Air suspension leveling went crazy (the back of the car almost dragged on the road while the front pointed to the sky). That was a cheap and easy fix once I finally found out what was wrong.
Also the "Door Ajar" message comes up sometimes when the door is definitely shut.
Other than that just the usual maintainance- brakes, tires, etc/
I can't think of any bad things to say about the car except the headlights are practically useless. I would almost be better off to use a flashlight. I've used some special polish on the lenses, but it didn't really help. I had to add on some aftermarket driving lights.
Good things about the car... I could go on all day. I drove mine from Maine to Salt Lake City, Utah and found it to be the best long trip car I could ask for. Then I drove it back again during a 110 degree heatwave, this time with a trailer on behind, the whole time passing dozens of other cars that had overheated on the side of the road. This car is a real workhorse.
The seats are the most comfortable ever and the interior looks really cool. The wraparound dash and drivers' computer makes it feel like a fighter jet. It feels even more like a jet when you get it out on the highway. The car is extremely comfortable at high speeds thanks to the 290 h.p. alloy 32v DOHC V8, and 65 mph feels like a crawl. If you jump on the gas from a cruising speed the car will accelerate like a rocket. Rear wheel drive makes it a more steady high speed cruiser and is awesome if you are into using a car to get yourself in trouble. My only performance complaint is although it is still fast (0-60 in about 7 sec) it feels a little slower off the line than it could be, just because it's a heavy car with tall gears. Open roads are where the car really comes into it's own.
Handling is real good for a bigger car, and the while the ride isn't sports car firm it definitely isn't luxury car floaty, either. Braking is extremely good.
Styling is awesome in my opinion, I love the long, low, sleek, aggressive look.
I wouldn't think twice about buying another one. It's the best car I've ever owned.
I have a 95 Mark VIII that almost always gave the Door Ajar message. I tried a tip that cleared it up. Spray the latch with WD 40 where it connects to the door. Mine didn't go away instantly, but after a few hours it never came back on. I read that it has to do with the door being grounded. My mechanic disagreed, but I'm not arguing about having it work properly.
Man I just bought a 95 mark VIII and WOW what a ride!! I have a long straight section of SR 129 that goes for about 22 miles from my home till it joins I75. I can get on that section and run the yuppie 5series BMW's in the ground!! MAN do they get mad!!
Can anyone help me with ideas with the HORRIBLE headlights on my car? Please send comments to jrice25@cinci.rr.com
I agree with you on that. Our Lincoln Mark 8 is so cool when momma (My wife) and I want to take a long smooth ride out of town. The ride is awesome and the look is certainly a headturner. Yes the shocks can be a pain, but I haven't had that problem yet. Great car.
Just a bit of unasked for advice for Mark VIII owners.
1, Re frozen locks. If you have to chip ice off the lock to get the key in, it is probably frozen. Don't force it. Let the hot water tap run in the house till hot, but not scalding and pour some on the lock till the ice melts. Try the key again if it doesn't turn repeat hot water till the lock thaws. It's cheaper than replacing the lock. If you are forwarned, put some tape over the lock in advance of the freeze.
2, The air ride in the Marks is really a treat, but spending $2k to repair or replace on a car that may only be worth $3k is a questionable value. There are spring conversion kits available for the Mark for about $500. That might be a solution to tight budgets that love this car.
3, The door ajar issue can be fixed by squirting the WD40 into the door lock (carefully) It is usually due to a stuck sensor in the door.
The only thing bad about the Mark VIII's is they don't make them anymore. The good thing is they will probably last 250,000 miles if maintained.
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