So I went to a local Ford dealer to look at a 1988 Lincoln Mark VII they took in as a trade to possibly buy it. This Mark VII is black with a burgundy leather interior. It has 149,000 miles. Here's a list of the problems I found after looking it over and driving it:
The bad:
minor rust on the lower front fenders and rockers, door bottoms are good and so is the undercarriage
paint is hazy and needs a hell of a buff job
both front seats are cracked up pretty bad
steering wheel needs to be recovered
steering is a bit loose, needs new tie rods
both the brake light and the ABS light come on when braking, not good
it squeaks like crazy
The good:
engine and trans are good and the car runs great
all electronic equipment works, even the a/c
the air bags are new and the system holds air
I've seen cars like this on craigslist for $900-1200. The dealer had it listed for, get this, $4999:wtf:. I managed to whittle them down to $1500 but no lower. I wasn't going to pay more than $1000 for this thing with all the work it needed. Needless to say I'm still looking. After driving it though I found I really like the Mark VII. It's just like driving my 88 T-bird except it's slower;). Call me crazy but I'd like to replace my 95 with a Mark VII. I found this one as well but it's waaaaay to nice to subject to dd duty: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=287909580&dealer_id=49235829&car_year=1988&rdm=1288674074656&model=MARK7&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&search_type=both&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=LINC&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&sort_type=priceDESC&address=60638&advanced=&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=43&standard=false
So who else thinks I'm crazy to want a Mark VII besides my girlfriend?
You're crazy if you don't want one. Women (generally, not stereotyping here, just sayin') think of a car as little more than vehicular furniture to get from A to B.
Most of us here (fairer shag included :bowdown:;)) know better.
You'd be crazy if you paid more than 1000-1200 for it, seems as if you've got the right idea about that, fwiw.
You're looking for a nice daily that'll rust after a midwest winter, or a beater you don't love?
I'd buy a shiznitbox rice-burner for the wet, cold months, keep a '7 for nice days...you've already got the 'Bird for that though..depends on how bad you want it, I reckon.
I had a Mark VII and I had to sell it , I went looking for another one and ended up with my Bird instead
I WILL own another VII someday :D
With all that being said I would keep looking after how you described that one .
Both brake lights on is usually a sign of a bad accumulator and that is $200 right there .
I have two of them that I drive almost daily and I'm not crazy.:crazy:
Other than interior/body stuff, the things to watch out for on these cars are brakes, transmissions, and heater cores. These three items can put you in the poorhouse. Suspensions are easier to work on than most people think and electonics usually involve nothing more than cleaning grounds or swapping parts.
ones around here like that(similar cond.) go for around $500-900 depending on wether they are inspected or not.
nice ones and 90-92 lsc signifcantly more for some reason.
Ummm ... can you teach me how to bargain like that???
Dealers tend to mark UP cars when I walk onto their lot.
And I don't think you're crazy. I had a Mark VII and wish I still did.
It was sweeeeeeeet.
I love mine :D Especially after getting the air ride in order. (new(er) compressor) Makes for a real comfy daily driver.
It's a Mustang in a tuxedo.
(((I heard somebody else say that. I didn't make it up.)))
After 4 negotiation classes in college I know most of the tactics. You don't want to screw with me;)
I want a Mark VII as a dd not another car to tinker with. I don't want a pristine one just one that is decent and I can drive everyday. Hell I'd even take an 88+ Bill Blass Mark VII as it has the 5.0 HO just like the Mark VII LSC.
Get a later one (90-92) I believe. The earlier ones up to 88 had the suck motor in them. I forget eexactly though.
All 88-92 Mark VIIs whether Bill Blass or LSC had the E7 headed HO engines. The 86-87 LSC had the E6 headed HO and the Bill Blass had the SO. 84-85 had CFI. There aren't many of them left and I sure as hell don't want one;)
Ah that's right. I knew there was a weird year in there (87). I believe hey were all SD as well which struck me odd. Been away from the fox stuff for awhile now ;o)
Yup, all were SD...
