2002 Lincoln Continental Review - 144k Miles

[@Stuart1969-f1j]

It's actually Connolly leather. Inherited my parent's 2000 in late 2023 as my Dad purchased this one year leased vehicle in May of 2001. Still have the complete owner's manual info which includes the pamphlet on Connolly leather seating surfaces. Same color as one shown in this video, tri coat parchment metallic or something, code HC. Car has been garaged since May 2021 and as of Aug 11 2024 has 80, 890 miles on the clock. Had leaking rear seal replaced May 2020 and since trans had to be pulled, had it serviced also. Other than routine 5k oil changes and other routine maintenance, car has been problem free for most part. Some little nagging things such as radio not displaying data and headliner needing replacement, I'm thrilled to own this car. Guzzles premium around town but can accomplish 25 mpg on interstate trips using cruise @ 5-8 mph over speed limit. This particular car came with options such as chrome wheels shown in video photo, android cell phone in passenger console, 2 tone inserts in leather seats, "wood" trim extras but is a column shifted trans. Never researched the VIN, perhaps some of these options added up to one pkg. As mentioned, OEM parts in very short supply from Ford and very few of these in junkyards. Fortunately my local Ford/Lincoln dealer will check for NOS parts but often shipping charges from sending dealer negate purchase being feasible. Appreciate all of your video tutorials BOSS MAN and have been subscriber since discovering your site. Please continue.

[@melaniegraves]

I bought this exact same car (even the color!) in September, and I absolutely LOVE it!!! It has 144k miles on it as well. One owner before me. I love my beast!!!

[@jaylenmarquez6366]

Same here I have the same year and color also only 133k miles

[@michaelbell390]

I have one as well...l love my big boat.

[@davidmcelhaney4307]

I got one year in color Love it.

[@diamondclaw5313]

I got mine at 74,000 miles . Really taken care of. The most trouble i had is replacing the air bas with springs and an alternater. Unfortunately i cant find aftermarket transmission parts. Doing everything myself i would do crazy things to this car.😅 if you think that car looks good my car would look straight out of the factory compared to that one. 😅

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Late to this party, but I appreciate this extended review, have been looking at 3 cars one is a older model town car (2000-01) from yours , a 2000 Mercury grand marquis and a 2001 Lincoln continental, like the idea of the 32 valve and performance of the continental, but I know like the more tried and true simplicity of the panther platforms and the space and the 2 valve 4.6 . I know should I desire there’s more compatibility with performance enhancements with panther bodies. Not to mention I find town cars , crown Vic’s and marquis at better bargains! Another possible caveat, I imagine also you only can dish out so much on those front trans axles of the continentals as well. Your review has help narrow down my choice

[@CH67guy1]

I daily drove a 1997 Continental for many years. I bought mine used from a neighbor who bought it when it was 3 years old and then parked it in their garage and covered it with blankets and rarely drove it. It was strictly a summer car for them and I don’t think it was ever driven on salted winter roads until I bought it. For those not aware, the Continental is an extended wheelbase Taurus / Sable, but with an 8 cylinder engine. My mechanic told me the Continental transmissions had a reputation for premature failure and that my transmission was running on borrowed time after 90,000 miles. I’m not sure how true this was, as my transmission lasted a good bit longer. Perhaps I was just lucky. Mine had about 70k miles on it when I bought it. I drove it until the transmission self destructed unexpectedly at 155,000 miles. I then sold the car to a guy who owned a transmission shop. He repaired the transmission and I’ll bet he probably got another 100,000 miles out of the car with very few problems. Even at 155,000 miles the engine burned little if any oil between oil changes. New owners should be aware that if you park this car on a steep incline the next time you drive it the fuel gauge and digital display of “miles until empty” might not immediately indicate the car’s actual fuel level. This erroneous fuel level indication will eventually correct itself, sometimes quicker than others. It could take as little as 15 minutes of driving to correct itself, or as long as a day or so after a couple drives and being parked on the level again. Be forewarned that when the digital fuel range display indicates “0 miles to empty” that the fuel tank is nearly empty. Maybe 1 gallon remaining. If you drive around on the assumption that 2 or 3 gallons are still in the tank you will run out of gas! Gas mileage in mixed driving displayed as “19.9 MPG” on the digital display. It got about 25 or 26 MPG on the highway, but was truly a gas guzzler in stop and go city traffic. In an effort to save weight the hood and trunk lid of the Continental are fiberglass. The front fenders and rear quarters are plastic. The doors are plain old steel. I think the roof is also steel. Overall, mine was a great car. Very comfortable and dependable. I never had any trouble of any sort with the air suspension, but my Continental was always garaged and I think that, to some extent, extends the life of the various air suspension components. I would buy another Continental of this vintage if a nice clean low mileage one came along. I should also say that the rear seat legroom is not great, and nowhere near that of a Town Car. On long trips the rear seat is too tight for 3 average sized adults to be comfortable.

