems. If the fluid is in good condition and hasn’t been changed recently, avoid power flushing the transmission, as this can sometimes lead to transmission failure in high-mileage vehicles. A simple drain and fill, along with a filter change if desired, using the recommended Ford Mercon V transmission fluid (or the correct fluid as specified in the owner’s manual), is a safer approach.
The transmissions in 2011 Lincoln Town Cars are generally durable, often lasting beyond 150,000 miles. The engines are even more robust, frequently exceeding this mileage with consistent maintenance. Regular rear differential fluid changes are also recommended to ensure the longevity of the differential. Overall, the Lincoln Town Car enjoys a reputation as Lincoln’s most reliable discontinued sedan. Parts availability is generally good due to shared components with the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis of the same era.
For road trips, the 2011 Lincoln Town Car excels in comfort. Despite its V8 engine, fuel economy is surprisingly reasonable for highway driving, often achieving over 25 mpg when maintaining speeds around 75 mph or below. This combination of comfort, reasonable fuel consumption, and inherent reliability makes the 2011 Lincoln Town Car a compelling option for comfortable and dependable long-distance travel, especially when considering the used car market.