I posted this car earlier in the thread: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=287909580&dealer_id=49235829&car_year=1988&rdm=1288879389125&model=MARK7&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&search_type=both&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=LINC&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&sort_type=priceDESC&address=60638&advanced=&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=43&standard=false
It's really only worth somewhere between $2500-3000. My crazy mind wants to buy it but another part of me says it's a bad idea to DD it. What are your guys thoughts? Am I crazy for considering it? Oh and unless I can get it for $2500-3000 I'm not buying it.
You can't daily drive that 88 Mark VII with 32K miles! What's wrong with your 95 tbird as a DD?
I wouldn't daily drive a 32k mile Mark Vii personally , but my last daily driver was an 88 LSC , so I am still behind you 100%
It has a 3.8. Need I say more? I bought it as I needed a new car because my previous Buick died. I'm in no rush to buy a replacement for the 95 but that Mark VII looks awful tempting...
I understand. All my vehicles have a V8 in them except for the TurboCoupe. So trust me, I understand. I am also always on the hunt for a Mark VII LSC SE. But it won't be a daily driver - unless I find one with 200K miles. :)
Good luck in your quest!
Speed Density as opposed to Mass Air Flow
Refers to the electronic engine control system
Just sold my Mark... It was an '85 I bought a few years ago from the original owner and he absolutley babied it. Got $4500 for it. Everything worked like it was new on the car. Hated to get rid of it, but there just isn't enough time in the day to enjoy everything so I had to let some things go. When i get another it will NOT be CFI.... That was the one thing I hated about mine.
For what reason did you not like the CFI?
I'd rather either have a carb or EFI, not stuck in between. It more temperamental than most carbureted cars I've had... And terribly underpowered.
I'm kinda stuck here. I can't really have more than two cars as I really don't have time for more than one *fun, only drive it with no chance of rain* summer car as the 88 T-bird does a good job at that;). The problem with living up north is I know that any car I drive daily is going to be attacked by salt in the winter. I really want a Mark VII but I'm afraid of what the salt will do to it....
crown vic.
If that car had typical mileage and was in typical condition i could see saying it was worth 2500 bucks but that thing IS mint with low miles. I seriously doubt they will sell that for less than 4500 bucks.
In Florida (Treasure Coast)...
CLEARANCE SALE!!!! 1987 LINCOLN LSC SPORTS COUPE!!!! - $1200 (COMMUTER CARS 6420 S US1 PSL)
Date: 2010-11-11, 9:51AM EST
Reply to: sale-p3dur-2054234966@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
THIS SHARP 1987 LINCOLN LSC HAS POWER LOCKS, WINDOWS, LEATHER, 302 5.0 V8 AND LOOKS AND DRIVES GREAT FOR A CASH PRICE OF ONLY $1200. CALL BILL ANYTIME AT 772-985-0186.
* Location: COMMUTER CARS 6420 S US1 PSL
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
http://images.craigslist.org/3k23pa3o05Y55W35X0abbe486b76a975c13b8.jpg
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PostingID: 2054234966
Or Sioux City ...
1989 Lincoln Mark VII - $1950 (tekamah)
Date: 2010-11-11, 12:21PM CST
Reply to: sale-c6jch-2054692435@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
I have a lincoln mark seven with 110,000 miles and has 18 inch detata wheels, Great car for teen or just a second cheap car If interested give me a call at 712-three five five-1995
* Location: tekamah
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
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PostingID: 2054692435
Or Yoopers (Iron Mountain) ...
1988 Lincoln Mark VII - $6500 (Iron Mountain)
Date: 2010-11-10, 5:39PM EST
Reply to: sale-3y4mv-2053370455@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Car is in excellent condition with less than 28,000 original miles. Has never been driven in the winter and was stored in garage.
(nine zero six) 828-one five three two
NO SCAMMERS I am not placing an ad somewhere else or am I interested in getting calls about insurance!
* Location: Iron Mountain
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
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PostingID: 2053370455
Or in the Inland Empire . . .
