I remember renting a brand new 2001 Town Car from my local Ford dealership. Perhaps the biggest takeaway for me in the overall driving experience was the almost nonexistent interior cabin noise. That cabin was so whisper quiet, you could almost whisper back and forth to your passengers, and they would hear you perfectly. I’m a Cadillac fanatic, but I remember this being a very special car I would have loved to own.
well, it was from the start the Henry M. Leland would founded two fantastic American luxury car companies; Lincoln and Cadillac. Could be why you appreciate both brands so well, or maybe a coincidence 😊
@@eriktorres8975 it is a phenomenal vehicle. every now and then the world offers us a gift of obtainable value. i hope those 3 luxury examples have served your family well.
thanks for watching this video and exploring the channel too! please visit often as i will have more Lincoln content soon : ) PS. do you own a Lincoln or plan to?
@@xrmerkur I love all phanter platform cars and I would like to own one. I am from Turkiye, here you rarely see one and always well cared so I think that makes them even more classy. I would take a town car over a 2023 maybach any day
@@h.cavidarabac3852 you are indeed a diehard panther platform fan 🤩 the best and longest running platform in Fords history. much success on one day having your own. it’s been great having you find my channel. i hope you will be around for my next videos.
I feel bad that this generation has so much hate from anthusiasts. It was the greatest in terms of technology and comfort compared to other generations. Aside from the high maintnance costs from the dealer, this was the best time for lincolins ever.
Great find Cristina! All through the panther platform history, the Town Car was the best used car bargain of any luxury vehicle. What a solid car too, and under 100k miles. As many owners say; you’re just breaking it in. Well congratulations on making a valued purchase. Thanks for watching and please visit again for more!
If your lower ball joints haven't been replaced they will likely fail between 100,000 to 135,000 miles. Your LCM might fail in the next 60,000 miles. I have a TC with 185,000 miles Lower ball joints went LCM went radiator went Idler pulley, belt tensioner went. Alternator went. Shocks and spring coils need replaced. I almost forgot oil adapter gasket failed at about 180,000 miles. Took me 4 hours to replace the gasket. I have my brake bleed and rear brake replacement scheduled for me to do soon. I love my TC, a trooper and a tank all in one. It's been rear ended and backed into and with some ingenuity it is still running.
@@xrmerkur bought my LTC 4yrs ago with 71,000 milles now have 76,000 seller wanted $3,800 i WAS going to haggle but he noticed my dog tag he said he is retired AIR FORCE,asked if I am military yes ARMY not a nano second later he said $3,000 good with me ??? I saluted him….i have a 1997 CORVETTE with 72,000 miles so I have option for speed OR open sunroof on a nice cool to cold nite and C R U I S E,damn nice car
the 90’s was a powerful and influential decade. because the 3rd generation Town Car model year began 1998, much of the instructional material and guides probably were written in that era.
i’m glad you watched and enjoyed. i will search if more videos are available for this series Town Car. if i find something i’ll let you know! in the meantime i have Continental videos on my channel. check them out!
Technically, there never was a gen 4 car…believe it or not, the 2003-2011 body style was more of a mix-cycle refresh by the good folks at FoMoCo. This is evidenced by the nearly identical rear-end treatment & C pillar styling on the car differing only slightly if at all from the ‘98 to the ‘03-‘11 model.
