How Much Does It Cost to Keep My 2006 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited Running as Daily Driver

My Wife, Parents, Relatives and Friends warned me that old American cars are junk.
My wife repeatedly tells me to this day that she would have been less pissed if I bought a new $30-$40K car that didn't break all the time. I think the only one (besides myself) who enjoys this car is my mechanic and body shop since I did visit them in 2020 more than all my previous years of car ownership.
So, you want to get into the Lincoln Town Car or any other older American car - watch this first :) Also, watch my repairs playlist if you are curious to see details.
I want to make it clear - I have no regrets as this is the best car I owned in the last 19 years.
#Lincoln #TownCar #SignatureLimited

[@KingSalmon]

The first year of ownership is always the most expensive it seems. After you get all the little quirks out of it, you'll be spending less on repairs hopefully.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks! Hoping that will be the case

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo V-Man, So $7K for the car, and $5K in repairs during the first year? This was a really neat video. I think I might steal this idea, and make a companion video with my 2010 Grand Marquis 65K Miles. I've had it for 2 years, 3 months now. I paid $2,500 for the car, and spent $2,500 in repairs, and to bring all the maintenance up to date in the first year. I bought all the parts, and did all the labor myself, so if a normal person took it to a mechanic it would have cost another $2,500 in labor. But now the car should last another 10 years with nothing but fluid changes, I'm sure yours will too. -Chuck

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks for the comment! By all means, take the idea and run with it. Looking forward to seeing it!

[@scottroach3233]

Got a 03 Marquis 1 owner. Guy was crazy about maintenance. Still dumped 1200 doing it myself. 82000 on it tires,plugs front pads and rotors. Absolutely love this car should of got one years ago. Next will be a Town Car. Might have to keep both.

[@menghanmei2447]

Thanks for making those videos. I really enjoy watching them. Just got a 2010 Lincoln town car. I have been looking for a a clean one for a long time. So excited.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thank you for watching! Congratulations on the purchase!!

[@InternetDude]

I really liked the information!! I just bought an 07 TC this week, I’m going through LOTS of your videos.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks! Hope you find it helpful as these cars have common points of failure 😉 Congratulations on the purchase!

[@hawaawy]

I love all Lincoln car 😍 U got as same as my car. Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

[@VitaliyKofman]

Nice!

[@Gostintheshadows]

I just so happen to own a 2002 town car and a 2005 Cadillac deville. I think the town car is more of a beater car I do care for it but the caddy needs more care. I think the 2000-2005 devilles are one of my favorite body designs ever. The caddy is a much nicer looking and performing car but nothing without its problems. The town car just runs.

[@richardrojas6306]

The Town Car was in a class by itself in creature comforts and the ride you get every mile as you have owned the car. The wide door openings on my 2007 to allow my 98 year old mother to get in and out is awesome. I bought out of need my 1994 Town car in 1996 and I finally traded it in when I purchase my 2007 Town Car in 2008. After all these years , I still own and drive my 2007 to this day. Love it. I've rented the newer cars to see if I would be happy and I actually haven't found a replacement car. The Lincoln Town Car spoiled me forever.

[@franknew9001]

Vitaliy, I hope your 2006 Town Car serves you well for many years. It is too bad that Lincoln, Ford, and Mercury discontinued the Panther Platform cars after the 2011 model year. My current daily driver is a 2002 Town Car that I bought in 2007, and had 36k miles on it. I paid $11,750 and with tax and tags, the "out the door" price was about $12,500. In the nearly 14 years that I have owned the car, the only time it let me down was a dead battery. It now has 109k miles on it. Below I have listed all of the non regular maintenance repairs and costs since I bought the car. I have not included regular maintenance costs that all ICE cars need such as oil changes and other fluid changes, tires, batteries, air and gas filters, windshield wipers, brakes, etc. 1. Power window motor replacement on driver's door on July 1, 2010 $181.05 2. Rear air ride suspension pump and bags replaced with coil springs on July 17, 2015 $432.00 3. Replace A/C blower motor and blower control switch on April 20, 2017 $354.58 4. Replace upper and lower ball joints and idler arm on August 29, 2018 $869.69 5. Replace front sway bar on August 18, 2020 $134.58 The total for these repairs is $1,971.90, and if divided by the number of years of ownership, the yearly cost of non regular maintenance repairs is $140.85, which is not too bad.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks for the comment! I had multiple other issues, but it's holding strong since 💪