1988 Lincoln Mark VI LSC (I. E.)
Date: 2010-11-10, 1:26PM PST
Reply to: sale-zpx78-2053239115@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
For Sale 1988 Lincoln Mark VI LSC. White Exterior , Gray Leather Interior No Rips or tears. Air Ride Works perfect. 4 all most new tires, Heat & Air work perfect. Car is a very nice driver Asking pricr is 1500.00 or best offer. 909-641-5654
* Location: I. E.
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/2053239115.html
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PostingID: 2053239115
All those Mark VIIs are no where near Chicago....
Semantics , you have a huge internet family to help you out if you really want one you find , find the car , find a local member to check it out for ya fly in and drive it home ...no problems;)
I guess it depends on what you consider "near".... For the right car, what's a little road trip? The furthest I've gone is Minnesota from Eastern Virginia (so far). A couple of those Marks are less than eight hours away from you.
Road trip!!!
Yeah, I figured you might want one nearer to you ---------- figured it, but posted them anyway.
I also found a sweeeeeet Mark VIII (for myself) that I might venture to see this coming weekend.
I don't have to go far to get one. I can be picky and wait as I don't need a Mark VII I'd just like one. When one shows up that I can use for a dd I'll go take a look at it. I'm not in a hurry ;)
So I've kinda come to a cross roads here. I've found a pretty much mint 1990 Mark VII LSC with 72,000 miles. Everything works except two things: the passenger side window motor needs to be replaced and the driver's side door lock acuator is bad. The car runs great and drives great and has zero rust. It has a rebuilt AOD because the bushing on the throttle failed and the trans fried. I can get this thing for $4500. I really only have the space for 2 cars and the Mark VII would have to be my daily driver.
So here's my problem: I can have this Mark VII for cash and it's mine no ifs ands or buts. The other option is to buy a 3 year old 30,000ish mile Fusion or Milan to replace my 95 T-bird as a daily driver. If I do that I'll have to make payments for 3 years. So if you could only have 2 cars (the 88 T-bird is not going anywhere) what would you do?
My opinion ...if you didnt live in the salt belt...... Mark VII all the way ..BUT.. you do... so I vote Fusion/Milan because I personally would hate to see a Mark sacrificed to the rust gods
don't know what to tell you buddy, when i lived in chicago i bought a really cheap and rusty isuzu pup with a 4banger and a 5spd. didn't have much but it had great heat and it ran and beat around in the snow quite well. I myself would not expose a bird,kat or mark to all that salt, rather just buy a small cheap car or truck thats good on gas with good heat and drive it until it falls apart.
This is quite a debacle....I'm not entirely sure what I'd do, however, it seems to me you'd probably have more fun with the Mark. Plus, it would be paid for. Isn't there some ways you can keep rust damage to a minimal? Idk, I've never lived up north, and I don't plan to (no offense to you guys, but i'm a florida wimp, I own literally two pairs of jeans).
there is something that can be applied to the bottom of the car to keep it from rusting, but even then the body will still bubble and rust salt gets on more then just the frame.
If I was given only a choice between the 88 Tbird and the 95 Tbird, the 88 would wins hands down. With that in mind I would get rid of the 95 Tbird because they are a dime a dozen right now and for me they do not have the classic detailed look that makes the Fox body Cats, Birds and Marks alluring. The Mark would be paid for and you could certainly afford the upkeep compared to long term car note. I think you would enjoy it more. I don't think there is anything that would ever get me to buy a new car again and suffer through long term payments when there are so many wonderful classic cars out there to enjoy that do not blend in with the sheep of newer cars on the market today. The Fusions and Milans are great cars for sure but I would only do it if it is something that you will be happy with and will not have yourself thinking what if when its all said and done. At least with the Mark, you can buy it, try it and resell it if for some reason you become disappointed. A newer car would have you stuck in what seems like a never ending commitment that you could not easily change your mind about .
I think I'm going to pass on the Mark VII. It really is way to clean to drive in the salt. The car looks like it just rolled off the dealer lot....even the underside just has surface rust on the rear axle only. There is not a spec of rust anywhere else on the under body. The car was never driven in the winter and I'm not about to be the first one to do it.