@@jasoncrinklaw4255 The length, width, height and overall dimensions were almost identical, but there are many differences. 1. The wheels in the "4th" gen are 17" not 16" as the 1998-2002's. 2. Performance the engine output is a consistent 239bhp as standard and doesn't range from the old 205-235 as the 1998-2002 did. Also 0-60 is consistently now under 9 seconds per most specs. If you slam on it, closer to 7.5! 3. The 2003 and newer also have a hood ornament that returned 4. Slightly different layout under the hood in terms of accumulator, air intake, etc. 5. The steering was upgraded to rack and pinion over recirculating ball, a much needed improvement for a heavy land yacht, esp. in snow 6. The suspension was considerably upgraded to aid in the new handling with the steering 7. Storage utilization improved. The cabin got far more storage cubbies and space. The trunk opening was widened to be less "awkward." 8. Cabin now featured more gauges, buttons and features as standard equipment. All of these weren't included in the 1998-2002. Oh and the dreaded intake manifold was replaced in 2002 and newer to be an aluminum front crossmember design as the old one sucked. But the newer ones had cheaper plastics on the inside over the older metallic elements and leather door surfaces that were better made and integrated. So quality wise, the older ones are a bit better, but utility and reliability wise/practicality wise the 2003-2011 will always be a solid choice!
@@jasoncrinklaw4255 but there were many upgrades on the later Town cars, say, 207 and up! My gramps owns several as taxis. For high end hotels, in MIAMI FL
my pleasure geomaz35! so glad you appreciate this in-depth video of the 3rd gen towncar. i have more lincoln content on the channel. PS. do you have one of these beauties in your garage?
1998-2002 Lincoln Town Car models needed a 4.6-liter V8 with 32 valves producing 280 horsepower, 2003-2011 needed over 300 horsepower and a 6-speed transmission Because even the 2000S Honda Accord had 240 horsepower Regardless that it was not designed for speed and that the majority of its buyers are elderly, this does not mean that the car has not been updated with a new engine. Ford was able to provide what is better and this is not an excuse because all V8 engines had a power ranging between 270hp -300hp and more. Lexus LS and Mercedes S were luxury cars, the majority of their buyers were rich and elderly, but did this prevent them from offering a powerful engine? Remember that there is no V8 engine in 1998 with a power of 200 hp except Lincoln and Ford crown victoria and mercury marquis Sales of the Panther platform were good in the Middle East, but the reason for the drop in sales is that this platform has not been updated, but it is clear that Ford is not interested in global markets.
you have made many valid points. as the luxury market expanded in the mid-90’s, a younger demographic became interested with Lexus, BMW and Mercedes. The American luxury market was traditionally older buyers. German sedans focused more on performance and the Japanese was a combination, but primarily focused on reliability. Today’s Lincoln finally put it all together with the 2020 Continental with AWD.
@@xrmerkur When you see the Lexus Ls400, Infiniti Q45, and BMW 7 Series, you will feel that they are very similar, unlike Lincoln. It has a design that distinguishes it from those luxury cars, especially in Europe and the Middle East. Only it lacked a 300-horsepower V8 engine, a 5-speed transmission, and some modern technologies. It would be the best luxury car with competitive prices.
@@jehadhjaya2767 yes, before the 10th generation continental Lincoln was a different kind of luxury brand. Luxury changed in part because of the widely available lease program, make expensive vehicles more accessible to most. It certainly influenced what people expected these car to be and feel like. The old Lincoln were something special, nothing on earth are like them now.
I daily drive a 2002 town car, and it has a fine engine the way it is. It doesn't "need" anything. I live in the Catskills, always climbing up and down steep roads, and I've never noticed a "need" for a more powerful engine.
Paul, this front fascia has more of a butterfly appearance. the whole design probably took Lincoln fans by surprise, it was revolutionary. the subsequent years were more evolutionary. do you see a future for a 4th generation Town Car?
@@xrmerkur I remember walking into a Lincoln dealership in 1998 and seeing this new body for the first time. It was a radical departure from the previous design, which to me was aesthetically and functionally almost flawless, and as such very disappointing. It would be great to see a revival of the TC, but I don't think it's in the cards.
@@paulparoma I’ve always thought the L Series was the right proportion for the Town Car. Passengers were getting spoiled in this era by the roomy minivans and SUV’s. If the TC L was the standard length, it could’ve extended the life of the luxury sedan segment.
@@xrmerkur I agree. I always felt it could use a little more rear legroom, and Ford eventually realized that also. The L was a good idea and not a moment too soon. It's too bad this great car is history. Look at all the ugly expensive junk out there...