[@clintonscott1202]

I think you’re ok Buddy...not crazy, just in love. I’m like this too...if I can do it myself, I will, but I too like everything working & looking right. My ‘05 TC had several non-critical electronic issues when I first got it, from sitting dormant and unused for so long....I spent a good amount of $$ to get everything perfect again, & paid a lot of labor for some deep investigations within the dash wiring to fix a faulty turn signal indicator lamp, some stuck switches in the steering wheel from lack of use, etc...but I think money well spent for the Baby I love, to make her showroom perfect.... My ‘09 Buick Lucerne now has 226k miles, but I spent $5k+ in summer of ‘19 to give her a whole new front end & rear springs & shocks, new water pump/alternator/timing belt...and an inner steering column rework for worn out bearings & u-joints within the column...suspension & steering is now like new again... took at least 100k miles off her with this rehab...spent too much on a 11year old car with 226k miles??....no, I don’t think so!....Not if the work effectively extends the life and health of the vehicle. A few mechanics over the years have mocked me for spending more on a repair than they thought the car was worth, but those events have been few, my cars are all so well chosen and cared for, because I come from a ‘car culture’ upbringing. - It depends on how you view cars in general, whether as a ‘disposable’ item to be discarded when worn out; OR, some pride of ownership in keeping a car worthy and healthy for a lifetime...The latter one is me always, with ALL my cars... For my Buick & my Town Car; I love them both, they are worth it for my own piece of mind, and my pride of ownership as a proud ‘Car Guy’ driving two absolute beauties, which I love.. Fortunately for me also, I have saved countless thousands of $$ doing all my own standard maintenance on all my cars since my first one in HS...Tuneups/Plugs/Brakes/Oil/Exhaust/misc needs on the fly; I do all that stuff myself & I’ve saved so much....example: new front brakes pads & rotors (premium level, of course) that I recently put on the Buick...parts: about $180...labor: $0, done myself in 2hrs!....Just one example of countless $$ saved in 55 years’ time being a driveway mechanic, lol!....So my vote is, no, you’re not crazy, you’re in love, and I don’t blame you, me also Buddy,💕...& your TC is in good enuf shape to be worth it..... caught your email in a recent video, I’ll send you some pics soon that I took of my TC this past spring...video later, but I’ll send some pix in the meantime...Happy New Year!

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thank you! I always treated all my cars nice (even the Japanese and Korean ones:)). If something ever broke I would take to the dealership for warranty or pay out of pocket. If I could simply buy a new Town Car today (because I can actually afford it now) I would. Besides, despite all the extra expenses, it's actually fun to keep this old gal on the road and gives me a lot of content for the channel so I will keep it up until either a MAJOR repair or the time comes for us to part ways only to replace it with another Town Car or other cars I love (Cadillac, Buick, etc.) My email is [e-mail] so reach out any time.

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

GREAT TO DO YOUR OWN REPAIRS. YOU THEN KNOW IT'S DONE RIGHT. AND WITH MOTORCRAFT PARTS

[@clintonscott1202]

@@captainamericaamerica8090 Motor Craft, absolutely Sir!

[@ivanr_.8678]

As I mentioned to you I am looking at buying a 2007 and I truly hope to be at 50% of your total cost to own. 🤞. Enjoy your videos and learn a lot from them.