[@b.walker930]

I absolutely loved this video because I am at the crux of choosing either a 2002 Continental or a 2004 Town Car. I've worked on a lot of 4.6 L 2 valves (in the Town Car) but no experience with a 4 valve. Plus, the 4.6 4 valve needs premium gas, and now that I'm retired and relying on my pension and Soc. Sec., I have a make a choice of what's going to be more economical and easier to find parts for. With that, I would go for the Town Car. Great video and THANKS for having it up on lift and showing what the suspension and parts are.

[@Fireship1]

I just bought the same year and color Lincoln about a week or so ago. Was looking for info on this car and that’s how I found your channel. Have to fix the oil filter adapter gasket (big oil leak) but everything else works. Had a 98 Mark VIII a few years ago and sold it (forever regretted it). Bought the continental because Marks are getting harder to find in good condition. Glad that there’s a bunch of us out there that really like the older Lincoln’s for the great cars they are.

[@FordBossMe]

They really are good cars for sure

[@FordBossMe]

welcome to the channel this man only brings this car to me to work on lol....im not the only Lincoln technician but I'm honored he calls me his Lincoln tech brings me Gourmet Donuts Every time and a hot coffee plus pays his bill lol I love older Lincoln owners, they want their stuff right

[@Thomas63r2]

I have two of these currently, a 1998 and a 2002. Extremely responsive and lively to drive. Fantastic passing power - on two lane highways when I come across a car or truck going 55 to 60 mph I floor it and usually pass at about 95 mph to quickly get back in my lane. I also own a 2006 Town Car, and I would rate the Continental as a better ride quality. The Lincoln 32V InTech V8 predates the Cobra engine - so the Cobra came out of the InTech. The transmission has a few weak points, but the aftermarket makes some upgraded parts. The worst part about this generation of Continental is that some parts are NLA, so you have to scrounge junkyards. I can attest to slightly messy oil changes. In my opinion the 1998 to 2202 Continental is underappreciated.

[@FordBossMe]

I do this as a profession brother I see hundreds of these and drive all kinds with personal touches done to them, in this video I spoke specifically about my experience with this car Im not here to argue with you or debate you, I'm here to help you. I've got a special request to work on one this morning at my shop....you know why?! Because I know these cars Be blessed

[@Thomas63r2]

@@FordBossMe You are a great mechanic no doubt - and a bit on the sensitive side. I know that you adore your 2006 TC, but I think you can relax a bit. I said nothing about your abilities as a mechanic in my comment. Was it my comment about ride quality, or power, or that InTech came before Cobra that bothered you? I said nothing about quietness, of which the TC is superior. With your muffler and gearing changes I'm sure that your TC is not as quiet as stock. Contemporary road tests of both cars show the Continental about 1 second quicker in the 1/4 mile - a combination of more hp and less weight. The Continental comes stock with 3.56 gears which suit it well. If anything my comment was complimentary to your customer's car, not a dig at your abilities.

[@MarkMcAlister-k5h]

Great review and vid! Thnx

[@santinocappellaro7468]

I currently own a 2002 collector's edition Lincoln Continental as a daily driver and the car has been excellent has never failed me I've had flowmaster 40 series 2 chamber exhaust put on and a k&n air filter and also change the oil every 5,000 miles with fully synthetic oil and change the transmission fluid car has been awesome I also found out that I have a very extremely rare color it is that dark charcoal Gray color there was not very many of those made in the collector's edition

[@FordBossMe]

Very nice, I also have some other videos on his channel on this car if you would like to check them out it's in the library

[@santinocappellaro7468]

@@FordBossMe thank you I appreciate the response back

[@Joe-qd7kd]

The dark charcoal gray I'm getting on at 5pm today with 120k miles on it for 2,200 I hope it lasts me at least 3-5 years

[@santinocappellaro7468]

@@Joe-qd7kd hey Joe so you got a dark charcoal 2002 Lincoln Continental this is Santino with the 2002 collector's edition dark charcoal Lincoln Continental those are pretty rare they did not make very many that color I'm getting ready to hit 110,000 on mine been a very good car no problems keep all the fluids changed in it it's been really good car everything still works still blows ice cold factory air if you know anybody I am thinking about selling it I hate to do that it's a really good car but I'm looking for something different. the interior is in mint mint condition non-smoker bucket seats with the floor shifter and also I have flowmaster 40 series exhaust she sounds really strong let me know if you know anybody interested pass on the information I appreciate it

[@Joe-qd7kd]

@@santinocappellaro7468 it's a 2001 but I'm walking out the door to go get it right now

[@thomashyde8437]

I need to put the trunk back together I’ve had it out way too long

[@roxannabarney]

Can you show me where the air springs are located in the rear where I'm supposed to spray soapy water.