These camera angles tho 🤣🤣 I feel like he drugged me and I'm looking at him in the passenger seat like what the f*** did you do to me but it can't come out
i believe the instructions are providing additional options for changing, adding and (or) temporary codes. but the general stock use is straight forward.
i believe the name Cougar is referred by some to describe an older woman seeking younger men. but as it turned out the Ford Panther Platform aged beautifully.
I remember renting a brand new 2001 Town Car from my local Ford dealership. Perhaps the biggest takeaway for me in the overall driving experience was the almost nonexistent interior cabin noise. That cabin was so whisper quiet, you could almost whisper back and forth to your passengers, and they would hear you perfectly. I’m a Cadillac fanatic, but I remember this being a very special car I would have loved to own.
well, it was from the start the Henry M. Leland would founded two fantastic American luxury car companies; Lincoln and Cadillac. Could be why you appreciate both brands so well, or maybe a coincidence 😊
Today I learned pressing memory seat buttons 1 and 2 at the same time corresponds to a 3rd position.
see, you were destined to watch this video. glad this video could help!
Hahaha
The Panther platform in all its glory gave Town Car owners the ride of dreams for 30 years (1981-2011)
I’m still driving one, and I hope it’ll last for another decade or so.
@@steveholy300 keep it free of salt and mud, should last a lifetime. enjoy!
@@xrmerkur thank you. I’ll do my best.
My family owns 3 of them. Me 2 off them and my father 1.
@@eriktorres8975 it is a phenomenal vehicle. every now and then the world offers us a gift of obtainable value. i hope those 3 luxury examples have served your family well.
Your channel is a hidden gem
thanks for watching this video and exploring the channel too! please visit often as i will have more Lincoln content soon : )
PS. do you own a Lincoln or plan to?
@@xrmerkur I love all phanter platform cars and I would like to own one. I am from Turkiye, here you rarely see one and always well cared so I think that makes them even more classy. I would take a town car over a 2023 maybach any day
@@h.cavidarabac3852 you are indeed a diehard panther platform fan 🤩
the best and longest running platform in Fords history. much success on one day having your own. it’s been great having you find my channel. i hope you will be around for my next videos.
@@xrmerkur yes I am :) Thank you very much, I will inform you if I get one. I will definetly hang around in your channel
I feel bad that this generation has so much hate from anthusiasts. It was the greatest in terms of technology and comfort compared to other generations. Aside from the high maintnance costs from the dealer, this was the best time for lincolins ever.
since the Town Car has been out of production for 11 years, so many people are finally realizing what a great vehicle this generation really was.
When I had my 2000 TC I had my Lincoln dealer install a hood ornament and after that I was happy with it.
I just bought one yesterday!
@@vinh9190 congratz in owning GOD's car 👍🏻
@@griffingamache5625 the car wash took those off. Ripped them . And maybe broke other things 😮😮
Love this video I hope to learn more
check out the other Lincoln videos on the channel. hopefully you’ll find them just as interesting.
@@xrmerkur awesome thxs will do
Mine came with this VHS!!
do you still have the VHS, and do you still own a VCR?
@@xrmerkuryes and yes. I have my original VCR from when I was a kid.
@@audiles Must be a top loader VHS. those were pretty durable
Best car ever, prude user of a TC 2000
the Panther Platform at its finest
imo this and the late 2nd gens were the best
all three generations were beloved, but imo gen two was a masterpiece.
Me watching this video cuz i buy the same car for only 3,000 $ with only 94,573 miles on it
Great find Cristina! All through the panther platform history, the Town Car was the best used car bargain of any luxury vehicle. What a solid car too, and under 100k miles. As many owners say; you’re just breaking it in. Well congratulations on making a valued purchase. Thanks for watching and please visit again for more!
If your lower ball joints haven't been replaced they will likely fail between 100,000 to 135,000 miles. Your LCM might fail in the next 60,000 miles. I have a TC with 185,000 miles
Lower ball joints went
LCM went
radiator went
Idler pulley, belt tensioner went.