[@the_pedal_pusher]

Enjoyed the video. I totally think it's worth it to keep these cars running. New cars cost a lot more to maintain after they've been paid for because of all the best tech gadgets. Town Cars are simple and easy to fix. Even if you one day tally $100,000 spent over the years, it's a bargain if you were to compare it to more modern vehicles by doing the same over many years. That's the problem with technology; once it's outdated, you will basically need to throw away the vehicle and get another. Not the case with Town Car. The best luxury cars ever. There will never be another simple luxury car. Truly the end of an era.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thank you! Yes, these are very nice and precious as the supply begin to dwindle. Hope it will not break the bank, but I will keep putting some $$ towards keeping it alive and well!

[@the_pedal_pusher]

@@VitaliyKofman I really hope that all of us Town Car guys can get some sort of club going. Unless there's one already? lol. Once I start roaming the highways, I wanna meet more of the TC clan.

[@VitaliyKofman]

@@the_pedal_pusher There are Panther car clubs and guys gust get together. Multiple Facebook groups also. I saw your videos also :) Nice Town Car!!! If you are ever in IL, stop by :)

[@michaelreece458]

All in all, not bad. You are not wasting money by leasing and the enjoyment you get from the car is what matters most at the end of the day.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Well said! 🤩

[@edwardleyland1979]

What a shame that the body man that painted rear fender let the car leave his shop like that. I had rust repair on my silver grand marquis and had the same issue. He told me that silver is the hardest color to match but when I told him I was not happy he resprayed and did a better job the second time at no additional charge

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks for the comment. You are right, it's my fault for not saying anything...

[@summerforever6736]

How much did it cost to get bumper painted?

[@summerforever6736]

How much did it cost to o get pumper painted?

[@filter501]

You've got a perfect attitude. The idiot lights have begun lighting up on my 2006 TC. Thanks for sharing.

[@mysticstarhf9265]

I think it depends on the condition of the car when you buy it. I bought my 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis with 76,000 miles in October 2018. To date, it has required no major repairs. I've only purchased new tires, all fluids changed, hoses, serpentine belt, fuel filter....really all just basic maintenance. I just turned 100,000 miles and had the spark plugs changed. Otherwise, still trucking right along with zero problems and everything works on it. But then, this car has lived its whole life in rust-free Phoenix.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Very true. I think my car had a rougher earlier years and now I'm seeing side effects of that. Combined with my inexperience at purchase also showing their signs now. Regardless, I'm not regretting buying it since even at 15K with some other major repair, I'm having waaay more fun than I'm paying for and it provides entertaining and sometimes educational content for the channel.

[@davidwell686]

It's a toss up about cars. Some people get lucky, few repairs, others..wham...always something...my 26k Toyota Sienna dash cracked and this was before the recall so I just got rid of the car. 2006 Camry was a real money pit, dumped it. Now my 2017 Highlander has been very good. I like the Lexus RX350, but they have oil leak issues with that V6 so you really have to be careful if you buy one. Great videos. Love the car. Big, safer, nice ride.

[@st1rjool]

I have a 98 Town Car Cartier. Every time a feel something wrong with it I bring it to the shop. I want to keep that one like it's coming out of the show room. Love that simple yet luxury car.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks for sharing!

[@americanbreed5116]

I’ve never owned a new vehicle in my life.but hav own a bunch,cars ,trucks,bikes & boats, spent more money on some, more than others,customizing or maintenance,what I hav spent has always been better than a monthly payment on a new vehicle,so putting money in some u luv,I don’t see the problem with it .. The 1991 Lincoln I just sold,probably spent the least amount of money,had it for 13 years..

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks for the comment! I don't mind spending for my driving pleasure 😁 Nothing else drives like this anymore.

[@josecerda6375]

I bought myself a Lincoln town car executive signature 2002, less than 50k miles when I bought it first owner for $5500

[@VitaliyKofman]

Congrats on the purchase!

[@52yorker]

Vitaliy, For what you spent , you would only get one year in a lease of a new lincoln! So on the positive side, you own yourself a nice car! Hopefully in the future it will be cheaper!

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks! I don't regret anything since I love this thing and happy to spend on it.

