The Lincoln MKS, a full-size luxury sedan, offered a comfortable and feature-rich alternative to its competitors from 2009 to 2016. Choosing the right model year can significantly impact your ownership experience, affecting reliability, features, and overall value. This guide helps you navigate the MKS lineup to find the best years and avoid potential pitfalls.
Lincoln MKS Model Years: A Quick Overview
| Model Year | Key Features & Strengths | Potential Issues & Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Introduction of the MKS, comfortable ride, ample interior space, available AWD. | Potential for early production issues, Sync system is first generation and less advanced. |
| 2010 | Minor interior trim updates, improved Sync system functionality. | Same potential for early production issues as 2009, fuel economy not exceptional. |
| 2011 | No major changes, continued refinement of existing features. | Fuel economy not exceptional, potential for some electrical glitches. |
| 2012 | Significant refresh: Updated exterior styling, improved interior materials, enhanced safety features, new 3.5L EcoBoost engine option. | EcoBoost engine requires premium fuel, EcoBoost models can be more complex to maintain. |
| 2013 | Minor updates to standard features and options packages. | EcoBoost models can be more complex to maintain. |
| 2014 | No significant changes, continued refinement of existing features. | No major concerns, but regular maintenance is crucial. |
| 2015 | No significant changes, continued refinement of existing features. | No major concerns, but regular maintenance is crucial. |
| 2016 | Final year of production, limited availability of some features. | Parts availability may become more challenging over time. |
Detailed Explanations
2009: The inaugural year of the Lincoln MKS marked its entry into the full-size luxury sedan market. It boasted a spacious interior, a comfortable ride quality, and the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD), appealing to drivers seeking a blend of luxury and practicality. However, as with many first-year models, there's a possibility of encountering early production issues. The Sync system, while innovative for its time, was in its first generation and lacked the advanced features of later iterations.
2010: Building upon the foundation of the 2009 model, the 2010 Lincoln MKS received minor interior trim updates aimed at enhancing the overall cabin aesthetic. The Sync system also saw improvements in functionality, making it more user-friendly. Despite these enhancements, the 2010 MKS carried the same potential for early production issues as its predecessor. Fuel economy remained a point of consideration, as it wasn't particularly exceptional compared to some competitors.
2011: The 2011 Lincoln MKS represents a year of continued refinement rather than significant overhaul. While no major changes were introduced, the model benefited from ongoing improvements to existing features and systems. Fuel economy remained a concern for some buyers. There was also some reported potential for minor electrical glitches, a common issue across various vehicle models.
2012: The 2012 Lincoln MKS underwent a significant refresh, marking a pivotal point in its production run. The exterior styling was updated with a more contemporary look, and the interior received improved materials for a more luxurious feel. Enhanced safety features were added to provide greater peace of mind. Perhaps the most notable addition was the introduction of the optional 3.5L EcoBoost engine, offering a significant boost in power and performance. However, the EcoBoost engine requires premium fuel and can be more complex to maintain due to its turbocharged nature.
2013: The 2013 Lincoln MKS saw minor updates to standard features and options packages, further refining the driving experience. This year largely built upon the enhancements introduced in the 2012 refresh. The EcoBoost engine, while offering superior performance, retained its requirement for premium fuel and potentially higher maintenance costs.
2014: The 2014 Lincoln MKS continues the trend of refinement without major changes. It benefits from the improvements introduced in previous years, offering a comfortable and well-equipped luxury sedan. While no major concerns were noted for this model year, adhering to regular maintenance schedules remains crucial for ensuring long-term reliability.
2015: Similar to the 2014 model, the 2015 Lincoln MKS received no significant changes, focusing on continued refinement of existing features. Owners should prioritize regular maintenance to keep the vehicle in optimal condition.
2016: As the final year of production, the 2016 Lincoln MKS represents the culmination of years of development and refinement. However, due to its status as the last model year, the availability of certain features might be limited. Over time, parts availability could become more challenging compared to models that were produced for a longer duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which Lincoln MKS year is the most reliable? The 2014 and 2015 model years are generally considered the most reliable due to their lack of major changes and the refinement of previous years' issues. Regular maintenance is still key.
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Is the EcoBoost engine worth it? The EcoBoost engine provides significantly more power and improved acceleration, but it requires premium fuel and may have higher maintenance costs. Consider your driving style and budget.
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What are the common problems with the Lincoln MKS? Common problems can include issues with the Sync system (especially in earlier models), potential electrical glitches, and higher maintenance costs for EcoBoost models.
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Is the Lincoln MKS a good car for long trips? Yes, the Lincoln MKS is generally a good car for long trips due to its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and available features like adaptive cruise control.
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Is the Lincoln MKS expensive to maintain? Maintenance costs can be moderate to high, especially for models with the EcoBoost engine. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can help minimize expenses.
Conclusion
The best years for the Lincoln MKS are generally considered to be the 2014 and 2015 models, offering a balance of reliability and features. While the 2012 and 2013 models with the EcoBoost engine provide enhanced performance, be prepared for potentially higher maintenance costs.