[@FordBossMe]

There's two soapy bags you can just Google Lincoln Continental Air Springs and you'll see exactly what they look like and then when you look underneath the back of the car you'll see what to spray

[@dl8864]

Auto boss you are truly the best and all the information you have ever giving me has always been accurate and to the point. I asked you about my 2019 f150 audio problem and you was 100% right it was my ACM/RCM . I changed my ACM and I have tunes again no more silence 🤐. Thank you again I truly appreciate it. To all that read this comment,I am your average guy with very little to no mechanical experience at all. With Auto Boss guidance and directions have save me many trips to the dealership and lots of money. Thanks a million sir.

[@infamousjax]

Love my 95 continental but mine has lots of electrical issues. Car drops to 9 volts at stoplights and everything flickers... Even after I put in a new alternator and battery. Other wonky electric stuff like the trunk popping whenever I turn the key. Rides like a dream though

[@FordBossMe]

Typically it's a ground problem with these

[@acemoore7204]

I just purchased a 2002 Continental. I've had 2 Town Cars a 2001 and a 2000 model and they were nice, but I like the Continental better. It seems to handle better, and the seat feels more comfortable.

[@FordBossMe]

as long as you like what you have is all that matters i love my 06 tc better by far by thats just me

[@brolly2479]

Any ideas on some horsepower upgrades like what year cobra parts fit a 2002 continental

[@FordBossMe]

No I don't really mess around with this particular model like that

[@alb12345672]

Those engines were VERY detuned. Especially during shifts, it would destroy the trans. The continental was a very complex car when it came out. First Ford car with a full bus. They are also super good in the snow. That is why I keep mine.

[@Joe-qd7kd]

I'm getting one with 120k miles on it today for 2,200. Hope I'm not making a mistake but he just drove it from Minnesota to Georgia and back without and issue so hopefully I'll be alright with it for 3-4 years at least.

[@alb12345672]

@@Joe-qd7kd Nothing is perfect but for a vehicle of that performance and tech you can't get more reliable. It is a Coyote engine without the VVT. The air suspension may be shot, springs are cheap and easy to swap. You can't get a lawn tractor for $2200 today

[@Joe-qd7kd]

@@alb12345672 the man actually told me the air suspension fully works he said everything fully works no issues at all and he's only selling it because he has 4 other vehicles but I'll find out today I'm gonna take it around the city and then down the highway he wanted 2,500 minimum but I talked him into 2,200 cash

[@alb12345672]

@@Joe-qd7kd If you have a scanner check it for Readiness monitors and codes but I would bet the car is fine. I drive a 95 version of it except for the air suspension (lasted to 150K) it runs great. The 95 -96 had front air suspension struts. Very, very rare even today. It also reads the road and adjusts shocks (this is an option on some 2022 Fords).

[@karendietrich8346]

I have a 2002 Lincoln Continental. MINT... FLORIDA CAR. 64000 Miles. Looking to possibly sell.Same car. My father left it to me. Not a ding on it. Absolutely impeccable

[@FordBossMe]

How much?

[@karendietrich8346]

@@FordBossMe 5000.00 Just saw your message. This car is absolutely perfect

[@tomasmualim6259]

@@karendietrich8346 did you sell it already?

[@konsequence9752]

i got a 2000 cont from my grandma with about 130k, had it for a few years, she died this year. i kinda hated it cause how much problems it seemed to have. mostly just tires, rotors, system flush etc etc. now its missfiring, decided to fix it myself, save me some money. as well as keep my grandma's memory alive. got some new spark plugs, got a code for #2 missifring but was replacing #8 and the well was just filled with oil. so now i got a valve cover gasket and tube seals, but im starting to get nervous that im a bit out of my depth in fixing this vehicle, its hard to find tutorials cause of the mass produced town car. so whenever i look up vids i can hardly find anything of the continentals, thinking about just bringing it in with the parts and seeing if a mechanic will let me watch and learn while he does the job. just get so nervous ima mess something up. and i need my ride to make sure i get to work ~_~ but i dont wanna trade it in =/

[@FordBossMe]