[@52yorker]

@@VitaliyKofman I recently purchased a 2006 25th anniversary edition. Love it! My third lincoln town car! Love them!

[@VitaliyKofman]

I love them also! That's the one with unique interior like the Designer?

[@52yorker]

@@VitaliyKofman Yes I'm told it is a designer edition. Has all the bell and whistles. factory Navigation and THX sound system ! oh and sunroof!

[@VitaliyKofman]

This is my dream Town Car! Either Designer of 25th Anniversary. Some day when I'm rich and famous KZbinr :D

[@trumpets2u]

Hello Vitaliy. Just for your info there was a recall on this model T.C. Ford recall number 13 S 08. It pertains to the steering shaft and is considered a danger. You could possibly lose steering. Call ford when you can.Keep up the good work.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks for the info and comment! I'll look into it.

[@johnmurdoch3083]

I spent 5k on my 81 mark vi last year. I thought i was insane. You made me feel better. Btw I spent way too much on an 2002 cadillac deville like the one next to your lincoln. Fine cars with a great ride but...moneypits

[@VitaliyKofman]

Moneypits that we just love too much to let go :D

[@franknew9001]

@ John Murdoch-- Your comment gave me some fond memories of my first Lincoln, which was a 1983 Mark VI that I bought in 1986. I paid 13k and only had 7k miles on it. It was a green two door, with dark green velour interior. The velour was nice and soft, and it was not cold in the winter, or hot in the summer like leather can be. It was my daily driver from 1986 to 1997. In 1997, I bought a 1994 Town Car.

[@johnmurdoch3083]

@@franknew9001 as comfy as the 90s tc is....its missing somethihg. And yeah the velour seats are a must. I hate that they arent in cars anymore.

[@franknew9001]

@ John Murdoch-- I agree with you. With my 1983 Mark VI being a two door, it looked very sleek and sporty. The 1990 through 1997 Town Cars looked a little boxy and limo like. I thought the 1984 Mark VII was downsized, and way too small. I also wish newer cars had velour interior. The only downside to velour, is that it is harder to keep clean. I can remember my girlfriend wearing a new white sweater, and it left a lot of lint on the dark green velour. I always had to keep a lint brush in the car.

[@snakeisekans]

I've spent almost $400 for my car for a new head unit, blend door actuator, serpentine belt, driver side interior door panel, a new switch for the driver's heated seat (my fault), a new switch thing for the windows and door lock all in a week or so, and my title hasn't been transferred yet lol. Still gotta get a new windshield wiper motor, a new set of key and key fob, an oil change, new set of wheels, and maybe switch out the air suspension for a more normal suspension heh. Now taking in my car in to get rid of the rust near the back window is gonna be a pain in my wallet.

[@whereman1199]

You're not crazy if you love the car. 😊

[@mikeclassing5263]

Just came across your vid and I dont think your crazy compared to the price of the new junk their selling now , theres just those of us who like these big ol american body on frame V8 beauties . I got my 2011 Crown Vic cheap with minor front end damage and fixed up decent enough then the tranny went out and while that was getting fixed it was discovered the intake was cracked now it has a few electric issues like the door locks dont work , power mirrors dont work rear defrost dosent work , key fobs dont work and the door ajar and tire psi lights are on , for awhile I would slam the door just a little and everything worked fine but not any more but it still runs great , I drive it all the time I have been just recently kinda considering a Town Car have came across a few but just afraid to pull the trigger on one right now .

[@boogitybear2283]

Still cheaper than buying a new ride made of plastic junk.

[@doug9066]

That Cadillac Deville is nice too.

[@VitaliyKofman]

It sure is!

[@karlschmidt7258]

It’s a shame your painter couldn’t have done a better job matching paint…..it’s a glaring defect.

[@scottroach3233]

The only thing I saw pricey was the ingnition coil and spark plug. For that price you could of bought the torque wrench plugs and all coil packs. The weaknes is the plugs and intake keep up on them and that car will run forever.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks for the comment!