Alternator went.
Shocks and spring coils need replaced.
I almost forgot oil adapter gasket failed at about 180,000 miles. Took me 4 hours to replace the gasket.
I have my brake bleed and rear brake replacement scheduled for me to do soon.
I love my TC, a trooper and a tank all in one.
It's been rear ended and backed into and with some ingenuity it is still running.
@@plantmanstudios good thing you can manage many of the repairs and maintenance yourself. keep it on the road for as long as possible.
@@xrmerkur bought my LTC 4yrs ago with 71,000 milles now have 76,000
seller wanted $3,800 i WAS going to haggle but he noticed my dog tag he said he is retired AIR FORCE,asked if I am military yes ARMY not a nano second later he said $3,000 good with me ???
I saluted him….i have a 1997 CORVETTE with 72,000 miles so I have option for speed OR open sunroof on a nice cool to cold nite and C R U I S E,damn nice car
@@xrmerkurforgot to say TY informative video info
Why does this video feel like it's from 1993 and not 2001???
the 90’s was a powerful and influential decade. because the 3rd generation Town Car model year began 1998, much of the instructional material and guides probably were written in that era.
Yes sir proud owner of 3 99-2001
@@user-pi4my1cd2m did you have a favorite Town Car year of this generation, or any of the three?
Is there a gen 4 video for the 2004-2011 Lincoln Town Car ? BTW, great video !
i’m glad you watched and enjoyed. i will search if more videos are available for this series Town Car. if i find something i’ll let you know! in the meantime i have Continental videos on my channel. check them out!
Technically, there never was a gen 4 car…believe it or not, the 2003-2011 body style was more of a mix-cycle refresh by the good folks at FoMoCo. This is evidenced by the nearly identical rear-end treatment & C pillar styling on the car differing only slightly if at all from the ‘98 to the ‘03-‘11 model.
@@jasoncrinklaw4255 The length, width, height and overall dimensions were almost identical, but there are many differences.
1. The wheels in the "4th" gen are 17" not 16" as the 1998-2002's.
2. Performance the engine output is a consistent 239bhp as standard and doesn't range from the old 205-235 as the 1998-2002 did. Also 0-60 is consistently now under 9 seconds per most specs. If you slam on it, closer to 7.5!
3. The 2003 and newer also have a hood ornament that returned
4. Slightly different layout under the hood in terms of accumulator, air intake, etc.
5. The steering was upgraded to rack and pinion over recirculating ball, a much needed improvement for a heavy land yacht, esp. in snow
6. The suspension was considerably upgraded to aid in the new handling with the steering
7. Storage utilization improved. The cabin got far more storage cubbies and space. The trunk opening was widened to be less "awkward."
8. Cabin now featured more gauges, buttons and features as standard equipment.
All of these weren't included in the 1998-2002. Oh and the dreaded intake manifold was replaced in 2002 and newer to be an aluminum front crossmember design as the old one sucked. But the newer ones had cheaper plastics on the inside over the older metallic elements and leather door surfaces that were better made and integrated. So quality wise, the older ones are a bit better, but utility and reliability wise/practicality wise the 2003-2011 will always be a solid choice!
@@jasoncrinklaw4255 but there were many upgrades on the later Town cars, say, 207 and up! My gramps owns several as taxis. For high end hotels, in MIAMI FL
Thankyou!
my pleasure geomaz35!
so glad you appreciate this in-depth video of the 3rd gen towncar. i have more lincoln content on the channel. PS. do you have one of these beauties in your garage?
@@xrmerkur I'm actively shopping for a nice, low mileage town car for a fair weather driver. This was a very helpful video.
@@geomaz35 much success on your search. as you know they are solid built vehicles. i occasionally see really nice condition examples out and about.