The most critical thing with the spark plugs on that car is plug gap you need to make sure you're using the proper plug gap

[@Makeitliquidfast]

Great review, what's your opinion on a fix for the rear air bags needing replacement? I just picked up one of these with 35k original miles, garaged AZ car, when I bought it the back end was fully deflated like a low rider, once I started it it sat right back up but sometimes it just sacks out? Replace with springs? Would really appreciate your comments. Thanks

[@FordBossMe]

You know the aftermarket airbags are not that expensive anymore

[@FordBossMe]

It's actually going to handle a little bit better with springs but you're going to lose the comfort

[@Makeitliquidfast]

Ok, I'll just replace the airbags, best place to get them? Thanks again many blessings

[@FordBossMe]

@@Makeitliquidfast 1AAuto.com has good stuff

[@TCS86]

Got 99 continental 4.6. Total sleeper with suspension conversion (removed the crap air system) kit to traditional set up. Rides like a pillow that hauls its rusty ass that you wont believe.

[@quietlady2663]

I also have the same exact car. Been a great car! I do notice when I'm slowing down the steering wheel shakes. What could that be?

[@FordBossMe]

Warped front break rotors - when slowing steering wheel shakes and brake pedal pulsation

[@edwardleyland1979]

Heated seats are much nicer with more options then just high/low on t/c

[@Nathan_Jay]

The feature alone almost pushed me to buying a Lexus over another Town Car 😬

[@michaelbell390]

I have a 02 model that is almost mint still with 130000 miles on it...still a 2 owner car.

[@alb12345672]

Those are excellent cars. Like I said I have one. The 95 and 96 had front air struts. The brake lines do rot out. Amazing how the have a v8 in there with external wp, but the 3.5L have the waterpump inside.

[@Thomas63r2]

Yes, the internal water pump is a Bozo no-no that bites the owner. Usually when the water pump goes it is well beyond warranty and turns into a very expensive repair of also replacing the chain guides "while you are in there."

[@edwardleyland1979]

Continental is a totally different animal. I have both and the Conti is more fun to drive. Try test drive with one if you get the chance and you will see and feel the difference!!

[@FordBossMe]

I definitely don't have any real complaints about it I just love my town car and I've driven several of these so far but my town car with the basic modifications that I've done so far I like much better

[@VitaliyKofman]

Very nice car! Thank you for the video! I can't believe those rear seats are even softer! Too bad no steering wheel wood.

[@FordBossMe]

Yeah I'm not completely sure on all the options for this car but this is definitely a nice car

[@theweekndmusictapes802]

My friends bought a 2002 model but the radio for some reason it’s like where it supposed to say it in green it’s not there it says blank and I press every single button and it won’t on but the AC works like it says 72 in bright green I know the radio is supposed to say like for example 97 FM or AM But like it’s just blank and the car is on to do you know what’s wrong with it

[@FordBossMe]

More than likely needs a radio

[@parkergeiger5403]

Is everything else lighting up? It could be the interior brightness nob. Long shot but possible if it’s turned down.

[@CH67guy1]

@@parkergeiger5403Actually this Continental has a toggle switch that controls the dash brightness. Toggle one way and the dash slowly dims. Toggle the other way and the dash slowly brightens. Hold the toggle beyond maximum dash brightness and the overhead interior lights come on.

[@d.will9359]

Just got one with 109xxx on the dash.

[@seamus33cork]

I'm looking at one now would you recommend it with two young kids still in 2021

[@FordBossMe]

Yes, beautiful reliability

[@NorthernUtahDashcam]

Interesting. We had one here inTown for sale for years and nobody wanted it.

[@FordBossMe]

Great car overall

[@jbrad5637]

damn bruhhhhh keep your car clean

[@marcopolanco6398]

Did you mention the part about the Continental motor uses PREMIUM GAS? No apparent rhyme or reason. They could've used the Town Car/Crown Vic/Grand Marquis 4.6 that uses REGULAR GAS but they didn't. That's a lot of wasted money!

[@FordBossMe]

Well it's a performance engine

[@FrankSaviano-oj1nj]

Hi I Have an 2002 Continental . I purchased it Brand NEW from the Dealer with .07 of a Mile (Now this Year 2024)I Just reached Only 82,688 Miles I LOVE my Continental (That Only Uses PREMIUM GAS) If You Can Not Afford the PREMIUM GAS Oh well ...then Buy a Little (NO Room Compact P O S ) Nuff Said !

[@dustin9035]

I bet replacing the timing set is fun. Not

[@FordBossMe]

its not that bad, im going to do mine soon

[@Steve-mp7by]

Corinthian leather lol