The problem for us rust belters is that any car we drive every day will rust. So we either drive a car every day that we don't really love to drive or we have one POS that only gets driven the 3 months of salt we have. If I had the space I'd buy the Mark VII for a April 1-late Nov daily driver and then keep the 95 as a first snow to April daily driver. The problem is when you have a 1.5 car garage that houses your favorite car that only comes out to go to shows and cruise nights then you're kinda screwed on a place to put a 3rd car....
Dude, thats what yards are for. :hick::rice:
My solution to your problem:
Move.:flame:
My other solution to your problem:
I'm sure me or scott wouldn't mind another v6 mn12:D
I wouldn't mind getting rid of the MN-12 but I don't want to have to drive that Mark VII through the winter. I'm guessing you haven't seen the way they use salt in the snow belt. Silly IDOT salt is for margaritas not roads.....
Yeah I'm not storing a car on the back lawn. I live in a nice neighborhood not in hicksville :mullet:. Plus the moisture on the lawn would cause some nasty rust.
I'm not moving as I don't owe any money on this house. I should just build a bigger garage....
This is the Mark VII was thinking about buying.
(http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/po/101107/877r9/8493h53_27.jpeg)
The rest of the ad is here: http://chicago.ebayclassifieds.com/cars/romeoville/1990-lincoln-mark-vii-lsc-rebuilt-trans-grandmas-car/?ad=7124112 (http://"http://chicago.ebayclassifieds.com/cars/romeoville/1990-lincoln-mark-vii-lsc-rebuilt-trans-grandmas-car/?ad=7124112")
More pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50911520@N04/ (http://"http://www.flickr.com/photos/50911520@N04/")
yeah, i know brova I was just giving you a hard time :p
Anyway's I got my just deserts b/c after reading this thread last night I dreamed I bought a Mark VII. I then woke up and was VERY DISSAPOINTED.
That's a beauty!
Some don't like the Sport-Delete seats, but thats a matter of preference.
If that's "Grandma's Car", then Grandma was pretty cool.
That's sweeeeet.
I kinda like them. The whole car is pretty awesome.
Wow that thing is sweet! It's a shame you don't have room for a third car. I've always wanted an LSC myself but I neve have. I don't think if you get a Fusion you'll be disapointed. I have an 06 with the 6 in it and I love it! It really gets up and goes! I still had my ZX2 last winter so when it was bad out I ran it and let the Fusion sit. Now I got rid of the Z so I have to run it this winter so I'll be finding out real soon how it goes in the snow.
1988 Lincoln Mark VII - $2500 (Lake Villa)
Date: 2010-12-08, 9:56AM CST
Reply to: see below
1988 Lincoln Mark 7
75,000 Original Miles
302 HO Engine- Runs Great
New Tires
New Air Springs
847-265-1533
847-217-7072
http://images.craigslist.org/3n13k43mc5Z55W65U0ac86afd1e84bff41e35.jpg
* Location: Lake Villa
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
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PostingID: 2101731467
I've been thinking about looking at that one. I noticed it has some minor rust on the driver's door, and the wrong wheels for an 88 LSC. It should have turbines.
I say BUY IT!!!, while it is a nice car these cars are not an investment, they are a labor of love. Someone else may buy it and drive it into the ground and not give 2 shiznits about it or give it to there kid as a safe first car and wreak the thing!!! Stop worrying about the things we can't control (rust) and enjoy life and the car !!!
When time comes to build a bigger garage then do that too... but for now if you have the money I say ENJOY the car we may not be here tomorrow!!!
I'm gonna have to agree with that
Have you guy sever lived in the salt belt;)? I would DD something nice if there wasn't salt on the roads 3-4 months out of the year....
Yep, lived on Long Island NY for 30 yrs and yes I would still drive it as a DD if I lived there still. Live is short, I could always get another car!!! Enjoy life and dont worry about the small stuff... most things are the small stuff!!
In fact I think I want to get one myself I spend 3 hrs a day in the car so I think that would be a great ride!!!