1998-2002 Lincoln Town Car models needed a 4.6-liter V8 with 32 valves producing 280 horsepower, 2003-2011 needed over 300 horsepower and a 6-speed transmission Because even the 2000S Honda Accord had 240 horsepower Regardless that it was not designed for speed and that the majority of its buyers are elderly, this does not mean that the car has not been updated with a new engine. Ford was able to provide what is better and this is not an excuse because all V8 engines had a power ranging between 270hp -300hp and more. Lexus LS and Mercedes S were luxury cars, the majority of their buyers were rich and elderly, but did this prevent them from offering a powerful engine? Remember that there is no V8 engine in 1998 with a power of 200 hp except Lincoln and Ford crown victoria and mercury marquis
Sales of the Panther platform were good in the Middle East, but the reason for the drop in sales is that this platform has not been updated, but it is clear that Ford is not interested in global markets.
you have made many valid points. as the luxury market expanded in the mid-90’s, a younger demographic became interested with Lexus, BMW and Mercedes. The American luxury market was traditionally older buyers. German sedans focused more on performance and the Japanese was a combination, but primarily focused on reliability. Today’s Lincoln finally put it all together with the 2020 Continental with AWD.
@@xrmerkur
When you see the Lexus Ls400, Infiniti Q45, and BMW 7 Series, you will feel that they are very similar, unlike Lincoln. It has a design that distinguishes it from those luxury cars, especially in Europe and the Middle East. Only it lacked a 300-horsepower V8 engine, a 5-speed transmission, and some modern technologies. It would be the best luxury car with competitive prices.
@@jehadhjaya2767 yes, before the 10th generation continental Lincoln was a different kind of luxury brand. Luxury changed in part because of the widely available lease program, make expensive vehicles more accessible to most. It certainly influenced what people expected these car to be and feel like. The old Lincoln were something special, nothing on earth are like them now.
I daily drive a 2002 town car, and it has a fine engine the way it is. It doesn't "need" anything. I live in the Catskills, always climbing up and down steep roads, and I've never noticed a "need" for a more powerful engine.
That's the body I like the least. Good thing they improved on the design in the subsequent years.
Paul, this front fascia has more of a butterfly appearance. the whole design probably took Lincoln fans by surprise, it was revolutionary. the subsequent years were more evolutionary. do you see a future for a 4th generation Town Car?
@@xrmerkur I remember walking into a Lincoln dealership in 1998 and seeing this new body for the first time. It was a radical departure from the previous design, which to me was aesthetically and functionally almost flawless, and as such very disappointing. It would be great to see a revival of the TC, but I don't think it's in the cards.
@@paulparoma I’ve always thought the L Series was the right proportion for the Town Car. Passengers were getting spoiled in this era by the roomy minivans and SUV’s. If the TC L was the standard length, it could’ve extended the life of the luxury sedan segment.
@@xrmerkur I agree. I always felt it could use a little more rear legroom, and Ford eventually realized that also. The L was a good idea and not a moment too soon. It's too bad this great car is history. Look at all the ugly expensive junk out there...
These camera angles tho 🤣🤣 I feel like he drugged me and I'm looking at him in the passenger seat like what the f*** did you do to me but it can't come out
early 2000’s marketing at its best. the presentations back then were hypnotizing. still has a 90’s feel to it also.
MY GRAMPS HAS TWO. L'S, THEY ARE A BIT LONGER. IT'S A EXECUTIVE L.😍😍😍
the L Series should’ve been the standard for all 3rd Gen Town Cars
Very Confusing codes😨😨😨for entry
i believe the instructions are providing additional options for changing, adding and (or) temporary codes. but the general stock use is straight forward.
That was a great Lincoln video, here’s another one to enjoy!
ua-cam.com/video/pZWaRL-Kb_k/v-deo.html
A good looking older woman is know as a "Panther." or is that a "Cougar?"
i believe the name Cougar is referred by some to describe an older woman seeking younger men. but as it turned out the Ford Panther Platform aged beautifully.
a cougar is you mom lusting over your best friend