Hey, car lovers! Ever wondered if your Lincoln will be worth more than a pile of pennies in a few years? Maybe you’re eyeing a used model and thinking, “Is this a money pit or a smart buy?” Let’s cut through the noise and figure out if Lincolns stick around in the value game—or nosedive faster than your phone battery. Spoiler: It’s not all doom and gloom.
Why Resale Value Even Matters (Hint: Your Wallet Cares)
You’re Not Just Buying a Car—You’re Investing
Let’s face it: Cars aren’t piggy banks. But depreciation—aka that soul-crushing moment your ride loses value—can cost you thousands. For real, the average new car sheds 20% of its value in Year 1. Ouch. With a Lincoln, though, you’re paying for luxury. Does that luxury hold up? Or are you basically lighting cash on fire?
The Lincoln Reputation: Classy or Clunky?
Lincolns scream “old-school cool” with their plush seats and quiet rides. But do they scream “reliable investment”? Depends who you ask. Some folks swear by their Navigator’s longevity, while others side-eye repair bills. Let’s dig deeper.
How Do Lincolns Stack Up Against the Competition?
Luxury Brands: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Mercedes, BMW, Lexus—they’re all playing the resale game. But here’s the tea: Luxury cars generally depreciate faster than, say, a Toyota. Why? Fancy tech gets outdated, and maintenance costs scare folks off. Lincoln’s no exception, but their SUVs (looking at you, Navigator) hold value better than sedans.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Off the top of my head, a 2020 Lincoln Navigator retains about 55% of its value after three years. Compare that to a BMW X7 at 50%, and suddenly Lincoln’s looking kinda legit. Sedans like the MKZ? Meh—closer to 45%. Not terrible, but not winning trophies.
Model | 3-Year Resale Value | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
Navigator | 55% | High demand, rugged luxury |
Aviator | 50% | Modern tech, hybrid options |
Corsair | 48% | Compact appeal, fuel efficiency |
Nautilus | 47% | Mid-size comfort, smooth ride |
What Drags Down a Lincoln’s Value?
Depreciation Monsters: Mileage and Model Year
Drive a Lincoln past 100,000 miles? Congrats, you’ve entered “hard sell” territory. Luxury buyers want low mileage and fresh models. A 2018 Continental with 80k miles might lose 30% more value than one with 30k. Timing your sale matters—wait too long, and you’re stuck.
Reputation Roulette: Are Lincolns “Reliable”?
Here’s the kicker: If people think Lincolns break down often, resale tanks. Truth is, they’re middle-of-the-pack. J.D. Power gave the 2023 Aviator a 75/100 for reliability—decent, but not “tell-your-friends” great. One bad repair story, and boom—value drops.
Tips to Keep Your Lincoln’s Value from Tanking
Maintenance: Don’t Skip the Boring Stuff
Oil changes, tire rotations—snooze fest, right? But skipping ’em is like throwing resale cash out the window. Keep records thicker than a phonebook. A well-documented service history can boost value by 10-15%. Seriously, it’s that powerful.
Upgrades: Flashy vs. Functional
Tinting windows? Cool. Installing a gold-plated grille? Not so much. Custom mods rarely add value unless they’re practical (think: towing packages or factory-approved tech). Stick to upgrades that scream “useful,” not “weird flex.”
Lincoln’s Secret Weapon: Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Programs
Why CPO is a Game-Changer
Lincoln’s CPO program adds 2 years/unlimited miles of warranty after the original expires. For buyers, that’s peace of mind—and for you, it means your used Lincoln can sell for 5-10% more than a non-CPO ride. Cha-ching!
The Fine Print You Gotta Read
Not all CPO programs are created equal. Lincoln’s includes a multi-point inspection and 24/7 roadside assistance. But if your car’s been in a major accident? Forget it—they’ll sniff that out. Keep your ride clean, folks.
The Hybrid Factor: Do Green Lincolns Hold Value Better?
Eco-Friendly = Future-Proof?
With gas prices wildin’, hybrids are hot. The Aviator Grand Touring (Lincoln’s plug-in hybrid) holds value 5% better than the gas-only model. Not a huge gap, but as EVs take over, this could widen.
But What About Full Electric?
Lincoln’s first EV drops in 2025, and resale for electrics is still a guessing game. Teslas lose value faster than iPhones, but brands like Porsche are nailing it. Lincoln’s challenge? Prove their EV isn’t just a fancy science project.
The Emotional Factor: Why Love Hurts Resale
You Baby Your Car—But Does Anyone Care?
That ceramic coating you paid $2,000 for? Sadly, buyers just see “black car.” Emotional investments (fancy detailing, custom interiors) rarely pay off. Focus on stuff that matters: dent-free doors, fresh tires, and zero pet hair.
Color Matters—Way More Than You Think
Silver and black Lincolns sell faster than bold shades like ruby red. Why? Neutral colors appeal to the masses. If your ride’s neon green, prepare for a value hit.
The Verdict: Should You Buy a Lincoln for Resale?
If you’re after a luxury ride that won’t completely vanish in value, Lincoln’s SUVs (Navigator, Aviator) are solid picks. Sedans? Ehh, maybe lease instead. Either way, treat it like a diamond—regular care keeps it shining.
FAQs
Do Lincolns have good resale value?
Some do, some don’t. The Navigator’s a champ, holding 55% of its value after three years—beating many luxury rivals. Sedans like the MKZ? Not so much. If resale’s your priority, stick to SUVs and keep mileage low.
Are Lincoln cars expensive to maintain?
Kinda. According to RepairPal, average annual maintenance is $879, pricier than non-luxury brands but cheaper than BMW or Mercedes. Budget for pricier parts, though. A brake job can run _$600+, so don’t skip that emergency fund.
Are Lincolns reliable cars to buy?
They’re middle-of-the-pack. The 2023 Aviator scored 75/100 on J.D. Power’s reliability scale—decent, but not bulletproof. Older models (pre-2018) have more complaints, so spring for a CPO if you’re nervous.
What is the resale value of a Lincoln?
It varies wildly. A 2020 Navigator retains 55%, while a 2020 MKZ hovers near 45%. Options matter too: Four-wheel drive and tech packages can add 5-7% to your resale price.
What vehicles hold their value the best?
Trucks and SUVs rule. The Toyota Tacoma (70% retention) and Jeep Wrangler (68%) are kings. For luxury, Porsche’s Cayenne (60%) and Lincoln Navigator (55%) lead. Sedans? Stick to Honda or Toyota.
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