Hello All,

I'm looking to replace my older Lincoln with a 2000 S-Type(71k miles/126k km) from a (used)dealer - safetied and certified (Canada) - and I have been browsing this forum and the Lincoln LS(same platform and issues from the early models - I think?) forum to find the main areas I may be able to check without having the car on a lift.

I know I will be checking the expansion tank and the valve covers, however I'm not sure what else I may be able to check without starting to rip into things. I will be bringing my trusty Bluetooth OBDII adapter and torque to log all the info for review - but other than that I'm not 100% what else to check.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you,

AngryCanuck

PS. I don't have any info in my sig since I don't have the car yet :P

EDIT: Should mention I will be doing almost all of the work myself on this car - I know it can be troublesome - but from what I hear on these forums, if you dont put things off, maintain it properly - it will treat you well back.

 

I would see if there are service records available; especially ones showing the timing chain tensioners have been replaced. If not, you may consider looking at 2003 and newer models or plan on replacing them.

 

Oh yes I definitely will, at what mileage do those normally go out anyway? I'm worried that although it's safetied that it may have those under lying S-Type issues anyway- tho I'd definitely be the one to do the tensioners. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

Big +1 on service history and tensioners. When the car is started do you hear rattling or ticking for a few seconds? If so, that's the tell tale sign of failing tensioners. Another critical area is the transmission. Has the fluid/filter ever been serviced. These transmissions are claimed to be "sealed for life" but that's a bunch of BS. (Tensioners/Trans issues begin showing as early as 50K miles) Check the DCCV valve for proper operation, expansion tank and any coolant leaks also ensure the AC works properly and all settings properly deflect air to the proper vents. Check all hub bearings and check all front/rear suspension items. Don't spend more than $2,500 (US) for this car, even if all the above checks out well (highly doubt it though)

 

K, test all heating and cooling settings and make sure it comes out of both vents. Listen for clicking for the tensioner at start up, and since the trans doesn't have a stick to check fluid, what are some symptoms of a failing trans on these cars? Hard shifts 2nd to third?

Also it's almost impossible to find a S-Type with that mileage safetied and certified ( so I can legally just drive it away and not tow it) for less than 4000cdn, don't know why... Maybe they all crash in the winter, or rust to hell. Either way I wish I could get one for 2500 USD

 

It's almost guaranteed that the trans fluid will not have been changed yet is needed.

 

If you're bound and determined to get an S-Type, keep looking for a 2003-or-newer model. Many of the earlier models' faults were minimized or eliminated by then. If you want more background/details, spend some time reading the FAQ stickied threads at the top of this section....

Good luck to you....

 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. When looking at the jag I made one of the requirements that it have the v8 in it, and although the early models have a their share of problems, I needed something relatively soon and 2003 4.2's are more than double the price province wide.

I've worked on my Lincoln since I've had it, saving thousands. Hopefully that trend can continue with the jag

Thanks again guys

Angrycanuck

 

what things have improved post 2003 on the stype? for example?

 

Suspension, sat nav / screen, 4.2 hasn't got the bad tensioners in the 4.0, better fuel consumption, far better auto box, window regulators, and I expect more things.