[@summerforever6736]

How to keep up on the intake ? about the plugs to replace them ? Thanks

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

GOOD!

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks!

[@Thomas63r2]

Unfortunately the hemorrhaging of Vitaliy’s car budget did not stop after the first year…

[@VitaliyKofman]

I'll post 2022 update soon :)

[@Thomas63r2]

@@VitaliyKofman Are you sure that is a good idea? j/k - best wishes!

[@duncanboucher5925]

A lot of repairs done to keep it running do you thing it is worth it

[@VitaliyKofman]

I love this car so it's worth to me. Haven't had any repairs since last December so it's a ~$12500 Town Car still

[@SignatureL]

Are you still going for the Signature L Edition on the Lincoln Town Car?

[@VitaliyKofman]

I'm on the lookout, but no such luck - yet

[@NorthCoastT]

@@VitaliyKofman I just found a L Cartier and thought I got super lucky. I pulled in to get a closer look and found it very rusty and 170k miles.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Meeting you idol usually leads to disappointment 😁

[@SignatureL]

@@VitaliyKofman Uh-Oh!

[@VitaliyKofman]

@@SignatureL SO, do you still want to own a Town Car after you saw all those expenses? :)

[@NorthernUtahDashcam]

Interesting. Why is there a difference in the paint on your car? I think I missed that in the video.

[@VitaliyKofman]

This is the result of fixing rust on both quarters and poor color matching by the body shop.

[@NorthernUtahDashcam]

@@VitaliyKofman Ok makes sense. I would not have accepted that job though it paid for it. They can make it match almost perfectly if they want. To the question if you paid too much for the maintenance I don’t think you did. Looks ok since the price of the vehicle was low. So nothing to worry about.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thank you for feedback 😊 I didn't pay too much attention at the time and considering estimates I got from other places, I settled for what I got.

[@georgesmith7988]

Please contrast the reliability of your American made Lincoln to a nice used Russian sedan

[@VitaliyKofman]

LOL! Love this comment, but there are a couple problems: 1. My family never owned a car in USSR 2. Nice Used Russian car is an oxymoron :DDD

[@georgesmith7988]

@@VitaliyKofman I was trying to be funny and I knew you would have a sense of humor about the comment.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Love it! I do have a mother in law in Russia and she drives some modern interpretation of the USSR special: Lada Kalina (Google it:)). If COVID ever subsides and we can travel again I will be thrilled to film and drive that thing 😎

[@North49191]

should have bought a late 80's - early 90's Cadillac Fleetwood, Town Casr are money pits and will never be sought after. imo

[@VitaliyKofman]

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one, but I love Cadillacs also and hope to own one some day

[@blackpanther04ltc91]

I've never heard of a Town Car being a money pit wow lol a Town car can easily do 3-6 thousand miles, the only real problems are intake and ball joints and a loose nut behind the wheel 😆

[@VitaliyKofman]

@@blackpanther04ltc91 Well, I was sharing my experience. Since that last repair last December, only spent $20 on an oil change so it's paying me back :)

[@prestonrobert2625]

Look it's like thos had most of everything on the road gone through 3 C7's screwed from factory. Jesus, got me off my 2010 FLHTPI103 bought a 08 used Town Ca sig. Yo, on way back on 95 whoa rain. Believe in Jesus and Rebel Yell!

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks for the comment, but not sure what you are talking about.

[@ChahtaAnumpa]

Yep, I bought a lightly used Ford 500 07 limited. First year ownership has been a few thousand. But let me tell you, it's rock solid. Purchased for 2k 65k miles from an older couple. Next car I'm buying is a town car and giving this one too my wife so she can stop driving her ford fiesta. These cars are pretty rock solid once you get all the nickel and dime repairs out the way. I do all my own repairs and maintenance so it saves me a lot on labor costs. Parts are all OEM or as close to it as I can find. Glad to see more videos out there so people can see what your experience has been. I'd say, not too bad.

[@VitaliyKofman]

Thanks for sharing!